Monday 11 August 2014

I didn't know where to post this.

I’ve always been one to attach myself to celebrities, to consider them my family, to love and revere them. When a celebrity dies, it feels as if it were a member of my own family.

The recent passing of Robin Williams is heartbreaking. It comes as a shock to the entire world. Out of all the celebrities on the brink of self-destruction, the Lindsay Lohans’ and the Amanda Bynes’ of the world, no one would have believed that the next tragic headline followed by an outpouring of tweets and #RIP’s would be Williams.

He was the world’s crazy uncle. The relative that everyone wished they had. He was the genie for gods sake. Robin Williams’ apparent suicide is the reason why mental illness is so dangerous. On the outside, if someone can be as energetic, outgoing and funny as Robin Williams, but be tormented on the inside, how the hell are we supposed to be able to recognize and diagnose signs of inner turmoil?

While I won’t admit to being around Mr. Williams personally, I will say that on the outside, such a natural entertainer would be the best at hiding their pain. At the root of all extroverted personalities is a person who just wants to see others happy.  Making people laugh and making people smile is addictive, but feeding that addiction doesn’t take away the pain and loneliness that a person with real feelings is apt to feel.

Robin Williams was the king of making you cry and then following it up with a laugh. From films like What Dreams May Come, Patch Adams, Bicentennial Man to Hook, Jack, Good Morning Vietnam and The Dead Poets Society, Robin Williams’ childish wonder and quick wit were a deadly combination to make a person laugh and yet feel that sense of nostalgia that makes you wish for a hug from your dad.

My favourite Robin Williams movie quip is a direct relation of this feeling and it comes from the movie Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest. By no means was this an Aladdin or even Happy Feet. Fern Gully featured Robin Williams’ voice as Batty, a recently escaped bat from a facility that tests on animals. The “Batty Rap” alone is reason enough to watch the movie and then swear off any products tested on animals.  (If you don’t already do so)

The best part of Fern Gully, and what stuck with me my entire life is the part where Batty asks the main character “Are you sure,” about something. She replies, “I’m positive.” Batty quips back, “Only fools are positive!” While the young me never quite got the joke, it was at the time the funniest thing I had ever heard and to this day is a running joke between me and my dad. Never tell me you’re positive about something because you’ll be met with that reply.


As I write this little whatever it is, I’m struck by all the “Robin Williams-isms” that we have adapted. From making jokes about “Jerry Christ”, Jesus’ slacker brother or trying to be “Fosse Fosse Fosse! Martha Graham! Martha Graham! Twyla Twyla Twyla!” the world will never forget what Robin Williams gave them. And neither will I.


Sunday 7 July 2013

My Favourite Shorts

So I've been instagramming some selfies lately that almost exclusively feature my new most favourite pair of shorts from The Gap.



As I mentioned back in the early spring, Summer equals cutoffs for me, and I rarely want to wear anything other than some comfy, slouchy shorts when it's hot out.

These shorts are perfect for many reasons. They're longer than the average denim short, which is ideal for tall girls like me, and girls who have thicker thighs (like me).



They're also the perfect wash and distressed enough to look cool but not disrespectful. I love that they're cuffed, and a higher waist, so that I can wear them with anything.

In conclusion. I might be going to The Gap again to buy some more of these puppies.



Do you have anything that you can't stop wearing in summer?


Tuesday 25 June 2013

A surprising update

I haven't had much time to blog lately, mostly because I've been kind of scatterbrained. Working two part-time jobs and trying to freelance while not going crazy on my days off has resulted in me making obsessive lists that include things like, "make your bed" or "feed the cats." I write everything dow
n just to have the satisfaction of crossing it off.



But really though, I've been enjoying my wonky schedule, by keeping busy riding my (NEW) bike or just running errands that I never had time for before.

One my favourite new activities is something I NEVER thought I would EVER say I enjoyed. I started doing studio barre at Inside Out Studios and I am OBSESSED. As someone who hates exercising, this is a HUGE deal for me. I try to go every other day; (minus two weeks ago when I had an unexpected summer cold) and have already noticed a difference!



The combination of pilates, ballet and core training is paying off. My arms are getting better definition and my legs feel stronger. It's amazing. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who is looking to tone up or just become stronger and more balanced. I honestly cannot believe that I just gave out some fitness advice. It's THAT good.

And in other, unhealthy news...

I also went to Ribfest OMNOMNOM.


Monday 24 June 2013

Bash en Blanc Recap

Bash en Blanc came and went this weekend in a flash of white. The Government Convention Centre was turned into a white-hot dance party on Friday with some great DJ's, beatbox performances and a fashion show, all in support of the Snowsuit Fund.



My outfit was locally inspired. The top is Pink Stitch from Viens Avec Moi in Wellington West and the skirt was handmade for me by my AMAZING friend Hannah. She is honestly a whiz, it fit beautifully and looked like a million bucks.


I'm kind of new to parties like this, but it was really nice to see everyone come out in their best white outfits and dress up for a great cause.

After a few glasses of wine, white of course, I hit the dance floor with Emily from Tinfoil Tiaras and her man Maher. Emily was the winner of my contest last week and the pair of them looked amazing in their all-white ensembles.


After leaving the shin-dig I tempted fate with a McChicken with BBQ sauce and I'm proud to say that my pristine white outfit is still white...which means for the first time in my life I did not spill something on myself while wearing white. SUCCESS.




Wednesday 5 June 2013

Bash en Blanc CONTEST


Bash en Blanc is coming up and SOON. June 21st marks the night of Ottawa's first all-white (or all white with black accents if that's what you're into) party.

It's less than a month away and I'm already scoping out my favourite shopping destinations to find something pristine to spill wine on at a party.

Not only will it be a wicked event with VIP treatment, cocktails, a DJ and a fashion show, but it's all for a good cause: this year's white-hot party is being held to benefit the Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa.

Last year the Snowsuit Fund provided 15,000 snowsuits to children under the age of 15. In Canada, where we have winter weather for more than half the year, staying warm is a definite need.

I'm giving away a pair of tickets to the party right here.

To enter just do the following:

1. "Like" The Snowsuit Fund on Facebook
2. In the comments below, indicate that you'd like to enter the contest and tell me what kind of all-white outfit you'd wear, leave your email too, or a way to contact you!

I'll announce the winner on Friday, June 14th.

The event is still a few weeks away, but I'll leave you with some all white everything inspiration. I know I'll need it while I'm figuring out what to wear!

Good luck!








Oh and if you want to just straight up purchase tickets, you can do so here. Hopefully see you there!


Monday 27 May 2013

Friday 24 May 2013

The Ropes

I'm a woman possessed. I'm obsessed. I'm crazy! What am I crazy about? Well, The Ropes obviously. Working part time at Viens Avec Moi is dangerous for me because I love great products and I love supporting local businesses. So if you put a whole bunch of great products in a local business like VAM, well you get where I'm going.

My latest obsession comes from Maine in the form of a nautical rope bracelet. I usually shy away from bright colours, opting to wear neutrals on top of more neutrals with maybe a pair of black jeans or dark denim. I get mistaken for being a lot older than I really am and I feel it has something to do with my wardrobe.

These bracelets are the PERFECT compromise for me. Wearing a little colour on my wrist looks youthful without feeling childish.

I can't wait to wear these bad boys all summer long.

Photo is from theropesmaine.com