City Impressions

OLYMPIC FEVER - GO CANADA!

2010-02-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've officially become obsessed with this year's Olympics. I don't know if it's because Canada has a better chance at winning medals in Winter sports, or if it's because it's in Vancouver. I think it's a little bit of both. Either way, I've been tuning in every day and watching every Olympic event (more or less); and I'm telling you, I'm obsessed, and definitely a proud Canuck. Just ask my friends and check my Twitter page ;)

All week, CTV has been asking everyone what their most memorable Olympic moment of these games were. Here are a few of mine:

1) Alexandre Bilodeau wins first Olympic Gold Medal on home turf
2) Joannie Rochette skates in the short program after learning her mother died suddenly just two days prior
3) Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir win Gold in Ice Dancing
4) Ashleigh McIvor wins Gold in the first ever Women's Ski-Cross event at the Olympics
5) Team Canada wins Gold in Women's Hockey over the US

It's day 14, and there's still many a medals to be had. Hopefully, the boys will win gold in hockey on Sunday - then we can truly say we are a HOCKEY NATION!! GO CANADA GO!

Oh yeah, now that you know my most memorable moments, what are yours?

Ode to Norman Rockwell

2010-02-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

Born February 3, 1894, Norman Rockwell is one of the most prolific illustrators of the 20th century. If he were still alive today, he would be 116 years old today, and I'm sure he would still be turning heads all the while producing jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring real life scenarios.

25 Things YOU Didn't Know About Me

2010-02-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

Yeah, well here is goes....

I used to be a BIG Mickey Mouse & Kids Incorporated fan when I was a kid. I was BFF's with Britney, Justin, Christina, Fergie, AND Keri Russell WAAAY before they hit it big
I'm a true Leo - strong-willed, strong-spirited. Don't mess with me!
My favourite drink at Starbucks is a Vanilla Non-Fat Earl Grey Tea Misto
I used to be a competitive Gymnast. Competed until I was in highschool. My mom made me quit retire though, cuz I was getting bad grades :S
I have been sworn off HOT DOGS for the REST OF MY LIFE! In junior and senior kindergarten, my babysitter felt it was her duty to feed me hot dogs everyday for lunch - boiled, and without a bun. Every single day, with only a wee bit of ketchup. Yep, I was lucky if I even got ketchup. Oh those days.
I am a shopaholic. I've got my favourite stores, especially H&M and Urban Outfitters
I work in television and I love what I do. My job has enabled me to work with the who's who of Hollywood and the Canadian music scene. I am very grateful.
I am a Pollotarian - not a vegetarian. I don't eat red meat or seafood; only poultry, lots of vegetables, and dairy. I don't think I'd be able to give up cheese and yogurt to become a vegan. That's just too much.
My favourite movie is Dirty Dancing. I watch it and turn to mush. It's the perfect love story.
I have danced with Tie Domi
My agenda is my life.
And so is my external hard drive :)
I wish I had two to three more years of television news experience. That way, I'd be on my way to Vancouver covering the Winter Olympics. What a dream! I hope to achieve this one day and be able to say I worked as a reporter/producer during an Olympic Games in Canada (or anywhere in the world for that matter!)
I love living across from a huge park with one of the biggest off-leash dog parks in the city. It's my way of getting away from it all, and taking the dog out for some fun!
I learned to play Rummy this year (in Europe!), and am pretty damn good at it
I tend to choose chips over chocolate, but it depends on my mood
I have a bad-ass button collection from all the clothes I buy (especially when the clothes come with extra buttons!) My friends make fun of me. But really, you'll thank me later!
I have travelled to the West Coast of Canada, but never to the East. I hope to experience that one day.
If I had to choose my three favourite TV stations, it would definitely have to be TLC, HGTV, and Food Network
For news, it would be CBC News Network
I'm a lefty
Facebook or Twitter? Definitely Twitter :)
Blackberry or iPhone? Gotta say, Blackberry
I used to collect all the Babysitter's Club and Little Sister books when I was a kid. I don't know what ever happened to them though (hmmm.....?)
Although a pollotarian, I LOVE food. If I wasn't working in television, I would definitely go to culinary school and become a chef.

And that is all.....

My Own Bucket List

2010-02-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

Sounds like a lot of fun, especially after The Buried Life premiered, I found myself intrigued to want to accomplish the same thing - my very own bucket list, all the while trying to help other people.

But can such a thing be done? Especially by someone who is incapable of leaving even the smallest dent in the world. Someone, like myself? Without any and all resources?

Who knows....

But I know I'd like to try.

I don't know what I'd actually put on my bucket list though. But there are things that interest me. For instance, before I die, I definitely want to travel alone to somewhere foreign, become a successful reporter/anchor, have a family, give back to my community (pay it forward), write a children's book, and rescue/adopt an animal. Wow! I guess the more I think about it, the more my bucket list is coming together!

10 Random Things That Make Me Happy

2010-01-31T18:52:00.000-08:00

Working out
Playing with the dog
Shopping
Taylor Swift
Britney
Laughing
Bryan
Sleeping
Romantic Comedies
Success & Accomplishments.....

You Can Thank Me Later

2010-01-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are over (waaay over), do you find yourself basking in an array of gift cards only to ask yourself, "What the eff am I going to do with a gift card from (insert company here)?"

Well, look no further! I came across an awesome website called CARD SWAP - a Canadian exchange portal where you can go buy or sell your gift cards! Like really, what would you do with a gift card from Canadian Tire or Hollister? Unless you've committed to a home renovation project OR are a tween who loves to shop at the store that depicts pubescent surfer dudes, then I really don't think you would be using any of it.

I got a gift card for the LCBO for $100 over the holiday, but sorry folks, I'm not giving that up. But I'd definitely check out the website if you're dying to get rid of one. And trust me, it's really legit. The peeps that hold down the fort at Cardswap.ca were featured on CTV, CBC, and the Toronto Star.....

....You Can Thank Me Later & take me out for a drink sometime :)

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

2010-01-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

I got an email from my bf the other day about a 90-year-old woman who wrote a column about the 45 lessons life has taught her. Her name is Regina Brett who wrote for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio.

After I read the "list", I felt that her lessons were really intriguing and awe-inspiring - I felt grounded, humble - you name it. And I know life seems to be unfair at times, or you may sometimes feel like the world is against you. But after I read it, I felt somewhat refreshed - and realized that 2010 would be the time to turn over a new leaf. For what you ask? I'm not quite sure yet. But all I know is that whatever I do, I will learn not to sweat the small stuff and I will give 110% towards everything I do. That's all I ask of myself.

So what better way to kick off the new year than to share Regina's words of wisdom with my friends - YOU!

I hope you enjoy this list as much as I did :)

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught
me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer
rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will.. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24.. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

WOW! It's Been Awhile

2010-01-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

....Hello.

Allow me to introduce myself (again). It's been awhile, I know. But in case you forgot, my name is Gina. I live in Toronto, Queen West to be exact. I work in the wonderful world of television, as a freelancer - reality TV or news. I do it all. I love shopping, watching movies, going on romantic dinner dates, long walks on the beach...opps, sorry. Wrong topic....

It's been so long since I've blogged. Kind of got out of the routine of things over the holidays. But now that it's the new year, I found myself having to re-evaluate my priorities. So I've come up with a few new years resolutions.

MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS ARE...(not in any particular order)

1) To stay fit and healthy for 2010. That means hitting the gym at least 3+ times a week - no excuses. This week, I've gone 4 times, with a class tomorrow morning makes it 5! That's a record. Thank you GoodLife!

2) To find a non-contract, full-time job. A career....a big girl job. It's as simple as that! PLEASE

3) To read a good book. Several of them in fact. I'm a pop culture and news junkie, so I rely on the Internet a lot for my daily fix. Right now, I have 5 books that are waiting for me to crack open, and as depressing as this sounds, I hope I can get through them (in a year). Yeesh, that's pretty sad. Moving on...

4) To pick up a hobby and learn something new - whether it's learning to sew or knit, I want to learn how to do it. Even a cooking class would be a good idea. Who's in?!

Hopefully I can keep this up! I'll keep you posted on the findings :)

The Great Canadian Clothing Exchange

2009-12-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

I recently attended my very first clothing exchange party, and let me say, it was a huge success! Who knew that one woman's trash could be another woman's treasure? It was a small intimate gathering with a few close work friends. We all managed to put together a big bag (or two, or three, or in some cases five!) of unwanted clothes to exchange at the party for someone else's unwanted clothes. Hence the name - The Great Clothing Exchange! And in the end, we all got to walk away with a new(ish) wardrobe. But it wasn't just clothes; purses, hats, and shoes we also thrown into the mix - we had it all!

So if you're thinking of hosting your own clothing exchange party, follow some of these tips to ensure your party will be a huge success!

The Plan

1) Send out an invitation - invite those who you know will have unwanted/unworn clothes that they would want to get rid of. Try to invite people with similar tastes and dress sizes. That way, everyone is sure to walk away with someone "new".

2) Encourage people to bring anything and everything (except the kitchen sink!) Hats, scarves, heels, jewelry, even a ripped up t-shirt (Flashdance styles) anything is fair game!

The Day Of

2) Have snacks and wine kicking around. Or better yet, make it a small potluck style gathering/BYOB.

3) Play music. It'll surely make your party a lively, and fun one!

4) Have a full-length mirror (or two) handy in the room so people can see what they're trying on.

5) Most importantly, have a camera standing by. Memories last a lifetime and you don't want to miss out on some great and embarrassing moments :)

The Exchange

4) You may wish to set some ground rules, but it's up to you. There are a few ways to conduct this party successfully and efficiently. Whatever you choose, make sure it'll fit the setting of the party and your guests.

Here are some options:

A) Have everyone divide their stuff into allocated, separate piles (t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, shoes, etc). Once that's all set up, divide people up into small groups (2-3 depending on size of party) and have them start at a certain pile, eventually moving on to the next pile. When everyone has had their chance to peruse through all the piles, people can start trying on their clothes. Remember to take pictures! If some of the clothes don't get taken, it can be put back in the piles for someone else to grab.

B) Everything in the pool! Once your guests arrive, have them pour all of their clothes into one big pile in the middle of the room. Your guests can begin to go through them, making sure they make their own small piles on the side of what they want to try on. Clothes can be put back in the main pile if someone doesn't want it anymore, which will be up for grabs again. People can then start trying on clothes.

C) If it's a small party, have everyone individually take out each piece from their bag(s) to show each other. If one garment is wanted, someone should yell "dibs" so they can have it. Otherwise, begin putting it all in one big pile. As I said, this should be done in smaller groups. It would take forever for everyone to individually take out piece by piece to show everyone, especially if there are TONS of clothes and TONS of guests!

The last option is what we decided to do, mainly because it was a smaller gathering. And let me tell you, there were a lot of laughs! Everything from ripped t-shirts, stained dresses, and hideous pants, we all had our fair share of making fun of each other. We posed and took tons of pics; it was definitely fun times all around!

The Aftermath

5) Whatever doesn't get taken at the end of the night should be given to Charity. Call a local Clothing Donation business so they can come pick it up from your house, especially if it was like our party - we had 7 full garbage bags left over from the party!

Girls, definitely think about planning a clothing exchange party in the New Year. It's such a great alternative that kills two birds with one stone (or should I say three birds) - you get to see your friends and party, you're able to get rid of an unwanted wardrobe, and best of all, you get to walk away with something new! What more can you ask for :)

It's A One Of A Kind, Show!

2009-11-30T18:27:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to check out the One Of A Kind Show in Toronto at the Direct Energy Centre. On from November 26-December 6, this trade show sells some of the coolest, never-before-seen (one of a kind) products. There was anything and everything you can think of that's crafty - fashion accessories, home decor, body care, ceramics, furniture - the list goes on and on and on! If I have my facts straight, there were nearly 800 artisans at this show. So you can imagine how exciting it was to finally go Christmas shopping!!! We did pretty well when it came to tackling this ginormous mission! My tip? You must start from column A and work your way up and down the aisles all the way to the bottom of the alphabet. It's draining, and you may find yourself having to take a break or two (or three), but that's honestly the best way to see the show at it's fullest.

Think about it - what other strategy would you have to seeing 800 kiosks in one afternoon? So that's exactly what we did. Up and down we went to every single artisan that was out there. We saw some really neat things, things that you wouldn't see anywhere else! Handmade Tea Pot Cozy's, Crooked furniture (yes, actual crooked furniture, tilted almost 45 degrees!), and 3-D artwork made out of wire. But I had my favourites and ended up doing some Christmas shopping for the fam

and even got something nice for myself!

All in all, it was a great fun-filled event that I will definitely have to see again next time around. If you're in the area, make sure you check it out. And if you buy your ticket online, you save a few bucks too ;)

A Newbie at Online Shopping - With a Whole 'Lotta Concerns

2009-11-30T17:25:00.000-08:00

While getting my weekly dose of celebrity gossip via Perez Hilton (shameless plug), I couldn't help but notice a rather sophisticated and fun fashion advertisement on the side of this gossip guru's website. It was an ad for an online clothing company called Mod Cloth specializing in vintage, super cute, and girly one-of-a-kind pieces. Ok so I admit, I don't really go on Perez that often. But I have gone on enough times to notice this ad. And I never click on ads, but this one intrigued me. It looked cute. So I did what every advertiser would want a consumer to do....I clicked on the link! And I swear, it took me to this website and really opened my eyes to vintage clothing, cute fashion styles, and most importantly - online shopping! This is just a sample of some of the cutest stuff ever on their website! I want to buy everything! And the best part of it all? The price points aren't all the bad. They're actually quite affordable!

But here's the thing. I'm about 10 years behind schedule on this whole online shopping thing. Don't get me wrong though. I do my fair share of online shopping at Ticketmaster and Chapters/Indigo, but I've never been brave enough to buy clothing over the Internet. What if the measurements don't match? What if it looks way better on screen than in person? What if it just looks plain fugly on you?

The whole idea of shopping for clothes online is plain scary. Yeah, yeah. I know, online shopping is supposed to be made simple. You buy the garment, if it doesn't fit or you don't like it, you can easily return it and get your money back. And seriously, get with the program. Everyone's doing it!

My point is this - have you bought any clothing over the Internet before? What's it like? Is it really that simple, especially when you want to return it? I'm sure it is, but I'm a newbie at online shopping, with a whole 'lotta concerns. But the moment I get my piece of mind, I swear, I'll be buying everything from Mod Cloth. You guys sell amazing pieces! So cute for any occasion. Check it out for yourself Mod Cloth :)

Happy shopping (at least I can live vicariously through you all until I get the nerve to do it myself)!

My Love For Vanity Fair

2009-11-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

It was one of the things I promised myself I'd have to see before it ended.

If you had the chance to visit Toronto lately and the many exhibits that surround this city, then surely you've heard of the Vanity Fair Portraits exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum. Until January 3, 2010, the ROM will showcase a variety of star-studded iconic photographs from Vanity Fair's beginning periods to what we're used to seeing now. It's called "Vanity Fair Portraits Photographs 1913-2008" and let me tell you, it was what I had expected and more...

...Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to take any photos in the gallery. But this is how far I got before security started hawking me:

Imagine seeing what photography was all about in the early 1900s - with cartoon-like animations and drawings - and being able to juxtapose them and see how photography has evolved. I've managed to find some photographs and portraits online that were part of the exhibit. Here is a minute taste of what I saw. Hope you like them as much as I do!

Vanity Fair Cover: July 1916

Vanity Fair Cover: November 1916

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Joan Crawford: 1929

Jean Harlow: 1934

Louis Armstrong: 1935

Demi Moore: 1980

Helen Mirren: 1995

Madonna: 1996

Liza Minelli: 2001

Hollywood Cover: 2001

Jennifer Aniston: 2005

Barack Obama: 2008

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson: 2009

The last photo of Twilight Megastars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are not included in this exhibit, but I couldn't help but include them. Yes, I am a Twilight/New Moon fan, but that's an entirely different blog in itself, so I'll leave it at that for now!

I was amazed how the exhibit was put together, and would definitely recommend all fashion, entertainment, and photography junkies out there to check it out. I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Why Do All Good Things Come To An End?

2009-11-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

I work as a television production and news freelancer and my recent contract has finally come to an end. For the past three months, I have worked on one of the best new reality series on TV called "Battle of the Blades" for Insight Productions and CBC in Toronto.

For those of you who didn't follow the show (tisk tisk), it's about pairing renowned Canadian figure skaters (Jamie Salé, Isabelle Brasseur, Marie-France Dubreuil, Jodeyne Higgins, Barb Underhill, Christine "Tuffy" Hough-Sweeney, Kristina Lenko, & Shae-Lynn Bourne) with retired Canadian hockey players (Ken Daneyko, Claude Lemieux, Ron Duguay, Tie Domi, Glenn Anderson, Stéphane Richer, Bob Probert, & Craig Simpson).

It's like Dancing With The Stars - but on ice!

It was such a thrill to be part of the show - we filmed in historic Maple Leaf Gardens and our schedules were insane! We never slept, had a mere one or two days off, and we were FREEZING! It was September when this adventure started, and I remember pulling out my winter gear - jackets, hats, gloves and all - just to keep the feeling in my body. We didn't end up getting the heaters turned on until well into the season, but when that day finally came, everyday was like an unseasonably warm day - it was great!

But alas, all good things must come to an end. And even though my contract is done, I will never forget the memories I had at the venue.

Below are some of the snapshots of this season - I will always remember our Friday dance parties in the office, the crew skate, and the unforgettable wrap party! Take a look!

Despite it all, I've managed to make great friends, and had tons of laughs along the way. I don't take for granted for one minute what I've learned there. But most importantly, I hope to work with these wonderful people again!

A Tourist In My Own City - TORONTO!

2009-11-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

I got back from a month long backpacking trip in Europe three months ago - with two of my best friends. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever encountered. The breathtaking sites, the history, the people, and not to mention the food, I can honestly say I'd go back there in a heartbeat!

At a Violin Museum in Venice, Italy. From left to right: me, Jeanne, Meghan

In front of Big Ben in London, England

We were really there! In the Coliseum in Rome, Italy.

Because Paris wouldn't be the same if we didn't visit The Louvre!

Being home for nearly three months now, I wondered what it would be like to transform into a tourist in my own city. I walk the streets of downtown Toronto everyday, and pass some of the most gorgeous landmarks that make Toronto what is it today. So what better way to pay homage to my own city, than to take my travel buddy Jeanne with me, cameras in hand, and travel, travel, travel!

Starting the day off in Good Ol' Distillery District

Next pit stop: St. Lawrence Market on Front St.

Inside St. Lawrence Market. Too bad there weren't that many food samples!

Third stop on the agenda: A tour of the Steam Whistle Brewery

Free beer! Not too shabby!

This is only a small portion of what we did that day. We're definitely going back to tackle the rest of the city. But in the meantime, I would highly recommended doing this one day. You wouldn't believe how much there is to see. And to be able to take in all the beautiful sites and sounds, it makes you grateful to be living in such an amazing metropolis - I've learned not the take it for granted.

And a full city tour wouldn't be complete without our other partner in crime. Next time, we're hoping to tackle:

- CN Tower

- CNE

- Casa Loma

- ROM

- AGO

- Lakeshore

What other touristy sites and landmarks would you recommend?

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

2009-11-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

Living in the city my whole life, with all the hustle and bustle that surrounds my everyday living, I've come to appreciate the finer things in life. The walks in the park, cooking with friends, shopping, stuffing my face with food from a new cafe in town, movie nights, and always enjoying a good glass of wine. These have all inspired and shaped me to become the person that I am today.

Lately, I've been obsessed with going to Chapters/Indigo, and I've managed to pick up a couple of things that will continue to inspire my journey through the city:

I LOVE cooking - currently I'm loving the cookbook by Heather Whinney called "The Illustrated Quick Cook: Easy Entertaining, After-Work Recipes, Cheap Eats"

This hardcover (weighs a ton!) has inspired me to try new things and create some of the best dishes for my friends and family this holiday season - isn't that what it's all about?

Recently, my friend and work buddy Katie brought into work her very own recipe book that she made entirely by herself! Taking her crafty skills to the next level, she took an old novel and artfully put her favourite recipes together on each page!

I went through this book 4 times! FOUR! And photocopied some of her recipes to try on my own. And now, I'm definitely going to buy my own recipe organizer for all the dishes that I love! She's bringing out the crafty girl in me!

Check out more of Katie's creation at http://www.flickr.com/photos/superflash/3482448262/

And now - from cooking to fashion.

I LOVE Fashion - anything that's a bargain or just simply cute! I don't mind splurging once in awhile, but I'm quite the die-hard H&M girl (considered costly or not). Hey! If it fits, looks good, and the price is right, then why the heck not?! And I blame it all on this book: WHO WHAT WEAR

I feel the subtitle says it all - "Celebrity and Runway Style for Real Life" - REAL LIFE (sigh) I love it when fashionistas can bring high fashion back down to earth - to real life. The authors (Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power) didn't forget about us normal, city girls. It's an amazing book! And it has inspired me to look at clothes with a professional, fashion-loving eye from now on. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all about finding a good piece at the right price, and I'll continue to do that. That's who I am. But this book has taught me about piecing together the right garments, colours, and accessories. And I now know who my "doppelganger" is (Check out the book, and you'll know what I'm referring to)

So these are some of the things that inspire me, albeit not nearly a quarter of what makes me who I am...but this is just a taste.

Now I ask, WHAT INSPIRES YOU?