The Sassy Urbanista

Twilight Breaking Dawn - Part 1

2012-02-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) in

Twilight Breaking Dawn - Part 1. Photo Credit: eOne Entertainment.

Bella and Edward finally tie the knot

Twilight fans everywhere will be thrilled to grab this DVD to watch the highly anticipated Breaking Dawn - Part 1, which finally hit theatres in November.

Though many of us fans have been unhappy about the final book in the Stephanie Meyer series being split into two films, and the year-long wait in-between them, they will definitely be pleased with this film.

That being said, this isn’t a film made for critics. We all know how they feel about the Twilight Saga movies, they’ve made that quite clear. But fans don’t want to hear how horrible critics think these films are. This series was created solely for the fans - fans who have fallen in love with the story of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).

So long as fans keep loving Twilight, that’s all that matters. They don’t care what critics think or write. Fans will go and watch these movies regardless of how badly it’s reviewed.

Twilight is not an original idea. It’s another version on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers wanting to be together at all costs. But Meyer’s take works and works well. When you take two genres, such as romance and horror and put them together, it’s a recipe for success, which makes for amazing storytelling.

This installment was directed by Bill Condon (known for “Gods and Monsters”, “Chicago”, and “Dream Girls”), who will also be directing Breaking Dawn - Part 2. Breaking Dawn - Part 1 has a different feel to it. It’s not a play by play of every detail that occurs in the book. It moves rather quickly, and does not drag on at all. There’s no filler scenes or boring scenes.

The wedding was the perfect over-the-top fairytale wedding put together by the one and only Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene). And who else could have pulled off such an event with so much class? It’s everything the books and previous films have been building towards. We certainly can’t forget Bella’s vision of her in her wedding gown standing on top of a pile of bloodied family and friends. Its her fears getting the best of her.

Jacob was his same ol’ self, hating the fact that Bella is marrying a bloodsucker and not him. And when he decides to come around to support the one he can’t be with, he loses his cool when he learns that Bella is going to consummate the marriage as a human. It’s too dangerous, he says.

The infamous romantic honeymoon was set on a secluded island just off of Brazil, a gorgeous oasis where the newlyweds would not be bothered. The PG-13 sex scene was short but intense, after all, the story was written for a young audience. The morning after was quite the mess, with broken furniture and feathers everywhere.

The pregnancy and birth scenes were exciting, and just as vivid as it was described in the book. Bella looked like a walking corpse, from her check bones to her anorexic looking arms, with the exception of her protruding belly of course that was carrying a half human/vampire baby sucking the life out of her. The CGI work on Bella was very realistic. The birth was also quite intense with Edward ripping Bella’s stomach open to pull the baby out as she lay there dying.

It was quite amazing watching her transformation. But I won’t go into more detail. The only advice I’ll give you is, make sure you don't hit the stop button even after the credits start rolling.

Overall, Breaking Dawn - Part 1 was the perfect lead up to the final installment in the Twilight Saga. If you’ve read the book you know what to expect, but if you want to experience the film for yourself, get yourself a copy. What are you waiting for? Let me know what you think!

Stay Sassy!

An Absolutely Delicious Surprise

2011-12-04T18:15:00.001-08:00

Dessert Lady Is A Hidden Gem You Must Discover

Dessert Lady, located in Yorkville at 12 Cumberland St., Toronto, Ont.

Photo Credit: Sandy Caetano

If you're one who loves sweets, well this is for you. Stop what you're doing right now, and look up Dessert Lady. Believe me, you don't want to be missing out on this pastry shop a minute longer. I came across this hidden gem while I was walking back to my car one day after going to the spa.

Low and behold I see a crowd of people exiting this bakery with boxes in hand. So I figured why not go and pick up some dessert for dinner. When I opened the door, my senses were taken over by the sweet aromas of freshly baked cupcakes. They had actually just baked 1,000 for a special order. So of course, I bought one. My favourite are red velvet, but not everyone does them right.

When I gave them my business card telling them I was a writer and would love to do a review on them, the girl who was serving me also gave me a carrot cupcake to try out. Needless to say I was in heaven with each bite I took from each cupcake. This was back in September.

Since my schedule has calmed down a bit, I decided to go back to this wonderful place and do a review. I made an appointment with the owners, Mandy Kan and Lori Monteiro (There's also a silent partner, but these girls are the front-runners), and went by Thursday late afternoon.

All of a sudden I'm taking a bit of a lemon cupcake with real, zesty, homemade lemon curd in the centre topped with raspberry/lemon icing and a raspberry. Wow, the burst of flavours in my mouth were so intense. I couldn't believe how moist the cupcake was, or how amazing all those ingredients worked together. Next they gave me a variety of things to taste which included white/lemon chocolate truffles, dark chocolate truffles, lemon cookies, rice pudding and a new line of jams they're working on. Well, I was pleasantly surprised and completely satisfied with everything they gave me to sample. And they gave me some delicious goodies to bring home to my hubby and boys. How good do these look?

Photo Credit: Sandy Caetano

This girls are serious about their sweet treats. They make it a rule that each and every single new creation they come up with is sampled by all who work there and approved by all as well. It's a golden rule that cannot be broken. If it's not given a pass by all, they keep working on it until it gets an A+.

Dessert Lady is all about trying new flavours and creating new and exciting sweets they can share with each other and the world. It's about experimenting with ingredients you wouldn't really think of putting together. Dessert Lady specializes in wedding cakes, cookies, peanut brittle, chocolate truffles, pies, tarts, the most decadent cupcakes, and they also make their own ice cream! They have an open-kitchen concept so that each customer who walks into their establishment can see what they're baking.

Quality is their top priority, with everything being made in-house, from scratch and all with the finest and freshest of ingredients. The flavours speak for themselves. It's a burst of excitement and satisfaction in every bite of their classic and contemporary desserts. So what are you waiting for? Go try them out and tell me all about it!

Stay Sassy!

Believe In Yourself And Things Will Happen

2011-11-14T20:45:00.001-08:00

In this life you can’t expect things to be handed to you on a silver platter. Things don’t just get done for you, you have to make them happen and that takes determination and a strong will to survive.

Business, no matter what industry you’re in, is a playing field. You need to study the game, own your craft, know your opponents and make your moves wisely.

Every career, every job, every industry and every aspect of the business world is cut throat. Why? It’s because everyone is trying to make it in this world. Everyone has bills to pay, a family to support, a life to lead and that requires having money in your bank account.

There will always be someone trying to knock you down so that they can get above you, trying to climb to the top, trying to be better than you. And you know what? They may be more experienced or they may know they right people to help get them that cushy job, but if they don’t have the skills to stay there, they won’t last very long.

You have to keep pushing and pulling, you have to keep on showing the world what you’re made of. Don’t take no for an answer, don’t let anyone scare you away and don’t let them walk all over you either. There’s a line between wanting to do more than you can to move on up and prove yourself, but you also have to recognize when you’re being taken advantage of.

There will be frustrating moments. There will be times when you want to give up. But that’s not the answer. Be strong. Be true to yourself. Remember why you want to make it, why you have to make it, and why you love what you do.

Most importantly, don't ever let anyone hold you back. Don’t let them push you down and make you believe you can’t be what you want to be. We all have it in us to succeed. Don’t expect anyone to do it for you, do it yourself. Nothing in this world comes without a price tag. You have to earn it, honestly.

Stand up for yourself, take on any challenge life throws your way, believe in yourself and do what it takes to achieve your goals.

Stay Sassy!

Grab Life By Its Horns

2011-11-03T08:47:00.001-07:00

Do you grab life by its horns or are you the type of person who sits there watching silently as life passes you by?

When it comes down to it, there are two types of people in this world - those who do and those who don’t. Those of us who actually take the chance at whatever life throws our way, typically survive anything we set out to accomplish. It doesn’t necessarily mean we succeed right off the bat, or that we get what we want whenever we want it. It means that even if we fail at a particular task, that we don't give up. We're determined to get right back up again, into the drivers seat or into the saddle, and try again until we get the results we want.

It’s no secret, that things in life don’t come easy. If you want something you have to earn it, you have to work hard to get it. No matter what career path you choose, you have to start somewhere and you have to work your way up from that starting point. Life is full of twists and turns, ups and downs that may leave you frustrated, it happens to the best of us. It’s about picking yourself up, and getting back out there no matter what the cost.

Starting over, finding a new job or a new career, it’s never a fun thing to have to go through. But you have to keep at it. Nothing happens overnight, it will take time. But keep at it and do it right. Don’t be afraid to take risks, sometimes the best things come from taking a chance on something even if you're not sure of what the outcome will be.

Of course, there may be times when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arises, and if it’s something you really want, go for it. Don’t hesitate or wonder, “Is this really happening to me?” or “Should I really go for it?” As the infamous Nike slogan dictates, just do it. Sometimes, you have to act in the now and think later, especially if it’s something worth going for.

Remember, that along with this opportunity comes having to demonstrate that you are indeed worthy of what you have been offered - because just as easily as it was given to you, it can also be just as easily taken away.

Stay Sassy!

Sassy Urbanista ;)

2011 White Cashmere Collection

2011-10-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Models showing off this year's newest creations made solely from 100%

cashmere bathroom tissue. Photo Credit: Sandy Caetano

The 8th Annual White Cashmere Collection remembers all the women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, all those who are still battling the fight of their life and all those who have survived this disease.

It’s about making a contribution to the health and wellness of women everywhere. According to Cancer.ca, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women.

An estimated 23,400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,100 will die of it. On average, 64 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day, and 14 of those women will die of breast cancer every day.

“Breast cancer touches all of us. We are mothers, daughters, sisters and wives who are vulnerable yet strong and the White Cashmere Collection is a wonderful way to celebrate the courage and strength of women affected by breast cancer and to support the fight against the cause,” says Nancy Marcus, corporate vice president, consumer marketing at Kruger Products.

The 2011 White Cashmere Collection celebrated ‘fashion with compassion’ by showcasing 15 breathtakingly stunning garments and accessories made in 100 per cent pure, soft and luxurious Cashmere Bathroom Tissue yesterday at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Canada’s best-selling brand, Cashmere Bathroom Tissue, supports the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s vision of creating a future without breast cancer.

“I am a breast cancer survivor, so I’m just as excited as anybody to be here for the 8th annual fashion show. It knocks my sock off, every year it gets better, the more intricate the designs are, incredible,” says Bev Thomson, co-host of Canada AM. “It showcases Canada’s established and emerging designers, and their support of a future without breast cancer.”

Having debuted in 2004, this unique fashion show has featured over 87 top Canadian designers and their high-fashion BT couture. Like past year’s, the 2011 line will be part of a month-long display in Toronto and Montreal’s The Bay flagship stores.

The collection also features a limited-edition Pink Cashmere, with 25 cents from the sale of every package going directly to the Foundation.

“Life is a celebration and today is no exception, today is a celebration - today’s collection also pays tribute to all the women who are battling cancer,” says Farley Chatto, Curator and Artistic Director. “This collection is for you, this is for your resilience, for your courage and your strength.”

For more please visit Cashmere.ca, or join the Cashmere Facebook Fan Page at Facebook.com/cashmere.

Photo Credit: Sandy Caetano

TIFF 2011 Highlights

2011-09-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

The 36th Toronto International Film Festival was a whirlwind with all the running around to capture all the red carpets, screenings, press conferences and big named stars who were in attendance. TIFF is an exciting time for any member of the media, but it's also an exhausting one well-worth the sleepless nights.

After an exhilarating 11-days of star sightings, reviewing films and filing to deadlines - it's now time to regroup and focus on the next project at hand. It's hard to believe TIFF is already over. While in the moment, whether it was waiting in line for a press conference or in the photo pit at a red carpet event, it seemed to take its time.

TIFF was quite a success this year - it was gratifying for media, gave our economy a much-needed boost with revenues, and satisfied many film lovers with a variety of entertaining features, documentaries and shorts. Throughout the run of the festival, it was non-stop for all those involved with films to watch every day, gala presentations to attend, press conferences to cover, interviews with the stars and the numerous TIFF parties that went on until the wee hours of the night. Oh the parties - one of the highlights of the festival we all enjoy.

Unforgettable moments definitely include the rush of getting a spot on the red carpet, waiting with camera in hand all to grab that perfect shot of the many celebrities who came through Toronto for the film festival. I've never covered a red carpet event before, so this was absolutely thrilling.

Toronto was booming with music, festivities and celebrations - all for the love of cinema. This year, TIFF brought 268 features and 68 shorts to the big screen, an eclectic mix of well-versed, well-created and well-executed cinema.

Cameron Bailey, Co-Director of the Festival says TIFF is all about transforming the way people view the world of cinema, and with so much to see there's lots to choose from. These films all tell a story worth listening too, if you're open and willing to hear it.

“So we had the big ones that people were expecting to be good like Moneyball, The Descendants, Drive, Ides of March and The Artist, but we also had all kinds that were just discovered by our audience,” says Bailey. “What I like, is that we have a big enough range that there’s always going to be something for every movie goer.”

Some of this year’s highlights include one of my personal favourites Moneyball, a baseball film starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, about the challenges of a team trying to make it with not a lot of money to help them obtain the key players they need to be successful. I was rather surprised with how much I liked this film, since it was a sports film. But the story about the sport was intriguing and pulled me in right away.

George Clooney’s the Ides of March, which stars Canadian actor Ryan Gosling, was another fan fav this year and one many critics also gave a thumbs up. This film toys with the possibilities of what may really be happening behind the closed doors in politics. Highly recommended.

Joel Schumacher’s Trespass is a gripping film about a home invasion that unravels revealing a complicated thriller, starring Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman. Madonna’s W.E. was another one of those films audiences will either love or hate, there's no in-between here. Fascinated with the story of King Edward VIII and his romance with the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, the Material Girl wanted to give this story her own spin by giving it a modern-day feel.

George Clooney and Ryan Gosling having a few laughs during

the Ides of March press conference. Photo by: Sandy Caetano

Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler (Coriolanus).

Photo by: Sandy Caetano

Seth Rogen (50/50) posing for a few shots.

Photo by: Sandy Caetano

Anna Kendrick (50/50) look fabulous.

Photo by: Sandy Caetano

Other big name films to catch once they are released on the big screen nationwide are Ralph Fiennes’ thrilling Coriolanus with the ever handsome Gerard Butler, 50/50 starring Seth Rogen, and Drive starring Gosling (The Ides of March), already playing in theatres.

Luc Besson’s The Lady is also a highly recommended film. It’s an inspiring story about a real woman, Aung San Suu Kyi (or Daw Suu), who’s love and passion for her country has helped determine that anyone, man or woman, with faith, strength and willpower can eventually change the way the world works.

Also worthy of taking a look at include: Hysteria with actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, Steve McQueen’s Shame, Axel Petersen’s for Avalon (Sweden) who received the International Critics Prize, Discovery Programme, and of course Nadine Labaki’s Where Do We Go Now? which picked up the Cadillac People’s Choice Award.

And that’s all folks - that is, until next year’s festival gets underway. Until then, happy film-watching!

And remember to Stay Sassy! ;)

TIFF Brings Over $170 Million to Toronto

2011-09-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

Any event be it a concert, sports event, trade show or festival of some sort is sure to have money pouring into the city and of course that also means giving the city a boost to it's economy. The 36th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has done just that, bringing in more than a whopping $170 million to the city of Toronto during it's 11-day run.

It's interesting really how it all works. And with a festival of this size and caliber, it's really no surprise that it has continued to do wonders for our city year after year. It's hard to believe that this year's festival has already come to end - another year of watching breathtaking films, shooting the red carpets and listening in on press conferences has all wrapped up.

Cameron Bailey, Co-Director of the Festival says this year’s film fest has superceded all expectations having brought in over $170 million in hotel stays, restaurants and taxis that have all been busy throughout the festival. Here, I caught up with Bailey to get his thoughts on this year's impressive festival.

“TIFF, it’s also a sense of pride that Torontonians feel because it is an event that the world looks at and Torontonians, I think, can all feel some ownership of that,” says Bailey.

“It (also) allows the city to strengthen it’s film culture, so we’re able to show the best in world cinema every year for our audiences in Toronto,” he continues. “As a result they have become known as the most sophisticated and enthusiastic film audience in the world, they just get to see more good movies then anybody else.”

This year’s film festival, showcased 268 features and 68 shorts, making it a hub of excitement and activity as critics, film-goers and filmmakers all gathered in Toronto to help change the way people see the world through cinema.

TIFF came to a close Sunday, September 18th, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville, with a brunch and short awards reception honouring this year’s most popular films.

The three big winners were: Nadine Labaki’s Where Do We Go Now? who picked up the win for Cadillac People’s Choice Award, Jon Shenk for The Island President won the Cadillac People’s Choice Documentary Award, and the Cadillac People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award went to Gareth Evans for The Raid.

Programmer Thom Powers, GM of Canada VP of Sales, Service and

Marketing M.J. Comeau, TIFF Programmer Rasha Salti and Filmmaker

Gareth Evans, winner of The Cadillac People's Choice Midnight Madness

Award for 'The Raid'.

Filmmaker Gareth Evans, winner of The Cadillac People's Choice

Midnight Madness Award for 'The Raid'.

Labaki's film, set in war-torn Lebanon about a group of women and their unwavering friendship, is Lebanon’s entry for the best foreign language film category for the 2012 Oscars.

Since the Lebanese-Canadian writer/director was travelling in Europe when she heard the news and was unable to accept her award in person, she sent a statement which was read by festival programmer Rasha Salti.

“I’m thrilled, I’m happy, I’m ecstatic, I’m excited - my day that had just started on the wrong foot because of a flight cancellation has just been turned upside down,” read Salti. “I’m running around jumping up and down at the Frankfurt airport. Tomorrow we’ll be screening Where do we Go Now? for the first time in Lebanon and I will be proud and happy to announce the news in front of my crew, my family and the Lebanese audience.”

Other winners included Nathan Morlando’s Edwin Boyd with The SKYY Vodka Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film.

“The SKYY Vodka Award for Best Feature Film goes to a film that sets a tone, stays with it and shows you what it is to be a soldier returning from war only to find that the world has no place for you. This is a film that puts a human face on a Canadian myth,” remarked the jury.

The City of Toronto Award for Best Canadian Feature Film went to Philippe Falardeau for Monsieur Lazhar; while the award for Best Canadian Short Film was given to Ian Harnarine for Doubles With Slight Pepper.

The Prize of the International Critics (FIPRESCI Prizes) for the Discovery Programme was awarded to Axel Petersen for Avalon (Sweden), while the Prize of the International Critics (FIPRESCI Prizes) for Special Presentations was given to Gianni Amelio for The First Man (Le Premier Homme) (France, Algeria, Italy).

It was surprising that none of the big name films won, like Moneyball or Ides of March. So what does this say about the fate of these films and the long list of others come Oscar time? There are a number of phenomenal films this year worthy of an award for one reason or another, big name films and all the rest. So which one will make it to the top this year? Your guess is as good as mine.

If you want more information about the films screened at TIFF this year, visit www.tiff.net.

Stay Sassy!

Madonna turns 'Diva' at TIFF

2011-09-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

From left to right: Composer Abel Korzeniowski, actress Andrea Riseborough,

director Madonna and actress Abbie Cornish. Photo by: Sandy Caetano

When I read in a press release that Madonna, the Material Girl, was coming to town for her film W.E., about King Edward VIII and his love affair with famous divorcé, the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson. I was so excited. I can't describe in words how fabulous it would be to get into her press conference.

Since I was a little girl, I've always loved Cyndi Lauper and Madonna. I was lucky to get amazing tickets to a Lauper concert a number of years ago at Massey Hall in Toronto - a great place for a real intimate concert. She actually came down into the audience and danced with the fans.

Now to have the opportunity to be in the same room as Madonna was quite impressive. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to watch the film since it was playing right before the press conference, and there was absolutely no way I was going to miss this one.

I arrived at TIFF Bell Lightbox at 9:45am, and attended the Coriolanus press conference, which was on right before W.E. and in the same room. Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler were fun to watch and listen to - they were so real with all of their answers, and in fact eager to answer them.

Since there wasn't much time between press conferences, media who attended the first one were permitted to stay in the same room and wait in their same seats for the Madonna conference. So, as I've learned, I placed my camera on the stage and marked my spot so I could take photos. It was quite the prime spot too, a little off to the side, but good enough and close enough.

Right before the conference started, the press conference manager came out and told photographers that we only had 90 seconds to shoot photos and then everyone had to leave. No one except one photographer, George Pimentel, who was shooting this year's festival exclusively for TIFF, could stay to take any more photos.

Even those of us who had seats for the conference, as we were covering it for a particular outlet, were not even allowed to take photos with our camera phones. I couldn't believe how tight they were being. How can you come to a festival such as this expecting to get good coverage for your film, to have your work promoted, and not allow your photo to be taken?

To enforce this new rule, there was additional security placed in the room the duration of the conference to ensure there was no photos taken. Those who were caught received a stern warning, but of course, there were many who still got photos. They were just very discreet about it - very sneaky if you ask me. I didn't bother risking the chance that I would get kicked out.

As Madonna walked out on stage, I couldn't believe how much older she really looked. All these years she's always looked so young and vibrant, she aged really well, until now that is. Now she looks tired, fatigued even. Don't get me wrong, she still looks great, just not as great as she used to.

Once I got my shots, I took my seat before the conference got underway. Madonna seemed really nice and seemed happy to answer questions, her reply to most of the questions were really good, in fact she was actually all smiles and compliments. Of course, it could have all been an act, as I heard from a source that she had forced eight volunteers who were in the room to turn away and face the wall so they wouldn't look at the pop-star-turned-movie-director long periods of time. Really, who does that? That screams DIVA to me.

One of the most interesting parts was at the end of the conference. There was a girl by the front of the stage wearing an orange volunteer shirt, who walked right up to the stage and loudly asked Madonna for an autograph claiming it was for a "volunteer," a request she didn't turn down.

Sources informed me that she wasn't a volunteer at all, and not event a fan. Instead this 'rogue volunteer' as she's been dubbed, goes after stars' autographs so she can sell them. How she managed to get past the heavy security and walk right into the press conference is quite befuddling. She tried to get out of the room rather quickly, but got nabbed by security who asked to see her pass and ID, neither of which she had. They apparently let go of her for a brief second, and that's when she made a run for it down six flights of stairs and out of TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Autographs from someone like Madonna can go for hundreds, if not thousands, and the price actually goes up if you have a photo of her actually signing the item. I'd be curious to find out what she'll get for it now, especially considering the press it got. Time to search out EBay!

Stay Sassy!

Covering the 36th International Film Festival

2011-09-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

The 36th Toronto International Film Festival has been a whirlwind. Between all the films, press conferences and red carpet events - there's barely been enough time to catch my breath.

While I was working for Metro News, I helped one of our staff writers cover a junket or press conference for TIFF here and there, but never had I covered the whole thing on my own. Well, that all started last year. I was able to get accredited by TIFF for T.O.Night Newspaper, the free evening daily paper in Toronto I write for. The application process is pretty lengthy, but definitely worth it once you have your press badge with your name, outlet's name and photo hanging around your neck.

My first year was great. I got to see Ryan Rynolds, Hilary Swank, Megan Fox, Mickey Rourke, Dominic Cooper, Jackson Rathbone and more. The films last year were also amazing, and I actually had time to take in a plentitude of them. Of course, we most certainly cannot forget the TIFF parties I attended at The Brant House and The Roosevelt Room Supper Club.

This year has been no different. Since TIFF enjoyed my coverage of last year's festivities, I was invited to come back out again. Since the festival started last Thursday, I've attended press conferences for Moneyball, Ides of March, Coriolanus and W.E. to name a few.

Moneyball was a fabulous movie. I must admit I wasn't very convinced I was going to like it going into the film. The story was captivating, and very relatable. Yes, it's a film about baseball, really and truly about the sport, but it was touching and interesting. It's definitely on my must-buy list when it comes to DVD. Brad Pitt put on a hell of a performance as Billy Beane, as did his co-star Jonah Hill. It was good to see Hill doing something a little more serious, though he still added his comedic quirks to his character Peter Brand.

It was a film about underdogs, about not being given a fair hand, about recreating and rebranding yourself to make it in any cut-throat industry - whether it's the world of baseball, fashion, marketing or even media. It's about taking a chance and starting over, believing in yourself and your talent. At one point in our lives, we've all had to rethink how we do things. So who can't relate to a film like that?

The highlight for me so far this year, was being in the photography pit on the red carpet for the premiere of Moneyball when Pitt and wife Angelina Jolie pulled up. Now I've covered junkets, roundtables, scrums, press conferences, concerts and other events, but never a red carpet - I had no idea what to expect.

Photographers were lined up an hour early to make sure they got a good spot. Most of them also had step ladders too, something I didn't even think about bringing. It was definitely a learning experience. I met some great photographers who were genuine about giving me red carpet tips. One veteran photographer even took his gorgeous, very heavy lens off his camera and put it on my camera body for me to get a few shots of Pitt. Before he did it, he said "I'm going to do something I've never done before," and then carefully mounted the lens on my camera. I couldn't believe he did that. No one does that. I was very appreciative, very thankful. Taught me a lot.

Even though we're all fighting to make a living, to get the story, we can't knock everybody down in order to get there. We all need a little help along the way. That was one moment I will never forget.

And yes, I also got a few great shots of Pitt and Jolie too! Stay tuned for more coverage about my journey through this year's film festival.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Photo by: Sandy Caetano

Brad Pitt talking to ET Canada. Photo by: Sandy Caetano

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris. Photo by: Sandy Caetano

Johan Hill posing for photographers.

Photo by: Sandy Caetano

Pretty cool shots for an amateur on the red carpet!

Remember to Stay Sassy!

Adapting To Change

2011-08-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

As we grow older, learn new things, go through different experiences - we evolve with life, with everything around us. We learn how to cope with change, whether it's losing a job or starting a new one, saying goodbye to a loved one or welcoming a new addition to a growing family. It doesn't matter what the situation, we are constantly adapting to change and learning something new with each day and through each experience.

What makes it challenging is when we are unwilling to accept change, unwilling to try something new or different, unwilling to better ourselves due to our fear of the unknown. It would be quite simple if we knew what the outcome of our actions would be, but unfortunately, that's not the way life works.

Instead, we need to open our arms and embrace whatever life throws our way. Welcome change, be open to it and learn how to adapt to it. Use this opportunity to really analyze the situation, and figure out what you want to do with your life. How will this affect your life? What will you lose? What could you possibly gain? How will the outcome influence the future of your family, your well-being and your career?

Allow what you take from this situation, from this sudden change in your life, to help you grow wiser, become more knowledgeable, be a more loving person. We all deal with change in our own way. None of us are right or wrong - what works for me, may not necessarily work for you.

In my life, I find I have grown a great deal. I've been through many life experiences, some good and some challenging, yet they have all shaped me into the woman I am today.

Sure, we all have our off-days, but that's normal. Take it with a grain of salt, deal with it and move on. I have no regrets in life. I live each day to its fullest, as if it were my last. Life is too short to live any other way.

So don't sweat the small stuff, live each day with a smile and laugh as much as you can.

And remember to stay sassy!

The Sassy Urbanista

Welcome to all things Sassy!

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I’m the Sassy Urbanista, welcome to my writer’s corner. In this space you’ll find my thoughts and opinions about everything and anything - from big and newsworthy headlines, new technologies, the latest in beauty and lifestyles, entertainment, cooking and more. It'll also be a place where I can discuss what's happening in my career, as well as, my family life.

You may be wondering who I am and why you should follow my blog, right? I’m a Toronto-based writer, photographer, movie-goer, music lover, daughter, sister, friend, wife, and mother of two. The ever-changing world of journalism is a past paced one, and if you’re not passionate enough or aggressive enough, it’ll eat you alive. Because of my determination to break into this industry, I was fortunate to my start at Metro Newspaper as a freelancer covering the first season of Canadian Idol. In a matter of months, I was offered a full-time gig as staff writer where I wrote for a variety of sections including news, business, education, food and health, lifestyles, entertainment, and technology, to name a few.

That stint lasted for almost seven years, until it was time to move on to bigger and better things. Today, I’m writing for ChickAdvisor.com, LipstickPowderNPaint.com, T.O.Night Newspaper, 2: The Magazine for Couples, Rue Morgue Magazine and the newest addition to my long roster of gigs, Top Choice Magazine.

Top Choice Magazine, is a business magazine that showcases award-winning businesses, as well as, providing information on everything business related. We review businesses (cafes, restaurants, hair salons, spas, hotels, financial institutions, lawyers, car dealerships, mechanics and more) who are being recognized for their excellence, we provide our readers with informative articles on how to run a successful business, tips and tricks on being a successful business professional, the latest in technology and social media, coverage on meaningful local events, and more. It’s an exciting job that has me constantly on the go, doing something fun and different every day.

So, there you have it, just a little bit about who I am, what I do and who I do it for. So what do you think of my new space? This is also the spot where you can leave me your thoughts too. It’s a place where we can voice our opinions, and if need be, agree to disagree.

Stay Sassy,

Sassy Urbanista