Not A Model

Under the Tuscan Sun with Brad Pitt - Travel Diaries

2013-06-19T10:06:00.002-04:00

This past weekend, I ventured out to Chianti for a Tuscan Bike Tour.

I'll admit that I wouldn't normally book something like this, but my friend Kiel insisted that he had the best time with his wife Carly on this exact tour, and that I MUST GO. I brushed it off, until I realized that the meeting spot was a two minute walk from my apartment.

The tour was full of people from all over the world, including honeymooners from Minneapolis, a family from Isle of Man, and an environmental engineer from Australia. The first part involved touring a castle for a wine and olive oil tasting, while the second portion involved actually riding a bike up and down the hilly paths of Tuscany.

Every bike had a name, and I was assigned to Brad Pitt.

As we started the tour, I couldn't believe how natural it felt to be on a bike again. I basked in the feeling of complete freedom, as Brad and I made our way through the sun drenched roads of Tuscany. However, some hill portions were more challenging than others and I found myself regretting all those scoops of gelato I consumed the week prior.

Halfway through the ride, we stopped for a lovely sit down lunch to gorge on pasta and relax before the tougher portion of the ride. Post-lunch, I was ready to get moving so I jumped on Brad and while exiting the restaurant, I fell.

I was turning Brad Pitt's handlebars (how's that for a visual?) and because I was on gravel the wheels gave. I scraped up my hand pretty bad, and was mortified as the two young, male bike instructors had to run to my rescue, while everyone watched. After that, I was a bit more nervous on my bike, but still tried to keep up with the group.

Anyways, besides Brad's extreme betrayal of me (now I know how Jennifer Aniston felt,) I was happy that I forced myself to do something out of my regular travel routine. The hilltops of Tuscany made me feel like I was Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun, even though I don't think she ever rides a bike in that movie.

Below are some photos I took (not while riding, obviously) and here is a link to their website. Enjoy! x

Everyday Beauty - Merve

2013-06-18T07:46:00.002-04:00

Meet Merve!

Merve is from Germany and she is also studying Italian in Florence for a portion of the summer. While we are not in the same class, (Merve speaks much better Italian than I) we met on a trip to Cinque Terre a couple of weekends ago. I also run into Merve often at our local cafe where we both seem to enjoy a daily espresso. When I asked Merve if I could take her photo, she responded the way most people do,

"Oh me? Really?! I don't look good in photos."

I assured her that everyone says this exact thing, and everyone who says this about themselves is very wrong. The Everyday Beauty series is about capturing people in a natural state: staring off into the distance, walking down a cobblestone street, enjoying a laugh with a friend. It's about noticing something special about someone. For me, I noticed Merve's relaxed approach to style and killer sunglasses.

I took these photos as we waited for the next train, and while they are a little grainy (the sun was strong and I couldn't quite see the final results on my screen) I loved Merve's positive attitude towards the whole thing. x

New Weekly Mantra & The Festival Of Lights - Pisa

2013-06-17T10:45:00.001-04:00

This past weekend I visited Pisa and attended La Luminara di San Ranieri, which is a festival of lights for their patron saint. Each window and building that lined the Arno river was lit by thousands of candles hand-placed, to illuminate the entire city.

It was the most magical festival I've ever experienced. People who are close to me know that I am mesmerized by lights. Take me to a restaurant, a bar or a park with tea lights and I'm yours.

Sometimes the light can be more scary than the dark because it involves going towards something that is greater, stronger and more stunning than we may believe we deserve. This week's mantra come from Plato, and has to do with accepting the light in whatever form it presents itself.

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."

Below are some photos I took of the festival. I'm not the most skilled in taking photos at night, so here is my experimentation. Enjoy! x

The Roses

2013-06-14T10:54:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I visited Giardino Delle Rose, translation: Garden of Roses.

Roses remind me of my best friend Stefania, who has a sleeve of roses on her arm, and who also launched a new website/photography company called, Yellow Rose Portraits.

While you sometimes see her photos on my blog, she also has an impressive portfolio of travel, lifestyle and portrait photography. I took her photo for the "About Me" section of her site, and below is my favourite shot. You can also check out her website here. Congrats Stef!

Now, back to the rose garden.

I huffed and puffed up many steep slopes, and for the first time since being here I was uncomfortably hot. Summer has officially arrived in Florence and my adventures now leave me gleaming in sweat. The rose garden was lovely and although some of the flowers were wilted from the heat, there were plenty more to stare at.

I don't listen to headphones here in Italy (too dangerous) and it seems that my daily walks and explorations are more vivid, and my mind is more alert. The saying, "Stop and smell the roses," is not just a cliche, as I've begun to find a great calm from being around nature lately.

This weekend, I hope you find the sun, a steep hill or something to marvel at. I have a full weekend planned in Tuscany so I will have much to share next week!

Below are my photos from the garden. Enjoy! x.

Everyday Beauty - Maria

2013-06-12T02:50:00.004-04:00

If you read Not A Model lately, or browse Instagram you may wonder who takes the few photos that I appear in.

The answer is Maria.

Maria is my new roommate at my Italian apartment in Florence. She is from Thessaloniki, Greece. As I mentioned in a previous post, Maria is a civil engineer, who abandoned that career to follow her artistic passion for making jewelry. She launched her very own brand, called My Precious in Greece and has since been working full time to create her line. (I've already placed my order for a new necklace).

Despite my initial fear of living with strangers in a foreign country, (cue the possible nightmares), Maria is a gift of a roommate. She is thoughtful, funny and kind; the type of person who would always attract new friends. Maria likes to drench herself in bright clothes and accessories, with a girly flair for bows, ribbons and patterned pants. She is statuesque and beautiful, with wide expressive eyes that easily give away her feelings. Italian men love to discount all items for her as she walks by.

Though there is a slight language barrier between us, (she speaks mainly Greek, but also English and a bit of Italian), it seems that talking about relationships (she tells me all about her Greek boyfriend), dessert (she indulges in my gelato fixation) and window shopping (we can't seem to get enough) is universally translatable.

Below are the photos I took. Enjoy! x

Ciao from Cinque Terre!

2013-06-11T11:52:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, I visited Cinque Terre.

I went with my language school on a 2.5 hour bus ride to the land of the coloured houses, as I call it. The best thing about bus rides in Italy are the convenience stops along the way that sell NUTELLA AND BREADSTICKS in those little containers with JUICE. My absolute favourite thing to buy, ever.

As for a mini background lesson: Cinque Terre is located in Liguria, and translates as "Five Lands." Of the five villages, we visited four: Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza and Manarola.

Once we arrived, all I could smell was the sweet ocean.

The houses in Cinque Terre look like they've been stretched in the colours of saltwater taffy. They range from lilac and creamsicle to baby doll pink and Robin's egg blue. To me, colour equals life. People and tourists come in droves to hike the paths and sample the sizzling fried fish along the water. Being there is like walking into a postcard that was then uploaded and enhanced on Instagram. It's that vivid. For lunch I had tagliatelle alle granchio, (pasta with crab), and of course, I finished the day with gelato.

If you're ever in the region, I highly recommend it.

Below are my photos. Enjoy x

Not A Model Weekly Mantra - What Now?

2013-06-10T15:12:00.001-04:00

Books seem to be the best companions when travelling solo.

I've only been in Florence for a week, and I've already finished reading three books. Keep in mind this time frame includes my 8.5 hour plane ride and a two hour day trip this past weekend. I am not some freak speed reader.

The latest book I finished reading was, What Now by Ann Patchett. It is a published essay on the commencement speech that Patchett gave at Sarah Lawrence College. The essay includes Patchett's experiences attending her alma mater, working as a waitress and trying to become an author.

It is an essay that provides insight into the question that always seems to pop up when people find themselves at a crossroads.

That question is, "What Now?"

Seeing as I will be returning to Canada in less than a month, the question "What Now" or "What Next" seems to linger in the air. While I should not be worrying about the future, it is inevitable when spending time solo to begin to analyze one's life path. This essay was a great reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead, not the stress.

Below is a quote from Patchett's essay, and this week's mantra. Enjoy! x

"If you are trying to find out what's coming next, turn off everything you own that has an OFF switch and listen. Make up some plans and change them. Identify your heart's truest desire and don't change that for anything. Be proud of yourself for the work you've done. Be grateful to all the people who helped you do it. [..] You are, every one of you, someone's favourite unfolding story."

The Daily Pleasures - Florence - Travel Diary Part 3

2013-06-07T12:01:00.005-04:00

While travelling, expect the unexpected.

Barely a week into my trip, my phone has decided to self-destruct. While I am equipped with other modes of communication, it is a very unsettling feeling to not have your main lifeline of communication thousands of miles across the world. While I enjoy my independence, I do take comfort in the way that technology keeps me tethered to the people back home. Whether it's an email, text or photograph, I need that connection.

Beyond that annoyance, I am relishing in the little moments here in Florence.

Things like: finding the perfect stationery shop; feeling diminutive next to rivers, bridges, sculptures and churches; eating gelato for dinner; drinking red wine on the moonlit evening streets; the way my tongue curls to Italian words; and getting lost, and then found around my living area.

Below are some photos from my first week. This weekend I am off to Cinque Terre!

Happy Weekend! x

The Great Escape - Travel Diary - Florence - Part 2

2013-06-06T07:33:00.002-04:00

While I haven't been in Florence long enough to desire a refuge from city living, who wouldn't want to escape to a palace garden?

Earlier this week, I tagged along with my classmate's plans to visit Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. Not knowing a thing about where we were headed, he quickly gave me a lesson in the history of the place. Short version: the palace used to be owned by the famous Medici family, and thereafter, most of the ruling families of Tuscany used to reside there.

While I didn't want to spend too much time inside the palace museum, I found Boboli gardens to be a complete dream. With panoramic views of Florence, sweeping paths of greenery and larger than life stone sculptures, it was a marvel. I also couldn't believe how quiet it was compared to the crowded streets.

Words aren't the best descriptors in this case, so below are my photos! Enjoy. x

New Weekly Mantra - Paulo Coelho

2013-06-05T05:13:00.002-04:00

I'm currently reading Paulo Coelho's Manuscript Found in Accra.

It features lessons from scripture manuscripts found in Egypt. Each chapter follows a theme in the form of a question. Topics range from love, change and anxiety, to travel, defeat and solitude. It's an easy read for anyone who needs inspiration or reassurance that their feelings are universal, and something is looking out for them.

As I mentioned, my largest concern with solo traveling was the feeling of being alone. It is a strange fear for me as I've always been an independent person, and as a writer I spend a lot of time by myself and in my own head. I like that time to myself, but I also crave the surroundings of my social circle and family.

Thus far in Florence, I've been surrounded by new acquaintances, but still have the quiet time to myself. I believe anyone who fears being alone fears what they might find out about themselves when they stop to listen.

Below is this week's mantra from Paulo Coelho. Enjoy!

"Blessed are those who do not fear solitude, who are not afraid of their own company, who are not always desperately looking for something to amuse themselves with, something to judge.

If you are never alone, you cannot know yourself."

Not A Model Takes Off..

2013-06-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

I recently read the New York Times article, "Yes, Please | Party of One" about the joy of solo travel.

The author Andrew O'Hagan explains, "I want to think new things on holiday and the best way to do that is to go it alone, allowing yourself a space — a beautiful space, with any luck — that is circumscribed neither by your need to perform nor your need to blame. Get up when you like. Skip as many museums as you like. Eat or don’t eat. Dance or don’t dance. Swim far out if you want to. Drink Champagne at breakfast. Write a paragraph if you have one to write. Say nothing for days and dream of home. Keep the light on all night."

Besides last summer's New York City adventure, I've never travelled anywhere for an extended period of time, completely solo. (I prefer the word solo to alone. Alone sounds, well, lonely.) While some people would never want to try it ~~alone~~ solo, somehow this milestone seemed to make it on my life list. The so-called "mid-twenties" can be a challenging time period to plan trips with other people. Finances, wedding planning, rent, and career commitments are all factors when asking other people to take off with you.

So I decided to head out anyways. With a full suitcase, my laptop, a travel journal, a recipe journal, a camera, a phrasebook and a passport full of nerves, I've departed for Italy for a five-week self-imposed, solo-adventure.

I'm not sure how the blogging will commence overseas; how the Wi-Fi situation will work with my sputtering white MacBook; how the time difference will affect posts, but I will try my best to document my journey when I can.

I also hope to make at least one friend, learn to have a full conversation in Italian, work on some creative writing and create my own recipe journal.

To keep in touch in-between posts, catch me here.

Wish me luck! x

Welcome to Florence! - Travel Diaries I

2013-05-31T12:31:00.001-04:00

The last time I was in Italy for an extended period of time was when I was 17.

It was for a three-week Italian course with my best friends. It was the first trip without our parents, and my first taste of unadulterated freedom. Translation: drinking illegally in tiny bars, pretending to be asleep when our teachers came for "night check," riding in gondolas with boys, and obsessively turning the wheel on our disposable cameras.

Now, almost a decade later, it's a bit different. I crave creative inspiration, double-scoop gelato and the temporary removal from a city desk job.

My first two days in Florence have dispelled my outlandish nerves. I've already made a few friends, (cross that off the list), including my new roommate Maria, a former civil engineer turned fashion and jewelry designer from Greece.

While here, I will be taking a language course and a cooking course. Today, I started both, and after a written and conversational test, I was put in the beginner's class. Although I've taken many Italian classes in my past, I get extremely bashful when speaking out loud in another language, in a group. Thus, the director put me in a class where I can work on that. I already felt more confident ordering an espresso macchiato this morning.

My cooking instructor speaks only in Italian and even gives us our recipes in Italian!? I don't know why I assumed it would be in English. Today I learned that noce moscata means nutmeg, and cipolla means onion. It's more instructional than hands-on, and today we learned how to make tiramisu and cannelloni al forno.

I also went to an Italian grocery store as eating out everyday isn't a thrifty option for 5 weeks when my apartment has a kitchen. I also had my first gelato (fragola - strawberry and nocciola- hazelnut) and tested out my camera skills around my living area.

Below is my first photo diary from Florence! Enjoy. x

Everyday Beauty - Vanessa

2013-05-31T11:29:00.003-04:00

Back when I tried to become an editor and work with contributors, my most enthusiastic writer was Vanessa. Vanessa can make anyone feel like a slacker even on a busy day. She blogs almost daily, interns at a notable publishing house, reads books the way people tweet, and self-published a novel at only 22.

She has an exuberant, uncynical view of life that is extremely rare in young people, like finding a constellation in the sky in the shape of Ryan Gosling's face.

She also has an old soul sense of maturity. She openly talks about how she likes to be at home, and how she loves being with her family. There is no FOMO for her; no desire to be at some crowded, fake event or win a popularity contest. She's honest, and you can see no fear in her lovely almond-shaped golden eyes.

In a Thought-Catalog world of jaded twenty-somethings, Vanessa is all, hey people, life is great - let's take it on!

You can't help but want to dream again.

Mellow Yellow

2013-05-29T09:56:00.005-04:00

When trapped in one's own mind, the best cure is to go outside.

Let the sunshine tickle your ankles. Let the warm breeze lick your face. Let the scent of freshly cut grass smack you in the forehead. Shake some ice cubes around. Listen to the sound. Sluuuuurp anything through a straw. Ride a bike. Pet a dog. Phone a friend to meet you in the park. People watch. Put on a cap and go for a jog. Slick some colour on your lips, cheeks or eyelids. Laugh. Move. Relax.

Forget why you felt trapped in the first place.

These are all the signs of a mellow season, or the road to a better self. I've been working on becoming my better self. Lately, no matter how I am feeling, it seems that the cure is always outside. There are the big decisions (more on that to come) and there are the small decisions; the easy ones. The ones that involve enjoying the small elements of a big world.

Below are some photos Stef took when I phoned a friend (her) and we spent the day hanging around our local park. My hair is also a bit more yellow, if you haven't noticed. (Shirt: Madewell, Sunglasses, Joe Fresh)

Enjoy! x

Weekly Mantra - Inventing Life's Meaning

2013-05-28T09:50:00.001-04:00

What is considered "life's work?"

Is it how much time people spend in an office? Is it volunteering or devoting your life to another cause? It is taking care of children? How many categories define what it means to spend your hours, and how many people will judge what you choose? How can one follow their creative desire without starvation or ridicule?

Lately, these are the questions I find myself asking.

I read this quote from Calvin and Hobbes creator, Bill Watterson as sourced by Brain Pickings during Watterson's commencement speech at Kenyon College. It's a lengthier mantra but worth the read. For the full article click here. x

"Creating a life that reflects your values and satisfies your soul is a rare achievement. In a culture that relentlessly promotes avarice and excess as the good life, a person happy doing his own work is usually considered an eccentric, if not a subversive. Ambition is only understood if it’s to rise to the top of some imaginary ladder of success. Someone who takes an undemanding job because it affords him the time to pursue other interests and activities is considered a flake. A person who abandons a career in order to stay home and raise children is considered not to be living up to his potential — as if a job title and salary are the sole measure of human worth. You’ll be told in a hundred ways, some subtle and some not, to keep climbing, and never be satisfied with where you are, who you are, and what you’re doing. There are a million ways to sell yourself out, and I guarantee you’ll hear about them.

To invent your own life’s meaning is not easy, but it’s still allowed, and I think you’ll be happier for the trouble."

Read, Listen, Watch

2013-05-24T09:32:00.000-04:00

It's the end of the week, and while it feels like November in June here in Toronto, why not spend the weekend reading a new book, listening to some new tunes, or watching a beachy video? Below are a few of my recent recommendations for all three.

Read: Winter Journal by Paul Auster. It's a simple memoir about growing old. This may sound strange, but there is nothing special that happens in Paul Aster's life. He writes about how he feels as a six year old, as a teenager; his feelings when his mother passes away; what it was like to meet his wife; how he feels about being 61; his apartment hopping in Paris and New York, yet nothing dramatic happens. There are no wizards or tricks or catastrophes, but his writing is so descriptive and attentive, that the simple items of life, like sneezing and dying and falling in love turn into magical prose.

“You think it will never happen to you, that it cannot happen to you, that you are the only person in the world to whom none of these things will ever happen, and then, one by one, they all begin to happen to you, in the same way they happen to everyone else.”

Listen: She & Him Volume 3 - I would say that the world needs a bit more nostalgia for a simpler time. She & Him is the musical brainchild of Zooey Deschanel and M.Ward. I adored every She & Him volume (I & II) long before Zooey became a wide-eyed New Girl. Volume 3 brings back the retro charm with the guitar genius of M.Ward. The album is sunshine summer without being saccharine. It's 1950s charm meets wide-eyed romance. Start with: I could've been your girl. The video is pretty cute too.

Watch: J.Crew Surf - Ever since I tried surfing in Montauk last summer, I've had a fascination with real surfers, especially women who surf. J.Crew featured a video (see below) about the inspiration behind Pret‐à‐Surf, a (“ready to surf”) collection of surf gear made by women for women who want to wear fashionable items without compromising their sport.

Not A Model Weekly Mantra - Slow Down

2013-05-21T09:02:00.005-04:00

Slow down. Do less. Act like an ant climbing up a stalk of celery. Relish in the nothing. Act like a child on summer vacation.

This week's mantra is all about savouring some kind of moment. Time seems to race by, even when the weather scorches and the backyards fill with friends. There is no way to stop it, so we might as well enjoy it.

“That is my problem with life, I rush through it, like I'm being chased. Even things whose whole point is slowness, like drinking relaxing tea. When I drink relaxing tea I suck it down as if I'm in a contest for who can drink relaxing tea the quickest.” - Miranda July

Everyday Beauty - Nicole

2013-05-16T09:42:00.001-04:00

If Katie Holmes and Kate Middleton ran at blazing speed and morphed into each other, it would result in Nicole. (In my celebrity-hybrid opinion).

A recent art history graduate, Nicole spends her days working at an art gallery in Toronto’s Distillery District. Despite her title as a “gallery girl” she is nothing like that Bravo reality show with the same moniker.

With alabaster skin and golden eyes, she is undoubtedly a classic beauty. While I don't like dropping people into categories (what does "classic beauty" even mean, and who does it exclude?), it's hard to get past her striking appearance and stature. However, the moment she speaks, it is clear that her gregarious personality and warm laugh could easily make a King, or that boy across the lake fall in love with her.

Below are photos from our shoot in the Distillery District. Enjoy!

New Weekly Mantra - Ready or not

2013-05-15T14:25:00.001-04:00

Some people make decisions conditionally.

If X happens, I will do Y, or I can't do A because of B, C, D and E.

While this blog post isn't a formulaic math test, sometimes the waiting until we are ready for something may never be so. I have many areas of my life that I condition decisions upon based on the arbitrary idea that I'll know when I become "ready." It's not like one day you wake up and a stamp appears on your forehead, smudged and bright green declaring the word, START. Sometimes you have to make a move before.

Below is this week's Not A Model mantra. Ready, set...

"It’s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you’re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any." - Hugh Laurie

Healthy Reading & Spring Running

2013-05-15T14:25:00.000-04:00

It's time to shed.

Spring and the onslaught of summer brings a renewed focus on the body and on life. While January may think it's king for health resolutions, I believe the forcible shedding of everything heavy (comfort food, parkas) reflects the health ideal. The body (at least my body) craves lighter fare and increased movement.

I've recently started upon a new running path by the water that drastically has improved my mood on the city that I live in. While Ray Charles may have had Georgia on his mind, most people know that New York is always on my mine. However, through running by the lake, I've discovered a new found appreciation for Toronto and its beauty. I haven't felt better about this city in months.

I enjoy healthy living as much as I enjoy healthy reading. I also have a desire to become a nutritionist one day or a fitness instructor. Dreams be dreams. Until then, below are my favourite health blogs and websites. Enjoy!

Sprouted Kitchen - Husband and wife, Hugh and Sara show the world their spin on whole foods, through stunning photography and decadently healthy recipes. They also have a cookbook and a cult-fan following that will leave you craving unique recipes like Kale and Slivered Brussel Sprout Soba Noodles.

Chalkboard Mag - Chalkboard mag is the online magazine/blog of Pressed Juicery, a juicing company from California. Their blog features tons of daily content including health recipes, recommendations for natural beauty products, superfoods and how to spot toxic ingredients. My favourite posts are from their guest-editors who range from Jamie Oliver to Amanda De Cadenet.

Thug Kitchen - Writing about healthy eating doesn't have to be prim. Thug Kitchen takes the tough love approach through hilarious posts and unadulterated swearing about food. Their latest post for Guacamole states, "Can't cook, then mash motherf****" (Avoid this blog if easily offended)

The Wellness Warrior - Australian writer Jessica Ainscough was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 22. Since then, she reevaluated her life of partying, drinking and drugs and decided to get well. Her blog is mix of nutritional posts (she's a holistic health coach) and inspirational ones. She also writes about how one's mind can affect their overall being. Positive thinking and living plays a large part on this blog, and I quite enjoy it.

Chatelaine.com - Chatelaine has easily become my favourite Canadian magazine for decor, recipes and lifestyle. As I get older, it seems that Chatelaine's re-branding aligns perfectly with my calmer direction in life. Their online page boasts tons of recipes, health tips and interesting recommendations from doctors and nutritionists.

Everyday Beauty - Julia

2013-05-15T14:24:00.000-04:00

While it is no secret that I love New York, a large reason for my reoccurring trips is to visit Brooklyn dweller, fellow Italian suburban expat and best lady pal Julia.

Julia's beauty lies in her compassion for others. This past year she lopped off her hair for cancer, and travelled to Rwanda to conduct eye exams. She's incredibly smart, (occupation: optometrist) but also street smart (read: a Jedi master of the New York City transit system). If you meet her in person she'll either squeeze you with a hug, or excitedly shake your hand - all while welcoming you into her space.

On a physical level, her smile makes you feel like you should try smiling more in case you look that good by association; while her short do accentuates her delicate features and cheekbones, without a lick of makeup. She's like a pint of champagne - all effervescent and bubbly, without the ornamental stemware.

Besides, she prefers to ask what's on tap anyways.

Below is the shoot, taken in Bryant Park. Enjoy! x

Everyday Beauty - Naho

2013-05-08T09:35:00.003-04:00

You know those people, who sit around and gossip and complain the whole time you hang out with them and when you leave, you feel depleted and irritated?

Hanging out with Naho, or Na (as I affectionately call her) is the complete opposite of that.

Being around her is like doing a yoga class, while day-drinking in the sunshine, while laughing at a hilarious movie, while drinking your favourite cup of coffee, well..you get the idea. You feel happy and energized because she has good energy. The kind of energy that spills out and makes you want to be a more positive, outgoing and happier person. (I rarely have met enough people like this). When I moved the New York, she made the effort to take me around during the day on her days off because she knew I didn't know many people.

While she may be small, she is the mightiest. She's originally from California, has been on exchange to Australia, has parents who live in Hawaii and now lives in Brooklyn. She furiously bikes across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, where she weaves through gridlock traffic and pedestrians with ease and control. Do you EVEN know how hard that is? She has a kind, welcoming face with graceful features, and hair that is always spun and pinned, and arranged in a way that can't quite be duplicated; not that she would want anyone to.

You see, she embraces being different in a way that only makes people want to be just like her. In any case, we're all better for just knowing her.

Below are some photos (I forced her to take) when we went for coffee before one of my flights back home. Enjoy! x

Not A Model Mantra - Life Moves On

2013-05-07T09:04:00.003-04:00

What does it mean to run away from your life?

To some, running away can entail: moving around too often, flash-pan dating, travelling too extensively and never finding roots. Restlessness can be perceived as a way to detach from day-to-day life.

However, I've been learning that whether you sit inside every day or meet a new city every night, time will still pass. Days can feel like a fresh flight or a long stall, but they will always continue to sweep forward. And if time passes the same way, shouldn't we embrace the so-called running? The open mind? The passionate pull?

This week's mantra is as follows.

"Life moves on, whether we act as cowards or heroes. Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such." Henry Miller

photo credit: Prospect Park, Brooklyn. April 2013

Spring in New York - Not A Model Travel Diary

2013-05-01T08:59:00.000-04:00

This trip to New York was the most confusing because of the season. The warmth of spring felt almost like summer, minus the humidity and bareness of the bod. It felt the most like old times compared to my fall and winter visits.

Upon my arrival we floated up to the roof to drink beermosas (exactly what it sounds like) and we all chattered about the gaps of information and anecdotes that you don't get via distance communication.

I discovered that in Greenpoint you will find a secret Thai restaurant in the basement of a bar. And only there will you inform your friend while she heads to the bathroom that you absolutely need to order dumplings, right now, at 1:30 a.m., before you head to the next place.

During the day, we ate pizza like we were in Naples, but more like the West Village. I also took Jules to my favourite secret (or not so secret) surf shop turned cafe patio that I used to frequent on my weekdays off in the summer. Ridiculously attractive surfer males, included. Always.

The weather brought Motown singers expanding their lungs on the sidewalk streets, and pink litter from cherry blossoms that reminded me of confetti from a church wedding.

Just like any other city that experiences the brunt of the four seasons, spring forces everyone back outside to rejuvenate and in my case, reunite.

Below is my first photo diary of spring 2013 in NYC. Enjoy! x

Weekly Mantra - Tina Fey

2013-04-30T09:11:00.000-04:00

credit: http://stereogum.com

When it comes to self-deprecation, no one does it better than Tina Fey.

She can make fun of herself with an ease and cleverness that makes people laugh, instead of pity her.

Her memoir, Bossypants, features a chapter on beauty, where she discusses all of the items she does not like about her physical appearance.

The list is long and comical, but at the end she explains that she would keep all of her negative features (including a random roll of back fat).

"I would not trade any of these features for anybody else's. I wouldn't trade the small thin lipped mouth that makes me resemble my nephew. I wouldn't even trade the acne scar on my right cheek, because that recurring zit spent more time with me in college than any boy did."

It is clear that many people can list out how many features they hate about themselves, but have you ever heard someone say they wouldn't trade their x, y or z for something better?

When it comes to personal image, there is self-deprecation and there is self-acceptance and the balance between the two makes all the difference.