CITY CINDERELLA

Love day. Pppfffffttt

2012-02-15T21:41:00.000-08:00

Morning all! Or whatever time of day it is for you.

I have been bustin' it out like a nine-five'r these days while still trying to keep up on other projects and friendies, and my current state of health seems to be taking a toll. I can barely pull it together to make myself dinner, let alone hit the gym these days. I'm trying to take a very zen 'work from where you're at' mindset about it all, but that gets old after the bed sores start to chafe. TMI?

Currently I am on contract with Vancouver Theatre sports League touring improv shows to schools in and around Vancouver. What a fun day I have when I don't have to go longer than an hour with out laughing till I cry at the superb talent I'm touring with. I love having funny buds. Like, a lot.

The huz and I have had a few nights off to ourselves for a change. One was spent at Chambar (my fave date place), and the other was dinner in with Chef Jose! Mexicans tend to sneer at the idea of Valentines day ("one day to show your love??!!"), but Jose likes to see me clap with excitement (literally) when he is able to pull off a surprise. I got a couple goodies including a tripod and camera lense for my iPhone (what?), and a swim cap (we recently started swimming a few nights a week). I like to spend Valentines day watching funny shows. I have ever since I was a single gal in the city. Though I do remember one special Feb 14th where I was in a bathroom stall at the YMCA weeping. Yup. It's Ok to have a pity party once in a while, as long as you pick yourself up right after. Am I right ladies and gents?

Here are some other pics from the week. What did y'all get up to?

xoxo

Night stroll up to the top of Queen E park.

North Van shoot for a PSA for the Brain Tumor Foundation

Dinner out at Chambar with one of my fave girl/designers DIEPO dress.

'Better' pics:

Great new OPI nail color -Did you 'ear about Van Gogh.

Dinner in: Oysters, champagne and fondue!

Neon and Wishful Thinking?

2012-01-29T16:34:00.000-08:00

Last week I went 'bargain' shopping (which is really code for buying cheap things because you're not supposed to be buying things), and I found this gem at Anthropologie. Isn't it wonderful! I took it to the cashier and she said "this shirt is the best deal I've seen in a long time." I guess this neon number had been marked down to $20 from $300! Boom! Gimmie gimmie! Neon is supposed to be the big new trend this spring and summer. Alas, I tried wearing it out on date night, and the popsicle hue of it all felt a bit much with the chilly dreariness of the current state of Vancouver. I'll just keep it fresh and new in my closet until the sun shines for more than an hour at a time.

This week was busy with lady dates, meetings and new classes. I've started singing lessons. This year, my need to compete is stronger than ever, and since I am unavailable to run the BMO marathon again this year, why not just get better at life? To me that means: more meaningful chats and dates with friends and less parties. More family, less facebook. More plays, less youtube. More sweat, less gym. Most importantly- more listening, less talking. It's been going pretty swell so far (It is only January. I'll hop off my high horse now).

A couple gems from my week:

One of my favorite Mount Pleasant stores- The Soap Dispensary. Literally every kind of soap ever. All biodegradable and natural. You just bring in your bottles when they're empty and they keep track of how many bottles you keep from the landfill by continuing to re-use.

'Hand-soap'.Get it....? Get it....?

Tubeless lip balm.

Saturday night dinns. It's been a long time since the huz has cooked dinner for me and this baby was no let-down: Golden beet and orange salad, steamed veg, and lemon zucchini snapper. My brothers had a field day with that one. Snapper. Ya, I guess it's pretty funny. Snapper....

I hope you all have a great end to the weekend. I'm avoiding vacuuming like skinny jeans and am listening to Vivaldi while my cat sleeps with his paws tucked into the heater. Pussy.

xoxo

Weekend Update

2012-01-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! Right guys...?

Hey, at least it's not raining. Or snowing for that matter.

The husband has ordered that I stay inside today (at least until a meeting I have this aft). It seems that my body will not recoup from a nasty winter cold I had last month. He thinks because I never 'rest'. Are you kidding me? All I feel like I do is sit on my butt all day. He pointed out that in reality, I can't sit still long enough to get through a 30 min sitcom. What can I say? I'm a multitasker. I am happiest when I'm busy and most miserable when I'm sedentary. But I will agree that going for short 5k runs with a head cold in the middle of December is maybe a bit of a childish choice. So inside I stay. For at least the next hour...

This weekend was fun filled! On saturday I met The Mex after work for a quick whiskey (he even brought me flowers! Like a real date!) before we headed to the Pull Festival. This is a little 10 minute play fest (a take on 'Push fest') that my buddy threw together and it ended up being a huge hit. They were so over sold for the little 2 day extravaganza that he had to sneak me in and we stood in the back of the room. It was worth it. I shouldn't have worn heels though...

(source)

On sunday I woke up at the crack of ass to catch my very first ZUMBA class. You heard me. I joined the likes of past suburbanites and new moms to shake a tail feather in the name of humiliation and exercise. And ya know what? It was FUN. And hard! I'm definitely going to check it out again. You should too! Plug: Sundays 10am, Scotiabank Dance Center taught by this lady: www.kirbysnelldance.com

Post Zumba meal: Gluten free pancakers, cottage cheese and bananas.

To help you enjoy your Monday a little more, check out this lady friend on Youtube. She fuuunny... 60 Seconds with Sicoli. This particular video of hers is my fave...

XOXO!

Pinterest and Theatre

2012-01-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

I. Am. Obsessed.

I have literally been sitting here on the internet for 2 hours- just looking at blogs. New toys! I love to be inspired, and it's cheaper than magazines. Check out my boards! http://pinterest.com/bbmasters/

So last night I went to a fabulous opening at the Vancouver Playhouse. 'Red' was a big Tony award winning play in 2010, so I feel so lucky that I get to see it on my own stomping ground. The actors, especially the one Playing Mark Rothko, were truly unbelievable. Sometimes when I see a good (or bad actor) doing his or her thing, I think to myself "could I do that?" And then I play out the scene in my head with myself in the role. Last night I was put to shame even in my own imagination by the stunning work these performers put into their characters. Holy. Shit.

Today I will get off the blogs and try not to feel guilty for working from home (this I am getting better at). Instead I will treasure the fact that I m inside, and everyone out there is soooo effing cold.

xoxo

My new fave afternoon treat: Matcha tea hot chocolate

Makeup Inspo

2012-01-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

Since I am no longer working daily in a portable steel steamer and have finished my contract of being paid to put makeup on myself, I have been having a little more fun. I see a trip to MAC in my near future.

Here are some inspirations I spotted recently. I'm really into vintage and orange. Clearly.

Have a great day peeps!

xoxo

Faves and Inspirations

2012-01-18T19:54:00.000-08:00

Great day today. Auditions, meetings, swimming, breakfast AND dinner with my hubby, and Breaking Bad. Have you seen that show yet. It's pretty amazing. I don't know why it took us so long to get on the band wagon. Now each chilly evening is full of Netflix and cozy couches.

Did everyone catch the golden globes on the weekend? I missed the first half (the best part: the red carpet) but was still able to spot a few faves. I also found a couple fashion inspirations today.

It is one of my new years resolutions to try a little harder when I step out of the house. My roots sweats have been getting a lot of action lately.

Hope you all had a great day. Thanks for all the messages of my return! I missed you too...

xoxo

Reese: Perfect. Beach meets siren.

I'm so happy she's back to red.

Girl looks FAB. Gotta love a girl who works her curves.

Jean from The Artist. Swoon! Best movie of the season.

This woman never looks bad. She looks like she's my age.

This outfit is a little 'out there' but I think she looks fantastic.

Love these color combos. Thinking toward spring

Legs. Legs. Legs! and SHOES!

I wish I looked like this when I went to dinner meetings.

Back At 'Er...

2012-01-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

My life over the last few months. In pictures:

Visiting the odd October heat-wave in Saskatchewan

Jose and I and Re-Up were on TV!

I partied like I was twenty again...

I pretended I had a lot of script to learn. Just for old times sake...;-)

The set of Blood Brothers.

My dressing room. And yes, that is tequila.

Rehearsal hall

Christmas!! The Mexi-crew flew in and our folks met for the first time. Very special...

Christmas Cheese!

New Years eve party and our closing night (that's why Im drinking in the dressing room).

So I'm back on the blogging bandwagon. Because it's nice to write for you folks. Because It's nice to say what ever I want out loud(ish). And because I think this is going to be a pretty epic year and I want to share it all with you bastards.

xoxo

New School Year

2011-09-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Doesn't the first day of September make you want to dash out and by neon binders and sparkly pens? I don't know what it is about the beginning of autumn but I always feel like it's time to start anew. Even more so than New Years. Aaaand along with a new school year comes a new wardrobe, am I right?? I already have a list of things I'm going to purchase with my first cheque of my upcoming contract. A preview:

Yes I'm kind of avoiding the fact that I haven't written in a while, but aren't you sick of hearing me make up excuses? No, Ok. Well first I was captured by ninjas, and then... Ok ok, I was just working. A lot. Also planning, plotting and enjoying the rest of this luscious summer. But did I make you spit out the coffee n' whiskey you're drinking? Is that just me? What...?

I'm anxiously looking forward to an upcoming trip to the TDot. A bestie is getting hitched and they've rented out a kids summer camp for their festivities. I can hardly wait to 'indian summer' our next weekend. We are in much need of R&R. And I can't WAIT to see my girls!

Some friends and I have started a little production company with a mandate to create teeny short sketch films that star women and have nothing to do with boobs, periods and boyfriends. Mostly we just have a lot of ideas that make each other laugh and we wanted to put them into fruition. You can read more about it all HERE.

Other adventures this summer have included: My husband getting his Permanent resident card (yay!):

Epic hikes with the ladies and the huz:

Cat-sitting Gus' brother (which provided endless guffaw's whilst watching them beat the shit out of each other):

And scouting out big new business opportunities for our swiftly growing company:

Did I tell you that we're gonna be on the Food Network? Yuppers! I'll give you a heads up so you can all tune in and see the Mex and I feed each other bacon bread pudding (literally):

I'm feeling a little more settled these days. I'm putting my restlessness to work and getting things started. Where those 'things' shall lead is yet to be determined, but I think the main thing is that you just DO. Sitting around thinking about doing things leads to envy, laziness and inevitably- misery. I decided a few weeks ago to get off my jelly, and I haven't stopped since. I love it. Go get it people. Whatever 'It' is ;-)

XOXO

Soul Searching

2011-07-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

What to do, what to do...
Yes, my friends. It's that time of year where I once again ponder the hours away contemplating existence and my next great, bold life move.

I've been perusing the CL ads for days now. Less of a job search and more of a motivation search. I guess you could say that I'm the type of person that gets anxious and stir-crazy very easily. I don't read much, for example. Some find it relaxing to sit down with a 700 page novel, I find it an annoying distraction from the 12 lists I'm trying to make in my head. Sometimes I sit on the couch for what feels like hours just... thinking. Contemplating. Until I feel like my brain is going to explode and I need to get up to clear my thoughts. Or get a snack.

Am I alone here? Anybody else get like this?

I guess some would call it neuroses but I call it downtime. I suppose I think have too much of it. But it's not like I'm not busy: Keeping up on my company's business dealings while creating all my own work and preparing for auditions and being up to date with the film industry is EXHAUSTING and frickin' expensive. If I see one more craigslist ad looking for a "charismatic, talented, busty female willing to work for free" I'll throw my laptop out the window.

I'm thinking about going back to school. When I was in Toronto, I began the slow process of learning film production by taking workshops and being a production assistant for MTV. This proved to be slightly boring and tedious to me, so when my 'stir-crazyness' kicked in I bolted back to what I know-acting. But for some reason the idea of learning behind the scenes aspect of my craft still sounds pretty interesting to me.

I also like the idea of writing. I've always taken to it relatively easily and painlessly (case in point). My parents are both writers and used to put me in summer course after summer course as a child. I think my first book was a horror book called 'Down the Hall at Midnight'. I can't believe I remembered that. I've always journaled and have writin a few stage productions, one of which was a hit! But the thing is, I'm an awful speller. And also I am not the bestest at doing grammar ;-)

Photography was my first venture into a 'side career'. When I was nineteen I used to take headshots for my friends and they would pay me- sometimes in cash- but mostly in favors. Then the digital age came (I used to use my dads OLD Canon 170 which was held together with duct tape. For realz). The digital cameras, at first, took shitty pictures but the lure of instant gratification took me over and the art of photography was lost on me. But I could get it back...

Here's the real thing: I'm not good at 'school'. I get the same terrible itch that I get when I sit on the couch for too long. I remember that feeling when I was in theatre school. I just wanted to get out there! After a while the itchy feeling becomes so strong that I can't hear anything anymore in class. I miss it all.

So I guess the only real option for me is to get off my tush and put these 3 old loves together and try to find something that satisfies me. I'll keep you posted on my new projects. I only have 3 months until my Arts Club contract begins so I best get on it. In the meantime, if any of you need a 'charismatic, not-so-busty, talented female' to help you with anything, you know where to find me.

XOXO

On with the Show!

2011-07-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

This crest is evidently my family crest. Cool eh? I think I'm gonna get it tattooed to my butt.

Hello people of the world.

I am here to let you know that my birthday has come and gone, and I am still here to tell the tale.

I would do a full post about it like last year but instead I'll just do a few highlights and we'll get on with our lives shall we...

My leather bolero that I found second hand...

Amazeballs 7 course meal at La Quercia where we found out that they use our company's bacon. Yay!...

My friends all pulled together and wrote a pile of 'I'm so glad you were born..." messages and then one of my bff's postered them all together so I'll have them forever!!

The ultimate in surprise parties. So many friends that made me feel so loved. I am a very hard person to surprise, and while I knew Something was up, I didn't know it was going to be such a beautiful ode to Paris. I had an ultimate dream of spending my 30th bday in France. I have never been and much like my love of NYC, I feel like my soul has a desire to be strolling the streets of this city.

Unfortunately circumstances kept us from being there geographically, but I was definitely there in spirit....

Now life can continue (and as I've heard, start getting good-er). I treated my post party self to a mani and picked up a new fave polish- Essie's Fifth Avenue. It's an orangey red which works much better with my olive tone than the pinky reds. Much like my fave red lipstick 'Lady Danger'.

Went to see Horrible bosses last night. It's funny. Some of it is laugh-out-loud funny, but mostly it's just funny. Man though, would I like to be a fly on the wall while those boys shot some of those scenes. Looked like they had a freakin' hoot. Reminds me of working with some of my faves in Edmonton. Our rehearsals would literally be scheduled "from 10am till bored".

Today was beach day. Finally a hot summer day in Vancouver. It reached 25 degrees I believe, so the beach was packed! I was there early, in order "to get a log" as I over heard many youngsters saying over and over. I just wanted to be home before the sun go TOO hot. I'm old now 'member?

This week is full of work, meetings and lot's of fun, I assume. The huz and I are currently on a very serious 'debt diet' and are trying our hardest to not spend moola. It's weirdly super satisfying when you find new ways to do/get things for free. For instance, I realized I had enough Scene Points to get us bothinto the movies for free. Also, I have almost enough Shoppers Points to get $75 worth of free skin care or makeup (at least that's what I will spend it on). AAND I had enough stamps at Pure Nails to get a free pedi. Yay! See? It's not so bad...

Enjoy the sunny week Vancouver!

xoxo

My Twenties: A Recap.

2011-07-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

I think I know why reaching the age of 30 and saying goodbye to my twenties is so tough. It's really the only milestone in our lives where we are young enough to not have reached many of our goals, but old enough to perhaps look back on the last 10 years and realize- we should've enjoyed it more. I spent a lot of my early twenties being confused, insecure and envious. I spent much of my 'mid' twenties feeling lost, sad and bitter. Now, near the end of my late twenties, I find myself simply trying just to stay awake past midnight thinking "I used to be fun!". When we turn 20 it's not really a big deal. Here in Canada '19' is the big milestone (we can drink!). Expectations can plague what was probably a very incredible decade and make us feel shame and regret on what we think should've been. Well screw that. Onward and upward I say! To celebrate myself and my past ten wonderful years, I wanted to take some time to compile a select few highlights of my time being young, confused and unknowingly AWESOME. Enjoy...

During Theatre school I was introduced to this fine fellow. The Luminous Stewart Lemoine. He is pretty much Canada's greatest playwright and, I believe, my angel. He has unknowingly taught me much about life, love and everything in between- simply by allowing me to read it off a page.

Stewart then introduced me to this guy. Uncle Jeffie (Jeff Haslam). He is still, to date, the greatest actor I have ever had the privilege of watching. He has been a great mentor throughout the years for me and always takes the time to teach me something new about the craft. He also is a pretty frickin' good time.

Because I met those two, I got to go here! New York City. Ever since I was 13 I have been obsessed with this city. I had a map of the city pasted to my bedroom wall and then I used that exact map to help me get around. I was a crying mess the first time I went with them. The second time, We went with a show and stayed in Tribecca for almost a month. Dream come true.

While in Edmonton I was lucky enough to get to play a few of the greatest roles of my career to date. A few of them were actually written for me by Mr. Lemoine but others include Rizzo in Grease at the Citadel theatre...

Belle in Beauty and the Beast at Globe Theatre (Regina)...

Tunnles of Little Chicago Which I wrote, starred and produced with My good friends Leona Brausen, Trevor Anderson and The amazing James T Kirks...

An evil Step-sister in Cinderella where I met one of my besties- the very Talented Amy Matysio...

I was cast in Jeff Haslam's hilarious show 'Poki Talks' and was invited to create the character of Anna Ekyodgebok with a few of my favorite people playing my 'cousins'. Anna and her cuz's have now performed a number of medleys and originals including the (ahem) 'hit' Holech B'tel...

After a couple confusing years and a few amazing close auditions for 'Hairspray', I made the executive decision to move to the big Smoke. My time in Toronto was hard at first as I had just entered into a tricky long distance relationship, and I was flat broke.

I worked at a number of great and miserable jobs until I finally found my home At Jamie Kennedy Kitchens. This restaurant was amazing for many reasons mostly because I met some of my favorite people in the world there...

Being frustrated as an artist, I tried my hand at a number of different career paths including (but not limited to): Film Production, Public Relations, Event Management, Wine industry, Personal shopper, Makeup artistry...

After a couple of years nothing seemed to really fulfill me as close to 100% as much as acting did, So I went back. And I started with the Sundance film fest with Ms. Matysio...

I also recieved an absurdly large paycheck posing for a bank ad, so I did what and normal 27 year old would do. I took myself back to NYC for 2 whole weeks on my own. I wanted to re-inspire myself...

I got to make another of my dreams come true by introducing my farm folks to the New York City. I invited them up to come stay with me. Check that one off the bucket list...

Being in Toronto I was so close to Quebec, I took the opportunity to visit a little piece of Europe a couple of times. Montreal...

And then, after getting a great career opportunity, Jose and I made the decision to switch coasts and check out what Vancouver had to offer. We quickly discovered that among many things it had going for itself, It was bloody beautiful...

We got to live through Canada winning gold in the Olympics right in our own home...

As the years went by, we started seeing more and more of our favorite people get hitched...

So we decided to get on the bandwagon... ;-)

After all, being married to a chef has it's perks...

I trained and raced in my first (and hopefully not my last) Half-marathon...

And we became partner in quickly growing and surprisingly successful, award winning business...
Which hasn't always been fun, but it gives us a sense of movement in this tricky life. Being self employed artists isn't always the most fruitful or reliable. Having something else to work on gives me a sense of accomplishment that doesn't need to define me...

Things that will forever keep me young:

My love of ice cream...

My love of playing dress up...
My niece and nephew. They always want to play... something...
My love of silly holiday traditions...My inability to do a cart wheel... (but I keep trying)
AND My super super fun (younger) husband...

So with the memory of my twenties close at heart, I don't need to worry about them disappearing anytime soon. I will, from this day forth, embrace whatever comes my way and keep myself open to everything and anything. My 30's I dedicate to myself. No drama. Just joy. I don't know if I'm on the 'right' track, but I'm on a path. It might be a slow walking path. It might be a motorized sidewalk. At this point I don't know. But It's bound to lead somewhere good...

xoxo

Here it comes...!

2011-07-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

The big Three-Oh.

It's less then a week away. I just want to say that I recognize the silliness of it all. Being anxious about a certain birthday that has basically been vilified for no reason what so ever by the public is buh-tarded, but... I am. At least a little. I think over the last month the thing that has been the hardest to swallow is to say good bye to my twenties. They were wonderful! Mind you, I'm mostly just remembering the good times. It was a decade of firsts. First Love, first big city move, first time traveling, first wedding ;-) The feeling that there will be no more firsts now stays prevalent in my mind for some ridiculous reason. That's probably my biggest grief over the milestone. That, and that my chosen career path does not exactly embrace the midlife ladies. While I have been told since I was 18 that I will work so much more when I'm older, I find myself constantly comparing my life to others. Does anyone else do this. Talk about sabotage!

But most of my brain is looking forward to finally coming into an age where I feel like I don't ever have to apologize for anything anymore. I'm gonna be myself, and if you don't like it- Fuck you. ;-)

(Sorry mom)

Last night the Mexican and I went on a little date after another awesome sell out at the cart (thank you sunshine). We went to one of our favorite sandwich joints, Meat & Bread, said hi to some industry friendies, then headed down the street to see Midnight in Paris. I had heard a lot about how tremendous this movie was (Woody Allen is mostly a no brainer but he's had a few lemons), but I didn't expect for the movie to make me FEEL the way it did. Awakened, present and lucky for being an artist. Never mind my mild obsession with the city of Paris, the movie was sweet and satisfying in every way. Like Creme Brulee. Go!

We followed it up with a nice long peruse around Chapters. I used to have these kinds of dates with my folks when I was in College. It always made me feel like such a grown up. I got myself a little notebook for 5$ to start off the week.

I bought a new lipstick yesterday as well (actually I had returns from MAC so I got a freebie). Pink Fusion. I received compliments on it everywhere I went. Great 'summer night' shade. Or for me, great since I rarely wear that much makeup during the day anymore. Pop! Lovin it.

(The one on the right Obvs)

Today is the official start of B'day week and I unfortunately missed the good-sleep train because somebody wanted some EM-EFFing attention this morning.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xoxo

Sleep Deprived

2011-06-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

As the coffee-maker gurgles and my eyes get increasingly more sore from being forced open, I thought I should write a blog entry. Great idea hey? What kinda magic can come outta this noggin after 2 months of MIA and 5 hours of sleep...

Brief trip to Saskatchewan to help the folks move. That's my mom's truck.

She's badass.

Well, life has been truckin' along (I bet I use that phrase a lot. I don't know for sure, but I can just sense it). BBQ business is swiftly growing and along with the awesomeness comes all kinds of new problems. Don't get me wrong- being a part of a business that became so 'successful' (such an ambiguous word) so fast is fantastic, it's just a bit stressful is all. But It's comforting to be a part of something that is recognized by a large community. Or maybe that's the starving artist in me just wanting so desperately to be "liked".

José and I at the Vancouver Magazine Awards. We took home the Silver award. Not bad for a 7 month old company.

Ok. What's new, what's new....

I ran my race! What an effing thrill. I'm not gonna go ahead and sign up for another next week (training is definitely the bitch of marathons. The actual race was a breeze in comparison), but I will certainly do another this year or next. The huz was so excited to watch me finish that he actually asked me to start training him to be a runner. We are running his first 5k at the end of June.

I've gone back to blonde. Not crazy white-blonde but 'summer blonde'. I'm still getting used to it and will post pictures when I'm sure about it.

I'm not a big reader (one of my very few short-comings) but this book was hysterical.

I got my first Arts Club Theatre contract here in the city. I'll be performing there over the fall/winter in a musical called Blood Brothers. I was more excited about getting this job than I have been in a very long time. It really brought back all of those feelings of love for theatre that I'd been missing over the last few years. I stiiiiill got it! I guess... ;-)

New headshots. Rawr. Ish.

On Monday I am shooting a little short for The Jessie Awards. I'm playing Beth in a "Dog the Bounty Hunter" parody. I have been closely studying her eye rolling and gum chewing. And I think I have the torpedo boobage juuuust right.

Dressed for dinner at L'Abattoire. Room at the Fairmont. Doesn't this scream anniversary? Or does it just scream drunk cougar?... I was going for a bit of both.

The Mexican and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. WHAT? 1 year already that's ba-nanas. Time has flown and we are feeling the pinch of wanting to get caught up in 'life'. What does that even mean? I've had a lot of conversations over the last few weeks with people who feel like they have 'fallen behind' or 'aren't where they thought they'd be'. I can certainly sympathize. Sometimes I try to push so hard for what I think I want, and then the craziest things happen. It'll force me to think "maybe I'm supposed to just let things happen, and have some faith." And then I get back to pushing again. It can feel like a bit of a hamster wheel. Who knows what it is, but I do notice that I have been making a conscious effort to find joy in every day: a hockey game, a delicious meal, a funny conversation with a stranger, a morning where I look in the mirror and genuinely think "God I'm good looking". Whatever it is, it's up to me to find it. Otherwise days just float by.

Next month is my 30th birthday. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKK!!!!!

I'm a little nervous about it.

The last year has been a real lead up to it. I would constantly catch myself telling people that I was 30 when I actually wasn't yet, just to ease into it a bit. I'm hoping to hit the ground running, not moping. I've been told my entire life that I'm an old soul and that I will flourish into my own when I am older. I do believe that, but it doesn't make the wrinkles any easier. ;-)

Hold on, coffee's ready.

Ok I'm back. I actually just had a 30 second conversation with myself in my galley kitchen on whether or not I should have a 'pre-breakfast' before my pancakes. The husband is still sleeping and rarely gets in more than 6 hours a night so I thought I'd just leave him be. But he has ear plugs in and could possibly sleep till November, and I need to eat pretty much as soon as I stand in the mornings. Is anybody else like this or am I just a tad obsessive about my food?

I think that's enough blah-dy blah for today. Hopefully I can hunker down and get back to writing a little more often. I miss you guys. All you people who I don't know. You're awesome.

Have a killer Sunday.

xoxo

City Cinderella

My life over the last month, in pictures!

2011-04-01T20:34:00.001-07:00

I have been MIA lately. Big time. I'm a shit, I know. The only way I could possibly catch you up with my pretty hectic and sometimes lame life is through a pile of mediocre iphone pics. Ready? GO!

Of course, Many, many pancakes were eaten...

Which then meant a lot of this... I'm training for my Half Marathon on May 1st. Getting the runs in has proven to be the most challenging part.

Entertainment:

Whiskey at the Biltmore Cabaret to see the James T Kirks!

Friendies at Ghostjail theatre!

I went on a Theatresports tour to Vancouver Island. We stayed at the Travelodge and they had this AMAZING old school kinda 'curling-rink-bar-feel' restaurant I would go up to do some work and fart around on my lap top. But at night, they had KARAOKE W/POLE DANCE LESSONS!!!! Ya, you heard me. My favorite place in Canada unofficially...

Farmers Market were visited. (lemon curd and rhubarb tarts)

Hot Chocolate dates at JJBean were enjoyed on the cold nights.

This guy is the cutest guy in the house...

Next to this guy I guess ;-)

His birthday was celebrated at Le Faux Bourgeois. He turned the ripe ol' age of 26. I'm a coug. And I like it.

I have been doing lots and LOTS of this. (photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver)

Which has been followed by lots and lots of these.

I taped and edited auditions with my iPhone, (yes you can do that. And with the right lighting, it doesn't look so bad)...

And we fed film crews yummy BBQ from Re-Up. (at the Watchmen set for a new pilot)

Nights were spent with not much more then this...

And days were spent with not much more then this.

I shot a Tim Hortons commercial. I'm a method actor so I really got into character here. And also ate 12 doughnuts.

I succumbed to this. The Mexican and I split a mini. (It was delicious, but it is not real food. And that makes me feel a bit dirty.)

'Treats' are shortly followed by one of these barf-fests. Hill sprints for the marathon training. The. Worst.

Well I've missed you guys. I hope you've enjoyed my lil' album. No get out there and live your life crazy awesomely! See you in another month ;-)

xoxo

Knocked Up

2011-02-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

No!

I'M not knocked up. It's just what's on TV right now. I'm patiently waiting to watch the first SNL I've seen in weeks and the movie just happened to be on. I wasn't a huge fan of this movie when it came out. It's pretty funny, but the casual banter/stoner jokes get old pretty fast. But I think Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd are pretty funny. I heard somewhere they're doing a spin off...

Happy Saturday! This morning we were shoved out of bed by an insistent friend who wanted a quick brunch date. I love starting my day with gossip and lots of coffee (explains my blog obsessions). Work has been fairly insane lately. Pretty crazy opportunities are popping up everywhere but along with that comes a lot of sleepless nights and good old hard-ass work. Barf. I've been sneaking in a manicure or 2 here and there to feel like a girl again.

Luckily, last night was the Mexican and mine Dativersary so we got gussied up and went out for a nice dinner. We chose a new Tapas resto where a friend of ours is the Executive chef. We spent 3 hours there and ate more food then I have eaten in the past month, and then, the chef covored our ENTIRE BILL. I felt like I had been given an extreme Makeover home addition. Nothing brings a tear to my eye like the unexpected generosity of friends.

I'm sick of my hair lately. 'The Fade' i've been rocking lately is starting to look very similar to the hair of the lady who asks for change by the 711 down the street. And the length is starting to get a little out of control. I keep getting it caught under my purse straps or in zippers and stuff. I'm thinking I'm gonna go back to a straight up natural blonde for the summer and see what I feel like gettin' up to after that.

I bought new jeans the other day. Don't tell the Mexican. I'm so thankful that the trend of skinny jeans is on it's way out. I swore up and down I wouldn't wear them, but alas, I am a sheep that way. This style is much more flattering for a juicy tush like mine.

I've started my training for the BMO half marathon in May. And finding time for the runs 4 days a week has proven to be tricky. I actually had to bring my sneaks to work one night and go for a quick jaunt while the huz finished up his prep. The pouring rain is a deal breaker for me though. I'm a baby.

I hope you all have a splendid exciting weekend. I'll be on my couch eating a chocolate raspberry brownie with banana soft serve and reading fashion magazines. Spring has gotta show up soon, right?
xoxo

Saturday. Finally.

2011-01-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

I'll probably have the same post title tomorrow.

This is our new roommate! Do you love him? He's an oldie but a goodie. We were gonna adopt a kitten, but thought we weren't around much these days to give a little one the attention he'd want. A friend of ours was sitting for this kitty who had no place to go, so Blam! We brought him home. We tossed over a few names for a day or two and are pretty sure we've settled on 'Gus'. He seems to like it, although his "meow" sometimes make me think he's more of a 'Lance' if ya know what I mean...

The Mexican and I have been holding down the fort at the company while are biz partners have been off on leave. And I. Am. Exhausted. Lugging those carts in the rain and working 10 hour days certainly doesn't leave much for recreation, but today and tomorrow have now become well deserved.

Today I have an audition downtown. Late morning, my favorite (late enough to sleep in and early enough to get it over with). It will be followed up with some assemblance of a workout, groceries, house chores, and other planning that I need to catch up on.

I feel like a normal working person (9-5er) having my weekends 'off'. Saturday being full of To-Do's and Sunday being full of Pancakes (you better believe it).

Being covered in BBQ all week also gives me days to look forward to make up and clothes!

Here are a few faves that I'm looking forward to wearing.

Have a great weekend!!

This Weekend, You Must...

2011-01-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

1. Go see this freakin movie! So moving I almost couldn't pull myself together at the end. The performances are stunning...

2. take a moment to realize the beauty of your world. It's hard sometimes when life gets you down, but it can put everything in perspective for you...

3. Utilize your last opportunities to wear your fave winter hues. Whether it's to see a new play production (I wore my Del Rio to the Playhouse's production of 'This'), or out for a a coffee with a friend. A great makeup look can make your Lu Lu Lemons look chic. Spring's a-comin' and new fun bright colors are comin' with it...

4. Snuggle a loved one, and tell them you love them.

5. Eat your pancakes. The Mexican and I usually make pancakes on Sunday mornings, but recently my acupuncturist has given me the not-so-subtle hint of 'lay off the sugar and yeast' (too much holiday). So today I'm on the search for Spelt flour and Stevia. Hey. She didn't say anything about healthy substitutions. Baby needs her pancakes...

(Source)

6. Watch the Golden Globes! Every year I rush to the movie theatre at least twice a week so that I can have an objective opinion of the nominees once award season roles around. I have seen all of the Nominated movies (except for Burlesque. Can't give.), and most of the movies the nominated players have been in. This year i'm having some ladies over for tacos and Red Carpet discussions...

7. Do something for your body. I recently got back on the yoga train. Last year I did a good 6 months straight. I have 2 studios a block away from me so it made it easy, but usually when spring comes around I start getting massive energy bursts that Downward Dog can not quell. But for the last of these dreary months, a little Om is just what the doctor ordered...

8. Do something towards your passion. Whatever that may be. For me it means turning off my love of Blogs and Housewife TV, and turning on a book or script. Maybe even watching an old movie that I've always meant to watch. Do some writing, do some research. Anything to feel like you are doing something to feed your soul...

9. Last but not least, Enjoy!!!! Make sure to take time for yo self! After all, it's your life. You're writing the story.

xoxo

MAKEUP!

2011-01-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

Some spring looks to look forward to.

A New Year

2010-12-31T09:32:00.000-08:00

Merry Belated Christmas!! How was your holiday? My huz and I were swept away to the exotic land of Regina Saskatchewan for our first Christmas with my fam as a married couple. Our days were filled with cooking and baking and our nights were spent in my dads 'Man Cave' (the garage) with cuban cigars and egg nog. I did get some time away with my Ma to go to the spa for Christmas Manicures. Cant neglect them cuticles! Being at home with the entire fam again was amazing! Unfortuntely my exuberance was hindered by my holiday vomiting. Yes, once again Christmas Norwalk's reared it's ugly head.

Stomach flu. Oh, ya. That was fun. I did get the morning of Christmas day to shovel some cinnamon buns into my face, and then it was all down hill from there. Being bed ridden and bathroom held was not my favorite way to spend the holiday but at least I had the time off to rest. I'm only now starting to be able to stomach my food properly. I'll have to catch up on all of my holiday eating this New Years eve.

New Years!!

After a pretty exhausting Holiday and coming home to our Biz partners being totally out of commision, we have decided to stay in this year. We are going to blow up our air mattress in our living room, put on our pj's, watch a dozen movies, drink bubbly and eat Indian takeout. Jealous? I simply couldn't bring myself to brace the crowds this season. I do have a couple of fab new outfits and nowhere to wear them, but they wont go bad in my closet- will they?

So what are your resolutions this year? My mom and I always share our resolutions with each other and then give them to each other to keep safe. I don't even remember what my last years resolutions were. I'm pretty sure when I think about it I've exceeded all of my expectations for the year ( ie getting hitched, becoming a business owner). I haven't decided exactly what I will goal myself towards this year but it will look something like this:

1-less digital time/more face time

2-Run a half marathon

3-find inner peace and hold to core beliefs

4-listen to my body

5-find more ways to conserve energy and water

6-stay in touch better with my nieces and nephew

7-put myself and my career at the top of the list

Most of these things I am pretty good with, but over the winter months complacency sets in a little.

I find it hard in the winter to be productive sometimes. I have to admit that the lack of daylight certainly feeds me a hefty dose of inertia. I also haven't had time to get much exercise in over the last couple of months which I know adds to the lethargy. But spring is literally just around the corner here in Vancouver and I can feel the warmth on my skin already. Well I can feel it in my mind anyway ;-)

What are your resolutions this year?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

So gooood loooking

2010-12-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

I hate to say it, but these two are untouchable. They have surpassed the crazy amount of bad press they've received for being scoundrels, and even with 6 tiny kids, they still look gorgeous.

I particularly love Angelina's white winterlandy dress. Nice to see her taking a risk and not wearing black.

Change it up!

2010-12-07T22:01:00.000-08:00

Somebody did opposity of what I was gonna do.

I'm surprised at how good the blonde actually looks, though I'm not sure I prefer it.

Are you into it?

Before

After

Over Styled

2010-12-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a coming!

Are you ready? I've spent the last couple weeks catching up on meetings and drinks with friends. I guess that'd be my version of an office Christmas party. Lots and Lots of work to be done before I head back to the prairies (!) for the holidays, and a holiday outfit to scout out.

In perusing many fashion blogs and sites, I've recently come across more than a few ladies who have chosen a peculiar branding with their own personal style. You know I love my Lady Gaga, but has she started a trend of who can have the most absurd red carpet garb? Or has fashion just turned that particular trend corner? What do you think? Are these stars just trying to draw attention to themselves, or are they merely expressing them selves whole heartedly?

The Originator

I want these!

2010-11-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

Last night The Mexican and I actually finished up work at the same time. This never happens and we were already downtown so we thought "Ok. We're out of the house, we have to do SOMETHING." We mozied on over to the nearby movie theatre but all they were showing was a million sold out screenings of Harry Potter. Nothing else was peaking our fancy so we kept on truckin. Working downtown is dangerous for me. So close to so many shops with sparkly pretty things in the windows. We walked passed a shoe store and decided with this cold weather it was time to break down and get the hubby some winter boots. As we walked into the store my nostrils were filled with the sweet sweet scent of leather and I was a goner. "I'll be on the girls side" I said. He's used to this behavior. And then I found my possible next purchase (after all the christmas present shopping I mean). But which ones should I get. Which ones would look cuter with many different outfits? I also famously have a time limit on how long I can wear high heels for at one time. What do you think?

Cozy!

Millitary!

Parisian!

Cow's Testicles

2010-11-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

My husband right now is watching a TV show called the River Cottage and that is what they are eating. It's a UK show about a chef who abandoned his city life to live solely off his own means. He tours around other farms and marinas interviewing people who do the same. It's like Food Inc. meets Rachel Ray. Interesting show, but at this ball ingesting moment, I'm utilizing any distractions.

New hair! After a four month hiatus I've finally made it back to visit my favorite stylist, Koto, at Bangs Salon. She has absolutely mastered the look of the 'natural blonde fade' for me. Dark blonde at the roots, light blonde ("sun kissed") at the ends. I love it.

While working at my new business venture, Re-Up BBQ, I've been feeling less then ladylike. I make jokes to the Mexican that I'm slowly turning into a man. Lugging carts, shredding pork shoulders, constantly smelling like hickory can sure make a girl feel like letting herself go. Thank goodness I have a absurdly superficial acting career to keep me in check ;-)

I make comparisons between the me 3 years ago and the me now all the time. My days of regular manicures and new saturday night outfits feel like forever ago. But I've decided that life is just a crap load of phases. My current phase is to work hard and a lot, so that in the future I can afford weekly spa trips and handbag purchases. But for now I'm thrilled over my new pair of Sorels that will keep me warm and dry in this upcoming chilly winter. Cause that's the farm girl in me, meeting the city girl half way.

xoxo

Hair Days.

2010-11-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

Ah Sunday.

My favorite day of the week. After a particularly hairy (parden the awesome pun) couple of weeks I am finally enjoying a day of R&R. The mexican is in the kitchen (where he belongs dammit. ha ha!) making me paella, and I'm waiting for laundry to finish whilst watching Love Actually. I have said it before and I'll say it again. I frickin love Christmas. I literally count down the days until I can put up the tree, I listen to carols on my iPod all year round, and I almost bought chocolate advent calenders today at the grocery store. I promised the hubby I would at least wait until Dec 1st to put up decorations, but I don't know if I'll be able to hold out that long. I just motherfreakin' love it!!

So I've been working hard on the family's new business venture. We've become partners in an extremely successful gourmet food cart (www.reupbbq.com). It's an amazing opportunity for him and a great way for me to not have to serve tables in between acting gigs. So to reward myself for the hardwork, I am gearing up for a holiday makeover!! Hooray!! I've told you about my intentions of perhaps changing my long golden locks to a fiery red (yipes!), but I thought maybe we could discuss some other great hair that may work for some of you, hmmm?

Juliette Lewis has never looked better, or younger with this heavy, dark side swept bang.

Ginnifer Goodwin's pixie makeunder is probably my fave to date. This girl is fierce for going against what I'm sure everyone in hollywood told her.

Ah 'The Fade'. Rachel Bilson's iconic hair color is probably the biggest trend right now. I've been trying to achieve it since last year and I think the only way I actually achieved it was by not coloring my hair since July! Ha ha.

Reese's slick long layered look makes the 'girl-next-door' look like the 'glamazon-next-door'

Carey Mulligan: This new comer sailed her way into hollywood with her unconventional beauty and one upped everyone when she chopped it all off. Love.

But the first to adorn the 'Mia Farrow' style was Michelle Williams. I love the bleached color and dark brows. She has turned her Dawson's Creek fame into an actual acting career!

One of my personal inspirations: Ms. Tina Fey has made an entire writing career out of making fun of her looks. Too bad she has nothing to make fun of with this sharp, sleek, long bob.

LC has always been in the fashion mags top pics. But her recent choice to bleach out the ends (kind of a take on 'the fade') is something I haven't seen yet. Subtle and almost artistic looking.

I watch the Ellen show every now and again and this girl knows how to work a short hair-do: Slicked to the side, tousled, spiked. Any way looks fantastic.

HIGHLIGHTS! Remember those? I love the face framers.

And Emma Stone and her chic, young and fun red hair. I also love that she's wearing crimson lipstick to bring out the red in her auburn locks.

How are you going to change your look for the holidays?

xoxo

Blog break and Feng Shui Update!

2010-10-27T09:12:00.001-07:00

That was a long coffee break!

Hey, remember when I had a blog? Sorry I've been so MIA lately. I've had huge plans all last week to do an update of my feng shui makeover, but alas, "life got in the way". Since about a month ago when I revamped my apartment to have better 'energy flow' a few things have happened:

-I've had a substantial shift in the amount of auditions and projects I've been involved in, in a good way. I didn't wake up and suddenly turn into Julia Roberts (dang) but I didn't really expect that. The idea behind energy changes is that it's all subtle and moderate.

-I was offered not 1, not 2, but 4 jobs! And being the dummy that I am, I'm attempting to tackle all but one of them (which I graciously passed up). I figure if I have the time and they are all fairly flexible why not. Which is kind of why there has been a lack of blogging. There has been time for sleeping and eating (and tweeting now and then), but not much more. I should note that none of these jobs are making me a millionaire (nor combined are they making me one), but again, slow and steady.

-What is most notable and shocking is that my husband was offered partnership in a company that is on the up and up in a big way. This has been the most exciting and most exhausting shift in our life, but it is something that has longevity and a future which is the thing that we were missing in our lives. Very exciting stuff.

There is more, but I'll report on it al later.

So go! fill in this dark nooks!

xoxo

Daydreaming...

2010-10-18T10:26:00.003-07:00

I would never, ever trade moms. Ever.

But if I HAD to, I would trade with these beauties...

Mamie and Grace Gummer.

The daughters of the unbelievably amazing Meryl Streep.

Why oh why?

2010-10-18T10:22:00.001-07:00

Ummm... which hairstyle do you prefer on?

Girl Crush Alert

2010-10-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Love her super 70's makeup.

I wanna steal it! The caramel brown lipstick is so yummy looking.

Opening Night!!

2010-10-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today is opening night for a new improv show I'm performing in and co-producing.

It's a long form improvised soap opera that takes place on a cruise ship. It's bound to be rediculous. I'm portraying the cruise director. I'll be striving to be at my most annoying.

Come one come all!

xoxo

Vote for me!

2010-10-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all!

I made this video for shits and giggles about a week ago.

It's a competition to get a cameo role in a new Maple Picture feature film about server/actors.

The competition is poor but my video is funny.

Go check it out and vote for me!

xoxo

http://servitudemovie.com/contest/video.php?id=37

Smoky Cat-Eye

2010-10-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

Many ways to do one fab look!

Beauty Board: Smoky Cat-Eye

New Job

2010-10-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

I am so stoked. Yesterday I was approached by a very talented friend of mine about a position in her company. She is a fashion designer out of Toronto and is one half of Diepo designs. I love this line so much because they are made for women! Sexy, sassy, vintage inspired glory. I'll be working as their Western rep so you know who to call after you fall in love with a few samples of their deliciousness.

xoxo

Paris Fashion Week

2010-10-10T10:53:00.001-07:00

Just some faves from my perusings:

Skirt belts!

Love gloves!

Orange everywhere.

Girly curls.

Brunch sparkle.

Crimson and army green

Good girl gone bad

Black stockinged flower child

Totally unzipped

If I Were a Ginger

2010-10-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Sooooooo... I've been thinking about coloring my hair. I know what you're thinking. I've been spending the last year trying to rock 'the fade' and now that it is happening (thanks in part to my not having been to the salon in 3 months) I feel like a change. I've been a blonde for about 5 or 6 years. "YOu're not a natural blonde?!" you say. No unfortunately I am not. My natural hair color has been under wraps since I was 12 and I have tried everything from black-brown to red with blonde streaks. I love my blonde hair and the attention it brought me (I died it after a particularly nasty break up. There is no better medicine I'm telling you), but it might be time for a change of mane. I feel this way once every year or two so maybe I'll grow out of it too. ;-)

What do you think?

Here are some of my inspirations:

What a Race!!

2010-10-03T13:36:00.001-07:00

Today I did the unthinkable. I crossed the race finish line in the front!

I ran the CIBC Run for the Cure along with thousands of others. I haven't run a race since grade school, where I was usually able to get out of them with a 'note from my mom'. I was a lazy kid. Not in every aspect, but definitely uninspired by fitness. I was aware that I was slowest and least athletic in my grade and I didn't try to get any better or fitter until I was graduated. Instead, I focused on things I was good at like Drama, Music and Leadership (yes, I was class president. I've always been a bossy bitch.)

Now as I reach toward my 3rd decade in life (yipes), I finally am finding fitness goals that are just that, instead of striving for an unrealistic body image because I am an actor. It's easier to be inspired that way. Watching gossip girl lately has made me crave cocktails and desserts anyway.

Speaking of being an actor, I've been enjoying some pretty wonderful Vancouver film fest festivities. It's been a while since I've been able to get gussied up and go and enjoy some martinis with some ladies. Hopefully I'll get to check out some films too ;-)

xoxo

Stress Ball

2010-09-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

For the past week or two, I have been struggling to keep my anxiety at bay. I always have a rough go every year as I make my way back to reality after a summer full of fun and sun. I've been keeping myself busy, that's for sure. But every once in a while, if I sit for too long, my mind starts to deviate. "Why are you just sitting here? You should be reading. Or studying something. Or reading about studying something. You should turn off the computer for a while. But don't go out and spend money. But get out of the house for a while. But it's ok to be cozy if you don't." ARRRRGGGGHHHH!! Yes these are the ramblings of a crazy person (did I mention that we are now going to be getting 2 cats- crazy person).

I feel like my perspective get's a little skewed when I get to quiet. I forget to be grateful and only remember to feel guilty. My husband said today that all energy is good energy. Bad energy is just misplaced, that's all. Isn't that a nice thought. It's like a little reminder to be positive- cause that's all there is.

So how does one perk up when life boots you in the head with lemons? My favorite right now is old movies. While I'll admit that I have very little attention span for movies these days, I still love a good cozy fest. Next on the list is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Tea with buddies is also a keeper. The best way to get out of a funk is to have some reciprocal energy with a big laugher. I have a few of those. They remind me that I am funny which makes me feel like a gem. Running. Oh how I miss you. Such a wonderful outlet for anxiety you were to me. With a potential stress fracture in my left foot I have had to let it go for a bit but I know it wont be permanent since I'm being cautious. I bought a bootcamp pass yesterday so I'm excited to start that. Any kind of exercise will do really. Get those endorphins moving! And food! Wonderful marvelous food. The less processed the tastier. The more colorful the more eventful. But oh how I will never ever possibly be able to be a non-eater, or one of those people who say food is only for fuel. Yes, but it is also a beautiful delicate passionate thing. A glass of wine every now and then never hurt either. Especially if sweet Charity is on at the same time and you try to do the dances (true story).

How do you release stress or anxiety?

xoxo

Feng Shui Me

2010-09-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

While trying to keep myself out of trouble and more debt, I did the unthinkable... I got myself a library card!! Did you know these things still existed? It's amazing. You get a little plastic card, for free, you find a book you want to read (in my case, a movie you want to watch), and you get to take it out. FOR FREE. So I, being the under-read knowledge hungry wolf that I am, took out magazines on running, decor, fashion and health, and got some movies from the imdb top 250 list (I'm trying to whittle away the first 50 by Christmas). I also picked up a little gem called The Art of Fen Shui...

Feng Shui was a huge trend when I was in high school. It was like some sort of chic magic. The idea that a cute bamboo basket could influence my crushes feelings for me was more then I could bare. I bought every book known to man and then proceeded to let them sit on my book shelf for the rest of my teenaged life. Bad feng shui. I recently started to get curious about it again and was interested in having home projects this winter to keep me out of the clothing and makeup stores.

The trick is to take what I think is called the 'Bagua' and place it over a layout of your home contacting the bottom of it to your entrance. There you will find the energy corners of your home that are said to coincide to your life. The 'Solutions' to your feng shui problems (ie. bad drafts, sharp corners, dark spaces, bad representation markers) are to use the coinciding colors and mirrors or lights to keep the energy flowing.

Still with me? Do you think I'm a crazy person yet? Fair enough. Just wait till we get a cat next month... ;-)

It was fun moving furniture around and adjusting some color schemes of rooms but there was nothing really obscure to note of, except one. I decided that my largest struggle, as I'm sure many of you share, is finances. It seems whenever I start getting ahead, something bails. I get let go or have to quit a job, I decide to move, I have to hire expensive professionals...blah blah blah. So I go to what is said to be the wealth corner in my home- and low and behold- what is the single object sitting there alone? A garbage can! Coincidence? Well I didn't leave it there long enough to find out. So we'll see. I did notice that when I woke up in the morning I felt the apartment seemed a little cozier. I'll make note of any changes I notice for you. You should all try the same. It's fun if nothing else!

Have you ever tried or experienced any changes in your home energy?

xoxo

Just do it

2010-09-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

If I don't sit down to write a post then I wont frickin' do it.

Everytime I've sat down to write a blog entry this week I would get distracted. Either I realized I had other computer business to do, or I got caught up reading other blogs, or I was pulled away by all of my fun fun friends!!

I've been enjoying the last days of warm weather this week. Plenty of coffee and breakfast dates. My fave! Lot's of meetings and rehearsals, auditions and last minute film shoots. I am lucky to be so busy. But I've also been enjoying my early nights in. Cocktail hour is celebrated in our household, which we've discovered is better as it is early enough for me to still get a sound sleep. Early bed times ensure an 8 hour sleep and a productive morning. Just the way I like it!

Yesterday I spent almost the whole day working on a demo (which you can view on my other website if you get REALLY bored), but I did get out in the afternoon to catch a fringe show and a sweet ass americano misto. I have meetings all week again this week and then VIFF will be here before I know it. And I don't expect to be having many early nights that week. Yesssssss.

As I get back into the swing of things, I am working hard to keep motivated. My bum foot has put a damper on my run training (boooooo) so I'm back at the gym which is a bit mind numbing but not as bad as I thought it would be. And I am lusting after fall fashion HARD. Hello camel! And the neutral pink blouses with cranberry lip. It's like a decadent desert!

Check out these pics of celebs and scenesters I found on Elle:

Love these pants.

Stripes and patterns!!

Gimmie that lipstick

Love this fembot eye makeup

I wanna bedazzled sweater

I have a lipstick that would match this skirt perfectly. Maybe not simultaneously...

Leopard meets princess. Love. It.

Mad Men is just winding up and another week is sure to be here soon. Now I have to get back to my chocolate banana soft serve. Night Night!

Sunday Fashion Porn

2010-09-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

It was 'Fashion's Night Out' this passed week in New York and I thought I'd post a couple of my faves I'd found in my perusing.

It's a rainy dark Sunday morning over here in Vancouver. The Mexican is still asleep and my mind is nice and quiet. Except for the excitement of all the wonderful things to come ;-)

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

Rachel Bilson lookin ga ga gorgeous in her layer teired skirt

Gwen is rocking a fab patterned dress, but I'm not sure about the stirrup tights...??

Char Char sporting some amazing smokey eyes.

Leighton and her fabulous necklace!!

My girl crush wearing Chanel.

Bar is raising the bar in this pants suit.

Best shoes so far go to Miss Meester. It's like what a sexy knight in shining armor would wear.

TGI-TIFF.

2010-09-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

I perused my twitter account this fine friday afternoon and I saw tweet after tweet about the luxurious Toronto Film Festival. I recognize that this one-time-modest film fest has since exploded into the equivalent of Sex and the City 2 (aka Celeb packed and not as good as the original), but I love the entoxicating buzz of the city. Everything seems just a little shinier. The beautiful and beautifully talented all flock to the big smoke to discuss and promote their films. I myself once attended the Sundance film fest with one of my faves Miss Amy Matysio (who is currently living it up at TIFF as one of Playback's 'One to Watch'). I couldn't help but get swept up in the glamor of it all. I'm such a sucker for that stuff, and I'm even more of a sucker for the parties. Trays of champagne and chocolate strawberries whizzing by you as you peer through anonymous shoulders in hopes of catching a glimpse of James Franco. It's exhilarating. And actually seeing a movie makes you feel special, cause you're one of the first. And you're participating in something. Something that for some lucky people will make them giant stars. I wish I had enjoyed it more while I was living there, but serving drunken star f*#@ers till 5am did not make me a happy gal.

So, as many of my twitter followers enjoy their star sightings and open bars this evening, I cheers to you. Enjoy it. And tell someone you're in a film if they ask. They'll never know and you might get invited to another party ;-)

Hellooooo!

2010-09-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Mama wants all of these!!

Well that explains it all.

2010-09-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

Could this be the reason I've been contemplating life so much lately??

It seems that you "shed your skin" every 7 years: Mentally, emotionally and of course physically.

I started to think about what has happened to me in the last 7 years of life....

-I became a successful working actress. Invited into a renowned theatre group was the best thing that ever happened to me.

-I saw, for the first time, that people who you think are your friends can be deceitful and destructive towards you.

-I lost my virginity (yes. I was a late bloomer)

-I moved to the big city to be a big star.

-I made that shocking revelation that being a big star is not as easy as it sounded.

-I fell for my first love.

-I had my heart broken beyond belief.

-I saw for the first time that my parents are indeed human beings, not just parents.

-I had the life of a fabulous 20 something in the big city: boys, booze, brunches, girlfriends and great shoes.

-I developed vocal nodes and after having to take a big break from singing, I realized the importance of my health is my priority.

-I moved again across the country again in hot pursuit of my growing career.

-I met a man I wasn't sure I liked very much. I came to my senses and then married him.

-I slowly discovered the importance of friends and family, and I finally discovered what it is that I really have to offer this world. Well, in the process of discovering... ;-)

What have you experienced in the last cycle of your life?

Check out this fascinating article about saying goodbye to your21-28 year old self and saying hello to your 29 year old self.

xoxo

http://dreamhawk.com/body-and-mind/every-seven-years-you-change/

Be Inspired

2010-09-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

A little Inspiration for your Labour Day holiday. I needed it.

Mr. Smith is a very impassioned man and his words sure know how to hit home.

xoxo

Amazeballs

2010-09-04T22:59:00.000-07:00

Design*Sponge � Blog Archive � dalton ghetti

Look at this teeny tiny art!!

Follow it.

2010-09-04T22:29:00.001-07:00

I've been having trouble with my followers widget since I started this blog (thanks to my current followers who've obviously had no problems). A number of my readers have emailed me with problems in trying to become a follower. Have YOU had this problem? If so can you please explain me what happens.

xoxo

The Return

2010-09-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

So I'm back on my old stompin ground. my summer on the prairies was fab as usual but I missed the mountains, the ocean, my apartment, my BED. Home sweet home. While part of me feels the blues like coming home from summer camp, another part of me is pumped to get back at that game called life. My summer shows in Etown are a big part of my life but for the past 3 years I've (gladly) put my life on hold for them. But now I'm back and ready to rock it!!

A couple highlights of my summer:

FONDUE!

My Huby's tasting menus: The Mexican was in Edmonton doing some private consulting for a new restaurant and put together some tasting dinners for a select few. I love being married to a chef, but my rear is feeling grateful for the break from delicious cheeses.

After my contract we got to go back to Regina and visit with my fave little ones. Every summer The Mexican asks them what they want to make on their annual cooking date and this year they said BIG MACS! LOL. So he taught them how to make their own from scratch. It's always a bucket of hilarious at these events. The kids like anything they can mix (throw) with their hands.

Wedding Planning! Mexico and I are pretty sure that we've picked a venue. The RCMP museum. doesn't it look amazing! 3 story floor to ceiling windows, lot's of great spaces, and the whole building is ours. So much potential for lighting and decor. And can you imagine the hilarity of watching all the mexicans dress up as mounties and get their picture taken. Love it.

Our warm Welcome: we had some our besties visiting from TO and when we thought we had arrived home to be greeted by them, instead we arrived home to find an apartment full of flowers, a bottle of wine and a homemade charcuterie plate and a note reading "Thought you'd like your house to yourselves for a while. Enjoy some drinks and we'll see you later on tonight." Dream house guests.

So all in all, it was a wonderful summer. I've spent the past 2 days house cleaning and contemplating my next move. My focus for the next couple months will be training for my run in October and getting as involved as I can in the industry.

The Fall fashion this year is not a huge shift from last year so I'm not feeling my usual shopping itch this season. Luckily the makeup trends are fantastic.

xoxo

Girl crushing again

2010-09-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

This girl is Fierce.

I love her funny and her pretty.

My Favorite Song of the Day

2010-08-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

(If you are easily offended, please don't watch this video. And also please excuse most of my posts, cause I can have an offensive sense of humor, which to most is considered funny.)

I have twin brothers. Did you know that? I think I've mentioned it to you before. They are both going through some pretty crazy life changes and are well on their way to getting back on their feet. They make me proud... in a you-drive-me-effing-bananas kinda way.

I heard this song last night and I couldn't stop singing it. I dedicate it to my twin bros. Movin up and movin on.

xoxo

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Living Life Happy

2010-08-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

Last night I had some friends over, one of whom I hadn't seen in a while. She is a local actor/singer and has a very successful acupuncture business. We spent the evening eating my hubby's sweet sweet fondue spread he made for us and discussed the life of being a female actress: Raising a family, having a career, stability and money, all with out letting our life whiz by us before we know it. My friend said she became an acupuncturist when she found that her life as an actress wasn't making her happy all of the time. "I still love it, but there were other things that I loved too, and I wanted to explore them." This notion was somewhat foreign to me as I had been drilled with the idea that if acting is your passion, then that's all you can be. If you're anything else too, you're a sell out. Well my girlfriends thought this was ridiculous. To be considered a REAL actress you had to be suffering and starving?? Saying it out loud made me realize the stupidity of the statement. As if being a server in some restaurant made me more of a 'real' actor then being a makeup artist or PR rep on the side. There is a fairly good chance that I will not be the next Meryl Streep, so I got to thinking, what else do I like to do? If I wanted to do anything other then acting at the same time what would it be?

Makeup Artist seems like the obvious option. I have been doing it professionally for the last five years. I love it but the work is here and there and has been slower since the recession as it seems like an understandably frivolous expense.

Being and Event Planner or working in Public Relations would be my next passion. I love dealing with people with strong personalities and I get a huge satisfaction out of seeing a large scale event go off without a hitch. I have been working professionaly in this industry in the last few years with big name corporations but this job is a lot of work and the stress can take it's toll. Not a part time kinda gig.

Food Critic- This one would be fun. I'm married to a chef and I prefer to enjoy the restaurant culture as a guest then be serving in it. I am highly opinionated when it comes to food and I will try anything once. My only fear is that my ass would become bigger then my big mouth. And that's saying a lot.

Personal Trainer- I have seriously considered this on and off for probably the last 10 years. After my big weight loss when I was 18, I have researched, sought advice and tried all sorts of exercise regime out there. Running is my new lover and I don't think I'll be breaking up with it anytime soon. But as with the Make up artistry position, it can be a hard gig to get off the ground.

Sommolier- When I started serving at a high profile restaurant, I didn't know the difference between a Cabernet and a Pinot. After taking some wine classes and paying attention, I soon got labeled as "The Nose". I had a keen sense of grape varietals and was daily encouraged to seek out my rookie-of-the-year senses as a profession. My acid reflux might disagree.

For a breif time I thought I wanted to work behind the scenes in Film Production. I thought it would be a great way for me to learn the biz and work my way up into learning how to direct. I took a few classes and quickly learned how much math was involved. My brain unfortunately doesn't work that way. I was class president in high school, not and honor roll student.

The fact is, I was looking for an easy answer and there just isn't one. In every profession there is work to do and ladders to climb. There isn't just some big golden door reading "Come on in!" Life is about the climb, not the destination. I guess I just have to pick a path and decide what it is that I really really love.

Blogging Ethics

2010-08-22T16:00:00.001-07:00

Sorry that I've been super MIA lately, but this time it's been on purpose. I've taken a little break from blogging as some pretty ridiculous happenings have occurred with a local edmonton blog and some people I love. The question has been raised of who is in the right. Blogs open up the world of free speech and for me, this blog has been a wonderful outlet to discuss fashion, makeup and healthy living. I have been trying to keep tabs on any negative comments I put out there, but I recognize one will slip through now and then. A blog (that shall remain nameless) here in edmonton has made some choice comments about the company I am a part of, and in defense, one company member retaliated. Is this wrong? How does it make sense that one person get's to speak their mind and yet the other must remain silent. Opinions are opinions and are not usually meant to hurt anyones feelings, but when stated so casually they tend to do so. But if the hurt feelings in question refuse to take it lying down, I will stand behind them. I embrace everyone's right to free speech. The consequences are always inevitable but who ever has the goods to back up their stance, will probably win.

Sorry for the generality of that dizzying paragraph. I can't get into specifics.

I have been Busy!! The Mexican is here now and has been working hard. The show is still a massive hit and I am loving my time on and off stage. Last night I attended a pretty hilarious dress up party hosted by a costume designer friend of mine. She has an entire basement full of vintage gowns, coats and shoes. we had a blast.

Today I went and picked out some makeup to get ready for the new fall trends. I got a fab new brow pencil and a great cranberry lip color called Del Rio. I heart it.

I have one more week left here then back to Van. At least I'll have my days free to get a little more done this week. The fringe beer tent was calling my name a little too often ;-)

True Blood tonight!!!!

Adios.

xoxo

Threading it off

2010-08-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

I got threaded for the first time today. One of our cast members' daughter is an esthetician and she asked her if she'd come to our dressing room before the show and DO the ladies. Ha ha! we all lined up one right after another to get our brows shaped. You readers know how I feel about a good shaped brow, and Threading (vs plucking) gets every single stray hair. Fascinating process. She holds one part of the thread in her mouth and the other end she holds in some sort of figure eight shape or something and then pulls the thread over your brow and everything that catches in the figure 8 gets pulled out. I loved it! Cleans everything right up! It's my new fave.

Have you ever had threading done?

I'm here for a good time....

2010-08-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been MIA the past couple of days.

The show opened last night to a sold out house and is continuing to sell out for the rest of our run. Good sign.

I've been having the time of my life with old friends here in the city. Drinking, laughing, eating and generally goofing around like we did 10 years ago. It's a dream.

I'll have more interesting things to report when things settle down. My parents are in town and The Mexican gets here on Monday!! Hooray!!

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend.

xoxo

Fall Beauty

2010-08-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well it's almost that time of year. Time to say adios to patio season and hello to your wool cardigans. I don't always mind though. I love fall fashion and I often look forward to pulling out my boots and jeans again. But this year, the makeup is what I'm really getting excited about. The late 80's are still in, but it's the 60's that are making a flash back this season, so the trends are leaning more towards the dramatic neutrals. Cranberry and navy are big, for the eyes especially. Remember to accentuate the eyes or the lips with color- not both. The browns are back too, this time in a very subtle, bronzed Ralph Lauren sorta way. I'm diggin it. Check out some pics for inspiration!

xoxo

The winged eye is back. It's best to use this look with a soft pencil or angled brush. using liquid liner needs a lot of practice and may have walking out the door looking like Liza Minelli.

The cranberry lip is what I'm most excited about this season. I'm gonna rock this look for every night out. A nice taupe eyelid wash and some 'scara is all that is needed to pair with this look.
Blue!!!!!! This Chanel color is perfect. Fun, edgy and still a little glamourous.

The neutral look. Browny peach cheeks and nude lips. Try it with pale shadow for daytime...

Or dark Shadow and liner for night time.

And Brows!! I love me some brows. My girl crush on Brit actress Billie Piper is a perfect opportunity for you to see her fab eye framers, and for me to google pictures of her ;)

Love is in the Air

2010-08-11T21:29:00.001-07:00

Tonight my bestie asked me to meet him and his man for dinner at this great Japanese restaurant called Kyoto. I was all a flutter getting ready to take some beautiful food photos when he suddenly announced that they were engaged!! It's so exciting to be a small part of people's love stories. He had proposed in their kitchen on a casual friday night. The ring was made here in E-town and was my friends very own design. Gourgeous: White gold with roman numerals representing their first date and 3 small diamonds separating the characters.

I wolfed down some carbs ( I ran 8k today and I could not get food in me fast enough all day), and we talked wedding talk for the rest of the night. I am planning another wedding for The Mexican and I in 2012 so that my family can be a part of it so we'll be getting married the same year!

Have you ever had an opportunity to plan a wedding or any big occasion at the same time as a close friend?

Congrats to the happy couple!!!

xoxo

Edmonton Pedi

2010-08-11T17:32:00.001-07:00

Sorry gals but while I'm always happy to pay good money for a spa pedi, this one was less then stellar. I know I'm a spa snob, but if I'm paying 60 bucks to sit and drink water out of a paper cup from a stale waiting area, the work better be amazing. An it wasn't.
Am I being a bitch? Don't get me wrong. I'm all for getting your nails done for 20 bones at some random neighborhood spot, but when your client's paying big bucks- buck up!
Ok. Rant done.

Lake Day

2010-08-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

How was your weekend?

I'm getting into tech week for the show so things are bustling along. I'm quickly getting over my cold and I am crediting that to my week off of training and 1000mg of vitamin C every three or four hours. Today I feel like a brand new girl. Kind of.

I went tubing for the first time in ages. I only fell off once and it was because my bottoms were coming off and I thought it wise to accompany them. My arms are definitely gonna hurt tomorrow.

This family that I was with is not in fact MY family, but the family of my mom's child hood best friends. But they feel like my aunts and cousins more then my actual aunts and cousins. Does that make sense. Am I crazy? Do any of you have relatives like that? 'Relative' relatives? Who ever they are, what really matters is the times you have and the love you share.

And a Coors Light and a hot tub never killed anyone either ;-)

xoxo

Random Friday

2010-08-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hey Cinderellas!

This bottomless cup of tea is how my evenings have been looking lately. I'm still hauled up in my house trying so hard to rid myself of this pesky summer cold. They're the worst aren't they? No nice long relaxing runs. No patio cocktails with friendies. No getting too excited over anything out of fear you might wear yourself out. Buuuhh.

Anyhoo, I thought I might entertain any of you who might also be having a tender night in with my random internet findings:

P.S.- how many popsicles are you allowed to have when you're sick? Cause I'm pretty sure I've had 5 today.

Congrats goes to Amy Poehler and Will Arnett who had their second baby! They named him Abel. Wow. Those kids have no choice but to be frickin funny.

Check out Miss Reese in her cute cardigan cowboy combo which I am hearting right now. And check out those stems. Somebody's a runner and I think it's the chick with the strong looking knee muscles. How come nobody's used that as a come on? Oh wait... I just thought of why...

It's that time again. My toes need tending to. I left all of my DIY equipment in Vancouver. Any of my Edmonton readers have the goods on the best pedicurist in town?

And and I tried. I swear I tried to not watch this show, but it was just there blaring me in the face. It was this or reruns of Ready or Not. The Real Housewives franchise has a new time waster, this time in the form of Washington DC. I've only seen the one episode but its the same ol' catty crap. She talks about her behind her back, then she doesn't eat something and gets accused of an eating disorder and then she gets some botox, then they all go to a dinner party and fawn over each other like high school girls. It's amazing.

Anyway, I hope your friday night has been more exciting then mine. Please tell me about it. I'll be here. On the computer. Trying not to think about the margarita I could be drinking.

xoxo

Operation Beautiful

2010-08-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

As you know I've been reading a ton of fitblogs lately. It's become part of my morning regime. Some people read the paper- I read fitblogs. I find inspiration in these women who have overcome hardships, or perhaps simply overcome the monster that is their own self-doubt. All of them have found new loves for healthy REAL food and exercise. They rarely weigh themselves or count calories and they judge there bodies on how kind they are to them.

One of my favorite blogs is Healthy Tipping Point. Caitlin started Operation Beautiful as a way to encourage young women to stop the 'fat talk', stop comparing themselves to others and realize their own beauty within themselves.

I am trying to make a real effort to not comment on women's bodies on this blog. I have made no secret about my disgust towards the media's new fascination with the skinny/fat topic. As an actor, I find the conversation to be endless and it certainly effects my career and mentality but I am choosing to do my part in discontinuing the discussion. I have had my own battles with weight and will probably continue to do so, but nothing makes me feel more like a real women then just looking in the mirror and going "This is mine. Allll mine, and I'm gonna love it and take care of it." I highly recommend you do the same. You deserve it.

xoxo

Don't Rain on My Parade!

2010-08-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

Check out these pics from Harper's Bazar of Jen Aniston channeling The great Barbra Streisand. Ferosh make-up work!

Check out this great story that has now become LEGEND about Barbra's rise to fame.

http://www.sheilaomalley.com/?p=10135

A New Reason to Watch!!

2010-08-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

My hero!!!

It has just been announced that the infamous Carol Burnett is going to be guest starring on Glee! Yessssss! Now, I like Glee. I don't love it. I LOOOOVE Jane Lynch's character and I think she pretty much steals every scene, but now these two are going to steal every SHOW. As a girl that comes from a musical theatre background, I know I'm supposed to like this show a little more then I do, but sometimes I just find the song and dance numbers a little forced. But funny wins me over every time!

Cant wait!!!!!!!!!!

xoxo

<------------ Probably my favorite sketch of all time

New Girl Crush

2010-08-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

Mindy Kaling from the U.S. version of The Office recently struck my fancy in this dress. The colors make her glow and her smile makes me want to be besties with her.

I think she is spot on as the overly-obsessive and not-overly-smart girl on this show. And it's always nice to see producers thinking outside the box when it comes to casting.

She is cute, smart and is able to be funny with out making penis jokes.

Ladies Night!!!

2010-08-01T18:53:00.001-07:00

After a long night full of shenanigans and about 5 hours of sleep, I thought I deserved a break from my coffee fast.

It's been a while since I've had a night of wearing something other then cutoffs and T-shirts, so I was delighted when some girlfriends of mine called to invite me to a sort of reunion with some old college pals. It's always great to see these beautiful girls and listen to their rediculous stories about acting career's, men, food, and bench pressing ;-)

We met at a downtown wine bar called Tzin. The service was lovely and the food looked delish (I was stuffed from a veggie burger I inhaled before leaving the house, so I didn't partake). I'm always confused as to why tapa's restaurants are so expensive. It's supposed rustic, commoner's, sharing food but each dish here was between 15$ and $20. When the idea is that you order a whole bunch of things for the table, I think that the dishes should be a tad smaller and closer to $10. Si?

Well all was made up for when we ordered a bottle of Prosecco and they brought us Champagne instead as they were out of the former. I'll take it! Champagne is my other lover after all...

After the wine bar, we changed venues to get closer to the theatre where I was to appear as a special guest. Oh Susanna- A hilarious local variety show was having it's season finale and I was asked to be on it to promote the show that I am opening. I'll post pics of that soon as it was fabulously ridiculous!

Now back to my Sunday night boob tubage: Mad Men and True Blood. Double the pleasure.

xoxo

P.S.-Please excuse the grainy nature of these photos. My iPhone camera had schmutz on it.

Bottle #1

Bottle #2

Bottle #3

Hot Girl Alert

2010-07-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

By now you all know about my unnecessary love for Reality TV. I know I know, it's tragic for an actor to support what was for a long time the downfall of show business, but I can't help it. And one of my faves in the running is The City. This show stars Whitney Port as she ventures from LA to NYC to start a fashion career. I love this show for many reasons. I love pretty much any TV show or movie set in New York. It's my dream city. I love the fashion talk: runway shows, designer luncheons, and higher than high heels. Aaaannd I love the catty catty bitches. At the top of the list is self proclaimed 'Socialite' Olivia Palermo. This chick is a class-A douche. She knows her stuff, yes, but is clearly too insecure about her place in the world to just simply BE fabulous. She has to TELL everyone she is.

Anyhoo, be that as it may, she is fierce in this ASOS magazine spread. She makes me want to move to New York and stalk her. But I wont. Cause she'd like that.

xoxo

Funny Dinner

2010-07-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

I have been stuck trying to find things to keep me busy these past few days. Going away from home on contract for long periods of time can be fun but also a little mind numbing. Most of my old friends are busy with their lives (rightly so) and during blocking week (where actors decide where exactly they're going to enter, exit, cross, stand etc.) I have really short rehearsals. My long winded point is that I've been a little bit bored. So I took myself out to a movie! I think it's important for a gal to take herself out every now and then. I used to do it a lot. I still am my own best shopping partner ;-)

Dinner with Schmucks. Another bumbling idiot/frustrated bystander movie. But you throw in Steve Carell vs Zach Galifianackis and you got your self a hilarious show down.

Here's a lil' taste.

Farmers Market tomorrow!!

xoxo

Super Foodelicious!

2010-07-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Photo: Edible Perspective

As most of you know, I have been obsessed with fit blogs lately so I have decided to try a few of these raw super foods I keep reading about:

1- Chia seeds

These powerful mini seeds have a million health benefits:

-They fill you up with their crazy tripling expansion in liquid so you don't feel the need to chow down an hour later.

-They stabilize your blood sugar with their unique fiber to keep your cravings at bay.

-They have one of nature's highest plant based proteins to keep you feeling energetic all day

-They are made up of omega 3 oil which we all know is fabulous, especially in assisting with weight loss

-They're packed full of anti-oxidants. Good bye wrinkles!

2-Coconut butter

I kept reading about this one and it sounded to good to be true. It isn't.

-Not being made of long-chain fatty acids which is stored, it is instead made up of medium-chain fatty acids (sounds pretend right) which is burned promptly for energy.

-It stimulates metabolism. Zoom!

-It is rich in Lauric acid which boosts immunity and destroys bacteria. It is the closest food on the planet to breast milk, which sounds gross but remind your self that North America drinks the milk of a COW.

- It has youth enhancing properties for the skin and promotes elasticity. Again, good bye wrinkles!

3-Cacao Nibs

I thought these were gonna taste like chocolate. Boy was I wrong, but add a little sweetener and crunch yumm!!

-These little buggers contain serotonin, dopamine and phenylethylamine- which are all fancy big words for happy feelings. A natural anti depressant.

-They contain polyphenols which is the same anti-oxidants in red wine but 3 times as much!. It raises good cholesterol and is said to reduce the risk of some cancers.

-They contain Magnesium which improves the strength and condition of the heart which supports it's ability to pump effectively.

-And again with the weight loss! Cacao is said to improve insulin sensitivity.

Doesn't all of that sound too good to be true!? So I am going to test drive this magic concoction every morning for the next 2 weeks and see how I feel.

My meal of choice? Breakfast!

1/2 cup raw oats

1 Tbls chia seeds

1 cup almond milk

(leave over night) Top with:

1 Tbls warmed coconut butter

1 Tbls cacao nibs

1 tsp agave syrup

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And So it Begins

2010-07-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals have begun on what is one of them most lovely and endearing plays I have ever had the opportunity to be in. Above is a picture of the brilliant playwright Stewart Lemoine (left), and the artistic director,co-star, and mentor Jeff Haslam. In the show I play Laura- I bride-to-be, with a heart of gold and a conflicted fiancé, so is basically me- minus the cniflicted fiancé part ;-) It's sure to be a tear-jerker and a definite sell-out.

There have been a few updates in my life in the last week that will be very exciting for me personally and perhaps professionally. Nothing I can really talk about right now but it's so nice to envision brighter futures. Having an opportunity or a person come into your life and give you that little notion of "it's all gonna be ok" can mean the world to you at a specific time in your life. I'd just like to take a moment to be grateful. Let's all do it! Let's be grateful for those who love us, teach us, and hold out there hand to us when we are falling. In my life I have many hands being held out to me at all times and I think it's about time I remember that.

So I'll leave you with a giggle. This is a new "up and coming" actress (which makes me laugh because in my mind she is and unmistakeable star and scene stealer) who was interviewed by David Letterman and could not help but let her hilarious charm ooze out... in a good way ;-)

xoxo

Not just a Lady Business

2010-07-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

Check out these pics of the John Galliano show I found over on the Jack and Jill blog. Nice to see that make-up in the fashion world is not only reserved for women.

Lil' Bastards

2010-07-25T16:01:00.001-07:00

I can say that cause it's true, and funny.
My niece and nephew are officially the cutest munchkins.

Daily Dose of Joe

2010-07-25T14:38:00.001-07:00

And I don't mean coffee. I of course mean Joe Fresh. I am currently sporting a 9$ sun hat and a 20$ bathing suit. I feel like a character from jersey shore! Joe fresh may not have the best quality and it may have questionable labour practices but dang is a girl ever lucky to have them when she's broke ;-)

Fascinating

2010-07-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

Listen to this speech that Jean Kilbournes gives as part of her series Killing Us Softly. Nothing new here, but a reminder is always a good idea.

Oh What a Night

2010-07-25T00:34:00.001-07:00

Spent the night eating carbs and drinking vodka with one of my faves tonight. We initially wanted to start the evening with some salsa dancing and Regina's premier Latin Festival, but it ended up being a bit of a bust. Instead of spending another night at a dive bar we decided to take a night in. Why go out when Rogers on demand had karaoke?! And your bestie has a bottle of gooser! And you've found a new tv show that makes your heart swim (Diary of a Callgirl-I heart it). "old-married-lady" Saturday nights aren't so bad.

I'm SOOOORRRYYYYY

2010-07-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ok Ok I'm here! And by here I mean, REGINA.

Sorry I've been so absent.
I have had a crazy couple of days with the show opening, flying to Saskatchewan with a really expensive suitcase busting mid travel, my iPhone being incompatible with Stupid Telus in this province and getting a last minute dentist appointment this morning (pause to wipe the drool).

I'm catching up on all my blogging and tweeting from my mom's office. She works for a great fair trade store called Ten Thousand Villages. They Sell wicked jewelry from all over the world but I'll post about that later.

I'm drinking some delicious Earl Gray tea from a UofR mug right now. Sooooo Regina. I'd take a picture of it for the post BUT MY EFFING PHONE DOESN'T WORK. I'm clearly not dealing with it well. When was the last time you had to go 5 days without out access to your emails, texts, facebooks, twitter, voicemail or phone. OK so that list just depressed me a little but It's
been a learning curve for shiz.

It's my first day of going coffee free. Yikes. Now I don't consider myself as addicted to coffee. I just LOOOOOve it. Mmmmm caramely nutty invigorating goodness. I miss it already. No! be strong! I'm having massive energy lulls in the afternoon and am about to go into rehearsals for another show and need to stay peppy! I also like to eat my own head when I'm hungry. Not good. I'll keep you up to date on the progress.
xoxo

EAT THIS!

2010-07-19T21:41:00.001-07:00

I swear it will blow your mind. Especially if you're vegan or health concious. Though if you hate bananas, this may make you gag.
Break apart a ripe banana and put it in the freezer for a couple hours. Then take the frozen banana and throw it in the blender with a couple tablespoons of cocoa powder. Boom! You have chocolate soft serve ice cream. It tastes so close to the real stuff except much healthier! I have all the fit blogs I read to thank for this one. Yummers!

THE BACHLORETTE!

2010-07-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm watching the Bachlorette right now. It's one of the dumbest shows on earth, but it's summer! A time for beaches, margaritas and mindless boob-tubage. I love my trashy TV. Ali is a curvy cute blonde with an irritating chuckle (seriously) and a real fun girl vibe. Roberto, the hot latino baseball player, is sure to be the winner. Frank the nerdy retail sales manager with a peeping tom vibe is already a big loser. There's been a few hilarious quotes already and it's only been on for 2 minutes: "falling in love with Ali just feeeels right." "This feels Awesome. It's a really cool feeling." "It's killing me that I'm having feelings for 2 girls" - oh you poor thing.

I was running around all day today doing some last minute things before I leave town. My big opening of Improvmusical is on wednesday and I fly out thursday morning. I have an audition tomorrow and have to pack sometime in the next 3 days, but there is TEEE VEEEEE to watch. Such a procrastinator.

Uh oh. The "Couples Room Key" just came out...

Gotta go.

Yum!

2010-07-17T21:27:00.001-07:00

Dinner at Rare Little Bird's house. Blogging like bitches. The boys are talking about how they don't wanna buy us diamonds.

yummmmm......

Guess What?

2010-07-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

Today I signed up for CIBC's "Run For The Cure"- run for breast cancer.

I can't believe this will be my first race but I am stoked to be contributing towards such a beautiful cause- WOMEN.

Hey, if I didn't have women around I would have no one to read my blog or do make up for (well maybe some of you male readers out there, but that's another blog post).

Seriously, where we would be without women, or women's Breasts for god sakes!! I love my lingerie! My boobs are compact but they are perky and pretty. I heart them and I heart all of the women who have had to forfeit their bosoms to this dumb dumb disease.

If you have an extra $5 in your life, please donate it towards the love of your mother, sister, womankind, or just the way you look in a push-up bra.

PLEASE DONATE HERE

You are in my hearts and fo eva'.

xoxo

Last Birthday of my Twenties

2010-07-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Yes the ever dreaded 30 is just around the corner. So to soften the blow, The Mexican planned my last twenty something birthday full of surprises. From beginning to end the day was completely stress free and indulgent. The hubby even was able to check a few things off my wish list ;-)

The day of course began with the famous oatmeal protein pancakes. So filling! I could barely finish 2. And I would eat my coffee table if it had carbs in it.

The Mexican was unable to give me a trip to Paris this year so he gave me "The world" instead.

My Other gift. Mmmm Burberry...

My next surprise was a spa date at the Pan Pacific Hotel spa, Spa Utopia. It was soooo luxurious. And a little tip: My esthetician, Dawn, told me that if you get any spa service at the hotel, you can use their rooftop outdoor pool!!! Haawwwllllaaaa!! Did I mention that they offered me complimentary booze while I got my pedi... THUMBS UP!

My pretty pink toes.

Lunch! Jappadog (street hot dogs with japanese toppings like kimchi and sesame). Yummmm

My new Burberry specs! I heart them.

My next surprise was a trip to the Vancouver Aquarium. I haven't been since I was a kid.

Ice cream break.

Meeting our besties at Goldfish lounge to start off the evening with cocktails.

Dinner at Le Brasserie. Best service, I've had in Vancouver. Cool, casual and so so yummy. I had flank steak. AND fries!!

Finished off the night with My girl Jas at Lolita's. We had Sangria's the size of our heads. 2 of them actually. All in all, a fantastic night.

Blogger Award!!

2010-07-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Good morning!!!

I received a few great things to report this morning. First of all, I beat my best 5K time by 1.20 minutes! Now I know that doesn't sound like much, but it is. Trust me, at 8am the last thing you are trying to say to yourself is "faster. FASTER!" But I did it. YAY!

The next thing is that I have received a blogger award! "Most Versatile Blogger". Hooray!! I received it this morning from Marie over at Marie a la Mode. She is a gorgeous fashion blogger from Edmonton. I love her blog because it teaches me how to dress like a model, while on a budget. Well, at least one can try right? ;-) She rocks some killer bangs too.

With the award I am supposed to write a few obscure things about myself so here goes:

1- I am addicted to gum: I have tried a few naughty vices in my past: cigarettes, candy, wine, tattoos (lol) - but none have stuck with me as my love for gum has. A new type of gum is like Christmas morning to me.

2- The Mexican (my husband) is 4 years younger then me. Yes, I'm a cougar. And proud of it.

3- Over the last 10 years I have lost and maintained a 70 pound weight loss. It is a constant struggle and I am still a work-in-progress. This is why you will see posts on food and excercise. I love both equally.

4- I have twin older brothers. They are just as obnoxious as you can imagine. We didn't get along much when we were all teenagers but both, while being very different, are very important parts of my life now.

5- I move every 5 years. Not as a rule, It's just the way it has been in my life: Farmlife- Moose Jaw SK, Moose Jaw-Victoria BC, Victoria- back to Moose Jaw, Moose Jaw-Edmonton AB, Edmonton- Toronto ON, and now Toronto-Vancouver BC. We'll see how long I last here. So far, I like it here a lot.

So I think that's enough to intrigue or bore you all. It's my birthday eve and tonight is the last preview before opening of the Improvmusical I am currently starring in. Hair appointment this afternoon. It's been almost 3 months since a color. Yikes! not pretty for blondes who are natural brunettes (shhhh....)

xoxo

To be Rich

2010-07-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today I was inspired by my new favorite blogger Miss RLB over at Rare Little Bird to buy this sucker- A Sex and the City scratch card. The Mexican and I are frequent lottery ticket purchasers. Paying 5$ for a cup of coffee seems horrendous to me, yet purchasing a piece of paper which most likely will give you zip in return is a no brainer. It isn't the paper I'm paying for. It's like I am renting the idea of being a millionaire for a week. We will spend hours discussing the things we will do with the money, and I do mean HOURS. We discuss the order of importance, the make and model of car, we choose the houses that currently are for sale etc. etc. We actually live the dream, just for those few days. And it feels so good. So yes, 5$ seems like a bargain if it elongates the euphoria of having no financial worries.

The scratch card took 30 seconds to play and left me with a broken dream of a trip to NYC and a desk full of scratch dust. I'll stick to my Lotto Max Millions ;-)

xoxo