Summertime Sadness

I can't believe we're already coming up to Labor Day weekend! It may not officially be the end of summer yet, but to me this is it. When you're a kid Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer because once it's over, you're back to school. Even now as an adult my brain is STILL conditioned to think that way. I even get a small twinge of dread that I can't explain because nothing actually changes for me anymore when the calendar flips to September!

Although I am sad to see summer go I do love fall. The colours of fall, from the trees to fashion, are warm and beautiful (and cozy). Opening your windows at home and smelling the fall air is pretty fantastic. I've had a great summer to so there's nothing to complain about there! I have completely maximized my fun in the sun and it's been awesome. Moving forward, I've got a few things lined up to make my fall pretty exciting too! How was your summer? Are you ready for fall?

In honor of summer (and this post) coming to an end, I would like to leave you with this Lana Del Rey song I'm loving at the moment, "Summertime Sadness"... HAPPY LONG WEEKEND!

Social Media Savvy...

How many social media platforms are out there today? A thousand? A MILLION?!?! It kind of feels like it. As a marketer it definitely feels like there is a new "big one" that rises above the surface every week. 

If you feel like you can't quite keep up and wish you were a little more "social savvy", here's a funny but useful picture to help you out!

Must See TV: Wilfred

Have you seen this show? If not, you've got to see this show!

I've just finished Season 1 (Season 2 just finished airing on FX I believe) and I can't handle how much I loved it. The synopsis as described on IMDB is: 

"The story of a manic depressive man who inexplicably is the only one who can see his neighbor's dog as full grown man in a dog suit."

I was not sure how much potential that kind of a story would have but let me tell you, A LOT is the answer. First of all, this "full grown man in a dog suit" is brilliant. He's got an Australian accent and has a very suave manner about him. He's a funny "man" while expressing the thoughts and emotions that you would expect from a dog. Unreal. I'm not even a dog person (I know, I know) but I totally appreciated how he was perfectly emulating what a dog would do/think in certain situations. I mean, he even took a "liking" to a teddy bear named Bear. It's so perfect.

The manic depressive character who is the only one who sees Wilfred as a man, is played by Elijah Wood. He is pretty great in this role too. Watching him try to not look crazy while dealing with Wilfred is a lot of fun. It's a great part for him.

I won't get into detail explaining specifics (because with something like this show it's a "you had to be there/see it" kind of thing) but I will say, the whole series from episode one right up to the finale was very smart, funny, dark, light, fresh and just better then you might ever expect. Since I mentioned the finale, WOW. I cannot wait to get my hands on Season 2!

FOMO

When you're invited out with friends or co-workers do you always say yes? What if you're tired or simply don't want to? If you do decline, do you feel a little anxious and find yourself thinking about what might be happening? If any of this sounds familiar, perhaps you have FOMO - fear of missing out. This weekend as I was flipping through the recent issue of Marie Claire, I read an article that I thought was really interesting and addressed this issue. FOMO is described as "the latest syndrome plaguing do-it-all women... the nagging fear that everyone else is in on something that they're not". 

My poolside reading material.

I then thought about whether or not I had it, I decided the answer was no. If I've had a long week and am tired, or the weather is bad (read: snow - it is my driving nemesis), then I don't hesitate for a second about declining and invitation. Do I think about what might have been? For a second I might. Do I feel like I'm missing out? No, because other chances will arise and if there was something to miss out on, I'm sure someone will loop me in! I can however, identify some people in my life that I think might have it. People that always have to be somewhere, with someone, doing something. They never say no or turn something down. And if they do, you can feel their regret in doing so. For some people though, staying busy and doing everything is in their nature. For me, that just sounds stressful.

The article suspects, and I tend to agree, that this age of technology and social media is mostly responsible for turning FOMO from a thought or feeling, into an actual problem. I mean, let's be honest, back in the day you knew your friends/co-workers/whomever were getting together, but you wouldn't have to see it happen through live social streaming! All those status'. All those photos. 

In the article, Jessica Chivers, author and life coach says the root of the problem can be the number of choices we have today, which isn't always a good thing: "When presented with lots of choices, we become much less efficient at making decisions and less happy with the decisions we make. If I put you in a supermarket aisle with nine different types of cornflakes, you would enjoy your breakfast less than if you had to buy the only brand they stocked."

I think the most important thing at the end of the day is taking care of you. If you feel stressed or like you have a lot going on, just break away and do what you want to do! Whether it's with others or just you and a good book it's the right choice because it was your choice. Now, where's my glass of wine...

Style Icon: Nicole Richie

Around 10 years ago if you told me I was going to think of Nicole Richie as a style icon... well, I probably would have laughed in your face and called you crazy, but here we are! 

She has transformed. I love her style. Even when she is dressed to the nines there is a certain element of comfort. I think that has something to do with how her style always seems to have some bohemian undertones to it. Light and easy. Classic and cool. You can see that mindset reflected in her own fashion lines Winter Kate and House of Harlow. Both incredible. 

Even when she was pregnant she rocked the heels and clothes that weren't typical of maternity wear. And now as a mom, well, the photos speak for themselves... she's awesome!

Some favourite Nicole Richie fashions.

Uninhibited Fun...

On that note, have an excellent weekend!

Oh no no no no no... no.

So I did it. The thing I never wanted to do but always knew I would do: I watched the new TLC show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo". I am so embarrassed. So embarrassed. More so, I found myself wondering why TLC saw the potential for this show, proposed it, approved it, developed it, and aired it? Because it's so darn bad that it's good that's why (if you read that last sentence in a country twang you've obviously been exposed to it too).

Their TLC Promo Shot - I guess they didn't
hear the cameraman say "cheese".

I am not a Honey Boo Boo expert but from what I understand and have learned, Honey Boo Boo (real name Alana) was on another, much more respectable TLC show, Toddlers and Tiaras. She became a fan favourite and from there the show/spinoff was born. She still competes in pageants and all that, but we get to see what life is like for her and her family outside of all that. It's all down hill - and less sparkly - from there. They are everything you hoped they weren't/were. 

Allow me to introduce you to her family dynamic. There's the mom, June aka "Mamma". The dad, Mike aka "Sugar Bear". She has 3 sisters: Jessica aka "Chubbs", Lauryn aka "Pumpkin" and Anna aka "Chickadee". Before I move on I will tell you that Anna is 17 and pregnant. Honey Boo Boo also made reference to a brother, but I never saw one, nor do I see one listed so... maybe she's confused? Or I am? I mean, I definitely am.

For my first episode, I was lucky enough to catch the one where the family participates in the Redneck Games - lucky me! At the games they played the ever popular 'bobbing for pig legs' game. You know, the one where you fill a clear tupperware container with water and drop in 8 pig legs and see who can get the most out in a minute without using their hands? I might actually just leave the rest of the games to the imagination. For some, it might be enough just knowing this kind of thing is happening out there in our big beautiful world. 

I like they way they talk. For example when "Mamma" is trying to say how too much cleavage is not appropriate (at least I think that's what she was saying... there are even subtitles most of the show), she actually said "all that jiggle jaggle is not beautimous". I couldn't have said it better myself Mamma. See, it's not called The Learning Channel for nothing! Speaking of how they talk, Honey Boo Boo likes to speak with her belly. What I mean by that is... you know the movie Ace Ventura, and how he likes to speak with his, um, posterior? Well it's like that. She uses her hands to fashion her belly button into a mouth. I can't really describe it further. If you still have questions, probably best to Google it. 

So, after all that you might ask if I will ever watch it again? Absolutely! If for no other reason then to be an enabler and make sure everyone important in my life sees it too. 

Book Review: Fifty Shades Trilogy

So this is THE most talked about book series, or at least was the last few months. It is so saucy and has ladies all over the world going crazy! The fact that they are making a movie only creates more buzz. So, on that note, I thought I would review them. I will be brief as there are reviews for this everywhere you look. 

I read all 3 within about 2 months at the beginning of the summer, and although I like the book series as a whole, the books are not equal, so I will break it down by reviewing each one.

Fifty Shades Trilogy

Fifty Shades of Grey: SAUCY, SAUCY, SAUCY! 

Fifty Shades Darker: SAUCY, SAUCY!

Fifty Shades Freed: SAUCY! 

But for real, the series was pretty great overall and unlike anything I've ever read. I'm not much into the whole romance books, let alone an erotic novel! Yeah, that's right, I said erotic. And it was. I think because it was new genre for me, and because I don't mind sauciness, I really liked the first one. It hooked me. The second one was simply an extension, which is not a bad thing but more of the same for sure. It resolved the cliffhanger of the first one, while adding a thriller type element as the story continued. The final one however, was NOT good in my opinion. More of what you got in the first two, and if you're like me, you've had enough at this point. I think it's called Fifty Shades Freed because when it's finally over you are FREE! At times I found it boring and predictable. Very tough. If you can't tell, I rate these books as going from strongest to weakest: the first one being awesome, new, sexy; and the last being almost unbearable.

If you have not read them yet, I recommend you try the first one! Everyone is talking about it and it's worth seeing what all the hype is about. You will know with the first one if this is a trilogy for you or not. If you have read them, what did you think? Would you recommend all or none?

Phyllis Diller... rest in peace

Because I am a child of the 80's I did not watch Phyllis Diller rise to stardom and pave the path for future female stand-up comedians. But it's hard not to know who she is as she was quite the character. She passed away yesterday. In memory of her I wanted to share some great quotes of hers...

Phyllis Diller, 1917-2012

"Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight."

"I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them."

"The reason women don't play football is because 11 of them would never wear the same outfit in public."

"What I don't like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day."

"The only time I ever enjoyed ironing is the day I accidently got gin in the steam iron."

"My photographs don't do me justice - they just look like me."

Style Icon: Blake Lively

Whether she is on Gossip Girl, on the red carpet, or just rocking her everyday, Blake Lively has an enviable style. 

Every time I see her, she is so well put together and super chic. She's all about colour. She's all about cut. One thing I really appreciate is that's it's all her own doing. She doesn't have a stylist. Impressive right? She says it herself that too many times you will see a celebrity on the red carpet and immediately know who dressed them. Plus, who wouldn't want to take fashion into their own hands and have fun with it!

As time passes I think her style gets better and better. If I could clone a closet for myself, it would probably be hers!

Some recent red carpet faves.

 

The Pinterest Addiction

You probably have it. If you don't have it, you've probably heard about it. I'm not just talking about Pinterest, but the... PINTEREST ADDICTION!

If you like shopping, food, recipes, fitness, jewelry, animals, quotes, books, tv, movies, cars, ANYTHING at all, Pinterest is the best/worst place to be. In case you don't know Pinterest, you need to check it out! I've been on Pinterest for maybe about 6 months now, and I can't get enough. In a way it's a dream come true. I used to see recipes online and print them out only to lose them, or forget about them. Now all the recipes I want to try are on my recipe board! Fashion I like, books I've read, pictures I love, all have a home on their appropriate board where I can visit them as much as I want! 

Some companies use it as a part of their Social Media strategy which is great if you want to get visual updates, promotions, and more from those companies! I do follow some clothing retailers, fashion brands and magazines, but mostly I like to use Pinterest as my own personal database, or online collage, of things I love.

Are you on Pinterest? Are you addicted?  

If not, WARNING, time flies when you're having fun... and it's A LOT of fun! 

Personal Strength

Outfit Planning

Do you plan your outfits in advance? If so, how far in advance?

I am an EXTREME outfit planner. That being said, it's not random outfits, but rather I plan for specific occasions. You might think that sounds reasonable; here's the extreme part: those occasions can be months away. It's August and I'm already thinking about New Years Eve! No idea what I'm doing for NYE, but I am brainstorming what to wear. 

I think what happens I see a photo of an outfit, or am shopping online, and suddenly I'm trying to figure out where I can wear that! This sounds like a chicken and egg riddle: which comes first, the outfit or the occassion? This is one outfit that got me thinking about New Years:

Pretty cute and festive, right?! Maybe it would be a good outfit for my birthday? (Also, in January)

I'm sure you can see how this is a slippery slope. I should just take a deep breath and focus on what to wear next week... because let's be honest, I've got this week figured out :)

3 Movies, 3 Reviews

I've been out to see a few movies in the theatre recently and I wanted to write up some reviews on them. Just my personal opinion of course... 

Magic Mike - Ok, my recommendation is DON'T GO SEE IT. If I'm too late, I'm sorry. There is nothing worth seeing in this movie other than Channing Tatum. Even then it's still iffy if he's worth it. There are handsome men in this movie - yes. There are handsome men dancing in this movie - no; they are more or less just bouncing around awkwardly. Story had potential but was super weak. Just as it was getting somewhere, the movie ended. No no no. 

The Dark Night Rises (Batman, of course) - This new Batman series rocks my world. I loved this movie. If you like the series or even just the last one, you'll like this one for sure. Great acting all around - in fact, the entire cast of Inception minus Leo is in this movie. For real. Strong story. Great villain. Beautiful ending. To me the only negative is that this marks the end of the trilogy, so no more to come.

Savages - Yes yes yes. Great flick! Great actors! Love story, drug story, action story. It was a very strong and unique story. Almost had that Indie movie vibe to it, but with a Hollywood budget. I liked Blake Lively before seeing this movie, but I didn't think she was a strong actress until I saw this movie. She wow'ed me. Everyone did really. Bravo Oliver Stone, Bravo.

The Happiest 5K on the Planet!

Last weekend a girlfriend and I went to Boston to cross something off our bucket list: run a race. 

I've always wanted to run a race and have just never taken the plunge. I'm a fairly new runner to begin with, if you can even call me a runner. I love it although hard on my body (mainly my ankles). For me the secret to running is getting in the habit of doing it, like most people I'm sure. Anyway, having a race date looming in the distance can certainly help keep you motivated! 

When we went to sign up for the Ottawa Race Weekend 5K it was sold out. After browsing different races, whether in our city or others, I found The Color Run. It's a 5K race that involves wearing white and getting colour tossed at you every kilometer or so that you run! Um, who wouldn't want to do that?! They also call it "The Happiest 5K on the Planet" - sounds like a good first race to me! The event was in Boston, which seems to be a city I am drawn to because I love it, and it was the best time. The run itself was so well organized and just a blast. At the end of the race there is a "festival" with beer, food, games, a DJ, and much much more! I highly recommend it. 

After looking into the race and then seeing our pictures so many people want to run it now! I think our next Color Run will bring out some newbies. Because we WILL do this again and I can't wait!

Me at The Color Run

Fashion Redefined...

“Fashion wasn’t what you wore someplace anymore; it was the whole reason for going.” - Andy Warhol

I may have been absent for awhile but...

The Shoe Parties have still been taking place! Here's a look at the last 3 shoe parties my roommate and I have held. I suppose when you live together and buy this many shoes it was bound to happen but we both bought the same shoes for July! Different colours BUT STILL, I think that's pretty hilarious. 

Roommate's shoes on the left and mine on the right; all shoes are from Aldo