More Gossip, xoxo

Photo: RockinK on Flickr

Alright kids, it was a long (and somewhat rough) week for yours truly, so that's why the updates here have been more sporadic than usual. I've been under the weather, anxiety and insecurity ridden, questioning everything, emotional roller coaster style...yup, I am a queen of over analyzing...this we know for a fact, as I continue to prove it. Hiding out in the valley for a few days at my parents' place this weekend has been nice.

Tomorrow night will mark the much anticipated season two premiere of Gossip Girl. You all know how much I've been looking forward to it. If you're a fan of the show, make sure that you check out a new website that I am stoked to be contributing on:GossipGirl.ca. This site is Canada’s only fan blog dedicated entirely to one of my fave television shows. It will feature commentary on everything to do with the hot, dramatic Upper East Siders that we've come to know and love- including episode recaps, the latest dirt on the cast and characters, plus the latest info about all the fashion and music on the show.

You can check out my intro entry here.

This Night

Photo: Drinks Machine on Flickr

It's about letting go of something,
steadily
until it's far enough away that there's no pushing anymore.

It overwhelms, bringing tears
puddles
rivers
slipstream

(between the viaducts of my dreams)

It has been too much

and not enough.

If I hang on any longer, I will collapse
I will have shut doors that were wide open
and I will stay the same age while the world grows past me….
I don't want to have that worry in my heart…

It will still be a memory,
and I will remember every second
of every good bit.
Nothing is lost, for
it was perfect for what it was.

Top Of The Pops

In the coming months, I will have the opportunity to see not one, but two of my favourite female performers of all time, live in concert. Posters of these idols adorned my childhood bedroom walls (along with the hunky likes of Kirk Cameron). I danced endlessly to their earliest pop songs with my friends in the backyard (often using the picnic table as a stage). My favourite concert buddy and fellow pop fan, Kristina G. will be by my side for both events and we could not be more pumped!


First up is Janet Jackson, who will grace the stage at GM Place on September 10th to launch her 'Rock Witchu' arena tour. Although Jackson rarely takes to the road these days, she ranks as one of the most successful female touring artists ever. Her 'Rhythm Nation 1814' tour was the biggest selling debut world-wide tour in history. I sure played the hell out of my VHS copy of the show. I even taught myself all of the dance moves. I also turned around and taught them to most of the girls in my neighbourhood. The baby sister of a legendary showbusiness family, Janet Jackson has strived to distance her career from that of her brother Michael and the rest of the Jackson family. She has created an enduring image, cemented by groundbreaking choreography that many contemporary pop stars still try to emulate. Many new artists have clearly been influenced by her style and have patterned their own performances after Janet's. This woman has most definitely inspired me over the years too- her tunes have long been part of my "running mix" and her infamous ripped abs have surely been a motivator to get my butt to the gym on more than one occasion. I can't wait to see her in action in just a few weeks.

For more information about Miss Janet's upcoming tour, be sure to check out her official site here.



The next event is something that I have been waiting for just about as long as I can remember. I will finally get to see Madonna live when she takes the stage at BC Place Stadium on October 30th for the Vancouver date of her 'Sticky & Sweet' tour, which kicked off this past Saturday in Cardiff, Wales. Hot on the diamante shaped heels of her phenomenally successful 'Hard Candy' disc, this tour promises two hours of nonstop hits in a show that features 16 dancers, a 12 piece band, more than 8 costume changes for the lady herself and over a million dollars worth of Swarovski crystals. I remember asking my mom if she thought that the Easter bunny would bring me Madonna's 'Like A Prayer' tape instead of chocolate the year that it came out. It was all that my little heart desired. Wouldn't you know it, that bunny came through for me and left the scandalous cassette in one of my baskets amongst the colour foiled eggs. I was beyond ecstatic. Always a chameleon, Madonna has reinvented herself a million times over and been able to come across as completely genuine in each new incarnation. Keira posted a fab tribute to the woman often referred to as the 'Queen of Pop' recently, in celebration of the star's 50th birthday. You should read it here. It provides a glorious walk down Madonna memory lane.


For the latest info about Madge and her current tour, as well as to find out when she's going to be in your city, check out her official website here.

Tubular Fall Television

Besides the fantastic fashion and latest and greatest new school supplies (which we've covered), another exciting thing about Fall is the start of a brand new television season. I admit that with the writer's strike last year, I completely abandoned almost all of the television shows that I had once regularly tuned in to watch. And some of them, like Grey's Anatomy, just took a complete nosedive causing me to lose interest. These days, I mostly watch different series on dvd as opposed to watching them when they actually air (with the exception of my guiltiest of pleasures, MTV's The Hills). This Fall though, there are a couple of shows on The CW that I am awfully excited about. Yes, I know that I'm not a teenager anymore (and haven't been for quite some time now). I do, however, apparently still enjoy some classic teeny bopper TV every now and then. Worry not, I make sure to pepper it with more sophisticated programming.

Here's the lowdown on some of the lighter stuff that I'm looking forward to on the tube, starting next month:

Gossip Girl The complete first season was released on dvd this past Tuesday and of course, I picked up a copy of my own. (Just in time too, because I'm all done with the Big Love marathon now, until Season 3 comes out...) What I love about Gossip Girl is that it's a complete escape for an hour. What can I say? Pretty faces and beautiful clothes plus interesting melodrama can be enough to draw me in. These ladies are amazing. The guys are pretty cute too. I'll admit it: S and B are my new fashion muses. While Serena works the rebellious natural beauty with tribute to our friend Kate Moss, Blair goes for meticulously groomed Park Avenue princess. Let’s just say the look that Serena Van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf are sporting at age 17… a bit different than the look I was rocking in high school. I've been seeing the tantalizing clips and posters online of what Gossip Girl's second season has in store for us. Someone PLEASE tell me that they are as excited about this as I am. September 1st…mark it up!



"90210" Like many other girls my age, I grew up idolizing Kelly Taylor, copying Donna Martin's outfits and crushing on Dylan McKay. The original Beverly Hills, 90210 hooked a generation of viewers on trendy teen melodrama honed by creator Darren Star and executive producer Aaron Spelling. Now it's time for a fresh, and more provocative revival of the show's concept. To help spin the spin-off, original cast members Shannen Doherty, Jason Priestley and Jennie Garth will reprise their roles as special guest stars on "90210." (Yay! I fell back in love with Ms. Garth when she appeared on Dancing With The Stars last year.) The new 90210 era is bound to be full of hot trends and fun, California fashion. Check out this spread in the latest issue of Nylon magazine for an indication of what may be to come. No one knows yet if this show is really worth watching or not, since the network has decided not to release any advance previews or screenings, but there is certainly a lot of hype around it. The new show, which premieres on September 2nd, should be interesting. I definitely plan on checking this revival out-but no promises that I'll get hooked.


It should be noted though, if the guy in the white shirt above is going to be on it, then that may be reason enough to tune in right there. (I really do seem like I'm 15 lately, don't I?)

I'm not gonna lie, there's also a good chance I'll tune in to Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters when those premiere on ABC at the end of September too.

Photos courtesy of The CW

When I woke up this morning, I thought it was Saturday...

Photo: Trials and Errors on Flickr

You can imagine my disappointment when I realized that I was wrong. It's Friday. (Note to self: change the radio station on your alarm clock so that you don't ever have to wake up to Kid Carson's voice again.) My bed was so warm and cozy too, getting up and into the shower was not easy. For a week that started out with me being completely laid up and in extreme back pain, things ended up getting rather busy. I must apologize for being such a delinquent blogger. My back, though far from pain free, is feeling significantly better and I've finally managed to get a few good nights of sleep in as well. (Thanks for all your suggestions, folks!)

Thoughts have been swirling around in my head; thoughts about a boy with a smile so nice and a soul so kind, it makes my wrists weak and my heart jump into my fingertips. His eyes are blue and his hair is perfect. He asks questions and tells stories and we relate. I like him.

I finally shut the door completely on the past for good, in a very straight forward way. I'm sure it was about time. I've realized that my heart might have been broken- but I am thankful that this boy, the one with the smile- can make it beat faster than it should- in a good way. It's fun to have a little crush again. I feel like I'm about 15.

No Sleep

Photo: Becky Twinley on Flickr

Insomnia has plagued me again these last few nights. I don't think it's just the heat. True, my apartment's been like an oven, but I have a good little fan and I'm quite lucky compared to many of my friends whose places are much hotter and much more uncomfortable than mine has been. My back has been aching since the middle of last week, and the only relief I can get seems to be when I lay on the hardwood floor with a towel rolled up under me, and stretch out my arms. Coincidentally, it's also cooler down there. Once back in my bed, my mind wanders and won't stop. There are too many pillows, or not enough and they're too soft or too hard or not right. Getting comfortable feels like an impossibility. I'm restless. I toss and turn like a maniac, getting more frustrated every time I glance at the clock beside my head. I get up and then get back in bed, then get up again. I go into the kitchen for a glass of water. I take a muscle relaxant. I still can't sleep, so I put on another episode of Big Love because I'm hooked and I mean, I can't sleep anyway, so...

Travel Pants

Photo: Warner Bros.

As I skipped up Davie last night to meet Shannon and Jess, I couldn't help grinning from ear to ear. My girlfriends are so very important to me, and over the last month or so, having been on the road and somewhat trapped by the constraints of my (at times) demanding job, I've really missed them. I was beyond excited for a second girls night in a row this week. We made a quick stop at The Granville Room for some delicious appetizers and wine before heading over to Tinseltown to catch a late showing of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2."

Anyone who saw the first movie or read the novels that inspired the films will be familiar with these well-worn bottoms. They serve as a bond among four girlfriends. Each can magically fit into them perfectly. The film, like its 2005 predecessor, chronicles a 'summer after,' as the girls embark on journeys to find themselves, without losing each other. Carmen (America Ferrera), Tibby (Amber Tamblyn), Bridget (Blake Lively) and Lena (Alexis Bledel) all went separate ways and dipped their toes in real life a bit during the summer after high school. Now it’s the summer after their first year of college. Life proves to be a little more real and definitely more complicated this time around. Each girl is beautiful and quirky in her own special way. What I find perhaps most refreshing, is that the show presents its heroines' relationships as complicated, challenging and particularly rewarding, and not simply as a vehicle for finding the perfect boyfriend. Note: there is a significant amount of eye candy though ladies, which is of course, always a good thing.

Keira posted an entry the other day about the beauty in aging, growing older, experiencing life and gaining wisdom. As we get older, hopefully we are able hone in on what is solid and real in our lives. The rich and authentic friendships that I have cultivated in my own life connote mutual affection, knowledge and esteem. Friendship is undoubtedly central to our lives, in part because the special concern we have for our friends must have a place within a broader set of concerns, including moral concerns, and in part because our friends can help shape who we are as people. It is in discovering our individual strengths, fears, talents and capacity for love through the choices that we make, that we are able to come to value more than ever the bonds we share with others and the immeasurable power of friendship.

As a girl who believes wholeheartedly in a supportive "sisterhood" approach to friendship as opposed to the competitive and conniving "Mean Girls" course of action, my heart felt warm as I sat in the movie theatre beside two of my favourite girls in the world. I give this one two heartfelt thumbs up. I'm also seriously fantasizing today about a future trip to Greece...

The Fall Lineup

Growing up, one of my favourite times of year was always the end of August. It was at that time that I could begin to anticipate trading in my sundresses and swimsuits for new, warmer styles and start planning my Fall wardrobe. The beginning of a new school year always represented a fresh start. More than January 1st, September was, for me, a time for resolutions and a complete style makeover. I looked forward to trips down south with my Mom, so that I could load up on back to school pieces that nobody else in my class would have. I devoured Fall magazines and scoured malls near and far, in search of particular items that I had been lusting after for months.
Although I no longer have a need to purchase shiny, new binders and pens along with a multitude of other supplies for September, I still have a great love for Fall fashion. Here's a little preview of some of the things on my "must have" list for the coming season.

1. Cardigan sweaters: I'm on the hunt for some over sized, chunky knits to add to my collection of cardigans. Cardies are always perfect to throw over whatever you have on, especially as we make the transition from summer.

Photo: Shop, Eat, Surf

2. Vests: Layered over a tank or t-shirt, vests are a look that I just love and can't get enough of. If it fits well, a good vest will make you look put together even on your worst days.

Photo: Popsugar

3. Scarves: A scarf can change an outfit or give it some punch, just like that. I definitely plan on adding to my current scarf collection for Fall.

Photo: Kris Krug on Flickr

4. Flat Brown Boots: It's true, I do own lots and lots of boots, but I really don't think there's such a thing as too many. I have been enamoured by this and a couple of other pairs of Frye's for far too long. The time may have come for me to splurge. The ones Katherine Heigl has on here look pretty close to perfection to me. I also need a new pair of UGGs. It's time to retire the two-tones.

Photo: People

5. Vintage Wash Denim: I'm not yet set on a particular cut, maybe straight- but I definitely want a pair of lighter wash jeans. I need a new pair of trouser style jeans too, something with a wider leg since I'm getting bored with all of my skinnies lately.

Photo: Popsugar

6. Checked shirt: I didn't think that I could picture myself in one of these babies, until Keira pointed a cute one out to me while we were in Aritzia the other day. Now, I'm kind of obsessed with the idea. I really like the one LC has on below (right).

Photo: People

My soul was free, my heart awake...

There has been a lot to think about these last few weeks.
Not much room for talking, I must admit.
It feels good to just be quiet.
It's interesting the way that some people feel uncomfortable speaking after not speaking for so long.

I feel my silence is therapy for me right now.
Sometimes I fear it's being judged. That concern does not make it easier.
So I am even quieter.

I've been feeling off- off and on.
Games? Not intentionally.
Just exhaustion to blame, for me.
I'm tired of trying to feel like I need to make a point.

Sweet like candy to my soul...

I watched Excess Baggage tonight on VHS after having talked about it for days. I resurrected it from the box of my old movies in my parents' garage last weekend. I love watching shows that are filmed in and around Vancouver. The movie itself isn't brilliant, by any stretch of the imagination. What it does bring to the table is beautiful scenery and a beautiful soundtrack. Plus, Benicio Del Toro is pretty cute. Sometimes I enjoy movies that are a little on the lame side.

Unsettled stomach and aching mind

Photo: striatic on Flickr

Last night my shoulders were tense.
Last night I tried not to look into anyone's eyes.
Last night I cried.
Last night I should not have listened to that song.

I need a good night's sleep more than anything in the universe.

City Girls In The Rainforest

Photo: Keira-Anne on Flickr

After our incredible surfing experience, Keira and I found ourselves standing in the parking lot at Chesterman Beach, freezing cold in our bathing suits as the rain pounded down on us. We ran to the car in our bare feet, where we had no choice but to pull our jeans and hoodies over our wet swimsuits and jump in. We hadn't been able to check in at our campsite before our lesson, so now, tired and soaked, it was time for us to go and set up.

When we arrived at the campground, we quickly discovered that many of the sites were at the very least covered in big puddles, if not completely flooded. By this time, it was raining even harder than it had been all day and we were kicking ourselves for not bringing our rain gear, or at least picking up some emergency ponchos at the Co-op.

Still wet from being out in the ocean all afternoon, drying off was, at this point, an impossibility. We managed to set up a couple of tarps and pitch a little tent in areas without puddles. It was clear at this point, that the camping part of this trip was not going to be as we had imagined it. As we tried to start a fire (to no avail)...we both realized that perhaps we were over "roughing it." While we are indeed proud to be West Coast women, this was a bit much, even for us. We would have done just about anything to have been inside a warm and dry hotel room at that point.


We decided to abandon operation campfire since it didn't seem to be happening. We hopped in the car and drove back into town, where we picked up the most incredible hot and delicious fish and chips for dinner before heading back to camp with warm, full bellies and smiles on our faces. We were praying that our tarp hadn't fallen down and sure that we'd both cry if it had.

Thankfully, the tarp was still secure. Relieved, we got into our sleeping bags, ready to hunker down for the night. We slept surprisingly well considering the circumstances. In the morning, when we awoke to the rain still pounding onto our tent, we decided to call it. Warm beds in Courtenay seemed like a much better alternative than another night in our cold, damp campground. Plus, neither of us had any clean or dry clothes left.

We spent that night at the cozy home of Keira's lovely Mom, Aunt Anne and adorable, little Charley. I finally got to try the Courtenay Quality Foods' legendary szechuan beef. Let me just say, the hype is well deserved. It was to die for. We washed our dinner down with some yummy local Island pinot...and just because we didn't get to have a campfire, didn't mean no sm'ores...we made some in the toaster oven and they were gooood...

Seaweed and Snot

As we shimmied into our Roxy wetsuits and the rain poured onto our blonde heads, Keira and I could hardly contain our excitement. We had signed up for a surf lesson with the Bruhwiler Surf School in Tofino, BC and well, our perma-smiles pretty much said it all.

Photo: Keira-Anne on Flickr

We were beyond impressed with our entire Bruhwiler experience from start to finish. Our two pro instructors Raph Bruhwiler and Dave spent the afternoon in the ocean with us, riding waves, laughing and showing us the ropes.

Photo: Keira-Anne on Flickr
Photo: Keira-Anne on Flickr
Photo: Keira-Anne on Flickr

It's hard find words to describe just how incredible the sensation of catching a wave truly is. When you connect with your board on the ocean, there's a rush of adrenaline and also, a feeling of strength and balance. Just ask Keira, who claims it's, "better than sex!"


Our instructors stressed safety, fun and learning in a perfect and comfortable beginner setting. It was clear that these guys are in it for the love of surf and a desire to share their passion with their students.

The water may have been a little chilly, but wetsuit technology has come a long way, so it's a lot warmer and more comfortable than you might imagine. Mix the mountains and the ocean with a laid back lifestyle and it’s no wonder this area is a surfing hot spot.

Photo: Keira-Anne on Flickr

Whether you are a total beginner or just want to learn some new moves, the Bruhwiler family is dedicated to teaching surfing in a safe and fun environment. Each time I have been to Tofino and spent time with the Bruhwiler Surf School, I have had nothing but stellar experiences. I highly recommend that you check them out.