Events

Events, usually they have a hashtag.

TBT: Diary of a Background Performer

Years ago I used to work in film & tv as a background actress. I spent hours, and hours sitting in holding waiting to be called to set. It was a really fun experience and I met heaps of cool people. One summer I spent months working on the set of American Pie: Beta House. There were heaps of really cool people on that set including now CP24 weather reporter Patricia Jaggernauth, recording artist Ish Morris, actress Meghan Heffern, and my sister (who had her own trailer for part of the summer).  Eugene Levy was in it too. Below is a little diary entry  wrote while sitting in background holding on the set of Degrassi at Degrassi High in 2008. This photo was taken years later when I worked at MuchMusic & MTV and was given a Degrassi shirt. I started thinking to myself as I sit in Background Holding for Degrassi High…. Here I am working on a show I’ve never seen surrounded by a bunch of people whom either I’ve met over the last six weeks or are new faces. Its’ great. I hear the sound of “Its Raining Men” on the set, I’ve managed once again to avoid being used or getting on camera. (This is often a goal! lol) It’s a total dream when you get to spend the day sitting in Holding, getting paid to do whatever it is your little heard desires until they call for lunch or “everyone on set”. I’m hoping that today I make it until lunch. My first experience as a Background Performer was working on the set of “American Pie presents Beta House”. I was booked with my sister to do four days of continuity at a mansion in Thornhill. The place was beautiful! We met at Background Holding,…

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Spa Review: Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris

Last week I was invited to Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris at the Shangri-La in Toronto. Let me tell you, spending Monday afternoon at a spa is a GREAT way to start the week or really finish off a weekend. There’s nothing like escaping your life and slipping away into a world of relaxation. Especially on a cold winter day! The PR team invited me to experience one of their treatments and I chose to go for a Hammam & Gommage. This steam and body exfoliation is part of the authentic traditions of the Middle East.   When I arrived I was taken into the change room, given a private locker, and a robe. I put my winter layers in the closet and hopped into the soft robe and went to the lounge area where I started to relax instantly. I had my own little booth with dim lighting. I sipped fruit infused water, tea, and snacked on dried fruit & nuts (see above). After a few minutes I was taken to the Hammam steam room where I relaxed on a Jerusalem gold marble for about 20 minutes. It felt SO good to just lay there and let my mind wander as I soaked up the steam. The Hammam cleanses your body while stimulating your senses and imagination. Next, I was treated to an invigorating full body Gommage (exfoliation) using eucalyptus infused black Moroccan soap. This experience is considered to be the ultimate detoxification treatment and I can agree 100%. I felt so good after the Hamman & Gommage, I didn’t want to leave! I went back to my private booth in the waiting area and laid back down. I wasn’t ready to face the world. Within a few minutes I was delivered some tea, fruit and baklava. See, you wouldn’t want to leave either! I absolutely love visiting the…

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Get School’d: BLOGGING at The Gladstone Hotel

Hey guys! On Dec. 22nd I’m hosting a session on BLOGGING at The Gladstone Hotel in their new workshop series. Tickets are going fast and I’ve been told there’s just a few more.  The night will cover tips and tricks on starting a blog and how to build an audience. Get a Ticket  The Get School’d series brings you knowledge on diverse topics such as growing and maintaining a beard, blogging, learning ukulele, indoor gardening, wine tasting etc. The goal is to be fun and educational. I’m planning to take a few upcoming classes myself. If you’re gonna be there, let me know. Feel free to come with questions, I’d be happy to answer them for you! CASIE @casiestewart will be hosting out first #GetSchoold workshop. Learn from the best #blogger in #Toronto on 22nd Dec 7 – 8.15pm. Tickets selling fast http://bit.ly/1zk6LhY A photo posted by Gladstone Hotel Toronto (@gladstonehotel) on Dec 12, 2014 at 12:27pm PST

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Dragonette Dance Party at Good Day Hair Shop

The other day I was at Good Day Hair Shop in Kensington for a little pop-up party and DRAGONETTE was there. The performance was intimate; small venue and less than 100 people. Here’s some photos via She Does the City by Becca Lemire. We decided to kick the party up a notch and dance with lead singer Martina Sorbara. Everyone threw their hands  in the air and sang along. It was a magical moment! Good Day Hair Shop is in Kensington and you can find them at gooddayhairshop.com. That reminds me, I need a haircut!

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Photoset | YYZ Magazine: Issue 7 Launch Party

Here’s a few snaps from the YYZ Magazine Issue 7 launch party last week. See the full gallery here. Above is Editorial Director Lonelle Selbo  with (my man crush) model and man about town, Paul Mason. The digital issue was released mid November and you can find the print version at Chapters and select stores around the city. I wrote about Dundas West in this issue and you can find my photo by George Pimentel on the masthead.  Photocred to Brian Hamilton for the photos in this post. Love this one of me! Thanks Brian. LMK what you of the issue, read it here.  

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