Hi, I’m currently writing to you from our luxury van travelling to Route 66 through the Sonoran Desert. We just visited the iconic Wigwam Hotel in Holbrook.
Arrived late last night and will be on the road all week touring the highway staying at a different spot each night. We’re about to take a tour of the Petrified Forrest.
Yesterday was one of those full on go-go-go day. The night before I was so tired, falling asleep at my computer. I closed it down and told myself everything could wait till the morning. I make blog-life look pretty glam on the outside but behind the screen is a lot of hard work, late nights, meetings, and stress. I feel like I’m behind most the time, but some days I feel on top of the world. No day is ever the same. I remember laying in bed thinking ‘just get me through this week, then I can relax‘.
Had a great time speaking at a national Canadian corporation about my blog, social media, and influence marketing. A few talks booked on the topic of creators/influencers lately which I feel shows a that the market and budgets are shifting towards more digital.
Filmed a short video with new blogger Nneka Elliott. You might recognize her from CP24 where she’s been a news anchor since 2008. Had a diner with Saje Wellness and about 50 other young women. Did a class with Army of Sass. Then went home and read a bit before fall ing asleep with my Kobo. Just reading back over this makes me feel exhausted!!! The whole day was documented on Snapchat.
Tonight we’re going to the cottage for a couple days before I fly out to Arizona on Sunday. That reminds me, I have to pack! Gah.
Title quote is by Audrey Hepburn ?
FYI my contest for office space at The 48 inside 1 King West closes today – enter by visiting the post below!
Well, well well, did you watch Bachelorette Canada last night?! I watched most of it by myself and then Sean came home. He always says ‘urghhh, not this show‘ but then he watched it with me and his commentary was some of the very best. Last night there was another helicopter date, the guys did ‘manly’ things like carry logs and chop wood, they gave Jasmine massages, and went in the hot tub. It was pretty steamy! Was funny watching them struggle doing outdoorsy jobs, Sean does that stuff at the cottage all the time!
As you know my FAV part about the show is tweeting along with the hashtag and posting comments as the drama unfolds. It’s so funny. I love how fast the internet reaxting to things with memes, GIFs, and jokes. Years ago when I worked at Much/MTV I thought I had the best job watching TV and tweeting all day at my desk. Now through my partnership with Two Oceans Canada, my job is to sit on my own couch, drink wine, and tweet the show.
Lesson to be learned: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS GUYS!
Yesterday I went to the Twitter Canada head office and one of the things I learned is everyone can now create Moments on Twitter. Until recently, this feature was reserved for Twitter and major news outlets. So, I created a Twitter Moment of my fav tweets from show last night.
For next week’s ep I’ll be in Arizona so I wont get to watch live but I’ll tune on online for the recap. Check out the Watch Kit for downloads and recipes to whip up a perfect cocktail to go along wth the show, or whenever really! For info on Two Oceans Wine Canada visit twooceanswines.com.
Until next time, keep fit & have fun! ?????
* I’m working w Two Oceans Wine to tweet and watch the Bachelorette this season. Great job if you as me! They’ve sponsored this but tbh the pleasure is all mine!
Last week Gracie and I had the opportunity to attend TD’s Your Story Your FutureSpeakers Series with Cheryl Strayed at the AGO. Name sound familiar? Cheryl Strayed is the author of WILD, which was made into an Oscar nominated film starring Reese Witherspoon.
The story documents Strayed’s solo hike up the Pacific Crest Trail. I’d watched the movie before attending the talk but hearing her stories in real life was really inspiring. Something that stood out was Strayed’s advice from her mum that reminded me of something my mum would say ‘this is character building’ in regards to getting through hard times.
TD’s “Your Story Your Future” program combines workshops and inspirational speaker events to help women feel confident about setting and achieving their financial goals. I’ve written about a few of my financial accomplishments over the last few years (read those here).
I feel it’s really important for us as women to grab the reigns of our finances and set goals so we can prepare for our future.
I remember when my parents got divorced, I was a teenager, and my mum was going back into the workforce after 16+ years. She stressed the importance of having my own money, not getting into a position where I had to rely on someone else when it came to my finances. Only 3 out of 10 women have a financial plan for their future and TD’s Women Investor Program wants to change that.
The Atrium + Frank Ghery Staircase at the AGO
The program was created for the growing number of women who influence a growing share of wealth in Canada and might be looking for a more personalized investment experience from men.
According to a representative from TD Bank:
“One of the key differences between men and women investors is a desire for a more holistic financial advisory relationship – one that is based on setting and achieving life goals rather than simply hitting a financial benchmark.”
Defining exactly what professional advancement and financial freedom looks like is different for all of us but the importance is something we share. Regardless of the type of advancement we’re looking for (career, family or legacy) planning for personal and financial goals is important.
Ready to take charge of your financial future? Get it girl! Visit www.td.com/womenatworkto learn more.
Note: This post was generously sponsored by TD. All opinions and life stories are mine, all mine!
Earlier this week I spent and afternoon working at the newly renovated offices on the 48th floor of 1 King West. If you’re following me on any social network, you would have seen my posts documenting the beautiful view. I got a lot of feedback asking where I was and how you can get there. Good news! I’ve partnered with The 48 to offer some free time in the offices. I’m also going to host a wee cocktail hour with all the winners.
The offices used to be 3 suites owned by the Mirvish family and were recently sold, then converted into 9 offices. At my first visit last week ago I was blown away by the view and how nice they were.
Offices vary in size, there’s a boardroom, reception area, washrooms, and full service kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, marble counters, and of course coffee. Each office has a printer, flatscreen, and phone. You can also use the mailbox service, voicemail, or accept calls via the reception desk. Imagine ‘YOUR NAME’s office, how may I direct your call?‘ The wifi is good too, gotta have good wifi.
Another two great perks are VALET parking and catering available from 1 King West.
As a freelance, entrepreneur person, I love working from home but sometimes I need a change of pace and a coffee shop just won’t do. These offices are quiet and distraction free. I love that you can rent for a couple hours of uninterrupted work time/meeting, or set up shop in a more permanent style (weekly, monthly)
There’s also a lot of nice surfaces if you’re into doing flat lays for your social posts.
Well, it’s just starting to cool down and I’ve got something warm and exciting to share… on Sunday I’m going to the Florida Keys! I’m heading down with Florida Tourism and a couple other blog friends.
I’ll be documenting my experience on Facebook (w/ Live!), Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram. I can’t WAIT to see what we’re doing. I got a heads up that we’ll be Night Boarding, which is stand up paddle (SUP) on board that are LIT. I love my SUP board so stoked for this
I’ve had the Beach Boys song Kokomo in my head all week. (There used to be a bar in the Keys called Kokomo!) I’ve also looked up famous movie scenes filmed there and this one is on my to-do list haha.
On Friday afternoon I went to an orchard north of the city with bloggers from across Canada thanks to Subway Canada. We picked apples and sampled some of their new menu items coming in October. We were greeted with a cute welcome sign and chilled Izze fruit drinks as arrived. Lucky for us the morning rain cleared by the time we arrived and it was a lovely day. I hadn’t been to an orchard since I was a kid.
Our first part of the adventure was a hayride and if you were following my posts in real time, I was really into it. I even made a song about it.
[vine id=”5vO6Vxg5FYE”]
After our tour of the orchard we sat down for lunch. It’s just started getting a wee bit cold and thankfully our hosts were prepared with blanks to keep warm.
The new fall menu at SUBWAY features a new Carved Turkey sandwich that will launch October 11th in Canada. Just after thanksgiving ?
Executive Chef, Chris Martone made us a delicious salad to start our seated meal with walnut encrusted goat cheese, it was so good. Both Will and I ordered a second plate!
The new sandwich.
My favourite part of the day was picking apples. I also went into a corn maze, got lost for a minute, and went on the swings.
Later that day I went to the cottage for the weekend with Sean and Emily. On Saturday I made 3 pies with the apples I picked. Two of the pies were a combo apple pie/apple crisp. I highly recommend this recipe I found on Pinterest. They were honestly SO GOOD. I’ll be bringing 2 to the office today so we don’t eat them all!
Made apple crumble pies w/ apples I picked yesterday. Cottage smells amazing! ☀️?????? pic.twitter.com/lxLv2TJvm1
After a long relaxing summer I’m thankful for the change in seasons, great time to start something new. ditch old habits, and bring back layered outfits.
Yesterday was full on. By 4pm I was back at the 1188 office and would have killed for a nap. I had 3 things earlier in the day, a call about a new project, then had to pick up Em form daycare, help her w/ homework, and make sure all was cool w/ sitter, and head back to work. I really love what I do but some days it’s super exhausting. Working for yourself has perks but being the face of the brand, writer, editor, admin, finance, marketing, agent, and accounts receivable can take a lot out out of you. I’m only one woman! Add on step-mama to an 8 year old and partner to an entrepreneur, tbh I get damn tired.
looked cute today tho
Although yesterday was tiring, it was really great.
Arrived at the 1188 office w/ Sean early to help out. Then went to the ReThink Breast Cancer breakfast. I’d done a bunch of things on my phone before then including Nike (NTC) workout on the roof and didn’t realize my phone was almost dead. URGH! So, off I went to the breakfast sans phone.
The new collection is so nice. I truly love the work they’re doing. Once I get photos I’m going to share here. ReThink is a breast cancer organization that aims to help raise awareness for young women dealing with breast cancer. One of the things I reallllly love is their BARBIE brand partnership. If you know me well, I FREAKING LOVE BARBIE. I still have all mine at mum’s house. Also a few collectors ones still in the box.
Next I went to 1 King West to check out ‘The 48’, on the 48th floor their new office suites and meet with their team. I’ve been thinking about getting a desk space and they’re interested in working with me, it was a good meeting. The space is beautiful. I couldn’t help but think of all the things I could do there, events, shoots, meetings.
Before heading to my next meeting I had a call about a cool project w/ young entrepreneurs & Capital One. I worked w/ them on a campaign last year and was a young entrepreneur myself so I’m jazzed about it.
Took the TTC to Fleishman Hillard to learn about the new FitBit. I like my Fitbit and the stats that come with it. The intersection of fashion X tech is something I really love and they had some cool stuff. These were my fav. The new leather band, bangle, fashion collabs w/ Public School (braided one), and the new Alta watch.
JUST before I went to this presentation, I was making a Snapchat ?????? at the TELUS store and WALKED INTO THE WALL. Fml. First time doing that and thank god I didn’t bang up my face/teeth. I bruised my hand and it’s kinda tender. I don’t think anyone saw. Lol derp.
Picked Emily up at 5:30 and took her for a Happy Meal. They have great toys rn. WONDER WOMAN! Something you might not know about me is I have TONS of McDonalds toys in mum’s basement. Heaps still in packages. We don’t know wtf to do with them!
I really like helping Em with her homework. My mum was at home with us until I was 16 so I really understand the importance of focussed attention to help her learn.
After making sure all was cool w/ her and sitter, I went back to work for a bit.
Safe to say I wrote most of this on mobile while pacing in the kitchen.
I document days like this so I can look back and remember. That’s really why I started blogging 11 years ago, to keep more memories. It worked. I love looking back in my archives to see how far I’ve come, much I’ve changed, and remind myself to keep at it.
In other news, next week I’m meeting with Twitter Canada, shooting w/ TELUS, and going to Florida for a week.
Last Week of Summer? Doesn’tFeel Like It! Today is SO HOT OMG. I’m wearing shorts and t-shirt and feeling so happy.
We had a great weekend at the cottage. It was just Sean and I for a few days. Lots of relaxing, naps, great food, laughs. I love the VIEWS but something else I really love about the cottage is the drive up together and driving long, winding country roads. There’s something so magical about it, laughing together, singing old songs.
The leaves are just starting to change and I said ‘I LOVE IT THIS TIME OF YEAR’, his reply? YOU LOVE IT ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR! It’s true, I really do. Each season and type of weather has it’s beauty.
Today I’ve got an afternoon with TELUS to meet with 2016/2017 Team TELUS Advocates. I wrote about that here. They sent a welcome package last week with the INSTAX printer! I love this thing so much. I’ve been carrying it around in my purse ever since. THANK YOU GUYS!
On our way to the cottage we stopped at Rocket Fireworks, Sean loves fireworks so much.
I got up each morning and went out on my stand up paddle board. I love this outfit, denim bathing suit, flannel. Perfect fall cottage attire.
Finished reading ‘in a dark, dark wood’ this weekend. Good book. crazy story about old friends and one of them getting married, a hen party gone wrong. Received it at the Essentials Lounge by EGPR during TIFF. I have to admit, it was kinda weird picking up a book-book spending the summer w/ my Kobo. [See my list of summer favs here!]
While out for a Sunday drive we discovered Wahta Reserve, aka the BEST PLACE TO BUY FIREWORKS. Look how happy this guys is!
Spent the last night out for a long SUP session then lit a smoke grenade to close out summer! We’re back up this weekend and I am totally crossing my finger for more warm weather.
