I love spooky season, dressing up like (more of) a witch, and wearing costumes. The other night, Michelle and I attended Jaymes White’s Stanley Garrison Séance. This is a recreation of an authentic Victorian Séance and it was AN EXPERIENCE.
It was held inside the Stanley Barracks, which if you don’t know is a building on the CNE grounds built in 1841 that has seen some SH*T. Don’t look it up, I think it’s better if you don’t know the history before you go. 😫
I’m not going to spoil the experience by telling you too much and they asked us to put our phones away during. It was good/fun /scary, highly recommend. 👻 If you have questions, DM me on IG.
ALL I AM STAYING IS – If you want to get a fright and/or enjoy spooky season, book a ticket ASAP.Jaymes white has been running his Victorian Séance since 2015, and it sells out every year.
Stanley Garrison Séance runs from October to November 2024
To chat about what just happened, we joined our group for bites and cocktails at Valerie inside Hotel X. Thank you Duet PR for the invite and to Jaymes White for a crazy night lol. Follow him on Instagram at @jaymeswhiteseance.
I recently went to the media opening of ACTIVATEStockyards, their largest location in the world. IT WAS SO FUN! Sarah and I had a blast playing the games, my favs were the Mega Grid and Hoops (trivia + basketball). Check out all the games here, the laser game is like being in a spy movie or trying to rob a bank where you’re dodging lasers across the entire room.
Activate is the world’s first interactive gaming facility and total TikTok viral sensation. Their latest spot is in the Stockyards area, following massive successes in Mississauga and Cambridge (my hometown!).
Activate Stockyards is a massive facility spanning 19,218 square feet, with 19 unique game rooms, including the famous Mega Grid (my fav), Push with 452 light-up buttons and the precision-driven Strike game.
”We are thrilled to be bringing Activate’s largest location in history to Canada’s largest city, Toronto. This exciting new location is a fantastic addition to the vibrant Stockyards neighborhood. We can’t wait for Toronto’s bustling community to experience the largest entertainment concept in the world.”
Adam Schmidt, Founder & CEO of Activate
Highly recommend checking this out with friends, your partner, or family. one of the funniest things was when my Apple Watch thought I had taken a fall after diving to hide in one of the games.
Prices start at $29.99 for 75 minutes of gameplay and they limit the number of people who can book at a certain time so it doesn’t get too busy. See packages and pricing on the website at playactivate.com. Running around for all the games was a great workout so 75 minutes is more than enough time to have fun.
LMK if you check it out! Love to know what you think. Message me on Instagram here!
This summer was great, I went on a few adventures with friends, spent a good amount of time on boats, and made a lot of memories. So long sweet summer, you were nice.
One of my favourite events every TIFF is the Bask-It Style Lounge by Glo Communications. Starting in 2009, Bask-It Style VIP gift bags are filled with new, innovative, premium brands to be hand-delivered to the city’s top hotels, publicists, and A-list celebrities. Each year I visit the media preview day, to connect with brand representatives and check out the products celebrities are getting.
Theresa Longo and I met over a decade ago at Bud Camp. So nice to catch up in person!
Scroll down to see my favourites from Bask-It Style 2024!
This hair tool is amazing! I’ve been using it for the past month and I love it. The SharkFlexstyle is a powerful, fast, no-heat-damage hair dryer, and an ultra-versatile multi-styler. I love how quickly it dries my hair and how easily I can add volume with the curl attachments. It’s also the most compact hair dryer I’ve ever had so it’s great for travel. Highly recommend this product!
I’m always looking for new ways to improve my health so was keen to meet Dr. Goel from Peak Human. I signed up for an Emsculpt treatment and a Drip Trip vitamin IV. I opted for an energizing IV that took about 20 minutes and included B12, magnesium, argentine, trace minerals, and amino acids.
My Emsculpt treatment was incredible, I could feel the effects in my abs for the next two days, at least. This machine helps to build muscle and burn fat in just 30 minutes. It was not invasive or painful, my one session was like doing 20,000 crunches! Emsculpt helps to define abs, lift your booty, or tone thighs, “all while reducing fat by up to 30% and increasing muscle mass by 25%”. I’d love to do a few sessions of this to tone my abs, I find that area challenging!
One of the things I look home is the Peak Human DNA Longevity Test , a saliva-based test that looks at your genetic makeup and provides insight into your detoxification, metabolic, brain, and hormone health. I’ve done 23&Me and a test on my gut health and will 100% be doing this longevity test to learn more about myself.
It would be a sin to gatekeep these two products from you! Toronto Popcorn has been a fav of mine for years and this kettle corn is the best I’ve ever had! Did not share any lol. Get your hands on this for your next dinner party or movie night. You will not be disappointed! Check out the flavours and order online here.
I love the combo of spicy & sweet so when I tried Wilmont Orchards Blueberry Habanero Jelly, my tastebuds were in love. The jelly was served on tiny crackers with a little cheese and I definitely had a few samples. IT IS SO GOOD. This is great to have in your fridge for unexpected guests or when you’re craving a little treat. Check out their other products and place an order here.
Blistape is proudly Women, LGBTQ+, and Canadian-owned. These little patches can be used anywhere on your body and are made from a proprietary fabric blend, enriched with vitamin E, and available in multiple skin tones. I’ve used it on my feet for blisters or to cover my nips in certain outfits, they work wonders!
Thank you to the Glo Communications team for having me back this year!
I was recently sent a Buddha Board to review and after a couple of weeks using it, it’s a great way to relax and get a little creative. I recently started using one, and it’s quickly become a nice way to disconnect. I like to use it while I watch shows instead of scrolling on my phone or sitting in the sun while listening to a book.
Inspired by the Zen idea of living in the moment, the Buddha Board lets you “paint” with water, as it dries, your creation slowly fades away. It’s a simple yet beautiful way to release stress and be present. There’s something so calming about watching your art disappear, leaving you with a clean slate and a clear mind.
Buddha Board is based in Vancouver, Canada and was founded in 2000. They’ve been featured in the Oprah Magazine, The Today Show, Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Bustle and many more.
It’s a great little tool for relaxation, whether you’re doodling after a busy day or just taking a mindful break. I love how it helps me disconnect, even for just a few minutes. Plus, it’s a great gift ($17.95 – $37.95) for anyone who could use more peace and creativity in their life. You can find it on Amazon here in both large and small sizes.
If you’re looking for a simple way to unwind, give the Buddha Board a try, it’s meditation in motion.
You probably don’t know this about me but for just over 2 years I’ve been tracking my alcohol use with an app called Sunnyside. This app has had a huge impact on my life and I feel it’s truly helped change my mindset around drinking and encouraged me to be more mindful in other areas of my life.
I was recently on the Sunnyside Podcast talking about how I use the app, scroll down to watch or listen!
For years I went out all the time to media events, product launches, restaurant openings, and parties. Most of it has been documented here! In 2020, I started to take a healthier approach to my life by going to the gym, running, and eating healthier. This was just before the pandemic, and although I stuck to my workouts, there were times during that period when I consumed more alcohol than I cared to admit.
I reached a point where I decided something had to change, I wasn’t looking to go totally sober but I knew that drinking regularly was having a negative impact. I’m unsure how I found Sunnyside, but I’m glad I did. I started with a trial which included setting up text alerts, tracking dry days, and being intentional with the times I was going to consume alcohol.
The trial moved to 3 months and I began paying for the app. Now, two years later, I can confidently say it’s had a huge impact. I’ve swapped all the random events for weight lifting and yoga and am much more intentional when I do attend something.
Watch this video to hear my story with the Sunnyside app or listen to the podcast here on your favourite platform.
Today marks 745 days with Sunnyside and I have no plans to quit the app. I enjoy the text alerts and reminders to help me stick to my goals. It’s amazing how making one mindful change can impact on other areas of your life. Using the app was something I kept to myself for a long time but over the past two years, more and more friends have started drinking less or going sober. I’ve enjoyed these conversations and finding other fun ways to go out than sitting at a bar.
If you’d like to give Sunnyside a try, use my link here to sign up for a free trial. You’ll be glad you did! If you have any questions about my experience or want to share your own story, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram.
Earlier this year at SXSW in Texas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Elley Cheng, President of Pantone. In this exclusive interview, Cheng discussed the profound impact of colour on communication and branding + shared an exciting collaboration with Grammy-nominated Tierra Whack. I also had to ask her, what’s your fav colour?!
Known for its widely used colour-matching system, Pantone sees colour as more than aesthetics, it’s a language that conveys emotions, messages, and brand identities.
Colour and Culture
After noticing that Elley wore Pantone shoes, we discussed evolving colour trends in culture and society. Elley pointed out that colours are constantly evolving, with their meanings shifting over time. For example, the evolution of pink illustrates a dynamic relationship between colour and culture, from gender norms to millennial pink, and the evolving brand of Barbie. “Color doesn’t stay static, just as culture doesn’t stay static,” Elley mentioned how pink has “gone through a vibe shift.” What was once a colour with limited gender connotations, pink now carries diverse and complex cultural significance.
Understanding these cultural shifts is an important consideration for brands as they craft their identities and messages. As Cheng emphasized, “We want to showcase the way colour can express a thought, a brand’s meaning, or what they stand for. It’s the most direct and quickest way to hit the person’s psychology.”
Building a Brand with Passion
Elley highlighted Pantone’s role in facilitating communication through collaborations, such as the recent partnership with Grammy-nominated rapper Tierra Whack for her album release. Working with conceptual artist Alex Da Corte, a curated palette of colours was inspired by Whack’s persona and artistic vision. This collaboration is a testament to how colour can powerfully express a brand or person’s identity.
“Color and culture are very strongly tied because one creates and reinforces the other,” this interaction is evident in how brands use colour to connect to current cultural landscapes while shaping future trends. Pantone’s initiatives, such as the Pantone Color of the Year, reflect this understanding, helping brands align their visual identities with broader cultural movements.
Pantone’s Role in the Creative Industry
The influence of Pantone extends beyond colour matching to encompass a broader impact on the creative industry. Cheng mentioned her SXSW panel with Monotype, Getty Images, and Canva, which focussed on current issues in brand-building and their implications for the future of creativity. The conversation explored how brands can navigate the complex interplay of colour and culture to create meaningful connections with their audiences. Listen to the panel here.
Personal Touch: Favorite Colors and Merchandise
After chatting about colour, collaborations and branding, I couldn’t help but ask Elley a very important question…what’s your favourite colour? In a characteristically Pantone response, she shared her love for deeper shades of red, a colour she finds energizing and attention-grabbing. “There’s this level of energy and excitement in red, and at the same time, it has a deep sophistication.” Her preference highlights the emotional and psychological impact that specific colours can have, both personally and professionally.
Pantone has expanded their palette into consumer products, including books and lifestyle goods, catering to all who love colour beyond professional use. This move signifies Pantone’s recognition of colour’s role in personal expression and style, hinting at future endeavours to bring their iconic colours into everyday fashion.
As a company deeply rooted in the world of colour, Pantone continues to shape artistic expression, brand identity, and cultural trends through its innovative collaborations and products. Elley Cheng’s insights at SXSW show the dynamic relationship between colour and culture, highlighting the importance of agility and authenticity in branding.
Pantone’s projects and partnerships promise to keep the brand ahead of the colourful conversations that influence how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
In a mattter of days this phrase has taken over the internet. Brat Summer is over, we’ve moved on to Demure Girl Summer. It seemed like the perfect title for a post where I visit a Lavender Farm in the country.
On my recent day trip to Durham Region, we stopped at Lavender Blu Farm, a small eco-family farm that’s been making artisanal lavender products since 2007. This quaint farm is located in Seagrave, Ontario, along the Sideroads of Scugog. Their mission is all about cultivating calm, something I can totally vibe with.
The farm offers a variety of events throughout the summer including yoga, painting, and lavender picking. It can also be booked as a wedding or event venue. I would love to do yoga there!
I loved learning about places to visit in the Durham Region, I had no idea there were so many farms an hour away from Toronto. The area is full of great places to check out including markets, pubs, museums, and galleries, see a full list at sideroadsofscugog.ca.
The studio has lavender hanging from the ceiling and features over 80 lavender-inspired products. You will feel calm the moment you walk through the doors. The whole atmosphere of the farm is relaxing.
Here’s to living a calm life!
P.S. If the title of this post makes absolutely no sense to you, read this and watch this. It’s a TikTok thing and it’s taking over!
This week I visited The Sunflower Farm on the edge of Lake Simcoe along the backroads of Brock, Ontario. If you’ve been looking for a great summer adventure with family or friends, get to Durham ASAP. The sunflowers are only in bloom for 2 weeks!
Durham Region is about an hour from Toronto and is made up of eight cities and towns; Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Uxbridge, Scugog, and Brock. On my adventure with the Toronto Blogger Collective and Durham Tourism, we visited four of their scenic rural routes, A Country Path, the Leaksdale Loop, Backroad of Brock, and the Sideroads of Scugog. I will share more about each route in my upcoming posts!
I truly loved visiting The Sunflower Farm! We got to meet Ursala, the farmer of this multigenerational family farm and she introduced us to the animals including the cutest little goat named Feta.
The farm has thousands of sunflowers, a sunflower-shaped trail, and plenty of great spots for taking photos. You can also purchase merch or sunflowers to bring home.
Parking is available on the farm and is included with your entrance ticket.
NO picking sunflowers! The field will be harvested in the fall for sunflower birdseed.
Want to take professional photos? Get in touch ahead of time to secure a Photography Pass.
Picnics and outside food are not allowed on the farm.
Don’t Pollute! Take any garbage with you or leave in the onsite bins.
Dress appropriately! You’re on a farm, there are flies, bees, bugs, and dirt.
Wanna bring your pup? Doggie Days are on Saturdays only.
Something that made the day really special was travelling around the area with Town Trolley Tours. Our hosts, Michael and Pauline, took us to each stop in their replica “San Francisco Trolley”, sharing stories about their lives, the region, and playing tunes on request. We even had a sing-along to The Tragically Hip! You can rent the trolley for events, weddings, and more, details here.
If you’re looking for a great activity to get in before the end of summer, I highly recommend taking a trip to The Sunflower Farm and North Durham. There’s lots to do in the area! Check out durham.ca to see their curated collections of farms, markets, breweries, wineries, historical sites, and attractions.
You’re guaranteed to have a great time and feel refreshed after taking in the country air! I came home with sunflowers and a bunch of treats from local farms. I can’t wait to go back when the leaves start to change. There’s a pumpkin patch at Tindale Farm Market! 🎃
