School Yourself! Life is One Big Lesson

Seeing so many school photos today made it feel like back to school. The craziest thing for me is seeing friends who have kids that are the age they were when I met them. It’s so weird/cool I guess? Gah, how old am I, I still feel young! Still learning new things all the time, excited about life. This week is an exciting one with all kinds of new experiences and people. Today I am going to the TIFF Stylist Box and then attending Toronto Fashion Week for a show. It all kind of gives me anxiety but this year I’m trying harder than last to prepare, plan accordingly, and not stay out too late. Today felt kind of like back to school because I saw hundreds of kids! Mostly on FB but we also went to Em’s first day, which is exciting. One of my friends said that she has to listen to songs for children on the way to school with her kids in the car. They love listening to these songs because they’re educational, and most of their friends listen to them as well. School has changed a lot, there were no videos like that for us to listen to when we were younger! Now that I think back to actually being in school, I really liked it. I mean, I still left all my projects to the last minute and dragged on doing homework but it was great! School teaches you so many things you don’t learn in class. Problem-solving, giving and taking constructive feedback, working in teams, being a leader, creating. Sometimes I see myself teaching, although that would be kinda like going back to school. But then I think about those who can’t, teach’ and I’m like no way. Maybe just a couple classes…

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West Queen West Has a Metro Now!

Heaps of prepared food. Lots of fresh juice. Massive gluten free section. Huge bread assortment including pretzel croissants (??) and Italian bread with real Italian ingredients (might be made by a real nonna?). Huge meat selection that will do custom cuts and a cool female butcher. Fresh sustainable seafood. So much yogurt. Exotic snacks. Self-checkout. Starbucks and collective art space on the lower floor. I also rode my bike there. A new grocery store in the hood is pretty exciting. Before I lived in the West End, I was at Cityplace when the new grocery store opened up. [I actually even set up a Twitter account based on the store which I then shut down]. Everyone was so excited and that might seem a little dorky but when a new food store opens in your neighbourhood with all your fav things and fresh prepped food, your life is instantly better. So, I  biked over to the new MetroWest Queen West for a tour on opening weekend (10mins bike from home!). This location puts a focus on local and community with organic chicken from Yorkshire Valley Farms in Etobicoke, pastries from Dufflet in Toronto, and Portuguese products from Borges Foods Ltd. in Mississauga. Thanks Metro, for inviting me to the opening and the pedicab ride! Make sure to stop by and order a ready-made pizza, pick up some beer for the weekend, and grab yourself a fresh juice. For info about Metro in-store events and other happenings, follow them on Facebook at Metro Ontario.

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Make The Most Of Each Day!

What a difference a week and some sunshine can make! MY GOD. Also, thank you to all who read and commented on my post about anxiety. We all go through hard days and I want you to know I feel it too. I’m a human just like you! Loving the weather this week. Have spent a good chunk of time at the house writing and getting things done. I’ve also been biking everyday and done some yoga. Feels so good!   On Tuesday Keri (@keriblog) and I gave our home patio a HUGE makeover. I loaded up on plants at the Walmart sale and picked up a few cushions, lights, etc. They’re so nice! I’m in love with the new look and feel. Thank the sun gods for LESS RAIN, FINALLY.  This ‘Double Rose‘ shirt is my new fav I picked up last weekend at the Skinny Sweats pop up (Toronto designer!). I love it so much. I’m inspired to make similar ones with my face on the tatas and some emojis, haha. Yesterday Lauren (@laurenonizzle) and I went to the afternoon Blue Jays game and rode around on our bikes after. We both have Schwinn cruisers from Canadian Tire so we are SCHWINN TWINS. SCHWINNING. SKWADGOALZ A post shared by Lauren O’Neil (@laurenonizzle) on May 31, 2017 at 1:47pm PDT Have some really fun and exciting work coming up the next couple months and I’m excited to share with you. It feels so incredibly cool to be doing work I love. Tonight dad is coming over to shoot a project for Father’s Day. Sending sunshine your way!  

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Bring on Those May Flowers! 

Oh spring how I have missed you! The last week I’ve been a bit slack on writing my ol’ diary as I’ve been in pre-production for the first ever music video I’m directing with 1188/Revolver Films. It’s exciting to do something I’ve never done but it’s also hard work and learning something new has it’s challenges. I know it will be awesome but until then, I’m a bit anxious about the whole thing! Gahhhh. Sean reminds me all the time: ‘You can do anything you put your mind to, IF YOU DO THE F*N WORK.‘ We film this weekend, crunch time! In other news, May is my fav month and Monday is my birthday! I’m not planning to do anything crazy, all I really want to do is go to yoga and eat cake. I’ve asked a couple friends to come to class with me on Monday night and I think I’ll bring a cake for after. ALSO, on the 13th I’m going to Jamaica! I’m Lovesey’s guest for a week long all-inclusive in Ocho Rios and I can’t wait for that either. The last couple months have been super busy and I’m planning to wear next to nothing and do next to nothing for 7 whole days.  

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Hi Mum, I just called to say thanks.

Today I rung mum at work and I think she must have been busy because she seemed a little surprised when I said ‘hi mum’. I told her I was calling to say thank you for having me and being so supportive. She didn’t have a lot of time to talk but I wanted to thank her for everything. To tell her I love calling her all the time when something exciting happens and I can’t tell anyone else or they just wouldn’t feel as excited as her. For all the times she stayed up late sewing ballet skirts to sell at the studio so she could afford our dance classes. For driving to all those dance competitions, skiing, skating, birthday parties, recitals, modelling, tae kwon do, and to all my friends houses for sleepovers. For showing me how to bake and encouraging me to make things in the kitchen, thank you. For embracing my weirdness and letting me wear what I want as a child no matter how bizarre the neighbours thought she was for doing to it. For putting us in summer reading club at the library. For all the work that went in to creating JEANS Publishing company and helping me write that book as a young teenager because I know it was shit ton of work and late nights (for her). For teaching me to work hard and not listen to anyone who says ‘you can’t do that’. Your strong attitude is with me everyday and I carry it close to my heart and I hear your voice in my head. For teaching me to be tough and know how to throw a damn good punch (whoops!) and studying Tae Kwon Do together. For getting me braces because you knew that my smile would bring joy to other people and I…

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My Blog is 12 years old in a month. Here are some thoughts I have about blogging.

Someone asked me the other day ‘If I knew what blogging would turn into now would I do it over?’ These questions are kinda dumb because they could never happen and are totally hypothetical in an alternate reality that doesn’t exist.   HOWEVER…I don’t think I’d start now if I hadn’t started over a decade ago. Not for the thousands of hours at events and meeting people, or what feels like a million nights alone at my computer. Sometimes my hands actually hurt from scrolling. BUT maybe I would for the trips and the stuff, if I tally it up it really does seem kinda glamorous. I feel like that though, is why a lot of people start these days which is totally backwards. It also shows when you try that hard, it looks desperate. Clinging to any ol’ brand that’ll throw you (budget) bone or some free face cream.  A blog isn’t just a money maker, a way to get ‘free stuff’, it takes a lot of work. I only started making money in the last couple years, and for most of the years I made less than zero many months and other jobs kept me afloat. (BTW, I still have other jobs, I’m producer/director at the 1188 studio and have a speaker agent) It was always a hustle and I thought about quitting so many times that I never even told you about.  I started a blog to keep a diary about my life because I have a sh*t memory and to be honest, I was drinking a lot at the time and I would always forget things. These days, I scroll past posts on IG or FB and literally shake my head saying ‘what the f*ck?’  Someone promoting healthy one day and then fast food the next, or every alcohol, and every brand of shoes. How the hell do you build brand loyalty or a…

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Travel Goals: RV Adventure 2017

When I was a kid my grandpa Doug converted an old school bus into the ultimate traveller complete w/ stove, bbq, and a few beds. We would drive about 2hrs to the Down Under Summer Games with heaps of Kiwis and Aussies. It was so much fun, we would sing, dance, have a a hangi, go fishing, and watch the dads do a gumboot toss. It’s a down under thing haha. This summer I’m planning to live out one of my dreams and so an RV adventure. GoRVing Canada has invited me and I’ve not set out the details but it’s going down. ? Or East, West, who knows! GoRVing.ca helps RVers in Canada with information about RV dealers, RV rentals, RV parks and campgrounds. Find all kinds of info at gorving.ca. ???? The airstream section was my favourite. It’s totally hipster of me but I love the hyyge, cozy, retro of it all. I think I could do a summer living in one of these as long as I had wifi and freshwater. I’ve learned to need way fewer things over the last few years. There are so many different kitchen/sleep/bathroom options, sizes, and pries in RVs. I knew there would be a lot to consider as a friend told me about the campingfunzone.com RV/trailer article she read and what you need to take into consideration but I was overwhelmed! I was impressed by the luxe of some, full kitchens, big fridge, queen beds. Overheard a conversation of a few people talking about how they used to live on their boat and now are looking for a nice RV to travel land on. So cool! A few years back my mum & her bf lived on their boat for a year and sailed to the Bahamas. I’ve always admired…

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TRAVEL | Vegas, Baby! #CES2017

First trip of 2017 starts bright and early tomorrow morning. I’m heading to LAS VEGAS! I’ll be joining a bunch of journalists + influencers from North America for CES and my trip is sponsored by Harman Kardon (JBL, Bang & Olufsen etc). They’re hosting us at the Hard Rock Hotel and on Friday night they’ve got STING playing a concert in the hotel bar. I AM SO EXCITED.  Aside from my set itinerary, I’ll be exploring the conference floor, attending talks, and rounding up all the hottest tech trends. ▶︎ Later this month I’m speaking on a panel at WeAreWearables Toronto about tech trends from CES. Get a ticket for it here! I’m also checking out VR stuff for Sean’s company Occupied VR. I can’t wait. CES is so freaking exciting. I went a couple years ago, tech heaven! It’s also a bit warmer there than Toronto. I’m also hoping to check out the Neon Sign Museum and maybe do a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon. After Vegas, I’m driving to LA with a friend and staying in Venice Beach for the week. I can’t wait to document this trip.

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Hello From The Other Side of The Screen

Last week I was so exhausted but after a weekend of naps and relaxing, I feel so much better. We went out for a mini-halloween on Friday and took the rest of the weekend off. I’m usually ALL ABOUT Halloween but this year, I was too dang tired. Travelling the last month has been great but it started to catch up with me the last couple days. I was feeling sick, tired, sad, discouraged. I often rirng mum on days like that and she reminds me to take a nap and not be too hard on myself. Almost every single time I feel like giving up and ‘getting a real job’, something great is around the corner. This year I’ve signed up for NaNoWiMo (National Novel Writing Month) after a few unsuccessful attempts ovefre last 5 years. The goal is to write a novel in 30 days with a little bit each day. I’ve been working on a 10 year blog/book thinger for years a while and I’m determined to have it done by the end of 2016. I’ve got the framework all together and I just to actually sit in a quiet room and WRITE. Winter is always my ‘hibernation station’ time to focus and set goals for the upcoming year. I don’t have any trips planned till after Christmas so this month is all about self care and spending quality time at home and with my computer. Being on the go is a really exciting but part of my life but I also really love being at home writing on my computer. I’ve got heaps of stories to share so I hope you’ll stick along for the ride. Here’s to a great week! With love,

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Tech | #SeizeTheKeys! ☀️? I’m Heading Down to Florida!

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. Have you been to the Florida Keys? Any recos of what we should do there? LMK!  

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? Coming Soon! Catching Up on the Blog Today ?

The last few days have been really exciting. After gifting lounges last week, daily hair & makeup, nails, tan, karaoke, dance parties, and film, I’m pretty wiped. Feels a bit like I am getting sick, tired/sore throat. ?? This happens almost every year tho! Taking it pretty chill today and hibernating in the house w/ my computer.  Wednesday I’m back on Sirius XM w/ Todd Shapiro before attending the premiere of All I See Is You, a thriller w/ Blake Lively.  Have some exciting things coming up after this week, going away for a couple weeks, a big trip next year, and speaking.  Here’s to a great week, hopefully this beautiful weather hold ups up! ☀️

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Watch ‘Behind the Red Carpet’ on The Hollywood Suite Network

In 2004, during TIFF, I was filmed for a documentary about the festival. I was followed around to events, parties, and interviewed about what it’s like behind the scenes, behind the red carpet. Alongside me, the films stars celebrity photographer George Pimentel, PR pro Natasha Koifman (NKPR), and national journalist Chris Jancelewicz. The film is playing on Hollywood Suite network in Canada all month. If you are keen to watch it and don’t the channel, you can get it on iTunes, Amazon, Playstation, GooglePlay, or xBox. Details on the website here. About Behind The Red Carpet Behind The Red Carpet introduces us to the movers, shakers and key players behind all the happenings and craziness of the Toronto International Film Festival. We follow five lead characters who are the top in their field including Toronto/New York based publicist Natasha Koifman, a foremost journalist, Chris Jancelewicz, Casie Stewart, world famous blogger, George Pimentel, Canada’s most renowned celebrity photographer, as well as Pierre Jutras, venue operator and president of The Spoke Club. Our key players are thrown into the fire as they try their very best to appease the biggest and brightest stars from around the globe. We are on the inside lines of the biggest red carpets with the hottest stars. It’s about being at the right place atthe right time, red carpet call times, media arrival times…photo opp…any time! After the whirlwind of festival…which of our characters is left standing…who has had the most success, who has thrown in the towel and who is ready for more? This week is gonna be a busy one. Busy and exciting! We’re heading back from the cottage today and for the next week I’ve got films, afterparties, gifting lounges, and more. I’m planning to share them all on Snapchat, Instagram (and Stories), Facebook Live, and Twitter. FOLLOW…

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5 Books to Read This Summer & The New RECO App

When I was a kid my summers were spent playing outside or at the library. Each year mum had us join the Summer Reading Club where we would read a bunch of books, play with the other kids, talk about books, and at the end of the summer, a Teddy Bear Picnic. ??? I have such fond memories of reading but over the last few years I hadn’t read many book, this year I set a goal to read more. A couple months ago I got an ereader a couple months ago and since then I’ve read 10 books. More than I’ve read in five years! Here’s my top 5 summer reads that will leave you wanting more. Download the new RECO app from Chapters Indigo and read reviews of all the books I’ve recently read. Reco is about inspiring your friends to read great books more often, so on that note, here’s my fav five I’ve read recently. 5 Books to Read This Summer This list is a mix of light summer reading and suspense drama. I like to switch it up! I love books that take me on an adventure and leave me thinking about the characters when I’m going about my day. Safe to say I loved each one! She’s Not There by Joy Fielding – This is my most recent read.  Darling daughter Samantha (2) is kidnapped from their hotel room in Mexico while Caroline Shipley and her husband are celebrating their 10 year anniversary. This book is a suspenseful thriller and has a few twists as the story unfolds. I couldn’t wait to finish this one,  was left wondering what would happen next every single time I put it down.  You by Carolyn Kepnes – I was sent a copy of this from Simon & Shuster and it was SO GOOD.…

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TSO & AGO, The Decades Project: A spellbinding journey through time

On Wednesday night I’ve got a hot date with one of my BFFs to go to the TSO. It’s one of those great attractions we have downtown but I feel like people always forget about it when they’re looking for a night out. It makes a great date for someone you love (BFF, BF) or a really nice night out by yourself. The TSO has partnered with the AGO for The Decades Project: an unparalleled concert-going experience that combines transformative orchestral performances with exciting surprises galore. [youtube id=”mcdYBjmKG9A”] Wanna go? The TSO gave me a pair of tickets to share. The show is at 8pm. If you can get there you are eligible to win! Contest closes Wednesday AM and I’ll notify the winner at noon.  a Rafflecopter giveaway About the Show: Ravel Daphnis et Chloé, WED, JUN 1 at 8:00pm Under the inspiring baton of Basque conductor Juanjo Mena, this riveting program of masterpieces from the second decade of the 20th century brings you Ravel’s voluptuous mythological ballet score, Daphnis et Chloé, in its full, original version. Charismatic Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto performs the robust Violin Concerto by Danish composer Carl Nielsen, three of whose symphonies the TSO performed to great acclaim last season.

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