Paperbag Princess

Get a hold of yourself, or your new "it" bag. Whoever said helping the environment couldn't be fashionable is sadly mistaken. Now any guy or gal can look trendy by carrying a canvas bag as they are no longer restricted to grocery store shopping. An increasing amount of Hollywood celebs have been seen toting these bags around town. Whether their plain, printed or covered with environmental slogans, anyone can look chic for cheap. People are making a statement, and this time it's not all about fashion. Go green and look good doing it.

I'm all about this trend right now as I'm loving every minute of having a bigger bag. I do miss lugging my Louis around, but even he needs a break sometimes. I've been carrying around a beige canvas bag with the word "green" printed on it in 20 different languages. I love it so much because it's hip and big enough to hold all my essentials!

Professional dress code doesn't stop Sarah Palin from using her canvas.

Anne Hathaway wore her canvas bag two days straight at Coachella this year.

Even guys look stylish sporting the canvas.

Belle de Jour

Once upon a time there was a woman who lived in London. She was a beautiful woman who graduated University and starting to work as a high class call girl to pay the bills. When the money seemed too good to pass up for a "normal" job, she continued the line of work by living a secret life under the pseudonym Belle de Jour. This is a true story.

Belle de Jour - The Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl is the diary based on this woman's adventures and conflicts while trying to keep her personal and working lives separate. When I picked up the book as reading material for a long bus ride in Asia, I was immediately hooked on all the intimate entries. From her A list clientele of UK's top lawyers, politicians and celebrities to waxing schedules, preposterous amounts of money spent on lingerie and the security measures she takes for a risky job, the book becomes better after every page turned.

Brooke Magnanti is the real Belle de Jour who is a research scientist, blogger and writer residing in London. She supported herself while completing her doctoral studies by becoming a London call girl. She then published this book revealing actual events during her time as a high class prostitute, which was later made into the Showtime series, Secret Diary of a Call Girl. So if you're getting sick of all those Sex & the City reruns, fear no more because something even sexier is out there. If you thought Sex & the City was racy, then you're in for a real treat.

I downloaded the first and second season and watched every episode twice. The first season oozed excitement with clients dishing out new demands and even more money, while the second season divulged the risks and upsets involved with the job. Keeping secrets, dangerous clients, affected friendships and the difficulties in getting a real boyfriend. How would you explain being a prostitute to a potential boyfriend? The second season also had real difficulties during filming as Belle (who is played by Billie Piper) was actually pregnant. A body double was obviously needed and all camera angles were altered to hide her baby bump.

My BFF had the third season delivered to her house and I can't wait to have a girls night in and catch up on all the juicy episodes. Move over Carrie Bradshaw-Preston, I think my DVD player may have found a replacement.

Texts From Last Night

The idea of getting together with friends for a coffee and conversation seems almost extinct. With technological advances and the ever-so-popular social media, we've resorted to catching up with friends through Twitter updates, posting vacation pictures on facebook and day-to-day chatting through texts and BBMs. A real conversation is hard to find these days.

Two friends created a website based on this idea as they prefer to chat through texts instead of real conversations. Texts From Last Night is quite possibly one of the funniest things I've come across. Basically anyone can post their texts or the texts they received the night prior onto this website. No identity is needed, but the text must include an area code. Readers can view best, worst and the most random rated texts on the site. Try typing in your area code and read the scandals, gossip and the crazy things belligerent drunk people can get themselves into.

From the looks of it, I live in a pretty interesting and sometimes creepy neighbourhood as I've included some texts that showed up from my area code. I had to leave out the ultra explicit and sexual posts for obvious reasons. Trying to keep the blog classy for all you readers!


"due to concerns over safety, the theme of the 'naked fondue party' has now been changed to the 'naked fondue party with optional apron' please b.y.o.apron. extra prizes for most creative apron."


"Just ducktaped my beer to my bike. See you in ten."


"she's got a whisker from her dead cat taped to the wall. I'm pretty sure that about sums it up..."


"I just creeped all your pictures on Facebook -- it was like I watched you grow up right before my eyes."

Tunes

Revamp your iPod with some recommended play lists I created.

My top 20 favourite songs I listen to when winding down at the end of the day, at the beach or traveling around.

THE BUBBLE BATH MIX

1. Crossfire - Brandon Flowers
2. Jack Nimble - Lady Of The Sunshine
3. Letters from the Sky - Civil Twilight
4. Walnut Tree - Keane
5. Grapevine Fires - Death Cab For Cutie
6. I've Got Friends - Manchester Orchestra
7. Sometime Around Midnight - Airborn Toxic Event
8. Endlessly - Muse
9. Sleeping Sickness - City and Colour
10. Relator - Scarlett Johansson & Pete Yorn
11. Ready to Start - Arcade Fire
12. Big Jet Plane - Angus and Julia Stone
13. Skinny Love - Bon Iver
14. Nantes - Beirut
15. The High Road - Broken Bells
16. Hard Sun - Eddie Vedder
17. Neon Tiger - The Killers
18. Cities of Night - Blaqk Audio
19. What You Want - John Butler Trio
20. Bruises - Chairlift

I listen to this mix when I'm preparing for a night out with the girls, driving or anytime I need a little energy boost.

THE COFFEE MIX

1. We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP
2. Hot - Inna
3. Stereo Love - Edward Maya
4. Get Far ft. H Boogie - The Radio (DJ Ross and Alessandro Viale Remix)
5. One Life Stand - Longo & Wainwright ft. Craig Smart
6. That's My Name - Akcent
7. Ghosts N Stuff - Deadmau5
8. Infinity - Josh Guru Project
9. As The Rush Comes - Motorcycle
10. Naturally - Selena Gomez

Golfing Gators

I spent last weekend at the 2010 RBC Canadian Open rooting for a close friend of mine, Camilo Villegas. I'm sure many of you have heard of him or Spiderman as he's often referred to because of his trademark golf ball scoping technique. CV and I became friends several years ago when I attended University of Florida on a gymnastics scholarship and he obviously on a golf scholarship. With similar classes, training schedules and common areas for eating and studying, it's no surprise that everyone within the athletic community at UF became great friends. After graduation I still maintained many of my friendships with some amazing Florida Gators. Despite different lifestyles, long distances and infrequent messages, there are some friendships that will last a lifetime.

This was the third year that I've been able to cheer CV on at the Canadian Open, which is normally held at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville. This year however, the tournament was moved to the St. George’s Golf and Country Club just outside Toronto. Here are some pics of Nikki and I exploring the tournament.

CV got through the round on Saturday before the rain hit hard. I met up with him and Maria in Yorkville later that night for some sushi. We had a blast over dinner just catching up, telling stories, laughing and strolling the streets for ice cream. During the night, Hombre Araña (Spiderman in Spanish) was spotted by some canuck fans and asked for pictures and autographs. It was so nice to see him take the time for all those who approached him.

It's evident that he's adored by so many Canadians. He had the largest following of the tournament with people clapping once he reached the greens and then going wild every time he positioned himself into that trademark pose. One eager fan was even waving a huge Colombian flag at the last hole. It's refreshing to know that fame and fortune haven't gotten to his head though. Despite being named as one of the sexiest players on tour and known for his fashion forward golf attire by designer J. Lindeberg (see video below), the spicy Colombian still remains grounded.

Some pics of CV playing in the Canadian Open this year

Amazing following

Me, CV and Maria in Yorkville

While watching the tournament, I did take in some interesting observations. It amazed me at how horribly some of those pro golfers treat their caddy's. I understand it's their job to carry the bag and all, but is it really necessary to throw the bag and clubs down like a diva and then storm off to the next hole with the caddy puttering behind? Again, I don't know much about golf, but that seems so rude to me. Isn't a caddy supposed to give insightful advice and moral support in addition to carrying the bag?

I really liked how CV walked with his caddy, Brett Waldman. BW is such a sweetheart and also made sure to attach the Canadian flag I gave him onto CV's bag for good luck. Maybe being nice and actually having another eye out for your game could be attributed to CV's success on the course. Those rude golfers should take some pointers. I love this pic below of the boys. They look like they are having a blast walking TOGETHER and I really love the Gator club warmer (more commonly referred to as a head cover).

Sunday was a perfect day to watch golf. The sun was out, the Corona's were cold and I surprisingly ran into another fellow Gator, Matt Every. Not knowing he was playing the tournament, I thought I recognized him from a distance. When the official confirmed it was him, he looked over at me, shook his head and laughed before making his putt. He made sure to come over and give me a big hug before making his way to the next hole. He played a great tournament, being in 6th place at one point. We were able to catch up after his last hole. I congratulated him on his PGA Tour entry and his recent wedding. As a consistent and confident player, I know he will go a long way on tour.

I'm so proud of Camilo and Matt, but they aren't the only Gators that golf enthusiasts should be looking out for. Pay close attention to upcoming talents such as Mudd Man (AKA Jessie Mudd), Willy Bear (AKA Will Strickler) and Manny Fresh (AKA Manuel Villegas). These guys have what it takes to get to the top and I can't wait to cheer them on at upcoming Canadian Opens. They are genuinely great men, terrific golfers and pretty easy on the eyes!

The Odd Couple

Sometimes the heart just wants what it wants because love works in mysterious ways. When Tara and Bella became BFFs, people were shocked. But, the elephant and dog pair surpassed skeptics and have been inseparable since the day they met. They do everything together including eating, drinking, sleeping and playing.

When Bella was taken in to be treated for a spinal cord injury, Tara waited three whole weeks for her posted at the gates of the animal sanctuary. Take a look at this unusual duo who give hope to love stories everywhere.

National Geographic also found more odd couples within the animal kingdom. Click on the link below to find out more about the friendship between an orangutan and hound dog, a lion who cares for a baby antelope, a cat and black crow who play hide-and-seek together and the strange bond between a hippo and tortoise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxYiLzWee84&feature=channel

BARAKA

As a rookie to the blogging scene, I've been told to write about everything new and current. But, I've never really been one to follow the rules. There are just too many wonderful things that are old and still remain oh so wonderful. One being a documentary directed by Ron Fricke and released in 1993.

Despite being 17 years old, Baraka is still one of the most mesmerizing things I've ever seen. Baraka is an ancient Sufi world meaning blessing, the breath or the essence of life from which evolutionary process unfolds. A five person crew, a period of 14 months, 24 countries across 6 continents later the beautiful Baraka was born.

A dear friend introduced me to Baraka and I'm forever grateful. When I told him I had never even heard of it, he simply said, "we'll watch it tonight. It will change your life". So my two friends and I popped in the film, cranked the surround sound and found a comfy nook in the couch. I didn't know what to expect. Not one word was said throughout the entire one hour and 36 minute film. All three of us were locked in a trance and when it was all over, I was completely lost for words.

So a little bit about the background...The film is a collage of imagery from around the world that doesn't use words, because it really doesn't have to. It's almost like National Geographic on tape, but captures the more intimate details of life. It documents unexplained natural treasures, larger-than-life man made structures and the simplicity of animals in their habitat. It depicts the effects of overpopulation with fast motion street scenes in Tokyo traffic and assembly line productions. It shows the human devotion to religion and spirituality by whirling dervishes of Islam’s Sufi sect, Orthodox Jews bobbing at the Wailing Wall and Muslim pilgrims circling the Kabah in Mecca. And poverty is ultimately seen through the eyes of children in India. Essentially Baraka is about life and finding the beauty and the suffering in it all. It's realizing that there is so much more to the world we live in and coming to terms with the fact that your own problems seem so minor in the grand scheme of things. (Well at least that's what I think).

Visually enriching and tastefully paired with beautiful music including the chanting of Lisa Gerrard, makes it hard for anyone to hide their emotions at times. Depending on past travels and experiences, each scene will trigger something different. For me, I jumped back in time to Cambodia, walking through the Killing Fields. When I saw the footage of the millions of black and white photographs of people who were massacred during the Khmer Rouge, my heart sank deep down into my stomach. I will never forget the faces from those photographs I saw up close while walking through the concentration camp or the sight of the neatly stacked skulls at the Killing Fields. What I saw and learned from that horrific genocide is forever embedded in my head and heart. For you, it could trigger something completely different.

Here is the Baraka trailer. I would love to hear comments on what readers thought of the documentary. What did it trigger in you?

Pep In Your Step

TREND ALERT: Forget the ballet flats and pick up a pair of Oxfords. I've been on the hunt for a sweet pair of Oxford shoes for some time now. As I'm trying to avoid chain stores, it's been a little difficult to find my dream pair. Not many boutiques carry them so I've resorted to some online shopping.

With a bad economy and new ways to find fashion inspiration these days, it's no wonder women dabble in their boyfriend's closet for trendy pieces such as blazers, oversized denim shirts and distressed baggy jeans. Did you think we wouldn't eventually find some shoe ideas?
What was typically a dress shoe for men, is now stylish and street savvy for women. Oxford shoes have been making a hot statement as tons of celebs and city folk don't mind giving the good old high heel a days rest. Comfortable yet classy, Oxfords are stepping in on the fashion scene. I love to see the traditional shoe paired with a relaxed outfit such as Sienna Miller's flirty skirt or even just a pair of skinny jeans and T-shirt. It's a nice contrast with a shoe that's normally used for suits and dressier occasions.

Although the shoes are mostly worn with a little ankle skin showing, the slouch sock makes for a nice touch sometimes.

Stuart Weitzman you are a genius. Love these shoes!

Don't worry I didn't forget about the boys. Being no stranger to the Oxford shoe, why not jazz up the look with some high top versions? These would look killer with some rolled up jeans.

Happy Weekend

Add a little sparkle to your weekend with some pretty pictures!

Underwater Dining

Have you ever imagined having dinner 15 feet below sea level?

While most restaurants opt for paintings or wall decor, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Maldives has gone above and beyond (or should I say below and beyond). Nestled deep down in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by stunning coral reefs and encased in clear acrylic, this little jewel is the first underwater restaurant of its kind. Guests can sample the contemporary fusion Maldivian cuisine with western and asian influences while enjoying the 270 degrees of panoramic undersea views. Moray eels and blue-faced angelfish are among some of the creatures that glide through the lagoon around you while dinner is being served.

This restaurant can only be reached by a wooden walkway from a nearby over-water restaurant located within the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. I'm assuming one must make reservations well in advance as the restaurant only seats 14 people at a time. So when that average ocean view just isn't cutting it, one can always escape into the deep blue sea without even getting wet. I haven't been to the Maldives yet, but it's been added to my travel list today.