This is National Singles Week. What the...??

Apparently the week of September 17 is 'National Singles Week' -- a time for singletons across America (wonder if Canada also takes part in this week?) to celebrate their singledom.  Did y'all have any idea that such a week existed? Does this mean that every single person out there should go out everyday this week and throw themselves a rocking singles party?  What exactly are the activities that are synonymous with this week -- STDs? lol

Now, I know that many dudes love being single and many women abhor it, but to actually have a designated week to celebrate being single just seems a bit ridiculous to me.  I mean, I feel like the person who created this week thought of their poor single Sex and the City type friends and said, 'Hey, you're not as sad as you think! There are tons of benefits of being single! Let's pick a random week in September to make you feel better about not having a constant date to weddings and other functions.  Being single is COOL!'  Thanks for the affirmations.  I refer you to this tumblr.  Mmhmm.

Ok, yes, you guessed it - I'm obvi a singleton at the moment, but I'm actually pretty ok with it.  I was in a pretty serious relationship a couple of years ago, and have been taking my time with getting into the next one.   Yes, I guess I'm pretty picky, but I'm also unbelievably boy crazy, so I'm also having fun with being single -- this is an interesting time of my life when friends from high school and college are on either their second or third kids, or their second or third husbands (hey, good for y'all!).   And obviously my life has gone in a way different direction than it would have if I still lived in Atlanta, but I think being single at this age is actually one of the best times to be single.  I am having a fun dating a lot of different guys, and meeting new guys when I go out -- and while, yes, it can be exhausting, it's giving me perspective on the diverse types of guys who are out there.  Although I'm fairly certain I'm never going to find the good old boy types that I'm used to down South, there are definitely a lot of tall, buff, tattooed dudes around Toronto who I'm definitely ok with getting to know.

Anyway, the point of my story is that you don't need a designated week to celebrate being single, people!  Celebrate being single all the way up until you do find that special someone because everything (and everyone) you go through when you're single only helps you shape who you are and helps you appreciate that Mr. Right or Ms. Right when you find them.  And hey, until then, as a singleton you can enjoy the Mr. or Ms. Right Now -- so go get em, tiger!  Lol ;P

2 sleeps til...Jen & Melissa Adventures 2K12

SOOOOOOOOO excited to visit one of my besties from waaaaaaaaaaaay back!  Jen & I became friends at Georgia, and have had awesome and hilarious adventures ever since.  I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to catching up and spending time with her.  We will be sure to take 238473987 pics over the 4 days that I'll be in DC, but for now I wanted to share some pics from the history of Jen & Melissa adventures.  WOOOOOOOOOO!

Clockwise from top left: On the TTC in Toronto; in Athens post-football game with the nodules; in Atlanta; and at Tryst in Toronto

Shots from #FashionCares25

Hey y'all,

Know it's been a minute since #FashionCares25 the rolled out its red carpet at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, but its never too late to share some fab pics from an amazing event to benefit the Aids Committee of Toronto.  First of all, I don't think I've ever seen so much crazy bling, sequins, bright colours, high heels, feather boas, and anything else as epic as the fashions that I saw that night on the models, acts set to perform and even just the event-goers.  I literally could not stop craning my neck and people watching -- I wanted to take photos with every crazy outfit, but sadly my 5-inch heels kept me firmly planted in one place.

The performances were AMAZING.  From the Scissor Sisters to Janelle Monet to the Canadian acts -- I honestly danced up a storm in my seat.  And when the legendary Sir Elton John hit the stage, forget it! People were on their feet and screaming.  It was the first time I'd ever seen him perform live, and even though he was sick (seriously hoarse voice), he blew the audience away with songs like Tiny Dancer and Crocodile Rock (one of my faves of all time).

Overall, the night promised to be one of glitz and glam, and I can't deny that it was chock full of that.  I enjoyed all of the performances, and just seeing the fashions all around me made the night worth it.  And, for it all to benefit a worthy cause...well, #FashionCares25, hats off to ya!

#nomnom weekend of eats!

After a very crazy week, I definitely wanted to relax and hang out with my friends.  One of the things we do best when we get together is get our eat on...and we had a lot of fun doing it!

Friday, my bestie and I hit Ossington.  I love that Steph and I have such similar tastes in food, and that we are both interested in stretching not only our palates but also discovering new restaurants in different areas of the city.  As I've always said, this city has some of the coolest things to offer, and top notch restaurants are definitely one of them.  We had late resos, so we decided to start off with some bevvies at Reposado Tequila Bar.  This place is delish!  We both had margaritas - Steph the regular and me the mango - and chomped on mini crab cakes with chips and salsa.

Deliciousness from Reposado

Post-cocktails, Steph and I went to Fishbar across the street for the first time to try seafood tapas.  I'd heard such good things about Fishbar and we were definitely not disappointed!  First we tried out the fishbar tacos and fried calamari, and ended with lobster mac & cheese and fish & chips.

Fishbar!

Saturday started off with brunch at my friend Carolyn's place -- she has a gorgeous little house in Yorkville, and hosted us for an amazing brunch.  She made tons of food, and we've decided we're going to rotate around houses each hosting a brunch.  Looks like I'll be the next to host, and I am going to try to do a traditional Filipino breakfast.  Super excited!

I made my way to Mississauga to hang out with my fam on Saturday night, and my cousin brought me to Port Credit for dinner.  I absolutely adore Port Credit -- Lakeshore has the cutest restaurants and boutiques along the waterfront.  If I were to move to Saugs, that is definitely where I'd like to be.  We had dinner at Roc n' Docs on the patio with some drinks and burgers.  We then made our way back near our parents' houses and had some Yogurty's froyo...DELISH!!

Roc n' Docs for dins!

Today, my fam and I went to church and afterwards, I had a HUGE craving for Filipino food.  My mom took me and my grandma to Quiapo, Quiapo and had some awesome Pinoy brunch.  My mom and I had taplongsilog (tapa + longanisa + rice and eggs).   My grandma had lechon (pig) and of course, I had to taste test some of it.  We topped it off by traditional halo halo, my fave!  All in all, a wonderful weekend of eating.

#Sarap

  

Hahaha

It's been a crazy couple of days, so I haven't had the chance to post, but wanted to share some HILARIOUS tumblr pages that have been sent my way.  Take a peek and LOL like I did! :)

#myfriendsaremarried

#whiteinatl

Don't Stop the Party

I appreciate a good photo opp, no matter where it is!

I love September in Toronto.  It's as if the city gets injected with glam, glitz and excitement when the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) comes to town.  Automatically, there are more people out and about on the streets, dying to have celeb spottings.  Our theatres from Ryerson all the way to the Bell Lightbox are lined with people waiting to catch movie screenings and gathering around red carpets and step & repeats.  Not to mention, the nightlife has an undeniable dynamic energy that's all of a sudden renewed from the sleepy patio-party summers, as bars and clubs throw parties for revelers to rock until 4 AM.  Ok, so basically what I'm saying is, all of a sudden the city seems alive and vibrant again, and I thoroughly enjoy how excited people everywhere become -- from Yorkville to King Street and everywhere in between.

Noor & I at Nikki Beach 2011

Last year Noor and I were able to attend a TIFF Nikki Beach party for a Seth Rogen film at the Bell Lightbox, where we danced and rubbed elbows and star gazed.  Mostly we took photos and posed in front of step & repeats, and met some crazy Toronto 'influencers' -- but overall, had the best time.

This year, we got the chance to hit another TIFF-related party, though not quite as crazy step & repeat-laden as the one from last year, but still one in an interesting venue (studio on Nelson, a model condo studio) with fun people.  We were treated to champs (not Noor of course), and randomly, Pop Chips and danced the night away.  We literally took photos in every room -- yes, EVERY ROOM including the model bathrooms -- and made friends with randoms.  Take a look at some of the pics from the party.  Enjoy!

Sharing my sweet, sweet dance moves with Reggie

No step & repeats, but still fun photos

Good times!

Busy busy busy...

What a fun & crazy weekend it has been so far!  Last night my friend Noor and I attended a fab #TIFF2012 party as well as #TMI (don't worry, pics and post to follow), and tonight I'm heading to #FashionCares with Stephanie.  I'm excited to see the fabulous fashions that will be hitting the stage as well as the amazing music acts, including legendary Elton John.  I can already tell it will be a night of fierce fashions and fabulousness, and can't wait to share how it goes!  xo

Music Obsession: Luke Bryan

Ok, I know I will have posted twice in the past hour but I had to post about my latest obsession: Luke Bryan.  So having lived in the South, obviously I grew an affinity towards country music and although my accent may have faded since I've lived in Toronto, my love for country music has not.  This Georgia boy has some of the best songs and I cannot stop listening to them on constant loop.  Some of my faves are from his record Tailgates & Tanlines.  Take a listen and let me know what you think...are you just as obsessed as I am now??!

Country Girl Shake It For Me

Drunk on You

Been There Done That

Red Bull Crashed Ice...now drafting athletes!

Red Bull Crashed Ice in Quebec City 2012

One of my longest standing clients is Red Bull and my most favourite of all the programs we help support Red Bull with media relations is Red Bull Crashed Ice – a combination of hockey, boardercross, and downhill skiing.  You will not find a bigger fan of this sport than this girl right here!  Even a southern girl can get into the epic amazingness of ice cross downhill....it's unbelievable to watch and experience in person and I could not give these athletes more props and respect for the kind of skill and gumption they have to want to participate. 

This year, the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Series is bigger than ever – charging into Canada for the first time ever with two races in the true north!  The season opens in Niagara Falls, ON, against the breathtaking and spectacular natural backdrop of the magnificent falls, and the heart-pumping, thrilling season will come to a close with the sport's most iconic stop in the heart of Quebec City, QC.  If you’ve never seen it, it’s definitely a sight to behold.  Take a peek at the video below to get a taste of the heart-pumping action.

Registration is on now until September 30, 2012 on www.RedBullCrashedIce.com – Canadians should register for the chance to take on the ultimate battle to the bottom!  If you're an adrenaline junkie, this sport is for you -- give it a whirl, I'm sure you'll become as addicted as I am to it! :)

#FNO Toronto

For the first time in the true north, Fashion's Night Out (FNO) hit Toronto! Originally created in New York City in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry's economy during the recession, FNO is now a global initiative which made its official debut in Toronto tonight. Stores along Bloor Street as well as various retailers in malls like Yorkdale and Eaton Centre participated in thelate night shopping event running from 6 - 11 PM with stores featuring in-store DJs, beverages and other fun freebies.  Legendary Holt Refrew also shut down Bloor Street from Bay to Yonge for a street party to celebrate its 175th anniversary to coincide with FNO.

Confetti lining Bloor Street

Holt Renfrew's Bloor Street Block Party

Lauren & Jodi checking out H&M

I met up with some friends to check out the scene on Bloor, and it was definitely a fashion paradise. Music was blaring and fashionistas from far and wide walked up and down Bloor to see and be seen, partaking of specially branded Diet Coke and hot pink popcorn in celebration of Holts. Crowds rushed in and out of Holts and other stores along the way to check out the action and shop, shop, shop.

Special hot pink caramel corn from Holt Renfrew

While I did see quite a few people leave with some great finds, at times it felt more like clubbing and less like shopping instead of a store. But there were definitely lots of people out and about, so for the first year, I think FNO did a good job of getting people to browse stores and check out what was going on – people seemed to be enjoying themselves and dancing in the streets. Looking forward to seeing how FNO grows and improves next year. Until next year #FNO!

#nomnom: Pizzeria Libretto

I'd been dying to try out Pizzeria Libretto for a while, and when my bestie suggested a lovely #TwilightTuesday dinner with her and her hubby, I couldn't resist.  We ventured over to the Ossington location and were super surprised to walk in and get seated within a few minutes.  The restaurant itself was vibrant and buzzing with people, and the atmosphere was almost as good as the food.  We decided to try some fried gnocchi and calamari to start, and then ordered three pizzas to share -- two kinds of Margherita pizza and of course, because Steph and I are apparently obsessed with mushrooms, we ordered the funghi pizza.  Definitely a delicious meal and another Toronto resto on the #nomnom list!

Well hello there...

Hey y'all, hope you had a wonderful long weekend!  On this rainy Tuesday back on the grind, I am making my very first post on this new blog.  I'm super excited to start something that I hope to update more regularly than some of the previous blogs I've had going on...but having been inspired by some lovely fashion & lifestyle bloggers that I've met at some Toronto events, I thought now's as a good a time as any to get started!  

Over this Labour Day long weekend, I spent most of the weekend relaxing from a crazy week and because I hadn't spent much time with my cousin over the past few months, she decided to come over to have a slumber party with me.  Yay! And because I am going to be out of town on her champagne birthday coming up at the end of the month, we had early birthday celebrations for her which consisted of shopping & eating -something our family has instilled in us.

First we had brunch at Caren's Wine and Cheesebar on Cumberland in Yorkville.  It was a lovely afternoon on the patio.  After some shopping on Bloor, we decided to take a froyo break!

Nothing like a little red velvet froyo from Yoyo's on Bloor near Spadina. #nomnom

After some more shopping, we made a little pit stop at my house so that my cousink could open her presents!

Post-present time, we went to dinner at Joey's Eaton Centre and then decided to do some exploring on the Harbourfront.  We walked around the international tents and had some churros by the lake.

 

On Monday, we did some more brunching and shopping...complete with trying on & of course BUYING the same dress.  So people say my cousink is my 'mini me'...think that's pretty evident here!

Overall a fun weekend in the city!

xo