It Was McQueen... But Was It?

I will say this first off... the Duchess of Cambridge was a beautiful bride. Every part of the wedding was appropriate, soft and lovely. And it is clear that she and the Duke of Cambridge love and respect each other greatly.

Second, I am happy to see that I was right about the dress. There were too many give-aways that it was being designed by the house of McQueen. However... This dress wasn't really representative of McQueen.

This dress was a dialed-down McQueen and a throw-back to Princess Grace of Monaco's dress in 1956.

(Funny how even Kate's bouquet matched that of Grace's.)

This was a lovely dress, and so was Kate's. Kate wore a dress that many brides would wear, myself included.

But I was still disappointed in the dress.

The reason I love (and fear) McQueen is because of the passion in the designs. It's always beautiful, but a bit of glamour. This was not a McQueen dress with glamour. It was a McQueen dress with softness and gentleness.

Anyone could have designed this dress. And while the dress was made to Kate's specifications, I feel like this wouldn't have been the dress McQueen would have designed himself if he were alive.

All Kate needed was a good seamstress to make this dress. Not a design house.

I was expecting something more alluring. Like the wedding dress McQueen designed for Plum Sykes...

Now THAT was a McQueen wedding gown.

Future Queen Consort Catherine: Betting McQueen.

A few weeks ago I wrote about how one reporter claimed to have the inside scoop on Kate Middleton's dress for the wedding. The running rumor was that it Sophie Cranston of Libélula.

And while I don't think that it is just a rumor that Sophie Cranston will be doing a dress for Kate... I don't think she's doing THE dress. Sophie Cranston has sweet dresses. A little bohemian - which I of course love. She just doesn't have the high glamour that is needed for the dress Kate walks down the aisle at Westminster in. No, I think Sophie Cranston is doing one of the dresses that Kate will be wearing at one of the many parties/functions being thrown after the wedding tomorrow.

My bet is that it is Sarah Burton of the House of Alexander McQueen doing the dress. And here is why...

• The original rumor from a few weeks back was that it was McQueen. Till a denial came. (But they are always instructed to deny it.)
• Plum Sykes, who was a personal champion of McQueen in his early days and personal friend to him, had her wedding gown designed by McQueen a few years back. Plum let is slip on Good Morning America a few days back that Kate has looked at her McQueen gown. Why would she do that if she wasn't seriously considering McQueen?
• Style.com's "Look of the Day" has featured McQueen ALL THIS WEEK. Sure, one could argue that next week's opening of the McQueen exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC is the prompt for this... But I think it is also an indication of, "We know something you don't!"

"Look of the Day" - Monday

"Look of the Day" - Tuesday

"Look of the Day" - Wednesday

"Look of the Day" - Thursday

No matter what... I will be up at dawn tomorrow waiting with baited breath to see the gown and get the details on who is responsible.

The Secret To Getting What You Want.

Ambition is never a bad thing. And anyone whoever tells you it is is simply envious that you have the balls to go after what you want.

I say this from experience. Because I too have uttered the words, "They are just too ambitious! They need to chill!"

But what I've learned is that ambition is never a bad thing. Going for what you want, provided it doesn't financially or physically harm someone else, is okay. It's all in how you negotiate for you want. And here is, based on my experience, the "secret" (in quotes because it ain't secret) to getting what you want...

Be willing to walk away, and be perfectly happy, if you don't get what you want.

This is what has always worked for me. Sure, I compromise on stuff. Nothing ever 100% goes my way. (If it did, I'd be living in NYC or Boston still, not Toronto.) But when I really want something, I go for it. I take it. I play fairly. I declare it nicely. And it's mine.

This is how I got the time off to attend Bikram Yoga Teacher Training last Fall.

After putting training off for a few years, in the Spring of 2010 I went to my boss and said...

"I am taking nine weeks off in the Fall to go get trained as a yoga teacher. I'm not looking to switch careers. But this is something I have wanted to do for a while now. And I am letting you know now so that we can create an action plan and you can decide what you want to do. I would like to come back to my job afterwards... But if that's not possible, that's okay. I will find another job."

Pretty straight forward. Honest. And I made it clear that I wanted to come back. But also, that I wasn't going to be guilted with the possibility of not having a job to return to. (Not that my company ever would have tried to make me feel guilty.)

If my boss had said, "Thanks. But we'll part ways," I would have respected the decision. As long as I did what was karmically right, I was happy with whatever the outcome was going to be.

And that is how you should live your life. Be honest. Throw out there to the Universe what you want... And let it unfold. Let be what will be.

Because I took this approach, I was able to help my boss craft a game plan for my absence:

• Who was gonna take care of new business pitches?
• Who was gonna mentor my team?
• Who was gonna approve time sheets and all the other admin pieces that come with running my team?
• Who was gonna side track the team with inane stories about growing up in America rolling with ganstas and learning how to be a coyote in the Southern Arizona desert? (I've created quite the entertaining background for myself amongst my trusting Canadian colleagues. I am sure I have them scared shitless of me.**)

Giving a sufficient amount of "heads-up" allowed me to work out the game plan and continue the trust of my company. It also helped that I didn't mentally "check-out" before or after I came back from training. I worked hard up until the afternoon I left, just to show I was dedicated. And I've worked my ass off since returning.

So, if you really want something. Don't ask. Just take it. But do it nicely and honestly. Nobody can hate on that.

**Not really. Not even close.

Healthy Dish For The Weak: B-L-Fried Tomato Salad.

I hate tomatoes. Except when in the following forms:

• Sun-dried
• Pesto
• Ketchup
• Pizza sauce

Other than this, I don't do tomatoes. No way. No how. My mum always said I would learn to love them some day...

But turns out she didn't know what the hell she was talking about.

I still do not like tomatoes. But tonight, I found a way to enjoy them in salad form... BLT salad!

Wait, no... B-L-Fried Tomato salad!

Ingredients:

2 boneless chicken breast cutlets, grilled

1 hothouse tomato, sliced horizontally into four thick slices

1 egg

1 cup panko crumbs

1 handful of fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1/2 lemon

4 slices bacon, cooked

1 avocado, peeled and sliced length-wise

2 cups of lettuce

A bunch of vegetable oil

Serves 2

Making the fried tomatoes is easy.

1. Beat the egg with a little hot sauce.
2. Brush the tomato slices, on both sides, with the egg.
3. Heat the veggie oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Dip the tomatoes (one at a time) into the panko and drop into the pan.
5. Cook on one side for about two minutes. Flip, and cook the other side.
6. Drain the tomatoes on paper towels for a few minutes.
7. Meanwhile, use a blender or food processor to make the basil-lemon dressing... Throw basil, extra virgin olive oil and squeeze the lemon into the appliance. Blend for a few seconds.

Time to assemble the salad!

Plate the tomatoes at the base, two to each plate. Take the dressing, pour through a strainer over the tomatoes. Layer the bacon next. Then put the lettuce on top. Followed by the avocado slices. Last goes the chicken, sliced, on top.

Voila!

The Husband's view on the salad...

"This is the best salad I have ever had."

There you have it, people!

Paint Colors!

I promised The Husband I would finally commit to picking out paint colors.

We have been meaning to get our guest room and bathroom painted for a while now. And I have been too busy to sit down and pick out actual colors for both rooms.

Actually, I have been too afraid to actually sit down and pick out colors.

Color means commitment. It means I have to find someone to paint our room, and then I have to stick with that color for a while.

Sadly, this can be too overwhelming for me. (Pathetic, I know.)

But, I think I have found some colors that go together and that will look fantastic in the rooms, given how much light they both receive.

For the bedroom... "Dior Gray."

For the bathroom... "The Witching Hour."

Really... How can I pass up a color called "Dior Gray." It's like it was meant for me. And the darker color in the bathroom will be nice... There is a skylight in that bathroom. So the Sunshine will provide lovely light on the dark color.

Seven Grams Espresso Bar - Toronto.

Oh things just got a little more cozy on the tiny street in Yorkville where I live.

For the past two years, I've had nothing but Italian restaurants in my neighborhood.

Boring... Unoriginal... Over-hyped... Italian restaurants.

Then, about a year and a half ago, and Indian restaurant opened up. And it was delicious. But nobody went to it. So it closed down. And in the past few months, a new restaurant has opened in its place.

And, you guessed it, it's an Italian restaurant. A very typical one.

However, today, something exciting has happened. Right across the street from my house, a lovely little espresso bar opened up. And sure, I guess it could technically be considered "Italian"... As in "Italian-inspired", being that it is espresso and all. But it's a beautiful space. And styled gorgeously!

It's the Seven Grams Espresso Bar.

It opened this morning, and I went in first thing and ordered a cortado. I had no idea what that was. But it's delicious.

I was in a rush to get to work... But I would have loved to have stayed and pulled out my laptop, and begin working.

This is one "Italian" space I hope never leaves!

"I'm Craving Rome."

Bella Roma!

Frogger, just moments ago, emailed me the following image...

It's her dinner this evening. Yummy olives. Just like the ones we had in Rome THREE years ago, in a hotel bar atop the Spanish Steps.

Time to start planning a trip back there in the Fall. I too am craving Rome.

Libélula: Princess Catherine's Wedding Dress Designer?

T-minus two weeks people... Till the big day. The big day of Prince William marrying style trendsetter Kate Middleton.

SQUEE!!!

I am tempted to ask for the day off... As I have a ball of my own to attend that night and would like the full day to relax. I might just see if I can work from home that day, though.

I was 4 years old when Diana Spencer married Prince Charles. And yes, I do recall watching the playback of the wedding on the news as a child. I think that is the only time in my life where I was obsessed with weddings and wanted a veil as long as Diana's when I grew up and got married myself.

(Funny enough, by the time I got married, I had no interest in a wedding or a veil. Some of you know why.)

The ramp up to the royal wedding has reignited my spark for wedding dresses, though. And it looks it may be out as to who exactly is designing the future Princess Catherine's dress. Rumor has it that it will be Sophie Cranston, a British designer the same as myself, with her line Libélula.

The designer is known for soft, romantic pieces. Florals. Pinks. Reds. Magentas. Very lovely. She does do wedding dresses. Very unlike what most royals have worn when they have wed, though.

This could be a completely different look than what we are used to. I still hold out that it will be a McQueen gown, and that it will be a jaw-dropping dress. But if the Libélula rumor is true, then we will at least have a very romantic look on April 29th.

Required Reading If You Have Girl Parts: Bossypants.

There are few public figures in the world who enchant me. There are quite a few I find funny and truly respect for whatever they do and believe. But the one whom I adore the most is Steve Martin.

He plays the banjo and is a musician, is a published writer and accomplished actor. The man rocks.

And he happens to be an unofficial mentor to one of my favorite people of all time: Tina Fey. Fey published a book a few weeks back called Bossypants. If you are a woman and have not read it, you need to.

You absolutely need to.

It should be required reading for all woman. It's hilarious!

It's an auto-biographical look at her life and some of the lessons she has experienced. It is humorous look at things that have happened to her. And many of the stories she tells are a good read for when you are looking for a self-esteem boost.

My favorites from the book:

• Why it is "yellow" hair and not "blonde" hair.
• Her first job, post university, at the YMCA... And how, despite a feeling of guilt, she scooped up a better job a co-worker was hoping to get. (You have to look out for number one, people!)
• She reminds women, "You're not in competition (with other women). You're in competition with EVERYBODY." Never forget that ladies.
• Her experience on her one and only cruise. I personally would never take a cruise myself. But after reading about her experience, I will think you completely stupid if you come to me and tell me you are taking a cruise.

There are quite a few pieces of life advice in it.

And if I have one piece of advice to share with you, it would be, "Buy this book. You will not be disappointed. If you are, it is because you likely do not have the intelligence (or uterus!) to enjoy this book."

A Cackle Across The Universe & A Birthday Gift.

Someone asked me earlier this week The Husband bought me for my birthday. I realized I hadn't written about it yet. I completely forgot! What a shame, too. Because it was a very lovely gift.

When he asked me this year what I wanted, I told him to come out with me and I would take him to what I wanted. So we went out for a walk in our neighborhood.

The neighborhood I live in is close to a lot of high-end shops. Most of which I never dare go in.

1. They carry very expensive things that I think are incredibly beautiful but can not afford.
2. In the chance I am able to afford something from them, I feel stupid buying it in Canada when things are priced 20% higher than they are in the States, not counting the tax duty that gets charged on top of it. So I would rather just wait and buy it in the States.

But this one shop I knew had somethings that weren't too-too expensive. And that The Husband could afford to gift to me for my birthday. So I walked him up to the front doors of the store...

"Go in there. And pick something out. Anything. Whatever you think I might like," I told him. "If you feel like it, go ahead and get me the Birkin that I dream of."

Oh how he laughed and laughed and laughed. I think, if you put your ear close to the sky, you can still hear his cackle playing across the Universe.

But he did go in.

And he selected a very beautiful gift for me, not too expensive. All by himself. I was very lucky. It's something I would have selected myself.

A scarf!

It's silk-printed, with an orange base. The round pink and magenta objects on it are Japanese temari balls.

We went out to dinner last weekend, and I wore it. And I got so many compliments on it. And now I have something, other than a small notebook, from Hermes!

Birthday 34. Year Two.

As a "happy birthday" to myself, this year I finally caved and hired a cleaning service to clean my house.

Took me long enough!

They were here from 9:30am till just before 5:30pm yesterday. And my house is spotless. They did an amazing job. And that ain't easy, given how high the ceilings in this place are. They got the crown molding at the top of every wall AND scrubbed every dimple in the odd stone floor I have in my kitchen.

Well worth the money! And now I have a fresh clean house for the start of a fresh clean year. Year Two, according to my numerology chart.

Last year was a Year One for me. New beginning. I went to Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. I became a VP at work. I began teaching yoga. It was a year of hard work, exhaustion and anxiety.

Hope that is not a sign of what's to come in the rest of the 9-year cycle I am now in!

But now I am in Year Two, and this is a year of development. Development and waiting.

Year Two is about sitting back, keeping your goals in sight, but being in the background. No being aggressive this year. But I have to prepare to make some decisions. No making them in Year Two... Just preparing to make them at the end. The Year Two is about meditation and concentration on the path I want to be on.

I guess it's time to start dreaming again. But quietly.

The Savior Of Something, At Least!

Every year, I seem to get the same birthday greeting/card from at least two people. My friends and family know my humor quite well, and seem to know exactly the right sentiment to solicit a "kick ass!" from me.

This year is no exception. Both my gal pals in Boston, Bail and Frogger, sent me the same SomeeCard...

Frogger found it hilarious that they both sent the same card.

"Clearly, we both revere you to be Jesus," she said.

And while I am not The Messiah... I am a "promised deliverer" of some sorts. I mean...

• I can always be relied on for a smart ass response to something.
• I am fairly good with style tips, even if I don't practice them myself.
• I'm good with picking up people's spirits and self esteem.
• And I am always a solid contributor to making sure Starbucks always has good earnings.
• I can always be counted on for at least one instance of foul language a waking hour.

Maybe I am the savior of consumerism and foul language?

Toronto Red & White Ball.

Finally got my act together this week and found a dress for the Toronto Red & White Ball, a charity that raises money for breast cancer research.

The event is at the end of April, the same day that Kate and Wills get hitched across the pond London Town. And since I adore Miss Kate (or is it "Lady Catherine"?), I chose a dress by one of her preferred designers... Issa.

Here is what I shall be wearing...

A lovely jersey dress is bright red with black gladiators and a black blazer. Thinking about adding some punk-rock inspired jewelry... Like a cuff or something. But haven't completely settled on that yet.

I am totally jazzed about the dress though. It fits like a dream!

World's Worst Eater.

That is how I would describe myself.

You may think that because I am a yoga teacher (in my little spare time) that I would have developed proper eating habits, especially while away at teacher training last Fall.

You would be wrong.

At teacher training, you ate whatever you could. Whatever your body craved. For the first week or so, my body didn't crave anything. I had to force food down my throat. Then after that, I ate whatever I could get my hands on, because I had no energy. And when we had nights where we had to stay up late and be engaged, you learned to eat slowly and steadily to keep yourself awake.

When I got back from teacher training, I jumped write back in to my digital marketing job. On top of that, I had to step in and help the day-to-day operations for the agency for a few months while my boss was away. That, coupled with being a new yoga teacher and trying to pick up as many classes as possible, make for a very busy day. Very busy, indeed.

So busy, that some days I don't eat until around 2pm. That alone is pretty bad. Having nothing but a cup of coffee in your belly from 7am till 2pm?

Well, it gets worse.

I am so busy that I often just run downstairs to the drugstore in my work building and get whatever I can find to eat for lunch. Usually, it's a bag of chips, candy bar and a Coke Zero.

YUCK!

I've tried making my lunch and bringing it, but often that is a failure. I won't eat what I brought because it's not inspiring and fresh. Plus, I like the two seconds of fresh air I get by going outside.

After I shove my lunch into my mouth, I immerse myself back into my work... Where lately I seem to go almost until 6pm. Then, if I am not teaching, I go home and make dinner for The Husband and I... Which is actually fairly nutritious.

But then it's back to work until usually 10pm.

On days when I teach yoga, I leave work at 5pm, take the 6pm and teach the 8pm. That means I don't get home until 10:30pm... Which means after I eat at 2pm, I don't eat again until 8 hours later. And I usually eat a burrito from the place next to the studio.

I will find my eating rhythm. Once things settle down at work. Just too much to do right now. Too many requests, and not enough hours or experienced people to hire.

Digital Agency "Casual."

It's been a while since I did a personal style post. In fact, I can't recall when the last time was that I did this. (I really need to write more.)

Spring isn't quite here yet in Toronto. We're still wearing our wool coats at the start of the day... And by mid-day we don't need them, as the temperature warms up and the Sun is out. You only need a blazer and maybe a scarf at that point. Which is exactly what I wore to work yesterday...

Quite pleased with this look.

• Leggings
• Knee-high flat boots
• Long white ethereal top (from my favorite store, Anthropologie)
• Black Ted Baker Blazer from Therapy in Boston (may that store rest in peace)
• McQueen Scarf

And since it was Friday, and as usual - I was too busy to actually fix my long hair, I pulled my tresses back in a clip.

Messy... Messy. The whole look was messy. But still, in a weird way, polished.

Digestion Problems.

A week from today, I will be 34.

If you had asked me when I was 22 where I thought I would be in life in my mid-30s (because 34 is that start of your mid-30s), where I am isn't where I thought I would be.

Not being where I thought I would be isn't a bad thing. Trust me. Life evolves, and you follow the path laid out before you... Sometimes without really giving it much thought as to where you are going. Mostly because the path is a good one. One that makes sense.

But is it the one I want to be on?

I've been the kind of person who has always made the best, the absolute best, of whatever situation I am in. I never allow myself to wallow in bad circumstances. If I don't like the situation I am in, I get the hell out... One way or another. So regardless of whether or not the path I have been on is the one I envisioned for myself, I have made a life for myself. And a very good one.

Mostly, though, I've kept myself so busy the past 12 years that I haven't really given much thought to what kind of life I would live if things were completely up to me. I've been avoiding those thoughts by immersing myself in work and yoga. And now I am so used to working non-stop that I can't imagine slowing down to not do it.

I think soon I will have to pause and finally sit down to digest a few things about my life. Because things are quite full right now. So full that I am on the verge of vomiting.

(Figuratively... Not literally.)