On Common Ground - by Heather Molina

Enlightenment For Sale.

2012-01-24T23:18:00.001-05:00

From my walkabout around the yoga studio neighborhood...

Buddhas for sale at a local garden store. Only $23.99 each. Sales tax not included.

Funky Door Yoga.

2012-01-24T23:09:00.000-05:00

Probably not the smartest move... But my time is so sparse here in San Francisco this week that the only time I could guarantee myself a Bikram class while here was this afternoon... Two hours after I landed from a six hour flight.

It made for a rough class. But I was able to do 90% of the class. So I am not going to judge myself negatively. Flying in general really dehydrates you. And flying for six hours really takes its toll on you, no mater how much water you down on the flight.

The studio I practiced at was Funky Door Yoga on Polk Street.

Such an awesome studio!

The place has a really good vibe too. There were no attitudes there. The teacher was compassionate. And she was efficient. And the class was lovely and packed.

It was like being back in Boston to practice. San Francisco and Boston... Two cities with highly intelligent teachers and awesome Bikram teachers. Go figure.

Short List of Reasons To Live: January 22, 2012.

2012-01-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

I seem to have regressed back to my teen years this past week. I have broken out on my cheek and my chin... I am having to deal with some catty gossip... And I have immersed myself into another Young Adult novel by Stephanie Myer.

It's like I am 13.

But this week will allow me the opportunity to feel more adult with the following Short List of Reasons to Live:

SAN FRANCISCO! I have a business trip to San Fran this week. The company is having an off-site, and we're bringing the leads of our client teams. We're also visiting some vendors based in the "San Fran area."
Funky Door Yoga. Yep, with a trip to San Fran... There is no way in holy hell I could pass up an opportunity to practice at the legendary Funky Door Yoga studio. It is a Bikram studio. And with my schedule in San Fran this week, it will allow me time for two classes.
Decision Time. Part of being the boss means getting to make some decisions on the direction of my piece of the business. I have some decisions to make this week. And I am looking forward to making them.
Gipsy Lipstick. I picked up a lovely new shade of lipstick last weekend, Gipsy by Nars. It's a shade of coral-red... And it's fabulous. Just as fabulous as the Tom Ford True Coral I picked up last month.
Providenciales Vacation. We are booked! The Husband and I have decided that we will be taking our annual trip to the Turks and Caicos this year around my 35th birthday (in April). So now begins the countdown to the trip. Expect to see this one on the list EVERY WEEK.

Designer Coffee Cup Sleeves.

2012-01-19T10:32:00.001-05:00

Talk about extravagant!

I guess Jimmy Choo needed something to do with all of those leftover scraps of leather from making shoes and bags. What better way to use up resources than make them into coffee cup sleeves?

Pretty. HOWEVER.... Not so pretty? The cost. Buying one of these bad boys will run you $165. For a coffee cup sleeve. For something you will get dirty. And probably lose.

I would never buy one. But good for Jimmy Choo for being resourceful. I'll stick to the homemade ones my sister-in-law made me for Christmas.

Golden Globes Style: Some Love. Lots of WTF!?!

2012-01-16T12:54:00.002-05:00

I am not a fan of awards shows. The only reason I have even bothered watching bits and pieces of them at all in recent years is due to the eye candy.

The style! The glamour!

So last night, I caught a wee bit of the red carpet pre-show for the Golden Globes. Then I watched Ricky Gervais's monologue. (LOVED IT!) Then I tuned out. That's just how I roll when it comes to these things.

And now, I wanted to take a moment to dissect what was worn.

OVERALL: I was split. There were ones I LOVED. And ones I really HATED. And everything else in the middle was just "boring."

The Big Winners:

Sophia Vegara - LOVE! She can do no wrong!

Tilda Swinton. Either love her or hate her. I think she is divine.

Sexy and graceful. Charlize Theron.

Dame Helen. Hope I am this hot in my 60s!

Love the color. LOVE the Wonder Woman-like belt on Emma Stone!

The Big Losers:

Was she going for a "Blood & Honey" look to complement her movie? Ugh, Angelina.

Hi. My name is Nicole. And just like with Botox needles jabbed into my forehead (which never moves), I like to have my gowns jabbed with studs.

What the fuck? No really. SMG, what is this shit?

Totally get it. You just had a baby. But you could have tried a little harder to bring less frumpy and more sexy, Maya.

Really, bitch? This is the Golden FUCKING Globes. Not high tea at the Peninsula Hotel. You had a sexy show (American Horror Story). And this is how you pay your respects to Ryan Murphy for giving you awesome writing?

Bergen Patent Leather Wedges.

2012-01-16T09:35:00.003-05:00

Sitting in near-zero (Celsius) temps up here in Toronto today has me dreaming of Spring.

SPRING IN NEW YORK!

By the time mid-April rolls around, I am hoping to be in darling peony-bloom-like skirts, cropped blazers and these...

By Jimmy Choo. Hot pink wedges. I mean, really, how can you not love?

Short List Of Reasons To Live: Janary 15, 2012.

2012-01-15T21:28:00.000-05:00

Going into the third week of the new year already? Time is escaping me.

This is largely due to the fact that I am totally off the rails with my Bikram 101 Challenge. And, also, the being vegan part. I feel like if I was doing better with the challenge, I would feel more in tune with time. But there is a lot of travel this month and a lot of stress. So I am suffering in my challenge. But just like Bikram says, "Never too old to start from scratch again," this new week provides the opportunity to reset myself.

And with that, here s my Short List of Reasons to Live:

Finally have both my GOES pass and Nexus pass... Can come and go quite easily between US and Canada.
The Husband. Spending a few days with The Husband, unexpectedly, is very nice.
Victory is mine! May finally get to do something that I have been wanting to do for two months. (Code.)
It's "new Vogue" week in the month. Have decided to put me first and work further down the list. Resetting myself.
Golden Globes fashion. Looking forward to dissecting what was a very boring sartorial parade.
Vacation planning. Sometime this week, I intend to sit down and really plan out my vacations for this year. I want to see a lot this year. And some of it I want to do completely solo.

Vivre Dans Deux Says. (Living In Two Countries.)

2012-01-15T18:35:00.001-05:00

On average, I have been spending about 20% of my time in Canada each month. This is what I expected it to be once I moved to NYC. How long will I keep doing it for though? Who knows. But nearly two years ago I predicted that I would do it, and that I'd do it for two years.

Maybe I know myself better than I thought?

Anyhoo...

Going back in forth between the two countries so often has made it necessary to get a GOES and Nexus pass, so that I don't have to do the long lines at customs when I land in each country. I just got both of these in recent weeks, and let me tell you it is worth it.

But beyond the customs lines, the two residences to maintain and only seeing The Husband most nights via Skype, there are things that have taken some adjusting...

Remembering all my pin codes. I have one for my US bank card. One for my Canadian bank card. And one for my Canadian credit card. And each is totally different. When I land in each country, I move the proper cards to a special place in my wallet for easy access. But I always have to remind myself what the pin code is before I use it. I often type it in wrong at least once.
Starbucks lids. Random? Yes. But I have to stop and remind myself each time I come back to Canada now that at Starbucks they don't put the lid on your hot beverage for you. I believe for health code reasons you have to do it yourself. (Or something like that?) But whenever I get a cup of coffee, I always want to say, "Hey! You forgot my lid!" Then I remember which country I am in, and dismiss the feeling of lack of customer service.
People use their change. In the States, people aren't as likely to count out all their change when paying for a purchase. We often just use our debit card, and don't carry cash. But in Canada, I've gotten slowed down by someone wanting to pay with a substantial amount of change.
Internet content. Noting like hearing all about how Lana del Ray totally bombed on SNL last night and wanting to catch the video of it, only to be told "This content is blocked in your region" when I try to click it. I have to remember when I am up here that I don't have the viewing freedom that I do in the States.
Processed food sometimes tastes different. Must be all that fresh Canadian air affecting my tastebuds, eh? Er. Wrong. Different food requirements up here for processed foods. And this, somethings taste differently than they do in the States because the government up here actually cares and pays attention to what gets put into the food supply. And so, Corn Pops up and Ritz Crackers up here don't taste as sinful as they do in NYC... And thus I want them a lot less.
Metric versus Imperial. Always have to pause and think when reading measurements. Centimetres versus inches.
The History Channel is channel 43, not channel 40. I am always forgetting which channels are which between the two cable systems.

These are all that I encountered today. Who knows wat will discombobulate me tomorrow.

My Saturday Evening.

2012-01-14T20:45:00.005-05:00

Off to Toronto tomorrow... And tonight I am staying in an enjoying being curled up in the warmth of my couch with the following...

Tea and glossies. International glossies at that. It took all my patience i the world to score the French Vogue. There was only one left of the stand at Barnes and Noble. And some young gazelle with pin straight black hair and porcelain skin snagged it before I could, along with the Vogue Nippon.

She flipped through the Vogue Nippon, and then set it down. But she kept the French Vogue in her hands. I had a feeling she would put it down... But she sensed my hovering and desire for it. So I took a walk, in hopes she would put it down. Sure enough, after the third walk around, the young thing surrendered the magazine back to the rack.

Victory is mine!

Kicking The Java Habit.

2012-01-12T11:23:00.002-05:00

Make no mistake. You're reading that headline correctly. I seem to have inadvertently kicked my coffee habit without even intending to.

Pourquoi?

It started nearly two weeks ago when I met up with my family in Disney World (yes, you're reading that right). Each morning, I would get a coffee to wake me up... But I would only drink about a third of it before we were off and running around. By the time I got back to NYC a week later, I was exhausted and my chest hurt from eating so horribly over the trip. So I wasn't craving coffee. Or any disgusting food.

Instead, I was craving water.

So since then, each morning when I wake up, I drink a glass of water. And then I drink Yerba Mate tea while at work. And you know what?

I feel so much better!

My chest doesn't hurt.. And I've had far less feelings of "oh man, I gotta puke!" in certain poses in Bikram this week.

I will still, most likely, enjoy a cup on the weekends. As I do love the taste of coffee. But for now, it's not a daily habit. And who knows if it will return.

Short List Of Reasons To Live: January 8, 2012.

2012-01-08T14:54:00.002-05:00

Ah yes. With the new year, I am bringing back my commitment to write this weekly post. And this time, it's going to stick!

So I give you this week's Short List of Reasons to Live...

Mockingjay. I am halfway through the third book in the Suzanne Collins Hunger Games series. I devoured the first book in five hours straight. Then read the second book while at Disney World last week.
Bikram. Been a way a week... And have quite a few classes to make up for my challenge. Fun times. But as I like remind my students before class, "Everything you need to get through the class is inside of you."
My office. I finally have an office again at work. This may not seem like a big deal... But I didn't realize that even though I was taking a step up in position with my new job that I would be taking a step down in office accommodations. And it ended up being a big deal to me, as I had just come from a job where I spent months dictating what a new office space would look like. And I not only had my own ridiculously large office with large windows, I also had a couch. But now I have an office again. And can now be as loud as I want when I talk. (Not that I was quiet when I sat at a desk in the open.)
Back in work mode. It's been two weeks since I went on vacation. I am very ready to be back in the office, because I have quite a bit of "stuff" with which to deal. My lackadaisical brain is shutting down... Aggressive and productive brain is ramping up.
New Hampshire Primary. Aww yeahhh! It's election year again. And from here until late summer, the entertainment is being provided by the Republican Party only. And highly entertaining it is. The crazies have come out... And they aren't afraid to open their pie-holes. The debates so far have been a good time. But it will be fun to see what happens this Tuesday, and if anyone else drops out as a result.

One Lucky Duck Pina Colada Shake.

2012-01-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite places in New York City is One Lucky Duck. It's a fairly quick walk over to Chelsea Market in my neighborhood, where it resides. That location offers snacks, shakes, smoothies and juices. All vegan. All organic. All awesome.

Today, after a successful trip to the Apple Store (to reset my new computer, after I messed up the file transfer when I got it last week), I popped next door to score myself a Pina Colada shake.

Pineapple. Coconut. Coconut water. Drizzle of agave syrup. Squeeze of lime.

Easy enough for me to try to make it myself at home.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T16:54:00.003-05:00

Signing off for the rest of the year. I am not one to go "all out" on New Year's Eve... So it will be just a nice dinner out, followed by a bubble bath and a few sips of Cava. I head to Disney World tomorrow (no lie) to hang with my family for the next week.

This will be as close as I get to Times Square this evening...

(Taken on walk to Bikram class in Midtown this morning.)

May your evening be fun and safe! And may your new year be creative!

2012 New Year's Resolutions.

2011-12-31T16:28:00.000-05:00

All right. Let's do this.

Shit I Will Do This Year:

Let creativity rule decisions, rather than money or power. This applies to personal as well as work life. Going to live the next year by challenging my mind (and my team) to focus on creative outputs, rather than worrying about the financial components.
Bikram 101 Challenge. By March 31st, complete 101 Bikram yoga classes.
Consistent Bikram practice, post Bikram 101 Challenge. This was my downfall after my last Bikram 101 Challenge two years ago, as well as my downfall after I got back from Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. I failed to keep my momentum going at all. I vow to keep a 4-day-a-week practice after March 31st, no matter what.
Daily meditation. I've found this to be incredibly important over the past few weeks. It is helpful to clear the mind, if even only for a minute or two. But the goal for me is 15 minutes every morning. I need to develop a better discipline of controlling my mind. I am impressed I have gotten as far as I have in life while having a completely "A-D-D" mind. IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES THAT LIE BEFORE ME WITH A MIND I AM ABLE TO ACTUALLY CONTROL.
Visit South Africa and South America. This IS happening this year. If the world is going to end next December, I need to have visited all the major continents. Most likely, South Africa will happen as a trip with friends. South America will happen with The Husband. (He is unwilling to fly the distance. Now, if I was a "whiney wife" I would say, "I never get to do anything fun because my husband doesn't want to do it." But that's not ever what I say. I say, "Fuck it. I'm going to do it anyway." )
Call my mother once a week. Oh, if you know me... You know how I LOATHE talking on the phone. (My 13-year-old self would be horrified to hear this.) But I think if I can handle Skyping with my husband every day, I can be responsible enough to call my mother once a week. (Who happens to be a very lovely person to talk to, and not at all like the stories I hear from other people about when they talk to their own parents.)
Visit Sedona. Sad that I grew up in Arizona, and have never been to Sedona. That changes this year. I may even do the trip solo.

Oh the creativity and adventure in store for me! What about you?

"Bucket List?" Nope. "F#ck It List?" Oh You Bet!

2011-12-29T22:18:00.001-05:00

While I understand the idea behind a "Bucket List," I am not one to celebrate it.

Not because I don't want to think about dying. (If anything... I am the one that will always remind you, "You're going to die. Accept that so you can start living your life. No one should fear dying.") More so because I feel like it is usually a list of things that are so humongous for a person when you compare it to their everyday existence, that they are not likely to make going after any of them a priority.

I mean, it's hard to prioritize things on a Bucket List. And it's easier to just put them off and say, "That's on my bucket list. I am totally going to do that some day."

Forget "some day," people. You have to say "fuck it" and think about "today." So instead of a "Bucket List"... I have a "Fuck It List."

Fuck It List (defined):
A list of things which you would rather be dead than actually do.

Here is my list...

Watch Jersey Shore. Or American Idol. Or One Tree Hill. Or Grey's Anatomy. Oh. This one sounds so cliche and uppity. But I really do feel this way. And it's a good warm-up for the list!
Take a cruise. No way in hell. Trapped on a boat? Out in the middle of the ocean? And no, you can't fool me with the "but you follow the coast" bit. Ain't gonna fall for it.
Get married again. I was shocked as all hell that I did it the first time. And I am happy I did it... Because it shows I have matured and can handle not being an asshole to someone I am committed to. I ain't the easiest person to get along with... I have strong opinions. I am obsessive compulsive about things. I don't like to be spoken to for the first 20 minutes I am awake in the morning. I like my space. (Um. Duh.) And I doubt I would ever be able to find someone more understanding than The Husband, who would be able to tolerate me for life. So God-forbid anything ever happen to him or our marriage. I am a one-marriage kind of gal.
Watch another Garry Marshall film. It surprised the hell out of me I didn't burst into flames when I accidentally found myself stuck watching New Year's Eve. But you can sure as hell bet that won't ever happen again. I can only handle Pretty Woman. That's it.
Iron The Husband's Shirts. I don't iron. I steam everything. The Husband only irons his clothes though. But this is all beside the point. A few weeks back I was at a ... well... let's just call it "an event." And at this event a comment was made which lead to someone saying something about how wives (are supposed to) iron their husbands clothes... And I took offense to that comment... Because I do not see that as any wife's job. Nor any husband's job, for that matter. If someone wants to do it for their spouse, cool. But regardless of how much money one partner makes in the relationship, this does not by default make it the other's job to be more "domestic." And when I mentioned that I am too busy with my super important world domination job to iron my husband's shirts (oh and the fact that 80% of the time I don't even live in the same country as him), I got the response, "You work? Why?" And that was the response FROM A WOMAN. So I will NEVER iron my husband's shirts.***
Being focused on money and power. This is a new one for me. Because for the past too many years, I have been focused on both of these things... And less on the one thing I should have been focused on: creativity. Money and power have very much driven the majority of my decision-making for the past 11-ish years. But in the past year, I slowly started to change that. I appreciate money and the trust people put in me to make decisions (power). And I know that if I put being creative and allowing those around me to be creative, the money and the power will follow.

I am sure there are at least a dozen more things I can add to this list... I am just don't want to overwhelm y'all.

What's on your "Fuck It List?"

***However, if he wants one steamed... And I am already steaming my own things, I will happily do it.

Healthy Dish For The Weak: Vegan Marasla.

2011-12-29T18:28:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 an onion, chopped
16 ounces white button mushrooms, chopped
1/4 cup Marsala cooking wine
3/4 cup of low sodium veggie broth
1 1/2 cup of pasta (preferably bow ties)

Directions:

Heat large saute pan over medium-high heat.
Pour half the oil in, heat for a few seconds.
Toss garlic in, stir for 20 seconds.
Toss onion in. Stir. Let them "sweat" for about three minutes.
Start the water to boil the pasta.
Add the rest of the oil to the onion & garlic mixture.
Toss mushrooms in. Stir. Sweat them for about 5 minutes, till their juices run.
Pour wine in.
Sprinkle 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp sea salt.
Pour veggie broth in; turn heat down to a simmer and cover.
Pour pasta in, and cook for just under 10 minutes. (Or according to directions on the package.)
When pasta is done, throw a 1/4 of a cup of the pasta water into the mushroom mixture.
Drain the pasta. Dump into pan with mushrooms. Toss together.
Serve.

Now, even though I am supposed to be doing the vegan thing... It's hard with The Husband staying with me in NYC. So I grilled some chicken breasts to serve with the pasta. And I grated a little bit of parmesean cheese on top.

Very yummy.

Resolutions From Years Past.

2011-12-29T17:09:00.000-05:00

Here we go. The time of year for empty promises to ourselves. But at least they're made with good spirit.

2011 Resolutions
Be fearless. (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!)
Blog more. (Did more than last year.)
Actually write. (Fail.)
Travel. (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!)

2010 Resolutions
Bikram 101 Challenge. (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!)
Write more. (Fail.)
Go to South Africa. (Fail.)
Straighten leg in Standing Bow Pulling pose. (Did it once. And only once.)

2009 Resolutions
Start my book. (Fail.)
Eat better. (Fail.)
Establish regular cleaning day. (Fail.)
Drink more wine. (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Duh.)
No more bagels. (Fail.)
Visit two countries (besides Canada and the U.S.) (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!)

2008 Resolutions
Tone up! (Fail.)
Eat better. (Fail.)
Drink a lot less coffee. (Fail.)
Buy no new clothes in January. (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!)
Ask my boss if I can work from home a lot less. (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!)
Find new ways to keep the workplace lively. (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Anyone remember the "cake punching?")
Return Netflix DVDs in a timely fashion. (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!)
Develop a schedule and stick to it. (Fail.)
Blog 1000 in 365 days. (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!)

2007 resolutions
I didn't have any. Apparently.

I promise to make 2012's resolutions much more exciting... And actually accomplish them.

New Year's Eve Party Style.

2011-12-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

To follow up on the previous post... If I was up to doing something fabulous for New Year's Eve, I would need a proper outfit to party the night away in... And here is what I would want to wear...

Jimmy Choo Quiet Leather Patent Pumps

How sexy are these? I would find any excuse I could to wear them!

Vince Sequin Embellished Crepe Dress

I swear, about 40% of my wardrobe is Vince. Makes sense that I would want to rock it out on New Year's Eve. How awesome is this dress? It sparkles... It's not binding, which makes it perfect for a night out drinking, dancing and being rambunctious.

Chanel J12 Chromatic Watch

Someday... This will be mine. Never mind the severe cost. It's fabulous. And has a large face. Just completely awesome.

Top 5 Celebs I Would Kiss At Midnight.

2011-12-29T10:23:00.002-05:00

Ooh...

New Year's Eve is just around the corner. And while in recent years, my pattern has been to go to dinner and then fall asleep long before midnight... I will say that if I had the energy and the connections (and wasn't married), I would get all decked out in a fancy dress and some fabulous shoes (like these) and kiss a celebrity.

Which celebrity? Hmm... Well, here is my list. In ascension of preference.

5. Jason Segel
4. Johnny Dep
3. Edward Cullen (Robert Pattison AS Edward Cullen.)
2. Ryan Gosling
1. Ryan Reynolds

Which celebs would you want to plant your Tom Ford True Coral lips on at midnight?

Favorite Thing: Lady Grey & Coconut Milk Creamer.

2011-12-27T10:38:00.001-05:00

I know it's totally not how you're supposed to take it, but I love Grey tea with cream and sweetener.

No lemon for me. Just a Splenda and some coconut milk creamer.

Christmas Dinner.

2011-12-25T19:10:00.003-05:00

Here in NYC, I am without all my fancy kitchen accoutrements that I have in the Toronto house. This makes it more difficult to do all the cooking and baking that I love doing. However, since The Husband agreed to do Christmas here in the city with me, I agreed to cook dinner as I usually do.

So I made it as easy as I could.

While I love the idea of cooking turkey for holiday dinner... I have never cared for the actual cooking of the beast. So instead of turkey or nasty pig ass (also known as "ham") I decided to make lamb chops.

Slather a mixture of garlic, balsamic vinegar and grainy mustard on them. Let them sit for a couple of hours. Then throw in a 450 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes.

I served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. The garlic and the asparagus I roasted right beside the lamb.

While the dinner wasn't completely vegan, as we did have medium rare lamb... I did make it dairy-free. The mashed potatoes were made from scratch with olive oil instead of milk or cream to keep them moist. And then for dessert, I made a very easy and healthy version of an apple pie...

Poached apples with vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream.

If you discount the time I let the lamb rest with the marinade before cooking it, the whole thing took under an hour to prep and cook.

I don't do "high maintenance" cooking. Not even on holidays.

Happy NYC Christmas.

2011-12-25T11:02:00.001-05:00

I realized last evening, on a walk home with The Husband from our traditional Christmas Eve movie and dinner, that this was the first Christmas I have ever had in NYC.

The last time I lived here, eight and a half years ago, I never stayed for the holidays. I always went back to Arizona for Christmas. It wasn't till after I got married that I stopped going back to Arizona every year for Christmas.

This city doesn't really shut down on Christmas. The yoga studio, my gym, my neighborhood bagel shop and Starbucks are all open. As are all the other cafes in my neighborhood. And the grocery stores, except for Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Even my regular Sunday doorman is working in my building.

NYC is a city of convenience. I celebrate this. Not because I am a "cynical heathen" and think that the real reason for Christmas is less about the birth of Baby Jesus (even though he was actually born in Spring) and more about the commercialization of Christmas (which I actually approve of, as it is what helps create happiness and spirit in even those who do not believe in God or who happen to live and breathe a non-Christian religion)... But because NYC life is perpetual. And intuitive. And even on what many people consider to be one of the holiest of holidays, it allows you to celebrate and live in exactly this way. Doing what you want and need... And making it easy to do it.

I find New Yorkers to be some of the happiest and kindest people I have ever known. And I am grateful I had the opportunity to at least slow down and not rush out of the city to go someplace else for the holiday.

Shellac & A Thoughtful Surprise Gift.

2011-12-23T20:25:00.000-05:00

About two weeks ago I went in for my first Shellac Manicure. One week in, I took a steam shower at my home in Toronto... And after I came out, part of the color on the left thumb nail rubbed off. Other than that, though, this stuff rocks.

True, I had heard people were split on liking it... Mostly because to get it off you have soak your fingers in some hardcore nail polish remover. But that doesn't bother me. So today I went back in for a second one.

Liking the finish on this stuff.

While there, a guy who came in two weeks ago with his wife popped into the nail shop. They seem to be regulars there and are very sweet. They both get manicures and pedicures together. It's very sweet. Today he was popping in to pick up a last minute Stocking Stuffer gift for his wife.

"I'd like to buy her six Shellac Manicures," he requested. "That should keep her set for a while."

All the Asian women working in the salon started to swoon.

"He's such a good husband."

"Have you met his wife? They are so sweet. They have been married six years."

"Very lucky woman."

He then took out a gift he had just come from buying for her. It was a beautiful antique ring.

"We have seen it in a nearby store for a few weeks," he said. "We are going to go by there in a few minutes to buy it for her for Christmas. But I've already bought it and am going to surprise her on Christmas morning with it. So she will be sad tonight... But very happy in two days!"

The women started to swoon again.

Even I - a woman with a heart of stone - was swooning a little. The 6 Shellac Manicures alone cost about $180. Then she gets an antique ring on top of that? Lucky girl!

Bikram 101, Day 1: Return To The Light.

2011-12-22T23:39:00.000-05:00

"You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body." - C.S. Lewis

The Winter Solstice was today. Yesterday was the longest day of the year... And from here, we start heading into the lighter days. I think the tendency in Winter is for one to think of bleakness. Especially after the holidays wrap up. It often feels like all that lays ahead of us is cold and doldrums.

I know these feelings well. In the past few years, too well.

But today, I decided I would kick off my Bikram 101 Challenge. Last time I did this was two years ago. I made a whole blog (with the help of others) about it. I wanted to do it again this year because I need it. My practice has gone to complete crap. And I have built up a lot of "junk" mentally and feel shredded physiologically.

I was in the dark. And it was time to return to the light. For my soul and my body.

Tom Ford True Coral Lipstick.

2011-12-16T11:22:00.000-05:00

I had been reading about Tom Ford's jump into makeup for a while now. All the glossies had written about it. And even a few bloggers, like Yummy Mummy.

My interest was sparked.

Being as busy as I am in New York though, I rarely have time to shop. And certainly haven't had much time to head uptown to the likes of Bergdorf's or Saks to try any of it out. But while in Toronto this week, I was able to investigate it a little.

I live in a neighborhood in Toronto that is right next to a high end department store. They don't always carry lines you can find in stores in the States. And even if they do carry a line, they don't always carry everything in that line.

This was the case with Tom Ford's makeup. They only carry the perfumes and the lipsticks.

So while popping into the store, I had them try a coral-colored lipstick on me. Yummy Mummy had written about Wild Ginger. So I was keen to try that one. However, when I got it on, I wasn't a fan of the way it looked on me.

The gentleman assisting me said that if I wanted to go with the orange-lipstick trend this season, he would suggest I try True Coral.

"It will bring out your eyes," he promised.

When I got it on, I was surprised by how much I actually liked it. I normally don't wear lipstick that is noticeable. But this one really worked with my complexion.

The quality of the lipstick is fantastic. It's very rich. And the color is potent. Love.

New Years Resolution FAIL.

2011-12-12T13:56:00.002-05:00

I have already failed at one potential resolution for the new year...

Bikram 101: It's Time Again.

2011-12-11T14:53:00.001-05:00

Alrighty!

Two years ago I made the decision to complete the Bikram 101 Challenge.

I had done a few 30-day challenges and even a 60-day challenge. But before I went to Bikram Yoga Teacher Training, I wanted to do a 101-day challenge.

Just refresh you memory... That's 101 consecutive days of Bikram yoga.

My policy (which, admittedly, is more lenient than the "hardcore" practitioners) is that if you skip a day, you have to double up on another day. The overwhelming thought of doing two classes in one day is more a "mental" than anything. And for me, the reality is that there will be days in which I will have to double up. My schedule isn't going to provide me with the opportunity to practice every day... At least not on days when I have to travel.

My challenge begins January 8th this time, as I will be away on vacation from the 1st through the 7th. And this time, I'm adding another dynamic to the challenge:

I'll be doing it vegan.

Last time around, I ate whatever I wanted. It was the first time I had done so much yoga. And having to think about what I was putting into my body just wasn't going to happen. But this time, I am in a better state. I know what to expect, having done it already AND having been to teacher training.

So here's to the new year and the challenge! Who else is in?

Shit That Only Happens To Me...

2011-12-10T20:53:00.001-05:00

A movie came out this weekend that I have been looking forward to seeing for a few months.

The cynic in me was looking forward to this... And had planned to wrap my holiday shopping this afternoon just in time to catch the 5:40pm showing in Union Square. There aren't too many movies out that I want to see this season.

Especially those crappy bullshit Garry Marshall films... Which I gave up watching in my 20s. (Though, I will watch Pretty Woman whenever it is on TV... Because the 13-year-old in me appreciates the nostalgia.) Those chick-flick movies (Valentine's Day, Runaway Bride, Raising Helen...) I absolutely eff-ing hate.

So I walk into the theater, which is surprisingly packed. But I find a spot to sit in (since I am flying solo on this) just as the previews start. It is in the middle of a row. But people kindly let me pass by their legs... And I tuck in and get into my dark humor mood that only Diablo Cody can seem to pull off lately.

"I've been looking forward to this movie for a few months now," I say to the girl and her boyfriend sitting next to me.

"I know, right?" said the chirpy girl. "I watched the trailer like a million times. I even made him watch it!" (Pointing to her gentleman friend.)

I laughed. This girl had a great sense of humor. The Husband would roll his eyes if I made him watch the Young Adult trailer.

The lights get even darker... And the movie's first scene starts to open.

And then my internal dialogue starts to flip the shit out.

I realize that I am NOT in the theater to see Young Adult. I somehow managed to park myself into the theater for New Year's Eve.

FUCKING NEW YEAR'S EVE!

The one movie I absolutely DID NOT WANT TO SEE!!!

And seeing as I was stuck in the middle of the row, it wasn't going to be easy to get up. And since I had just spent a few seconds telling the chirpy chick next to me how much I had been looking forward to seeing this movie... My pride wouldn't allow me to get up. I had to save face.

"No God! No!" I screamed to myself. "WHY?!?! WHY!?!? WHY DID I NOT PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE I WAS WALKING IN TO?!??!"

The movie... It was awful. I mean, if you love shit that Garry Marshall does... You will love it. I always pretend that I do... Because I have lots of friends who do. But the reality is, I pretty much do not.

I would rather have the most God-awful menstrual cramps without being allowed access to Advil or alcohol than sit through these movies.

But even more... I didn't want to cause a scene getting up and leaving after I had just sat down.

I plan to try to see Young Adult next week when I am in Toronto. Next time, I will pay way more attention.

Holiday Decorating - City Style.

2011-12-07T18:22:00.001-05:00

Every year, the holidays roll around... And I am a bit reluctant to actually decorate. This is because I usually don't spend the holidays in my own home. So I don't really feel up to putting much effort into the decoration of the space.

But this year, The Husband and I will be in NYC for both Christmas and New Year's. We will be traveling, instead, the first week of the new year. So I am going to decorate a little. Very little. There will be very minimal effort.

Here is the magnolia wreath I put on my front door...

And here is my"Christmas Tree."

A decoupage twiggy thing from West Elm. I bought some ornaments to go hang on it. And already have a few presents tucks under it.

This will likely be as "seasonal" as I get this year.

"Eff Those Guys!"

2011-12-05T22:37:00.001-05:00

Like a broken record lately... "I am going to get back into my Bikram practice. I promise."

I keep saying that over and over again. But yet, I still seem to only make it to class once a week lately. And that is pathetic.

Tonight's class, to my un-surprise, was a tough one. Again. Puking almost happened. I was actually sweating for once... Something that has happened in a long time -- a proper sweat. And I couldn't do any of the forward-bending poses.

I wanted to puke that badly in class.

The postures that I was able to kick ass in... The thing that kept me going in them was this phrase in my head: "Fuck those guys."

It just sort of popped in my head out of nowhere. But I didn't know whom I was saying it about exactly.

"Why am I so angry? And whom am I angry at?" I asked myself. Anger is an expression that is contained in your Solar Plexus. Which is your "torso" area. Which is the main area you are compressing in forward bends.

I have no idea what I am holding on to, anger-wise. I don't have anything to be angry about... I think. But maybe tonight when I sleep, it will come out in my dreams. And then maybe, hopefully, tomorrow night's class will be better. And I will be able to actually do some forward bends.

Aspirational Wish List.

2011-12-03T19:27:00.001-05:00

It was a long week. Been quite a few long weeks. But last night I slept 13 whole, straight hours. And it was super awesome.

I woke up this morning, feeling complete. And decided to practice the Spanish art of doing absolutely nothing on my agenda. (With the exception of the 30 minutes I spend doing work stuff. Can't help it sometimes!)

While in my afternoon bliss of doing nothing, I spent a nice hour at the Grumpy Cafe down the street.. Where I was able to get lost in a Flat White coffee and a glossie.

I was able to day dream of lovely holiday gifts I would buy myself, if I had all the money in the world. And here they are...

Never Too Late To Start From Scratch. Even For A Teacher.

2011-11-27T20:16:00.001-05:00

Now that things have settled into a nice rhythm at work between the two countries, I am able to start picking up my Bikram practice again.

If I had to actually count out the number of Bikram classes I have actually done since graduating from teacher training... I would say it is about 25. And that's being generous. It could actually be less than that.

Now, if you asked me how many Bikram classes I have taught, I can tell you that number is over 100. Not bad for someone who has been working full time.

But clearly, it stresses the point that teaching Bikram while working full time (and having a husband) made prioritizing my own practice fall by the way-way-way-way-way-way side.

So tonight's class back marked the fifth class I have taken in NYC since moving back. And my hope is that it continues at least four times a week from here on out. But the class tonight was awful. "I wanted to puke the entire time" awful. And my hip flexors were killing me. The heat felt great. But I was clearly not hydrated enough for class.

Hopefully it gets better from here. And for always.

Trader Joe's: The Best Thing You Can Buy.

2011-11-26T20:00:00.001-05:00

I picked my house in Toronto because it was Bikram yoga studio and Whole Foods adjacent. When it came to picking an apartment in NYC, I told my realtor (who also happens to be my former landlord in Boston - Small world!) I wanted a place that was the same thing.

But that was just stupid.

Because this is NYC. And if you live in Manhattan, many things are just a hop-skip-and-a-bitch-slap-away from pretty much anywhere.

Also, this was stupid because I forgot to consider Trader Joe's. But only momentarily. When the cab pulled up in front of my apartment when I came to take a tour, I noticed I drove by the Trader Joe's on Sixth Avenue.

"Trader Joe's AND it has a washer/dryer in the apartment? SOLD!" (Or RENTED, as is the case.)

So every weekend, I hit the TJ's to collect my weekly staples. And one thing that has made it into my basket each week is the most divine thing ever...

Dark chocolate with caramel and sea salt... YUM!

I can't recall what I paid for it. But it's TJ's... So it probably wasn't more than like $2. And it's 70% cacao!

Best thing ever. Hands down. You need to try this.

Knit A Snood.

2011-11-25T18:05:00.001-05:00

Important life skills to make sure you pick up:

Reading
Driving
Making guacamole
Light HTML
Fearlessly navigating any public subway system
Bartending - Especially the free pour
Knitting

Random collection. But the last one if the one I am most proud of on this list of skills. About five years ago, I taught myself to knit using some drawings on a little booklet. It wasn't easy. And it took about four tries to actually get the hang of what I was doing... From casting-on to the actual knitting... But I did it.

I taught myself to knit.

But only scarves.

Yes. For the longest time, all I was brave enough to try were long and wide scarves. Then, about two years ago, I decided to try knitting a snood without a pattern or instructions. I got the piece about started, and just forgot about it.

Till this week.

While here at home, I finally remembered that I hadn't finished it. So I decided to give it a try. It's pretty crudely made. I dropped a stitch while making it. And how I managed to get it closed and in a circular shape is pretty simply done... But done it is!

Here it is up.

Here it is down.

Thanksgiving? What's That?

2011-11-24T11:50:00.001-05:00

This week, I am in Toronto. Working from the office up here, taking care of a few things. And even though I am taking Thursday (today) and Friday (tomorrow) off (because they are U.S. holidays), I am not celebrating Thanksgiving.

Well, not today anyway.

The Husband forgot that it was Thanksgiving this week. And he booked plans with friends for tonight. So when I asked him earlier this week what he wanted me to make for dinner, he gave me the, "Oh. I have plans with the guys that night."

Me being the flexible person I am, I said that was no problem and that we could make dinner on Friday night instead.

"Oh," he fed me again. "I have a ball hockey game I am playing in the afternoon. And then I am going out with the guys afterwards. We can do Saturday night."

That's when I reminded him that I leave Saturday afternoon to go back to NYC.

This is when I became inflexible... Or the way most people would see it, "totally reasonable"... And said, "Well, you'll have to cancel the dinner part of your Friday and come home so I can make dinner."

I am a pretty blunt person when I need to be. And if there is a problem, I will tell you exactly how to fix it. In fact, most of my days are spent helping people figure out problems or issues... As well as preventing them in the first place.

So if I had to list one thing that I am most thankful for this year, it's that I found my balls. I found my balls and decided to start calling my own shots without feeling guilty.

Why should anyone settle for a guilty feeling when asking for anything?

Emo Bones On My Wall.

2011-11-19T16:26:00.001-05:00

I caved.

Last weekend, I went to the John Derian store downtown and searched through stacks of trays to find my bones. (Okay. I actually made the shop assistant do it. But I am sure she was happy to.)

And now, I have a little more art hanging on the walls of my NYC home.

The Husband doesn't "get" them. But what is there to "get?" They're fun to look at. The only thing I "get" when I look at them is a chuckle.

The one in the top left is hunched over and weeping. The middle one is leaning against a shovel. The one on the bottom right is thinking.

"Good Morning Left-Handers!"

2011-11-15T21:19:00.001-05:00

I feel so left out. Always have.

Like a Jersey Shore cast member attracted to gym-ing, tanning, and laundering (of clothes - I am assuming not money)... I tend to find myself attracted to circles where everyone is far, far smarter than myself.

At least, that's the way I see it.

I am a huge believer in the idea of surrounding yourself with people who you perceive are smarter than yourself. Make no mistake - I see myself as intelligent. But keeping company (through work or personal life) is something I seem to instinctively do.

And I was reminded of my habit last week.

I was attending a corporate summit for the holding company I work within. It was a few days away from our day jobs, learning about the latest and the greatest in the industry. (And a whole lotta networking.) To begin the summit, the first words uttered into the microphone by the host were...

"Good morning left-handers!"

I am not a left-hander. The assumption is that left-handed people tend to be seen as some of the more intelligent people in society. And as I quickly assessed the room full of people I was in, I noticed many taking noted and writing with their left hands.

"Well,"I thought to myself, "I may not be left-handed. But at least I am in a room with a bunch of intelligent people."

Thinking Of Going Deep Red.

2011-11-13T20:21:00.001-05:00

After looking for months in Toronto, I finally found a copy of Haute Muse magazine. Though, not in Toronto. Found it in (of course) NYC.

I love Bonnie Wright. Not as Ginny Weasley. As herself. She is such a breathtaking woman. And while she may be quite a bit younger than me, I find her to be a bit of style icon.

So much so, I am considering coloring my hair dark red.

Well, maybe not really. But a girl can dream.

I have the pale skin. And my sister has naturally red hair. So it wouldn't be a stretch. But I am such a non-adventurous person when it comes to my hair.

Breaking Into Search Marketing.

2011-11-13T11:10:00.001-05:00

A few people have asked me in recent months (more like three people) about my chosen career field, search engine marketing (SEM). Since I started in this field eight years ago (I can't believe it's been that long!), people have always been interested in understanding what it is that I do exactly.

"You make websites show up higher in search engines, I get that," they say. "But how? And how does one learn to do this? Where do you get started?"

For me, I learned when I joined an agency. I started off by learning a part of SEM called search engine optimization (SEO). The focus of this is to make websites show up higher in the search engine page listings where you don't have to pay to be. The key to success in this area: content. Specifically:

Do you have content on your web pages?
Is it in a format that can easily be scanned and then indexed by search engines?
What is the content about?
Does that sync up with how users search for this type of content?
What are competitive sites doing?

When I look for talent to work on my SEO teams, I look for people with the following characteristics:

Can they write?
Are they good with project management?
Are they curious and inquisitive?
Do they like to research things? Specifically, user behavior?
Are they good at extracting stories from data they study, and then able to draw conclusions and explain it to a client?
Do they have a technical (coding, HTML, developer) background?

Surprisingly, many people think of SEO as super-duper technical. It ain't. We say it over and over again in the SEO world, "Content is King." If you think there is a way to "game the system" through technical strategies... There is. But it sure as hell shouldn't be your main priority. Encouraging clients to build out content that speaks to user interests is critical. So whether they have a "technical" background, I could truly care less about. In my experience, people who are inquisitive can learn what they need to about the technical pieces.

And besides, the clients I tend to work with have development teams who "live and breath" their sites. They know everything about what's going on in the pages of their site. It's my job to WORK WITH THEM, not show them up in front of their bosses that they aren't doing a good job with SEO. I can't count the number of times I have worked with people in the industry who feel it is their job to be complete jerks to client development teams. It's unnecessary and usually inaccurate in terms of what we're there to do.

So how does one get started?

Best place is to do it at an agency. From the beginning. Yep... You read that right. You want to learn SEO? I recommend you go entry-level at an agency.

"But... I'm already a number of years into my career... I don't want to have to start over!"

In some cases, you may not have to. It depends on what kind of experience you bring to the table. But starting at an agency will provide you with the opportunity to learn what you need to about best practices in the industry. And search marketing people tend to progress quickly in the field. If you're good at what you do, you can move up the ladder faster than in other areas of marketing.

Bottom line: It's hard to get a job in search marketing (specifically SEO) without having learned the basics. And the best place to learn it is by doing it at an agency. And the only way to get in at an agency is to usually start at the bottom rung.

Finding an entry-level job at an agency doing search marketing is EASY. We can't hire people fast enough. Especially if you live in San Francisco or NYC.

Not Interested In Hanging Out, Mindy.

2011-11-13T10:11:00.001-05:00

I loved Tina Fey's book of essays, Bossy Pants. Not everyone liked it. I loved it though. So when I heard that Mindy Kaling was coming out with her own book of essays, I thought, "Great! This should be a worthwhile read as well."

Then I saw a few excerpts from her book in various online publications. And they were hilarious. So I got more excited.

While in Boston last weekend, I picked up a copy. And read through a good portion of it on my trip back to the city...

Man was that a boring trip!

I couldn't get in to her words. Her stories. Her insights. They failed to speak to me. In fact, the only good parts of the book were the excerpts that I had already read online. Everything else in the book was dull.

I have no interest in hanging out with Mindy. Ever.

Wonder Woman KitchenAid Mixer: Something That Rocks My Heart.

2011-11-11T21:34:00.001-05:00

Looking for a volunteer... Who is going to buy this for me for Christmas?

It rocks. SO MUCH!

If Bikram Yoga Can't Kill The Cynic...

2011-11-10T01:00:00.003-05:00

Clearly, I must have been doing it wrong all these years.

Seriously, folks. How does a woman stay a cynic after probably 900 Bikram yoga classes in the span of 7 years? And this includes a 101-day challenge AND attending Bikram yoga teacher training where I had to practice twice a day for 9 weeks.

HOW?

(This isn't rhetorical. I am looking for actual suggestions. Please.)

"It's A Super-Duper Complex Mormon Love Story."

2011-11-05T09:48:00.000-04:00

I spent a good 30 minutes last night at my catch-up dinner with Frogger and Bail explaining the intricacies of the story of the Twilight series to them.

They have never read the series. And Bail says she has only seen the first movie. They think me (probably) crazy for being into the series. So I felt the need to explain why I find the series fascinating.

And on that note... I should probably explain it to you, lest you think I am crazy too.

See, when I pick up a book to read, the first thing I do is read the synopsis of the story. I immediately read the bio of the author after that. I find the backgrounds of authors to be a HUGE part (obviously) of the stories they write. (This is why I will never read a story written by Lauren Conrad. And she's written plenty of them. But I find her dull and boring. Snooki too.)

When I first heard about the Twilight series three years ago, it was when I hired Adventurous Kate to work for me at a travel search company I was at. She mentioned that she had read the series and was "shocked" by some of the story line. So I researched the author (Stephanie Meyer) and learned that she lived in Arizona (which is where I grew up) and was a devout Mormon.

That last part was what drew me in... "A vampire love story written by a Mormon? I have GOT to read her take on romance!"

A few pages into the first book, I had determined two overall things:

The writing itself wasn't the greatest. The lines were a bit cheesy. The characters were a little bit psycho and obsessed (especially when you get into book two and Jacob the werewolf makes a hard play for Bella.) Bella is a weak character but is made interesting because of the other characters. There is no swearing. There is no sex, despite the great passionate love. It's bad. Just bad. But... So good!
I was hooked and would have to read the entire series. Romance story-telling from a Mormon who probably grew up well-behaved, was heavily involved in her church, is a good mother of boys... I am interested in the psychology of HER and how it comes out in her writing!!!

I went on to explain the fourth book in the series, Breaking Dawn. Frogger and Bail's mouths dropped when I told them what happens, how it happens... And how the rules are played in the vampire world of Stephanie Meyer.

Bail came to the conclusion that SOMEONE needs to teach a feminist literature class and make reading the entire Twilight series MANDATORY. There is too much that goes on in the series, from the background of the writer and the characters in the story, that makes it a great topic of discussion.

Truly.

I love this series. But for so much more than the word written on the pages.

LinkedIn Stalking.

2011-11-02T19:59:00.003-04:00

Be careful people! You may think that you're occasional glance at that former employer/boyfriend/arch enemy's LinkedIn page to see what's happening in their career is harmless and completely blind. But you would be WRONG.

True Story...

About a week ago, a disgruntled former employee of mine from a long time ago was snooping in my LinkedIn profile. I don't pay attention to who views my LinkedIn profile, but another former employee (who knows the disgruntled one) wrote me and said, "You-know-who just posted a comment on LinkedIn saying you don't know anything about search and are a mean person."

(That isn't verbatim. But the basic gist of what I was told.)

I went to the former employee's profile and didn't see anything posted, because they had removed it by the time I got around to looking for it. But then I went to my profile page and peeked at the section that can tell you who is actively viewing your profile...

This section...

As of today, my profile has been viewed by 8 people in the past 3 days...

Since last week, I log in and click on the list of people who have been looking at my profile. And in the mix of recruiters and current colleagues is the disgruntled former employee.

Yep. They keep coming back to look at my profile. Not sure why. Nothing has changed on my page. I don't even update my status on LinkedIn. Not sure why the stalking is necessary.

John Derian: I Like Them Bones.

2011-11-01T22:42:00.000-04:00

I think I have mentioned how much I love John Derian's decoupage collections. They're beautiful pieces of art... Though pricey. I wish I could buy every one I see. Especially these...

And this one would be awesome too... As a side-by-side series...

I Was Tricked. It Was A Treat.

2011-10-31T22:15:00.002-04:00

My thighs are killing me today. It hurts to sit down. As I descend to get myself into a chair (or into Second and Third part of Awkard pose - like in tonight's Bikram class), my thighs spasm and cry out in pain.

What caused this?

A man who tricked me.

The hottest ticket each Sunday at my gym is the 11am Spin class. It's called "TranscendCycle." I assumed, because of the name, that it would be a more peaceful version of the Spin class I sometimes take on Saturday mornings.

Boy was I eff-ing wrong.

I walked into class, up to the bike I book for each class (number 34!) and get myself situated. I see a highly stylized gay man walking around helping everyone. He is tall. Buff. Black. And super sweet.

But that sugar and spice niceness only lasted till he turned on the music and kicked the class into high gear.

Before you knew it... he was screaming at you to "run" on your bike. That meant, "Stand up on your bike the entire class, peddling as hard as possible while occasionally turning up the tension on your bike."

I had to laugh, because I thought this would be a "zen-like" experience in a spin class.

And now, my thighs are so tired.

I'll definitely be going back.

Wild Bluebell On My Pillows.

2011-10-29T23:10:00.000-04:00

My apartment has become quite the girlie place. Don't get the wrong idea... I don't have any pink anywhere in the place. Or any Hello Kitty. (Though I am considering getting an HK toaster!) It's just got a girlie feel. A grown-up girlie feel!

And even more girlie... My bedtime ritual lately...

A half hour Skype session with The Husband. Followed by Bedtime Yogi Tea, a lighting of my bedtime candle and a spray of Jo Malone's Wild Bluebell Cologne on my pillow.

I like falling asleep with the floral notes dancing around me. It makes my sleep more girlie.

First Snow Fall.

2011-10-29T12:39:00.000-04:00

Busy week... But I am finally settling into life here in NYC. And I am loving it.

Even when it is cold out and snowing, like today...

Peaceful. Serene. And I am cozy and safe in my little apartment.

Two Buck Chuck.

2011-10-23T19:01:00.000-04:00

My most favorite thing about being back in the States is the cost of groceries. More specifically... Trader Joe's.

All through university, I had access to a TJ's... But I never went to it. It was on the "other side of town" and it just wasn't convenient. In Boston, I shopped there maybe twice... Preferring Whole Foods.

Then I moved to Canada, and saw expensive groceries really were. Holy crap!

While away at Teacher Training last Fall, I rediscovered rader Joe's. Like nearly all of the other yogis and yoginis at #BKTT, on Saturdays I would hit the aisles of TJ's to do my weekly grocery shopping. Then, after 9 weeks in lovely San Diego, I headed back to the Great White North. And back to expensive groceries.

High quality groceries. But expensive.

Now that I am back in NYC, I am lucky enough to live around the corner from the TJ's. And I am a mere 10 minute walk from another one that has a Trader Joe's Wine Shop attached to it. Score!

Even more of a score, as I have now had a chance to try out the legendary "Two Buck Chuck"...

I picked up a Charles Shaw Pinot Grigio. I am not a fan of white wine. And seeing as this bottle was only $2.99 (thus the name), I figured I couldn't go wrong. It was low risk. And quite frankly, I buy one cup of coffee each day that costs more than that.

I got it home. Chilled it. And tried it this evening.

It was delicious.

Well worth the risk. Tempted to stock up and get some delivered to store in the mini wine fridge in my apartment. Though, I just don't see myself drinking white wine enough to necessitate a few bottles always lying around. And I don't see myself taking it to a party as a gift for the hostess.

But it is absolutely delicious. Yum.

A Slight Flight Delay.

2011-10-23T15:21:00.000-04:00

Yep. And it was all my fault.

At least I think it was.

No. I am pretty sure it was.

See... I like to check in online. Preferably with my mobile phone. And this one airline I was flying between Toronto and NYC today doesn't have a mobile app for checking in. You CAN check in online. But then you have to print your ticket out. Seeing as I don't believe in owning a printer (and being as a paperless as possible), I couldn't print my ticket.

"I'll just check in and print it out once I get to the airport!" I said to myself.

But when I showed up to the airport and went to the machine to print my ticket, I was informed that for "U.S. Travel, check-in at the counter." Meaning I had to wait in line just to get my ticket printed out.

Oy.

This took about 15 minutes, as everyone and their old wheel-chair-bound family members (as noted by the number of wheel chairs in the check-in line) were traveling to the States today. I got to the counter, slapped my passport down and said I just needed ticket printed.

"Absolutely ma'am," the agenct said. "Are you checking baggage?"

I told her I was not. That's when she said she needed to weigh my carry-on. I obliged.

"Sorry ma'am," she said. "We're going to have to have you check this bag. It's two kilograms (4 pounds) over the weight limit for carry-on luggage."

That's when I said I would be happy to remove the extra pounds from my trolly carry-on into my "personal item" Balenciaga Weekender bag.

She eyed me suspiciously and said, "That's not how it works."

She tagged my bag. Then she informed me that because their luggage belt behind the desk was out of order, I would have to take my bag over "there" (point off into the distance) and drop it off on the "Oversized Luggage" belt.

I didn't see a belt... I only saw a large crowd of disorganized people and wheelchairs. It was the line to add the luggage to the belt. And it was moving slow. I looked over at the security line and saw no one in it.

"Eff it!" I said to myself. And I tore the luggage tag from the airline off of my bag and walked into the security line. Two minutes later, I was in the gate lounge, drinking a cappuccinno and relaxing.

Then it came time to board the plane. It went very smoothly. The only hold up was a little old lady, dressed very posh, who was in line ahead of me as we were boarding the plane. She stopped to confirm that the airline would have someone with a wheelchair waiting for her at the gate in NYC.

"You didn't have enough wheelchairs today," she said to the agent. "So I had to walk all the way myself with my bag. And it wasn't easy."

We got on the plane, and I noticed she was in the same row as me. We all boarded and were ready to take off on time.

But we didn't.

We sat for about 10 minutes. Eventually, the captain came on and said, "Apologies for the delay. We appear to have a miscalculation with our baggage count. It should be a few minutes more. We should be airborne in about 15 minutes."

That's when I started to worry.

"You know what that means," the guy next to me said. "That means they lost someone's luggage and can't find it."

That's when I realized it was probably my fault. My bag had been counted as "checked." But I didn't actually check it... Because really... Who wants to check a bag flying into the international terminal in NYC?

I sat in my seat and prayed that we would take off soon, and without a long delay. I also prayed that the flight attendants wouldn't come to me all apologetically and say, "Sorry ma'am. It's your bag we can't find. When you land in NYC, we'll take care of you."

The guilt. It was weighing on me the longer I sat. But eventually, we took off. (Yay!) And I felt a karmic imbalance.

Once in the air, the captain came back on the intercom to tell us that today was the 5th anniversary of the airline. And as such, they were going to be drawing a seat number at random to gift with a free roundtrip ticket to anywhere the airline flies.

"The seat number is 12B," he said.

That was my seat number. The person in seat A, next to me smiled at me. But there was quickly debate as to whether the captain had said "12B" or "12D"... the seat with the old lady in it.

I don't know if the captain did call out my seat. But given my guilt from the whole baggage delay... And the old lady's experience with the lack of wheelchairs... I played dumb and said, "Yeah, it was 12D he said. I would love to win it. But I didn't."

Hoping my karma is evened out now.

Bootie-ful!

2011-10-16T22:08:00.002-04:00

Wandering out in my neighborhood this afternoon, I came across one of my favorite designer boutiques. I went in just to look. But came out with a new pair of shoes...

Shoe boots!

Wedge shoe boots!

I can't wait to try them tomorrow. So much more comfortable than regular heels... And nice chunky buckles for Fall.

Rethinking "Neutrals."

2011-10-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

Decorating can be a non-stop process. We've had our Toronto house for over two years, and we are not even close to being complete with what we want to do in it. But with the NYC apartment, I am far more determined to get a "complete" feeling.

Because I pretty much bought everything for the apartment at West Elm, and on a West Elm account that I opened, they rewarded me with about $500 of their "Design Dollars."

SCORE!

I wasn't even expecting these. So when they showed up, it was an amazing treat!

I decided to take my treat back to the store this weekend to find something on which to use them. What I found were mostly pillows, which I needed for my very bare living room couch.

I originally wanted a bright yellow or orange pillow. Preferably in a silk of some kind.

But I wasn't in love with the fabrics they had at West Elm. So when I saw the Gilded Grasscloth and the Snow Lynx ones, I fell in love.

I think natural-looking materials and animal prints are great neutrals. For the most part, they mix well with pretty much any color.

And to be honest, you aren't likely to ever see me where animal prints, as I just can't pull them off stylishly.

It goes back to the idea of carrying a Louis Vuitton, Coach or Gucci logo bag... I just ain't polished enough to look sophisticated with it. I look way too "juvy."

But in my home? I can totally make it work!

I will note that The Husband (who is likely to read this at some point today, whilst he works very hard researching some things for work) will not like my choice of "neutrals." He prefers grey, black, white and beige. He will proclaim my neutrals "too girlie."

But guess what, dude?

I'M A GIRL!

Well, technically, I am a 34-year-old woman. And part of 51% of the population. GIRLIE IS THE NORM!

And animal prints and natural elements are indeed great "neutrals."

Patience Is A Virtue?

2011-10-13T15:24:00.001-04:00

Oh the fun stuff people send you via SomeECards!

This pretty much sums up my Type A feelings most of the time... (Which is probably why I should never be a mother.)

Two Homes. Two Empty Fridges.

2011-10-13T09:24:00.002-04:00

Not that you thought it was glamorous... But in case you did, I am here to break your heart with the idea that having two homes was glamorous.

If anything, it leaves you starving.

No, not because you are paying for two residences (in my case, one in Toronto and one in NYC). It is because you find your self not wanting to keep food in your kitchen for fear that it is going to go bad before you have the chance to eat it.

I am in Toronto today, and I am starving.

The Husband, who resides at this house full time, isn't the best at grocery shopping. That was something I usually took care of when I lived here. And now that I am not, the fridge is kind of bare. But the story isn't any different at the NYC apartment. I keep my kitchen pretty bare too.

So I come home to Toronto to an empty kitchen. I go home to NYC to an empty kitchen.

Only Kate Moss would (probably) say that "an empty kitchen is glamorous."

The Gayborhood.

2011-10-08T20:26:00.000-04:00

The Husband is visiting me this weekend for the first time since I moved back to NYC to live full time. When we were here nearly two months ago, he approved of the apartment I chose to rent. (Because it kicks ass.) And now that he is back for the first time since, I have made an effort to walk him around and show him my lovely new neighborhood.

We had brunch at a place around the corner.

We went shopping a the drugstore on 7th avenue.

We ate dinner at the Italian restaurant two blocks away.

We meandered down 8th Avenue to 14th street.

After all of this, The Husband had one question for me...

"Why do you always choose to live in gay-centric neighborhoods?"

Don't get me wrong... He doesn't have a problem with gay neighborhoods. In Boston, I chose to have us live in the South End. Which is a beautiful neighborhood with a strong and lovely gay community. Then, when we moved to Toronto, I campaigned to have us move to the Annex... But The Husband really wanted the Rosedale neighborhood. So we split the difference and ended up in the Yorkville neighborhood. And this time around in NYC, I am in Chelsea. An upscale neighborhood with a strong and lovely gay community.

Which brings me to this evening...

The Husband and I were eating sups at an inexpensive Italian restaurant a block away from my apartment. It is the second version of a restaurant we ate at 10 years ago that resides at 50th and 2nd Avenue, in the The Husband's old neighborhood. The difference with this new location, though, is that the waiters are hotter.

Much hotter.

And in muscle shirts.

And super sweet and kind-natured.

And the The Husband definitely noticed, and commented.

"Why is everyone in this neighborhood so good-looking?" he asked.

"Because they're mostly gay men, and it's the rules," I informed him.

That's when he asked me why I chose to live in a neighborhood where everyone is super-duper hot, as it can be intimidating.

"Because I want to be hot too," I explained. "And the best way to be hot and get in that mold is to surround yourself with people who are super-achievers in 'hot-ness.' It's inspirational."

He gets it now.

Gayborhoods are friendlier. Prettier. And more inspirational. For me.

Rules For Making Your First Time (Watching The Notebook) Special.

2011-10-02T19:29:00.000-04:00

Hard as it is to believe... I have never in my life, ever, seen the movie The Notebook.

(Pause for all my girl and gay guy friends who wail out with their pity and horror with me.)

I don't know. I like chick flicks. But sometimes, when I watch the trailers for them before they come out in theaters, I sense myself pulling detaching from the appeal that most girls (and gay men) have for them.

I guess I just can only handle the sweet and sappy love stories if there is a general consensus that they're to be made fun of... Like with the Twilight series. I love those! Because it's GOD AWFUL writing. But it is a love story, written by a Mormon woman. And it's filled with sap. But it's awesome to watch (and read) because it doesn't try to be remotely real (beyond the fact that it's a vampire/werewolf story, and those things don't exist).

(I mean... I assume most chicks know that a fellow like Edward doesn't exist. And though someone with Jacob's personality probably exists... Would you really want to date Edward or Jacob in real life? They're stalkers! And obsessed! But I digress...)

I never watched The Notebook. I think I may have rented it circa 2006... But never actually watched it. And when I told two friends this last night at a party, their mouths dropped.

"WHAT!?!?!" screamed one.

"What's WRONG with you?" another wanted to know.

I explained my aversion to the film, and the genre. But they insisted that I see it. And they took it another step... By offering suggestions around how I should "make it special for my first time" watching it.

Rules for Making Your "First Time" Special:

It must be a cloudy day. Preferably Sunday. And it is even better if it is raining.
You must wear lounge-y pants, comfy t-shirt, sweatshirt and fuzzy socks.
Pull hair back.
If you wear contacts, take them out. Put your glasses on.
Have snacks of the "comfort kind." You know... Like popcorn. And mac-n-cheese. (Their recommendations.)
Essential to have a full stock of Kleenex.
Sit on the couch, have a blanket to wrap yourself in tightly.

I don't know... This list is pretty high maintenance. If all this is recommended in order to enjoy the movie and be prepared for the emotional roller coaster it seems to be, I may never watch it.

If someone could guarantee that I will get to see Ryan Gosling's abs in it... Or something like that... I would be far more motivated to try and watch it.

"From The Corner Room At The Carlyle... Everyone Loves New York."

2011-10-02T14:42:00.000-04:00

Rare are the occasions that I get to see my friends (Bail & Frogger) from Boston. But as fate would have it, they both were able to schedule business meetings here in NYC that coincided with the end of my first full week at my new job.

This meant it was time for celebration and catching up. Naturally.

So to be indulgent, we booked a table at the Cafe Carlyle, inside the Carlyle Hotel. It's a supper club that features classic talent, performing cabaret style. And the night we went, we were treated to Elaine Stritch's reflective and inspirational portrait of her life.

Why Elaine Stritch? Because she is a sassy old broad!

Elaine loves New York. As do I. And her show was a joy to watch. Well worth the money, listening to her sing Stephen Sondheim's works and drinking champagne.

I Can Legally Drive!

2011-09-30T15:54:00.000-04:00

Boo-yah!

After about seven changes of address in the past 12 years, I have FINALLY updated my license...

I have a New York State one now!

My old license, procured on December 4, 1999, didn't expire until I was 65 years old.

Yes, you read that correct. SIXTY-FIVE!

In Arizona, you have the option of not having to bother much with renewing it (unless you change address) until you hit the relative retirement age. So even though I have moved seven times since getting the thing, I just never bothered to change it.

But I had grown afraid of trying to drive in Arizona. If I was pulled over, they would see that I hadn't shown up for jury summons because I was living out of state. (I am paranoid. Not that I had been summoned. But if I had been, I wouldn't know.)

But now it is updated. And I can once again freely drive.

How Do I Use This Thing?

2011-09-26T21:35:00.000-04:00

I am nearing a week at my new job. And with this new one, I couldn't get out of taking a company phone. I had managed to avoid it at previous agency jobs, because I didn't want to carry around two phones.

But with my new role, it's unavoidable. I will be traveling and in meetings a lot. So I have to have one.

Thing is though...

The new phone is a Blackberry.

Standard issue for most companies. However, I am NOT versed in the world of RIM. And therefore, have no idea how to use this thing. I have tried to see if I can figure out how to set the voicemail greeting on this thing... But after 45 minutes, I give up. I will just wait until I get into work tomorrow and see if someone can show me.

I have figured out how to do the following though (and therefore, should receive huge credit):

Taking pictures.
Setting the ringer to "vibrate."
Change the wallpaper on it.
Check the email.
Browse the web.

But since I am not a "phone" person... This may be all I need to do with it.

Saddest Sign Ever.

2011-09-25T22:44:00.002-04:00

Received an urgent email from Frogger, in Boston this morning. She needed help with something, and only I was really in a position to potentially assist her.

And the truth is, I would have been helping myself as well.

Last day: Hermes sample sale. Soiffer Haskin 317 W. 33rd st NYC

Since it was only a 10 minute walk from my apartment, I jetted over. The chance to pick up a discounted scarf or a cuff for Frogger? I am there!

And then, got there. And saw this...

I emailed the photo to Frogger. Her response was, "That is the saddest sign ever."

Indeed.

Guilty Pleasure: Macarons.

2011-09-24T18:42:00.001-04:00

Spent part of the afternoon walking around the city, looking for some things for the apartment. As I walked through the West Village... I came across loads of cupcake shops.

Tres boring.

I am not in a "cupcake mood." Not today, anyway. Perhaps tomorrow.

I found myself craving something else sweet and confectionary... Macarons.

As I circled back to my neighborhood (above 14th), I finally came across a shop with macarons.

Divine!

They had so many flavors; but I ultimately chose a pink champagne, pina colada, white chocolate with coconut and pumpkin.

The pumpkin one was the best. Now I need to plot out where other macaron shops are in this city. I intend to walk to as many as I can over the next few months.

NYC Apartment Decorating.

2011-09-24T16:38:00.000-04:00

Furniture finally arrived yesterday. So I am busy settling in this weekend, getting everything in its place. I still have some things to buy... Like art. But the place is livable and coming together.

Here is my bedroom...

It's a melange of different bedding pieces I found on sale at various shops. I didn't want a complete set of anything.

My desk, in the living room.

It's mirrored. That makes it more fun. And speaking of fun... Check out my chair!

A burst of sunshine! I love it. It mixes nicely with the simplicity and coziness of the couch.

The rug and the coffee table are from West Elm, which s where I ordered most of my furniture.

And here is the TV and mirrored console...

The windows go from the floor to the ceiling, as well as run the entire length of the bedroom and living room. So there is a lot of light that comes in during the day. And at night... I get to peer into my neighbors' apartments across the street.

I love New York.

Still need pillows for my couch and art or the walls. But am quite pleased with what I have put together in the span of a week.

Displaying Jewelry.

2011-09-20T09:38:00.000-04:00

Moving back into a New York apartment means figuring out how to make do with less space. This time around, I am living in Manhattan instead of Brooklyn. And that means I pay more $$$$ for less space. So when picking out furniture last week, I had to make a decision about what I wanted to buy for my bedroom.

Obviously a bed was important. But I decided against getting a headboard. I also decided against getting a dresser, since I have a large closet. I realized I could easily buy small stackable baskets to house all things I kept in my dresser drawers back in Toronto. But there was one issue I was having...

"What do I do with all my jewelry?"

I like to have my jewelry displayed, so that I can see it. If it's just shoved in a drawer, I am less inclined to wear it. I need to see it to piece it together with an outfit.

So in order for me to accomplish this, I chose a different way of displaying it...

On plastic hooks, hung on the inside door of my closet!

Now, to figure out a way to display my scarves...

LES Meandering.

2011-09-17T19:24:00.000-04:00

Lovely night's sleep on the new mattress last night meant that I didn't wake up until 10:30am this morning.

Good lord!

But given that I did so much my first two days back in the city, I had no agenda for the day. Well, just a vague one. I wanted to get lost walking around the lower part of the city.

So off to the High Line I went, walking to the end. Then down into the West Village, to Bleeker. Stopped in at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store and picked up a few tank tops (cheaper than at the GAP!!)... Then walked Bleeker to the East side. Then down Orchard towards Houston. I was on a slight mission...

I wanted to find Babycakes, the gluten-free vegan bakery. And I did! I went in to the tiny and adorable shop. I saw Erin, the owner, behind the counter. A CELEBRITY! (I think she is, anyway.) I picked up a gluten-free carrot and maple cupcake.

Carrot cake and maple-flavored faux cream cheese. YUM! And the blackstrap molasses drizzled on top gave it a nice bitterness. Perfect!

I Am A New Yorker.

2011-09-16T20:39:00.000-04:00

I have no Internet in my apartment. Or furniture.

Well, that's a lie.

The previous renter of the apartment left her Simmons Beautyrest pillowtop mattress, box spring and frame in the apartment. As well as an expensive garbage can. I tossed the mattress... Kept the box spring and frame and garbage can. My Simmons Beautyrest pillowtop mattress arrived from Sleepy's this morning. So last night, I slept on my yoga mat on the hardwood floor.

Needless to say... I am exhausted. The past two days have been EXHAUSTING.

But I am here. And extremely excited. I have been to The Container Store and Bed, Bath & Beyond way more times than I care to admit. I have unpacked the TV I ordered and plugged it in. I somehow have a ton of channels, even though the cable guy doesn't come until Tuesday this week. It sucks not having Internet though. And all of my neighbors are smart enough to password-protect their wireless.

Where's the trust, people? (Kidding!)

Work starts next Wednesday, when I fly to Chicago to do some on-boarding. Furniture has been ordered, and will hopefully start to arrive in the next week or two. But I am fine for now, as long as I have a bed and a TV. Though, not in the same room.

I will share pictures of the apartment as furniture starts to arrive and the place looks human. But for now, I leave you with a peek at one of my most favorite things about New York City...

Cheap bodega flowers!

These are from the bodega on the corner. You can't beat 20 beautifully pink roses for $8. EIGHT DOLLARS!

I forgot about the flowers in NYC! Love!

Now, to Skype with The Husband. As we do every evening now. Though for now, I do it from a Starbucks.

Oscar De La Renta - Spring 2012.

2011-09-14T13:42:00.001-04:00

Oh Oscar... Truly one of the great American designers. He knows how to create colorful, elegant and feminine looks. This is one designer I absolutely CAN NOT afford to buy, but truly wish I could. His Spring 2012 collection is a joy to look at.

Simply divine!

The one element I was obsessed with while viewing the collection was the shoes. Sure, the color and the flow of the pieces were eye-catching... But one particular shoe had me hooked, and I felt it gave the collection a more tangible feel for me personally... As it has an androgynous element.

What was it?

The spectator-esque shoes...

Images source

I am a sucker for mixing typically "manly" elements with feminine pieces. (Am currently craving a man's watch to wear for work. So chic! Not a fan of dainty feminine ones.)

Pictures Of David, The Swede.

2011-09-11T20:27:00.000-04:00

In honor of my wandering friend from long ago (I can't believe it's been 10 years!), David Tengelin, here are pictures I accumulated from my time around him.

I wasn't able to scan them in, as my scanner isn't working right now. So they're a bit dodgy-looking, in terms of quality. But I know there are people who will appreciate these, as they may not have ever seen them.

I don't know what took me so long to share them.

April 2001

March 2001

Canadian Thanksgiving 2000

March 2001

December 2000 - And those of you in the know, please note: I cropped "Raging Hard-On Guy" from this photo.

April 2001

NYC Home.

2011-09-09T14:17:00.000-04:00

A sigh of relief!

I now have a home in NYC. Phew!

I had been freaking out over the past few weeks, as I pretty much fell in love with the first apartment we saw when we visited three weeks ago. We looked at a few other apartments, but none compared to this one. So we started all the paperwork.

But it wasn't as easy to secure as a typical apartment rental in NYC, because it is a condo. Which means the owner first has to like your profile. Then you have to fill out a ton of paperwork, including various certified checks for fees of all kinds. And then you have to get some things notarized. And you need references (personal and business). And you need to annually make 40 times the monthly rent you will be paying (which I do easily, on my own.) And the condo board who gets final approval is allowed to take 30 days to decide on an application.

So, if they hadn't approved it, I was going to be screwed. As I start my job in just a few weeks.

So, as you can expect... I was all sorts of anxious. Not sleeping. Not really eating. (I've been living on Pumpkin Spice Lattes.) I am the kind of person who plows through projects, doesn't stop till their done. And this was a case where I wasn't in control of everything, so my patience was eating away at me.

But now it's been approved! And now it's just a matter of working out the final details.

Here are some pictures I snapped of the place when I was there last month...

Kitchen

Living Room

Chanel Denim.

2011-09-08T21:43:00.001-04:00

It may not be the best quality nail polish out there... But I still love it and am a total sucker for the seasonal colors.

Talking about Chanel nail polish.

Every season, there is some new color out for which I am completely gaga... Earlier this year it was Black Pearl. While in Hong Kong, I picked up a bottle of Particuliere. And this Fall, I see myself adding one of these colors to my collection...

It's the new denim-inspired colors!

Chances are, it will be Blue Rebel that I go with... As the Coco Blue is too "baby" for me. And "Blue Boy" is a touch too "Cornflower Blue" for my taste.

Bikram Teacher Training: Avoid The Following...

2011-09-08T12:53:00.002-04:00

Now, as I mentioned earlier, expect anything to happen at Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. Because, really, anything (good or bad) is possible.

But as promised in that post, here is my list (based on my observations at training) that you can piss off Boss at teacher training.

So, try to avoid doing the following...

Talking back. Birkam is going to test you. He will say some things that will completely go against what you believe to be right and true. Just listen to what is being said. Politely ask questions, if the opportunity arises. But whatever you do, DO NOT TALK BACK TO HIM.
Making eye contact during yoga class. First, you should be looking at your own body. Trying your best to see your own reflection in the mirror. And listening to what is being said. If you make eye contact with him, he will see you. And he will make you do the posture over again, all by yourself. Or he will yell at you. But in a loving and funny way, which you will only realize after the class.
Not doing the posture when he yells at you to do it. So, referring back to number two above... If Bikram yells at you to do the posture a second time, just do it. No talking back (refer to point one.) But, it's a big room. And sometimes its hard to tell if he is yelling at you or at someone else in your general direction. Basic rule of thumb, if you think he is yelling at you (but aren't entirely sure), just do the posture. This may mean that there are five of you in a general area of the room doing the posture a second time. Just do it.
Not taking things seriously. This comes out, usually, during Half Moon posture clinic. Bikram can see everything he needs to know about you (so he says) by watching you deliver Half Moon. And if you come across as not taking things seriously ("MISS VANCOUVER!!!"), he will let you have it. All in all, it's his way of helping you grow. It's important to remember that in all growth, you have to be willing to experience some level of uncomfortable feelings. If it's too easy, you're not growing. You're just coasting.
Complaining. Oh sweet Hrithik Roshan! Please... Avoid complaining. He doesn't tolerate it. Just deal with whatever the issues are. Try to problem solve things yourself.

That's all I can think of. If any other teachers know of anything that trainees should avoid doing, leave them in the comments.

And with that, I leave you with one of my favorite Bikram quotes from training:

"I called you an 'idiot.' But that's a compliment. You know why? Because I used to call you 'dumb fuck.'"

Bikram Yoga Teacher Training: What To Expect...

2011-09-08T11:07:00.001-04:00

I have compiled, based purely on my own experience (and recognizing that there are people out there who would disagree with them), a list of things to expect for those of you who are about to embark on the Fall session of Bikram Yoga Teacher Training.

Here we go.

Expect everyone else to be as excited as you are. When you get 400+ people in a room, there is electricity in the air. And its hard not to catch it. The first few days of training, everyone is going to be awesome to each other.
Expect to be charmed by Bikram himself. He has a kind heart. He is funny. He is wildly perverted. You will laugh. But for the love of sweet baby Jesus, try to avoid pissing him off. (I will do a separate post based on my observations of what pisses him off.)
Expect to lose your appetite in the first few days. By the end of week one, I was having to force food down my throat. All that yoga, my body was rebelling. The thought of food made me feel sick.
Expect to have other digestive issues. Peeing... Pooping... Too much, too little. Your body will be on its own schedule. IT HAPPENS TO EVERYONE. Please don't force laxatives down your throat, though, if you find yourself constipated. Just drink more water. And let your body figure out what it wants to do. Eventually, it will find its rhythm.
Expect the room to be ridiculously hot the first few days, at least. Sometimes it takes a few days for the heating engineer to figure out how to heat the room as evenly as possible.
Expect to be shocked at how many people leave the room. People will leave for various reasons. RARELY is it because the room is too hot. It's usually an emotional thing. And for some people, it becomes a nasty habit. Just be warned, if you walk out of that room, the staff will yell at you to get back in. And rightly so. Unless you are vomiting or have passed out, you should be in the room.
Expect to be regularly kept up till 2am. My training was lucky. We only had like three 4am nights. Bikram was generous with us, in terms of how late he kept us up.
Expect to fall in LOVE with Hrithik Roshan. He will be the star of quite a few of the movies you watch late at night. And even if I hadn't been so deliriously tired, I still would have found him hot.
Expect to encounter REALLY ANNOYING TEACHERS visiting training. The staff at training are great. At least, they were at my training. But some of the visiting teachers were really super freaking annoying. I would name names as to who I KNOW you will encounter at training that are annoying, but I don't think that's fair. You should develop your own opinion about them. I am just here to warn you that there will be annoying teachers in posture clinics who really aren't helping people become teachers. They're just there on power-trips. My advice: zone them out.
Expect there to be fellow students who are really freaking annoying. OHMYGOD! If you only knew! I was fortunate to only have one annoying student in my posture clinic group (they never memorized the dialogue... they were always late... they left the room during class every single time)... But like they say at training, "If someone steals your peace, you are the loser." And trust me, you will be a loser a couple of times during training. Because that much time with these people, for so many hours a day, in that small a space... It will test your limits.
Expect to be surprised by how prepared you are to teach your first class when its all done. Trust me, you'll likely be in the majority that walks out of trainings thinking, "There's no way I can teach 90 minutes! And I have to do it next week! Ahh!" But trust me, you'll be able to do it. Be confident.
Don't have any expectations. LOL! I know. Contradicts this whole list. But just sit back and let training evolve, and watch yourself evolve by it. I guess maybe a better way to say it then is, "expect anything to happen."

Fashion Week & FNO.

2011-09-08T10:28:00.000-04:00

Even though I truly detest clowns... I wish I was in Paris, so I could attend this...

Tonight is Fashion's Night Out (FNO)... In Paris (it seems) and in NYC. Fashion Week NYC begins today. I wish I was already down there, so I could at least visit some of the FNO parties. Instead, I will settle for watching the shows streamed online.

In case you were wondering when the shows are, and where to watch them, read Mashable's article on how to keep up with fashion week.

Can Con Regulations Greatly Peeve Me.

2011-09-07T17:41:00.005-04:00

The one thing that annoys me about Canada (which is actually a very nice place to live) is this...

I learned about two years ago NOT to get excited when I see a video posted online that looks intriguing. Because chances are, I won't be able to view it.

Imagine how excited I was to see a video posted on NY Magazine's site that was a "joke reading" of a scene from Sex and the City Movie 3... And imagine how sad I was to get the above message when I actually tried to play it.

I certainly won't miss the Canadian Content regulations for TV and the Internet when I go back to the states.

Feng Shui: Forward Movement Into Autumn.

2011-09-07T15:48:00.004-04:00

One of my friends loves to acquire art when she travels. Art or scarves. (But then, the scarves she acquires are usually pieces of art.)

When she looks for art to bring home, she has a preference for images that show forward-movement. Like this...

Her belief, and it makes sense, is that having art in your home that draws you forward is good feng shui. It keeps you moving forward, and prevents you from staying in one place.

I snapped the photo above today on my walk home. I applied a filter to make it look more "Autumn-like." Love. Tempted to print it out and hang it on a wall.

Yorkville Trash.

2011-09-07T12:59:00.000-04:00

Walking through my neighborhood this afternoon, I came across something someone is tired of...

I don't know that I have mentioned it before... But the neighborhood I live in up here in Toronto skews a little bit older than me. My neighbors, on average, have about 20 years on me. (Except for the gorgeous trophy wife down the street.)

But until today, I had always considered them up to speed with the times, especially technology. I guess this s just someone looking to upgrade. But who faxes much anymore anyway? Much easier to just have a scanner connected to your computer, that way you can scan things in and then email them.

Signs Of Autumn.

2011-09-06T13:08:00.003-04:00

Leaves changing color. Apple-picking. A drop in temps with a slight crisp to the air. Scarves with blazers. Kids hopping on the Hogwarts Express to head back to school.

These are typical signs that Autumn has arrived. But I have a couple of other signs to add to the list...

TIFF & Yorkville Avenue

This is a picture of the Hazelton Hotel on Yorkville Avenue. In about two days it will be filled with celebrities and important film industry people who descend on the town for the Toronto International Film Festival. I won't be able to walk down this part of Yorkville Avenue because there were be security gates and paparazzi.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Yum! Today is the first day of the PSL season. And I was at Starbucks by 7:45am, setting up camp at a table, and procuring myself a PSL.

Rookie Mag: A Return To My Teen Years.

2011-09-06T09:14:00.002-04:00

I spent most of my teen years, outside of school and school activities, at home reading.

Tucked away in my corner bedroom, I would be listening to music (mostly from a pop station 75 miles away in Tucson, as my small town near the Mexican border lacked a proper radio station) and reading.

Books and magazines... Over and over again. I would re-read things - just as I still do today - because I would discover something new within the words. Something that would help me imagine a life beyond the bedroom I occupied in the small town where I resided.

In December 1991, when I was a Freshman in high school, I received a copy of a magazine from my "Secret Santa"gift exchange with my junior varsity cheerleading squad. (God! How small-town America is that?!?! Love!) I spent all that afternoon absorbed in the pages of the magazine, having read nothing like it before.

It didn't talk down to me.
It wasn't doused with the typical make-up tips for fair-haired, tanned and blue-eyed beauties... Which was the opposite of me. (I was pretty. Just not blond and tan.)
The fashion tips weren't silly non-sense.
The articles felt more adult, but still appropriate. There was no gloss to the words. They were more real.

The magazine was Sassy. The December 1991 issue.

Sadly, Sassy ended in the mid-90s, after I had stopped reading it. (I did re-read that one issue many times over the years, while in high school though.) And no teen magazine has come about to try to take its place.

Till now.

Teen (though it is silly to refer to her as that, as she is and dresses as a sage old soul in the body of a 15-year-old) Tavi launched an online magazine this week called Rookie, just in time for the school year to start. And it's just as awkward and charming as those teen years I remember from so long ago.

I love it! I am a mid-30s woman, and I love it! This is definitely going on my "Must Read" list for each week.

Things That Make Me Angry.

2011-09-04T20:57:00.002-04:00

I am not an angry person. At least, not outwardly. I mean, I think I come across as compassionate and nice. Accept when presented with the following things, for which I have anger towards...

Salmon. I do not like salmon. I had some in Hong Kong last month, though. And it for the first time in my life, I found it delicious. But in general, don't give me salmon. It creeps me out.
Mussels. And pretty much most shellfish... And squid, while we're at it.
Frogs. Like Savanna Guthrie, I have an irrational fear of slimy amphibians. Which is probably why I had a lot of first dates back in my dating days. I just was not willing to kiss any frogs and settle.
Hard boiled eggs. This one is for reals, serious. You want to see me get angry... Try feeding me hard boiled eggs. I am creeped out by them, their texture, their smell, their look. Eww! And no, putting them in something and mixing it all up does not help. In fact, it only makes me angrier.
Santa Claus. And any other character that adults like to dress up as to entertain or entice children. It's just wrong. The Easter Bunny. Disney Characters. Freaking clowns! Holy shiz! You want to see me lose my shiz, put a clown in front of me.
Snails. It's funny... I can deal with mice and spiders... But snails? (Shudders)
Lack of feminism. Now, in case you are unaware, feminism is defined as "The advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men." So, based on this definition - unless you are sexist - everyone should be down with "feminism." It's just about women wanting to be equal to men. So at a minimum, ALL WOMEN should be feminists. And most men too. Unless you really truly think men are superior to women (which they're not), in which case I think you're not a smart person. (And that's me being nice with how I express it.)
Anything Cristina Aguilera does. I can not stand this woman. Such a wasted talent. Too much diva these days - actually, she's been too much diva since she got started. And she's not original. Everything she does is lame and usually ripped off in some way from someone else. Beautiful voice though.
Grey's Anatomy. Ugh. I know so many people who watch this show. Some of you are my online BFFs, even. But this show bores me to tears. I don't even need to watch it, and I can tell you what's going on... Because it ain't got real good writing. Bad formula. Weak characters. It makes me angry to have to know this show is still being watched by people.
Reality TV. Not all reality TV is bad. Just 99% of it. Off hand, I can't think of any reality TV that I do watch that is actually good. I only watch it if there is nothing else on that's good. The only TV I seem to watch consistently lately is HBO on Sunday nights.
American Express. Oh, Amex... How you did me wrong. True Story: About a month ago, just before I left for Hong Kong, I called Amex (the only credit card I kept live after moving to Canada) and told them I would be traveling in Asia. They told me not to worry, that my card would work fine. In fact, the representative told me that I didn't have to tell Amex when I was traveling, as they have a system in place that ore accurately detects fraud. They also told me I would not need to worry about having my card shut off while traveling, as they don't do that to customers. They told me to have a great trip, and actually let me know that I had a $140 CREDIT on my card for over paying it. (I'm anal with bills that I actually have knowledge of.) Well, guess what happens once I go to check in to my hotel in Hong Kong? My Amex gets declined. Why? Because it had been shut down. Why? Because I HADN'T USED IT IN A FEW MONTHS. Seriously, that's what Amex told me when I called them FROM HONG KONG, ON MY DIME to ask, "WTF?" They told me, "Oh. Sorry ma'am. Your card was actually cancelled three months ago due to inactivity. We don't keep cards open that don't get used." When I explained that I had called TWO DAYS before and none of that had been mentioned to me, they apologized. I asked about my $140 credit, they're response was, "Oh yes. We see that. I guess we'll have to cut you a check." I guess you won't get my business ever again, Amex. And such a shame too, because I am a customer who ACTUALLY LIKES TO SHOP AND HAS MONEY TO PAY THEIR BILLS. So, in my loveliest voice, Dear Amex, "FUCK YOU!" (Sorry for the un-lady-like tone there. But come on! You shut my card off for NOT USING IT AND OVER-PAYING?)

I think that's pretty much it. These are the things that make me angry. Lately. I really should do a post that covers the things that make me swoon lately. Besides Carine Roitfeld.

Carine's World.

2011-09-04T20:17:00.001-04:00

I was never a follower of French Vogue during Carine Roitfeld's time. I occasionally would pick up a copy in the bookstore, flip through it, look at the price and put it back down on the rack.

It was too expensive for something written in a language that would take me an hour for each paragraph to read and figure out what it was referencing. Though I enjoyed the styling of the pictures... I've never been a gal who can look at something and be amazed by it. Not with men (oh! he's so cute! I love him!). Not with fashion (it's so severe and gorgeous! I must have it!). Not with anything else.

I have to have a little bit of knowledge and/or a conversation about something before I can commit to it.

One thing I am intrigued by, recently, is Carine Roitfeld... The former editrix of French Vogue. And her most recent work has my interest piqued...

Styling a catalog for Barney's... This is her photo from one of the adverts. And I love it She looks edgy and glamorous. I love the crimson nails and the star in her cheek. And the softness of the leather and cashmere combo... Plus her shiny hair...

Swoon! Girl crush, the likes of which have not been seen since Ginnifer Goodwin circa 2007.

Gray & Yellow.

2011-09-03T10:23:00.003-04:00

So as a I truck along in the process of securing my NYC apartment (almost there... Hopefully will have a finalized "Yes" next week), I have added to my ideas for furnishing the apartment.

In addition to the "girlie grey" look I am keen on, I want to throw in some yellow with this chair...

It's the Chloe chair from Crate and Barrel.

It's different from what I have in my house here in Toronto. So it helps give the NYC place a look and feel of its own that is completely unique.

Plus, it's girlie. And dammit... This apartment is GOING TO BE GIRLIE!

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask.

2011-09-03T09:56:00.003-04:00

There are many things up here in the Great White North that I do not have access to, but wish I did. One of these things is a product line called SK-II.

In particular, for the past two years I have been anxious to try to Facial Treatment Masks...

This is a mask for giving your skin some intense hydration. Here's what they look like on...

And yes, I tried to make this picture look as scary as possible.

You leave it on for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. Your skin soaks up the amino acids, pitera, organic acids and vitamins in it. Then you take it off and rub the layer that is left into your face and neck.

It makes the skin look plump and smooth. A nice, refreshing drink for your face!

Chanel Shade Parade.

2011-09-02T13:24:00.009-04:00

Came across this from one of the Elle Canada interns I am friends with on Facebook.

I love Chanel polish.

Really, Advertising Grads, There Are NO Jobs?

2011-09-02T11:17:00.002-04:00

Now, I recognize that this may ruffle some feathers. But I think it is time for a reality check for a segment of the graduating classes in recent years, looking to work in advertising.

According to a story in the NY Times Style section this week, there are some graduates from recent years that are in "limbo."

I work in an industry for which I did not go to university. At the core, the industry itself didn't really exist when I graduated 12 years ago. Advertising existed. But it held no interest for me. What did I want to do? I wasn't really sure. But I went to university to work in journalism. Specifically, broadcast journalism. I worked for a the first while after I graduated at a TV station in Tucson. But as I found myself coming in every day, and working for $8 (while also having to wait tables on the site to be financially secure), I had a thought cross my mind every day:

I don't fit in here. I don't really like the people. I have three hags in my department who are jealous of anyone young around here - and they make it obvious. I have a boss who sexually harassed the young woman in my position before me, and who had made passes at me. And I've lived in Tucson for the past five years. Do I really want to stay here my whole life?

Hell. No.

So I went to NYC, for a vacation, and came back with a job. Packed up all my stuff, and moved myself across the country three weeks later. The job I took was in public relations... Which held absolutely no interest to me. But it was my "foot in the door" to living the life I wanted: A big city life. One where I could just sit back and observe the world evolving.

But some of the graduates in this article, to be perfectly frank, are not very smart. Or ambitious. Especially the ones who want to work in "advertising." They only saw one specific way of their careers evolving, because they had a specific picture in their mind, and when that failed, they simply gave up... And communicated, "It's too hard! There are no jobs in advertising out there!"

Um. I beg to freaking differ.

As I said earlier, I work in advertising. And it's not where I originally planned to be. But I fell into my specific career, and found I LOVE it. I do search engine marketing. It is the FASTEST growing section of "advertising" out there. And if you like any of the following things, you should consider a career in search:

Writing. Whether it be content or ads. You like to write? This is a great place for you.
Social media. You like Twitter and Facebook? Come on over! I got stuff for you to do, and guess what? You get to play around on these two sites ALL DAY!
YouTube and other video sites. Holy crap! You know how much time each week I HAVE To spend on YouTube? A LOT! And it's not because I am screwing around. It is because I have to optimize a video. Or look at a competitor's video and see what they are doing. Or maybe there is a new tutorial out from Google that warrants my attention.
Math. I ain't no math genius. Not at all. But I rock at paid search and budgeting and estimating what is going to happen with a client's advertising spend in the search engines. I do tend to hire, however, plenty of math freaks out there. And they totally get off on doing paid search. They feel quite lucky to be able to do what they do all day.

Is search marketing glamorous?

No. But here's the reality people: The Mad Men world of advertising DOES NOT EXIST. Once you get your head out of the clouds and realize this, you will see the light.

Does it pay well?

Hell-to-the-yeah. Once you have a few years under your belt and you are reliable, it pays very well.

Can you advance quickly?

Oh yes! If you are good and ambitious, you can advance very quickly.

Is it a filed that will die out?

Hell no. In fact, it has grown so much in the eight years I have worked in it. (I am so ancient in this field! And only at eight years in!)

Is there a need for people in this field?

OMG! You can not imagine how hard it is to hire! We're ALWAYS looking for more people.

How does one get started in it?

Look to work at an agency. That is the best way to learn. Many people dabble in it on their own first. And pick up a few clients as freelancers. However, as a hiring manager, I tend to be skeptical of these people. They usually have bad habits and an even worse work-ethic. Best to learn it first at an agency, then maybe go freelance. But then you really have to hustle. And finding big clients on your own his hard.

So here is a reality check:

There are advertising jobs out there.
You don't need to have a masters or an MBA to work in search. (In fact, you won't get paid any more than any one else, even if you do. So don't bother.)
You just have to stop thinking of your career path as having one potential direction... And realize that there are opportunities out there. You just have to leverage them and turn them into what you want them to be.

I Was Wrong...

2011-09-01T09:12:00.003-04:00

Pumpkin Spice Lattes do not arrive at Starbucks today, the first day of September. They don't arrive till next Tuesday, after Labor Day.

I am waiting, anxiously, for Fall to arrive.

Dior Croc-Embossed Over-The-Knee Boots.

2011-08-31T11:08:00.002-04:00

Oh... If only I had millions of dollars... The damage I could do at Bergdorfs.

I would so pick up these beauties for Fall...

Buckles! A platform! Over-the-Knee! A wine color!!!

They scream "The Missus!"

Unfortunately, though, the price does not. And the dream lives on...

McQueen Feathered Halterneck Chiffon Gown.

2011-08-31T10:49:00.003-04:00

Someday, I will be a big girl. And I will be invited to a big girl event. And I will need a big girl party dress. And this will be it...

I wish I was sophisticated enough to be introduced into the New York social scene, where upon I would receive invitations to different charity balls for each week. Then I would have an excuse to buy this dress and an opportunity to wear it.

Though, with having to pay New York rent now, I really can't afford the dress.

Autumn, I Await You.

2011-08-28T19:03:00.007-04:00

Spent a very domesticated weekend here at home, while The Husband was away at the cottage with friends. And I finished it off with actually cooking a meal...

Roasted autumn veggies and roasted fish.

I know we have a few weeks of Summer left. But I have never been a Summer person. Autumn is my favorite season. Always has been. Even more so since moving east from Arizona... As there is an actual season to look forward to, and not just Autumnal motions.

Next week, it's September First. And you know what that means...

Freshening A Mattress.

2011-08-27T20:25:00.004-04:00

I read somewhere online... Perhaps whiles sucking away hours on Pinterest... A recipe for freshening a mattress.

You take about a 1/2 cup of baking soda and two drops of lavender oil...

You whisk them together...

You then take a sifter and sprinkle it all over your mattress...

Now, my mattress smells divine! You should do this every time you wash the sheets. Helps keep things fresh and smelling like heaven.

Bass Battles (Plural).

2011-08-27T18:27:00.002-04:00

REALLY want to bass battle someone. Because while I may not be able to physically kick someone's ass, am confident I could take someone out with acquired music skills. But first, must learn to play the bass. So...

Step 1: Procure a bass guitar.
Step 2: Learn to play bass guitar that has been procured.
Step 3: Really kick ass at playing the bass guitar.
Step 4: Conquer the world through a series of bass battles.

First stop, the music store in the Annex neighborhood. Next stop, the world's darkest dens of sin to battle evil.

It Figures...

2011-08-26T16:55:00.003-04:00

Just as I am leaving my current job, the couch for my office arrives...

I am not much of a fan of offices. It segregates you from the team you work with. I was always up and walking around as it is, just to make sure I was connecting with my team.

But the couch was a nice perk. Or rather, it would have been, had I had more time to enjoy it. But I still have a whole three days left to enjoy it. I predict a nice 20 minute nap during lunch one day next week.

Hurricane Or Wilderness: My Needs Are Simple.

2011-08-26T12:55:00.003-04:00

This weekend, I will be flying solo at home. I am going to clean, sort what I am taking to NYC next month, see a couple of movies, read some magazines.

My friends in NYC and Boston will be preparing for the magical Irene, bringing wind and rain to their areas.

My husband will be at his family's cottage this weekend, north of Toronto, hanging with university buddies.

Since I will be in sunny Toronto, with access to everything I need, I feel fortunate. There is no way I would have fun in the wilderness, even in a nice 3-bedroom cottage. And if I was in the northeast, I would probably be about as entertained. Both cases, though, have prompted me to examine what I need to survive either one...

Coffee
Internet
Wine - preferably red
Cheez-Its (I am screwed, as we don't have them in Canada.)
Jo Malone Candle - in Vintage Gardenia
Magazines - Specifically the September issues of Vogue and W
Bathtub

What do you need to survive a weekend in the wilderness or a hurricane?

Two Suitcases & A Laptop.

2011-08-25T10:28:00.006-04:00

I am not writing much about my apartment hunting trip to NYC this past weekend because I don't want to "jinx" anything.

What I will say is that I put in an offer on a lovely condo rental in Chelsea. But because it is a condo, the condo board has to approve my application. And I won't know about that until after Labor Day. So keep your fingers crossed!

With this move, though, I won't be taking anything other than clothes and my laptop with me. (Just like when I moved to NYC 11 years ago the first time!) Instead of picking apart my home up here in Toronto and moving some furniture down to NYC, I have decided I will just buy new stuff when I get there.

Expensive? Kind of. But it will be fun! I plan on hitting West Elm...

Still looking at bedroom furniture... But all of this can be captured for quite a tidy price.

Stuck At The Airport.

2011-08-21T20:51:00.003-04:00

I, for the most part, an a person with simple needs. I love luxury stuff... But when you get to the core, I am perfectly content, as long as I have the following things:

Wifi (Preferably free)
Starbucks
Cheez-Its

Right now, I am stuck at Laguardia Airport, because of flight back-ups in Toronto, and have none of the above.

This totally blows.

Most Fashionable City: London?

2011-08-21T18:20:00.002-04:00

Okay. I am biased. I have not exactly had a great relationship with the country across the pond. (Some of you know why.) But I do appreciate British things. Especially fashionable British things. But do I think London is the most fashionable city in the world?

Um, no.

Sure... I would love to stock my closet with more Burberry Prosum and McQueen (beyond just the scarves - which are all I can barely afford). But beyond that, I don't find the city to be that fashionable. Not even the Duchess of Cambridge, when you break down her style.

GASP!

I know. I mean, I love Miss Katie Middleton. I love her hair. I love how she dresses. But it's pretty basic at the core. There is very little daring-ness and vision coming from of most of female population in London.

If you compare NYC and Paris to London, both of those knock London out.

Where London DOES win, in my opinion, is with men's fashion. But women's? Sorry. The other two cities have you beat, dreary London.

One Way To Get Me To Slow Down.

2011-08-18T12:52:00.003-04:00

I am a fast walker. I am the person who, on the street, will walk in the road to get around you if the sidewalk is too crowded.

I LOATHE people who take up the entire sidewalk, walking very slowly. I am all about getting from one place to another as quickly as possible. If you are in my way, don't fear that I will run you down. I will, however, go around you if you are dilly-dallying.

The Husband dares anyone to try and beat me when walking through an airport. I suddenly develop super human speed as soon as a plane lands and I am off of it. I take off walking fiercely, surpassing many others to get to the immigration lines at Pearson Airport.

So, forcing myself to walk slowly is a challenge. A challenge I decided to work on by wearing these to work today...

Four point five fabulous inches of height!

This is one sure-fire way to get me to slow down.

French Toast. Agave Syrup. Man Repelling.

2011-08-18T06:51:00.003-04:00

Most of this week, I have risen from slumber at about 4am. This is because my body clock is still off from the Asia trip.

The benefit: I have been making breakfast for The Husband and I every morning this week. Usually, it is an omelet. But today, I scraped together this...

French toast! I didn't even know I had powdered sugar in the house... Exploring the pantry in the early hours is another benefit.

I was able to find maple syrup though... Which I am sure is reason enough for them to kick me out of this country. So I made do with agave syrup, which turned out to be way better any way.

French toast... Coffee... And StylelikeU videos is how I spent my morning. My favorite Style video today?

Leandra Medine from The Man Repeller.

I love her style. If I was a guy, I would totally date her!

Because I Can't Contain My Excitement...

2011-08-15T10:38:00.001-04:00

I have news: I am moving back to New York City this Fall.

(Pause for excited squeals, followed by the big question I know you all will ask...)

"What about The Husband? Is he moving too?"

The answer: "No."

Fret not, my friends! I am still "The Missus!" So here's the scoop:

I have wanted to move back to NYC pretty much since I left eight years ago. It was the city where I found my independence... Where I met the one man I wanted marry... Where I felt magical and optimistic. Then, after three years there, I was whisked away to Boston.

I followed The Husband. His career took us to Boston. And the idea of living in a city of ridiculously smart people and loyal sports-loving fans sounded appealing. But, it took me a few years to adjust. Eventually, I grew to love it. I made friends. I loved my gayborhood (South End - REPRESENT!) I found a great career path.

But by the time I fell in love with Boston, it was time to leave to Toronto. Once again, to follow The Husband's career.

This time, we moved countries to Toronto.

I love Canada. Such a compassionate society. Such a clean city - Toronto is. We have a jackass for a mayor... But the loving energy of this city is amazing. And holy crap, do I love the health care here. I got over the fact that I couldn't get Cheez-Its in this country.

I also love my job at the agency where I am a VP. I was given a chance to "sink or swim" when I started here. And I came in, kicked some ass and grew the team. I was grateful for the opportunity.

But Toronto... Well. Something was always off here for me, due to the fact of what I was used to in the states. Here's what I mean:

The industry I work in is much smaller up here than in the states. Budgets are smaller. The talent pool is even smaller. You have to develop your own talent, rather than hiring it. And as a result, at the senior level, salaries are much smaller here than they are in the states. At the junior and mid-level, salaries between Canada and the states ARE THE EXACT SAME. But for senior level talent? Nope. And this was a very bitter pill for me to swallow. I work very hard, for a respectable salary. But not one I could take care of my husband on, if I ever needed to. Talk about feeling incompetent.
I was following The Husband again. I love my husband very much. But when you were raised by parents who instilled the mentality of "always make sure you can take care of your self," it was hard for me to adapt to the idea of allowing my husband's career to take care of me. I have tried being the housewife. A couple of times. It just does not work for me. I FAIL at this. I am hoping some day (maybe 10 years from now?) I will be able to do this. But right now? I feel like I am not taking care of myself properly. I get depressed. I want to be able to take care of my husband, just as he is able to take care of me.
Toronto is too quiet. I like tall buildings. I like to be able to walk for hours and hours and and run into new things to see. And while Toronto is a LARGE city, it is too spread out for me. I don't want to have to drive a car to get to something. I want to be able to hop a subway or bus... Or walk.

So, a few months back, The Husband and I agreed that if I found a job that was a great fit, I would be crazy not to take it.

We reasoned that because we don't have kids (and don't plan to) and don't have pets (and don't plan to), and because we are both workaholics... We could easily manage living in two different cities and flying every other weekend (at least) to see each other.

So I set to work exploring NYC opportunities. I looked within my own company's network. And while a great opportunity popped up... It wasn't the right one for me. It would have been a step-down responsibility wise.

Another opportunity popped up, this time in the suburbs of Boston. It was a great opportunity too. Not at a marketing agency. And it involved travel all throughout the Americas (North, Central, South). But it wasn't in the city of Boston. Which was the main deciding factor against pursuing this opportunity. I don't want to work in the suburbs.

The third opportunity (I feel like Goldilocks now!) was in NYC, working for a company that is being led by someone I have worked with in a past job. The position is a step-up, in that it is in NYC and thus means dealing with a larger budget. It is similar to the job I have now (very similar), just based in the US. It is the job I was most excited about and prayed that I would be able to convince them to give me.

And they did.

I was made my offer before I got on the plane to Hong Kong last week. And I accepted it while in Hong Kong.

So this is why I have been anxious these past few weeks. I have been slowly making a move back to NYC happen for me. I have had The Husband's complete and enthusiastic support in this, for which I consider myself lucky and blessed.

We have also had the support and enthusiasm of both sets of parents and my siblings. (I secretly think this is because it now gives them two sets of residences to visit in two big cities.) The only people who have been confused by it are friends...

"What? But you live in Toronto. It is your home. Husbands and wives don't live apart."

True, it is unconventional. But it's not like we are trying to escape from each other. If The Husband could get a job in NYC, he would be going with me in a heartbeat. It's just that his job opportunity is greatest up here in Toronto. And mine is an hour's flight south in NYC.

I just don't feel like I am done with being aggressive in my career. And, unfortunately, the industry I work in isn't as aggressive up here.

So what's a career-driven wife who wants to be able to provide for her husband to do? Head to NYC!

Plus, now I can get Cheez-Its whenever I want.

Eight Courses At Nobu.

2011-08-11T10:09:00.004-04:00

Frogger and I are back in Hong Kong after a trip to Phuket. I fly back to Canada tomorrow. So I only had 18 hours here on this leg. But what a leg it was!

Or should I say "fin"?

We were guests at Nobu here in Hong Kong, and were delighted with a number of dishes from the menu selected by the chef.

First Course: Tai (Red Snapper) with Dry Miso

Second: Tuna Tataki with Matsuhisa Dressing

Third: Scallop with Jalapeno Dressing

Fourth: Salmon Genmai Salsa

Fifth: Beef with Wasabi Pepper

Sixth: Sushi Assortment

Seventh: Mushroom Miso Soup

Eighth: Suntory Whisky Iced Cappuccino

Coconut Pancakes.

2011-08-10T22:10:00.004-04:00

I know... I've done a lot of food posts this past week. But I have tried so many new things that it is hard not to want to write about them.

Since coming to Thailand, I have made sure one thing has been on my plate at breakfast each day... Coconut pancakes.

The pancakes here are crepe-style. Very thin. Very light. They sprinkle unsweetened coconut in them... Which is one of my absolute favorite things in the world.

They are divine. I love them and now want to buy a crepe pan to make them myself.

Shaved Ice With Coconut Milk.

2011-08-10T19:41:00.002-04:00

One more post on the street food...

Shaved ice with coconut milk!

They served it in little plastic bags, sealed off with a rubberband and a straw sticking out.

Again, very sweet. But very tasty.