fortune.

bill.

At the end of a week and almost eve to another month, I have successfully completely two things off my list of "Staycation" activities. These two are a little bit unofficial, but were still on a list nonetheless.

Last night, I received a plus one ticket for a friend to join me at The Acorn's Toronto show. I usually go to these performances alone and/or with a photographer, so it can be weird being the only one not having anyone to talk to during setup and all that jazz. However, it was a lovely show and I was lucky enough to have some company with other writers there as well that I know. Check the Take Media soon for my review!

Secondly, earlier this week I went to see the Bill Cunningham documentary. I've been a huge fan of his New York Times column and snapshots of street style for what seems like forever, so to see the behind-the-scenes view of his life was a real treat. I've never really seen that many documentaries, and I must say, I'm hooked.

Seeing something that was real, even fashion-related, kept myself and my peers in the theatre on the edge of our seats the entire time, craving to know where Bill would ride his bicycle or take a shot of next. Every frame and moment in the film was organic, well-shot and clear. The interviews were snappy, juicy and delicious. As the lights came on, I sat in disbelief that it was over.

For the average Joe, some may say that this movie is "girly" or "too prissy" because it's about fashion, but I argue the opposite. Bill shows how our lives in every way, in every single day revolve around fashion. He just loves clothes, and doesn't care if it's a celebrity wearing them.

‎”Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life. I don’t think you could do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization.” - Bill Cunningham

Whether you like fashion or not, it's an interesting film that also encapsulates New York's culture, the history of some of the art's greatest movers and shakers (an snippets of Andy Warhol's films) and women that look just like you and I that are showcased. Bill Cunningham is living proof of art that imitates life and is a true gem of a man.

Check your local theatres! Here's a link to his New York Times videos where he talks about street style. Fabulous!

wordslivingby.

ears.

I've spent my whole life trying to figure out where I got this "creative" and journalism gene from. My parents are both in the math and sciences (one an engineer, the other a nurse), my brothers were both good at everything school-wise. I barely passed grade 10 geometry, cursed biology and have never touched a physics text book. Give me Hamlet, and I'll be happy any day.

If you look at our family portrait, I'm the mixed child. Where my brothers each take off of a parent, many people say that I look equally like my father as I do my mother. Personality wise, there are days where I'm saying things that I know Mom would, or see a picture someone took of me wearing the same expression as Dad.

So where did this artistic thing come from?

I think my grandfather, Papa.

coral.

What's always on my mind this week (wink at Willie Nelson) long, summery dresses, weddings, the Rolling Stones and coral pink.

lulu.

You know those Lululemon bags that everyone uses for lunches and shopping with the mantra on them? I feel like I have gotten so used to seeing them that I actually forgot the words on the side. In particular, based on the actions from the past few weeks, this one has really stuck out to me:

"Friends are more important than money".

So simple, yet, why is this so hard for some to get their heads around?

At the end of the day, it's not the stuff we surround yourself with, the perfect apartment, the perfect diet food, etc. It's the people who warm the home, pick up the pieces and come spend a holiday with you.

With Easter weekend, many university students are away from their families, especially if they are from out of the province. This is the part of our lives in which we're starting to host, celebrate and attend these sentimental events that we grew up with - but perhaps not at home, and with new family.

My roomies and I had the honour to host a few ladies for this weekend, with everyone bringing something to contribute, setting the table, using matching silverware and enjoying the day. True, it wasn't Mom's homemade feast, but for students, it was pretty darn lovely. As we are finishing and entering upon our final (or close to) years of school, it is becoming more and more apparent that we are no longer students, but rather young adults living a city life.

I'm so excited for the future and not scared anymore. We can do this. True, I'm turning into my mother and using her swear words while cooking, but it's comforting at the same time. This is a huge mountain on the journey of life, and I'm so lucky to have good friends to support me and take the trip with me.

Here's a wicked video from Marie Claire magazine about their special for hosting holidays. I definitely took a note or too from this and am planning the same for this year's Thanksgiving celebrations!

refresh.

Happy Easter Weekend!

After an exciting day of packing, unpacking, running up and down stairs and avoiding creepy people trying to help move boxes on the street, I got thinking about change. It may be scary when you look it in the face, but at the end of the day, standing on top of change after running forth into it is one of the best feelings ever.

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." - Joseph Campbell

parting.

There are few things I love more than a fresh apartment, space and way to think about decorating. Helping a lovely friend move tomorrow - hoping for good weather!

luxury.

This has been a great, low-key week so far getting work done, practicing lots of yoga and spending time with friends in-between study sessions. It hit me yesterday when I was reading my book with a hot cup of tea by my side how long its been since I've done just nothing. They say that the Italians do it best, and I'm slowly working on my personal version of the "il dolce far niente" or "the sweetness of doing nothing".

With this chill-out time, I've had the luxury of surfing through my blog reel and sites to find some fun websites and things to show you.

Here's what I'm loving this month...

Finally, an easy YouTube tutorial to do a fishtail braid.

So Damn True: Twitter account of the moment, every tweet is right on.

Dreaming of summer, lemonade and clear skies. Apartment Therapy has some great outside living ideas.

It's still in its early stages, but Lauren Conrad's site, The Beauty Department is adorable and relevant!

The best app for my iPhone -Drink Owl. Helps you find drink specials and liquor stores/hours.

Although it's raining outside, I change just feel the sweetness of life in the air. My apologies for being all ethereal, but the end of school and work has given me a lust for life that I haven't had for a long time.

Having the time to enjoy the city, people around you and time in your head is a luxury. Try to enjoy one of these moments daily, even if it's just the time to let your hair air dry or phoning a friend who's far away.

PS - I have been experiencing some major technical issues with the Blogger platform and will be in the midst of changing things a bit. My apologies for the lack of achieves and recommended posts. Not sure what's going on, but looking into some options to get things fixed. Thanks for hanging with me!

tet.

Song of the day: "Hands" by Four Tet.