power.

Well hello there, it's been awhile.

Over the past month, I was lucky enough to perform in a monthly review with The Lovers Cabaret, attend one of my best friend's weddings in Mexico, teach a workshop in the Okanagan, and next weekend, see my younger brother graduate from university.

Since the beginning of May, I've felt a shift. I pushed it away initially, thinking that life has its ups and downs...but now that I'm back from a week away (and off my electronics for 90% of it) I feel this shift stronger than ever.

A few things have happened that keep leading me to the word power. 

"Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power." 

- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Looking back, I left Toronto almost two years ago, graduated from university three years ago, and Kelowna nearly seven ago...where has time gone? I'm such a different (and better!) person now that I've brought dance back into my life, started owning exactly who I am and just doing what feels right.

Perhaps it's because I'm getting older, but I feel much more conscious about who I surround myself with on a day to day basis. There's a saying that you take on and are influenced by the five people you are around the most.

Choose wisely.

It made me start to think, I am that person to anyone else? If so, what is the influence and the message I want to give?

I've started to think about it, and realized I don't to define it. I'm who I am. That's all. We choose who we want to hang out and not be with.

Know your power. Be your power. Own your power.

That's all.

willie.

Forget Daft Punk, Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez. Willie Nelson has been on heavy repeat on my summer 2013 playlist.

No word of a lie, it's "On the Road Again" is on my 25 Most Played soundtrack.

Over the last eight months especially, I have had the opportunity to travel and visit, work or take part in a plethora of events across Canada. 

There was a period between February and May I was en route somewhere ever three weeks. In anticipation of each trip, I pulled my favourite red suitcase out of the back of my closet and left it next to my dresser. It reminded me of a small dog waiting by the door to go outside for a walk - my suitcase was begging to be taken out and shown the country. 

This little bag got it's wish - between weekend getaways, weddings, moving, dance opportunities and so much more, I've been a bit of a nomad living out of it. 

A few people have asked how I do it (luckily, I can sleep well in moving vehicles), so I thought it would be fun to share a few of my tips and secrets that help get me from A to B smoothly. 

• GREYHOUND CANADA - I have taken the Greyhound Bus more times than I can count to visit friends, family and my favourite place in the world, New York City. The express buses have outlets, WiFi, so I can work while en route. TIP: Buy your ticket online for significant savings 

• HYDRATION - It's important to stay hydrated all the time, but even more so when you're on the move. I always make sure to have a water bottle on me to keep my refreshed and avoid headaches. TIP: Bring a reusable water bottle with you on to the airport and fill it up post-security. You'll avoid the expensive plastic bottles and can refill anytime

• GET OUTFITTED - Whether I'm heading in to somewhere with sand or snow, I have a travel uniform that has always worked. The trick is to cover either your arms or your legs. For winter, it's long pants with a tank top, and summertime is short with a long-sleeve shirt. This way, you can moderate your temperature with layers. TIP: Always have a scarf/pashmina and sunglasses in your bag. Perfect to wrap around and cover your eyes while catching some zzz's. 

top5.

I've hit a milestone - this is my one thousandth blog post! 

To celebrate, the sunshine has finally peeked her head out of winter here in Toronto - this weekend really does feel like the official start to sping.

With that, I feel like it's time to cap off March with a top five. Here are a few things that have been at the top of my playlist, heavily used in my kitchen or just on my mind.

Mexican lime juicer. 

Throw away any other juicers for lemons and limes, The Mexican lime juicer  is just the way to go. 

It's easy to use and has a small strainer so you'll never have seeds in your drink. 

This is my absolute must-have for my kitchen for summer 2013. 

High waisted shorts. 

Part pinup doll, part modern. Plus, high waisted shorts will make any one's legs look about a million miles long - just make sure to find the right cut for your hips and bum. 

Pair with cat eye sunglasses and a cherry cola for maximum effect. 

Adventure Club remixes. 

After hearing "Lullabies" and "Crave You", I have totally changed my mind about dubstep music. I realize now there are varying degrees of remixes - like anything, there's very amateur to professional. 

The team between the Adventure Club remixes are simply the best. 

Check out "Lullabies (Adventure Club Remix)" by Yuna above. 

Sergio Bustamante. 

 

Along the Malecon, a large pedestrian walkway in Puerto Vallarta, there is a plethora of public art. My mother's and my favourite artist, Sergio Bustamante created this amazing piece called "In Search of Reason". It's highly interactive, as you can climb up the iron ladder overlooking the ocean. 

I have a full post about Sergio Bustamante and other Mexican art coming up soon, but for now,  here's a little taste. 

WWBD. 

I'm always looking for new things to teach in class and inspire my students. For whatever reason, I came up with WWBD, and it has just stuck. 

When in doubt, what would Beyonce do? 

I saw smiles creep onto several of my student's faces, and instantly take on their "Sacha Fierce" character. Needless to say, I think it worked. 

Happy Easter and more to come next week! 

hola.

Well, I'm officially back on the grid after a stunning week away in Mexico. 

For the first time in a year and a half, I disconnected myself from all technology. No phone, no texting, no email and no social media. There's still a part of me that didn't want to come home. I was perfectly happy hanging on the beach, ready to jump in the waves at a moment's notice. 

It was a treat to touch down and be greeting by several "we missed you!" texts and messages, but I'm seriously going to try to settle down with my addiction to my phone. Stepping completely away was one of the best things I could have done. 

In a country where people aren't recording every waking moment with their phone, life is just so much more present. Viewing things through your eyes, not a lens is the way it should be.

However, the wanderlust bug has got me - after being in Toronto for a year (which I have no regrets about, I had some incredible projects I got to work on) I feel like I'm falling into a little bit of wanderlust.

I'm finding myself already skimming through travel websites wondering, "where can I go next?".

I hit my palm to my head yesterday and realized I will be back to B.C. in just over six weeks for a emcee gig, and potentially to NYC for another weekend visit before then.

But first, heading back into the Toronto chill to prepare for another week of teaching, dance and work. Expect some Latin-inspired music and moves to sneak up in class this week...

Enjoy your weekend. Stories and photos to come from Mexico. 

10things.

Is it spring yet? I promise with my whole heart to never complain again about the weather being too hot after how chilly this past winter has been. 

However, yesterday was the epitome of why I love living in the city. After shooting (long overdue) head shots, my good friend and I ended up on a wild goose chase and to a fashion show in Liberty Village. 

Tina Fey said the secret to success is to just say yes. In a world where we are so busy and things move faster than ever, it's all about balance. You need to know when to say no, but when the opportunity comes up, just take it and run. 

Thinking about it, nine out of 10 times, I'm happy I took the risk. 

This weekend, I'm challenging myself to keep saying yes. 

mondays.

A few years ago in a restaurant in the middle of Mexico, I remember reading this quote scribbled on the wall in black sharpie: 

"If we don't meet your epxectations, lower them. Then everything is a bonus". 

This year so far has been a bonus. I went into 2012 knowing I would graduate from university. I had it set my mind that I would work as hard possible to pursue my passions. 

Growing up, I was a control freak. I hated not knowing what was coming at my next. However, with the news, live performances and well, life, I have finally freed myself from these constriants.

Personally, I have had a few friends experience loss or have had their world turned upside down by things they can't control. This really hit me how small the window is for us to grab opportunities and run. Yes, not every one may be perfect, but it's experience. 

I've gotten some really lovely tweets, messages and texts in the last week of people saying it looks like I'm doing well. I'm very lucky to be in the right place at the right time, working with some incredible people. Looking at each day as an opportunity has changed what I do, and I am in full, wild pursuit to make my time here (whether it be in Toronto, or on Earth) as valuable as possible. 

However, I wouldn't be able to live the dream without the support of my amazing family and friends. Major shout out to you all, you're my village that has picked me up when I tripped and have my back. 

Just a thought.