Hello there, August.

So here we are in the last full month of summer. As my 23rd birthday approaches (this Saturday in case you were wondering! ), I am truly feeling that time as well as this summer is flying by. Blogging has been lagging, but sometimes you need some time away to disconnect from online and reconnect with family. I’ve been out of the city, visiting family and enjoying things like pools and A/C.

I’m back in the city and ready to take on August! It’s a new month and I’m soon to be another year older.

As our second to last long weekend of the summer comes to an end, I’d just like to post a trailer I just saw of the movie “Like Crazy” featuring Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones, and Jennifer Lawrence. It looks amazing and has won the Grand Jury Prize and a Special Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Also, Ingrid Michaelson‘s version of Can’t Help Falling in Love used in the trailer is utter perfection. I can’t wait to see this!

 

 

Hope summer is treating you well!

L.

Summer TV Guilty Pleasures

Sometimes you need to cool down indoors in this summer heat and enjoy some relaxation time with some entertaining shows. Summer used to be the season of reality shows, but know we have them year round, 24/7. However, the classics always come back in the summer months. Reality shows aren’t the only ones premiering in the summer months though. I’m just going to fully admit what I’m watching these days, without (too much) shame! Don’t worry I’m doing a lot of reading as well.

 

1. So You Think You Can Dance (Canadian and American Versions)

I don’t know whose idea it was to run BOTH versions at the same time. Usually the American series runs in the summer and the Canadian one in the fall, but they are both on at the same time, meaning there are dance shows airing four nights and a week and way too many contestants to keep track of at this point. I must admit I am more a follower of the American version, but I’ve been following the Canadian version this summer as well. This hardly classifies as guilty though, it’s about dance! However the sheer volume of hours of tv this means I am watching is not something I am proud of!

 

2. Big Brother

Oh dear. I used to be a huge Big Brother follower. I watched Seasons 2-8 religiously. If you randomly come across the show it may seem ridiculous and stupid, but trust me you get emotionally involved. Prepare to root for your favourites and want to yell at those you hate. I haven’t seen the show in the past four seasons, ever since they aired a season during the school year (a show on three times a week was too much while in university) but I broke down and caught the premiere last week. There’s already drama, scheming and an exiting houseguest! Big Brother, you’ve hooked me again.

 

3. Pretty Little Liars

I first dismissed this ABC Family drama last summer when I saw ads for it, thinking I am too old to start watching some teen show. But at the insistence of friends who were obsessed, I started watching and of course immediately became hooked. Its  ‘whodunit’ premise grabs you in, proving to be much more dark than other teen fare. The writing is quite witty and of course has got some hot boys and love stories going on. I’m not going to pretend it’s masterpiece theatre-the plot lines are quite implausible and the mysteries keep changing with new characters always popping up-but Pretty Little Liars is entertaining, dark and funny. I also think it’s nice to see a show where there’s a solid friendship between a group of teenage girls who aren’t constantly scheming against each other-I’m looking at you Blair & Serena.

 

What are you watching to beat the heat?

L.

Must Hear Music: Saturday Song

I’m a huge fan of Robyn and her song “Be Mine” is an all-time favourite of mine.  It’s great as an up-tempo electro pop hit, and moving and powerful as an acoustic ballad. It was covered wonderfully by Ellie Goulding and Erik Hassle. Now, 6 years after it appeared on her 2005 album “Robyn”, the song has been reincarnated again.  Teaming up with rapper Rye Rye, “Never Will Be Mine” is a smooth summer jam. Check it out!

City of Wonder: Bloor-Yorkville and Beyond

I’ve spent a lot of time in Yorkville the past two months and have enjoyed the array of food and shopping (even if means crazing rather than actually purchasing!).  I’ve tried several new restaurants (which is always an adventure for me), become addicted to Whole Foods, and seen so much more of what Toronto has to offer. Oh, and of course drooled over the fabulous shopping which doesn’t quite fit into my budget!

Here are some of my favourite things I’ve encountered in this area recently:

 

 

 

 

Hemmingway’s

I wouldn’t have thought this New Zealand-themed restaurant/bar would include gluten-free crusts for their pizza (especially on their snack menu), but it did and it’s delicious! I had their Mediterranean pizza and it cured my long time craving for good and non-cardboard textured pizza crusts! With a great rooftop patio in a great area, I definitely want to visit again in the summer heat!

 

 

 

Whole Foods

Well I’ve enjoyed other health food stores in Toronto that have provided me with more gluten-free options, but Whole Foods is a whole other experience! I love having so many different fresh and healthy options to pick up for a delicious, quick lunch. The array of food options for a gluten-free gal like myself are endless. It also is inspiring my cooking repertoire, which in all honestly is in need of expansion! As a former small town girl, I do not take having all these food options for granted.

 

The Papery

I spent way too much time in the Yorkville location of The Papery trying not to purchase all the adorable stationary, notebooks, pictures and decorative items in sight! I still like to send birthday cards, there’s nothing like getting actual mail that isn’t junk or from the National Student Loans Service. There’s something inspiring about all the organizational potential when being surrounded by journals and address books, even when things aren’t quite that organized at home!

 

Anthropologie

So much pretty. So not in my budget right now.

This aptly named Excursion Tote would be perfect for Toronto Summer adventures!

 

L.

 

Summer Reads

There’s nothing like having a relaxing day with no worries or to do lists weighing your mind down and being able to lay out with a great read and a great drink. I grew up an avid reader, but university life often left me too busy to concentrate on reading for fun during the year. Summer has been the time to scour bookstores and libraries for the latest reads to spend some spare time with. Two of my favourite authors have new novels out which I recently scooped up:

Bumped by Megan McCafferty-Author of my all-time favourite Jessica Darling series, McCafferty is back with a YA novel that’s a departure from her previous novels. Bumped focuses on recently reunited twin sisters who are growing up in a time where those out of their teens can’t conceive and teen pregnancy has become a commodity.

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen-Another of my all-time favourite authors, Sarah Dessen is back with a novel about a teen girl moving from town to town with her father after her parents divorce.

 

I also have been compiling a list of reads for those lazy summer days, from breezy beach reads, compelling fiction, memoirs and more. What’s on your summer reading list?

1)      SPOILED by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

2)      Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

3)       Normal Gets You Nowhere-Kelly Cutrone

4)      When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman

5)      Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

6)      The Glass Castle- Jeanette Walls

7)      Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me-Chelsea Handler

8)      Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe

9)      I’m Over All That-Shirley Maclaine

10)   The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis

 

Happy Reading!

 

L.

 

Let’s Go Surfing

Okay, that’s it. Rain you need to go away! I want sunshine & patios! I’m reuniting with my awesome CC+PR classmates for my first Jay‘s game of the season (and my second game ever!), and a little sunshine and warmth would make it spectacular.

The Drums are the perfect band to listen to a beautiful summer day at the beach, let hope we have one of those soon!

Set Fire to the Rain

What a rainy, thunder-filled night it is! Perfect time for some blogging.

Well, one week ago I had the pleasure of seeing one of my favourite artists in concert,  the one & only Adele!  I’ve been a fan since 2007/8, and it was amazing to be able to see her live. Another wonderful part of living in Toronto! The original concert venue was the Kool Haus, it was moved to the ACC due to demand for tickets. While it would have been a dream to see her up-close in a small venue,  Adele worked to make it an intimate performance for all in the arena (by the way, Adele confessed it was her first arena show!). She was utterly charming, funny and of course full of talent. Her performances were emotional and honest, and yet she could get the crowd on their feet dancing and singing along with her up-tempo songs. Adele talked to the audiences like a best friend over tea..or a few cocktails

She performed all but two of her songs of her latest album 21, and several from her debut 19 as well. Now my camera isn’t that great but I’ve included a few pics.

To add a cherry to the top of the amazingness of Adele, the opening band was none other than my new favourite group The Civil Wars (who I’ve mentioned before). I had no idea they were opening for her and was beyond excited to see them live as well!

If you have discovered the beauty of Adele’s or The Civil Wars music, then I highly recommened you check them out! And if you’re already fan, try to get tickets. These two acts are so talented and powerful live, it’s worth every penny!

L.

Behind on the Blog and Bossypants.

Well, well someone hasn’t been keeping up with their blogging! Busy times but I have lots of Toronto adventures to share soon. New eats and treats have been discovered and it’s finally (fingers crossed!) getting Spring-like in the city. I’ve been reading & eating & shopping in this wonderful city and have lots of Spring lovely things that I’ve been coveting. The world has been a busy place lately, but I’m re-committing to gathering my thoughts and adventures for the blog!

I can tell you what I am currently enjoying-Tina Fey’s book Bossypants. It’s a quick, hilarious read and continues to prove just how awesome Tina Fey is.

“You know why this book is called Bossypants? One, because the name Two and a Half Men was already taken. And two because ever since I became an executive producer of 30 Rock, people have asked me, “Is it hard for you, being the boss?” and “Is it uncomfortable for you to be the person in charge?” You know, in the same way they say, “Gosh, Mr. Trump, is it awkward for you to be the boss of all those people?” I can’t answer for Mr. Trump, but in my case it is not.”

Quote of the Day

As you grow, you learn more. If you stayed as ignorant as you were at twenty-two, you’d always be twenty-two. Aging is not just decay, you know. It’s growth. It’s more than the negative that you’re going to die, it’s the positive that you understand you’re going to die, and that you live a better life because of it.

-Mitch Albom

Sunday Song

 

The End-Ellie Goulding

 

Enjoy some sweet sounds from Ellie Goulding on this lovely spring night!