Canadian Glory

Gold. Ice. 5 rings. I believe.

The 2010 Vancouver Olympics are over and what a journey it has been. While I wouldn't call myself an Olympic couch potato, I did enjoy following and reading the success stories of our fellow Canadian athletes.

Canadians are proud today. You can feel it in your body, in your soul. It is a communal experience to cheer for your country. To be proud of your country. To be surrounded by people who believe in their country. The Olympics brings the entire world together. People unite to celebrate the art of sport. The energy is contagious. Everyone feels attached to the moments. I love it.

It is extraordinary to watch people have their moment doing something they truly love. The feeling of achieving a goal after endless hours of training, practicing and dreaming, must be indescribable. I love the Nike training slogan Force Fate. It emphasizes how you have to take life in your own hands and make it happen. Destiny can't always be relied on.

Watching the Olympics makes me question my personal direction in life. What am I working towards? What will I spend years trying to achieve? I should be pursuing my passions with zest and wait for the moment when it all comes together. The whole world may not be watching, but I want to work tirelessly towards something I love. I want to be better.

You can't buy the happiness on the faces of those athletes. 

I'd like to note that my voice is currently hiding in the moment when Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal in today's Canada vs. USA hockey game. Oh the golden boy that is Sid the Kid [insert lots of gushing & wishful thinking here.]

That moment will be remembered for years to come.

It's About a Little Willpower & A lot of Water

Bring on the goods! 

After a week of giving up sugar, dairy and wheat I'm finally detoxed! I'd like to give Not A Model readers a little run down of my experience. So here it goes:

I found lunches easier than dinner changes. I usually eat healthy foods during the day so my body wasn't in total shock to the additions and subtractions to my lunch bag. My real challenge was in the evening.

After a long day at school, or a long commute all I want is a little comfort, and I'm not talking about the cuddling kind. I found it very challenging to not succumb to having that little piece of chocolate after dinner or that snack while watching television. 

As for side effects, during the beginning phase of the detox I was a little bit moody. Also, my skin became more sensitive and irritated. I talked to Raya from Diary of a Nutritionista and she told me both of these symptoms were normal for detoxing. The toxins were just coming through my skin (ick) and the moodiness was expected.

All in all, the detox left me feeling lighter. My stomach never looked or felt flatter (do I see a 6 pack forming?) and I was never bloated or felt overly stuffed. I would definitely recommend trying out a detox to give your body a little break. Always check with your physician if you're unsure about anything.

The climax and reward of my hard week? My sister the baker whipped me up a chocolate chip cookie pie. It sounds just as good as it tastes. I only had a sliver, while the rest was gobbled up by family and guests.

I do plan on incorporating some of the tips of the detox in my daily life. I will try to be more conscious of my sugar intake and try not to eat late at night. I'm glad I tried it out. It's all about willpower and testing yourself psychologically in a way.

If you're up for the challenge, try it for yourself. If not grab a fork and eat some pie!

Either way you win.

Spring, not yet Sprung

Snowzilla has hit the city.

While I'm all for powder during the holiday season, right about now I'm yearning for pastel tulips and a gorgeous trench. There is nothing quite like the moment the air changes and suddenly Spring has announced its sweet arrival.  The ability to prance around town in a light jacket, rather than schlep around with puffy parkas and salt stained boots is a luxury. That first glimpse of greenery refreshes my mind, instead of being trapped indoors refreshing my inbox.  

Last week while in South Beach, Florida I waltzed into J. Crew. Upon entry, I immediately had flashing images of my future wearing light silk camisoles under cotton blouses, while effortlessly balancing my family life and career. Okay that's pushing it, but as a student I could barely afford a headband in that place.

So when I came across this adorable tote, I had to buy it. Not only was the price reasonable at $10, but the women walking their dogs reminded me of my favourite warm weather past time.

 

Sidenote: I wish I looked this chic while walking my dog Bailey, well minus the girl walking her dog in what seems to be her bathing suit.

Bloglovin

Looking for an easy way to keep track of your favourite blogs? Look no further than Bloglovin. 

You can now find Not A Model there! 

the Hunch

Today I urge you to trust your:

• GUT

• VOICE

• FEELING

• THE LITTLE HAIRS ON YOUR ARMS

I'm telling you that your intuition is right. That little feeling kicks in for a reason. That voice is telling you something. You may brush it off and shrug your shoulders but listen carefully.

You are rarely wrong.

I found out some news over the weekend that I had suspected all along. At first I felt a wave of confidence and exclaimed, "Aha I knew it!" Simultaneously, I felt like I'd just tipped over the edge of a roller coaster forcing my stomach into my throat. Sometimes being right is liberating and at other times it only confirms something you wish wasn't true in the first place.

There doesn't always have to be concrete proof to know when something isn't right. Once you begin to trust yourself, you will be on the path to making better decisions.

After reading my posts I hope that people will reevaluate their current mindset, relationships, friendships, careers and routines. Quit the rationalizing and analyzing and just go with your gut. If something feels off, if something inside you is telling you it isn't right, it probably isn't.

So pay attention. 

A whisper can be more telling than a roar. 

 

Let's Detox About It

I have one rule when it comes to indulgence: never deprive yourself while on vacation.

This past week I went on a cruise with my family and totally went wild... food wise of course. While the weather was less than stellar, one of the best things to do on the ship was eat. With giant buffets and mid-afternoon ice cream runs, my glucose levels rose higher than the ocean waves.

So I'm trying out a detox. As aforementioned, Raya's Diary of a Nutritionista blog is a great tool for keeping up with health tips. Raya is a registered nutritionist and she recently started blogging about detoxing. While her detox includes supplements, I'm opting out of that component since I am a first timer.  My detox will include cutting out dairy, wheat and sugar. 

I want to give my body a break from all the junk I've been shoveling into it. I don't believe in crash dieting or scary cleanses as some people I know have tried. I chose Raya's detox because you actually get to eat. Also, I will only be doing a 7 day detox instead of the 10 day she recommends, since I have a big party coming up next weekend.

So far yesterday was Day 1. I had a huge headache last night, which is supposed to be normal. I'm definitely going to miss my daily spoonful of Nutella.

Have you ever tried a detox? Are you interested in one? Maybe you're going on vacation, so in that case happy eating! I'll check in next weekend to let you know how I feel.

Stay healthy!

For Yulanda

I was deeply saddened to read the news that Yulanda Yee, a great photographer, blogger and friend of mine lost her second battle to lymphoma cancer this past week. She was 28 years old.

A couple of months ago I wrote a post about gaining perspective. I read that Yulanda was battling cancer and it made me evaluate the trivial nonsense I was spending my energy on. I mentioned that I met Yulanda a couple summers ago while interning at FASHION Magazine. She was the photography intern and I was the beauty intern. She was very shy but I could see that she had a kind, rare heart. Sometimes it is the people who don't always blab their opinions or gush about their life, wealth and accomplishments that make the most impact on others.

I haven't physically seen her since that summer but we regained contact when I discovered her blog. It is interesting how relationships can be renewed through finding something in common with someone creatively, as well as online. Beyond blogging and tweeting, I remember she loved these brownies I made on my last day at FASHION so I sent her a care package with the mix over the holidays.

Yulanda was also featured on the fashion inspiration website Lookbook. I was intrigued and asked her about her postings on the site. She invited me to join the network and said she hoped I would post a look. I never really had the courage to post anything or join based on insecurities. Today, I realize there is no point in hiding behind any sort of fear and I will post a look for her. 

I encourage you to check out her blog Little Thoughts and read the latest post written by her father. By reading her blog it is apparent just how many people loved her photography, style and work. 

She will be missed. 

 

Tweeting to the Masthead

While painfully waiting in line at the airport, I turned to my phone for some light entertainment. To my surprise, there was a tweet from my friend Erica exclaiming that she saw one of my tweets in the latest issue of Flare Magazine.

I quickly searched through my carry-on bag (luckily I had the magazine with me) whipped through the pages, and low and behold my tweet was printed in the letter section!

While it may not seem exciting to most people, including my parents and sister who gently teased me about my enthusiasm, I was pretty stoked. Okay, maybe I'm being a little narcissistic, but as an aspiring writer seeing anything in print is a surreal moment, no matter how small.

I also think Flare is one step ahead by including social media in their letters/opinions page. Today, people share a lot of opinions and information on social media and it is a good way to get insight into their readers. 

So check out my published tweet below titled "Sister Act." I'm back from my family vacation and ready to hit the blog. There are many exciting things happening in the next couple of months so stick with me!

Rest & Relaxation

...with lots of new updates & posts! Stay tuned!

In the meantime follow me on Twitter @notamodelblog & subscribe to my feed at: http://feeds.feedburner.com/notamodel 

Bake me Crazy

I love a good sugar rush.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, my sister Melissa Marie is a young baker/decorator extraordinaire. Anyone who's tried her creations always compliments on the design and the taste. She usually makes everything from scratch and her talent is unparalleled for someone without training.

So I urged her to start her own blog and she's finally taken my advice. As a soon to be PR practitioner, I feel it is necessary to throw my favourite girl some positive PR. Not A Model readers, check out Bakemecrazy.blogspot.com and add it to your readers. She's new to the blogging world so let's give her some confidence. 

Mel has been baking up a storm for Valentine's Day. Her boyfriend is quite the lucky guy. I, on the other hand, have never baked for a guy. Okay, that's a lie. I once baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, but they were the foolproof "add water and eggs" kind. Nonetheless, I've been taste testing her handmade Valentine's treats and they rival the best chocolate shop creations.

While we're on the topic of Valentine's Day, I've mentioned in many other posts that I don't think "one day a year" holidays are the only time to show the people in your life that you care. Send me flowers on Valentine's Day and I'll be grateful. Send me flowers on a random Wednesday when I come home cranky, tired and achy and I'll swoon.

So take a gander at Melissa Marie's incredible all homemade Valentine's chocolate box. Check out her post for full details on each creation including: Red Velvet Cake Balls, Oreo Truffle Kisses, Peanut Clusters, Rice Krispie Clusters and White Chocolate Nutella Rosebuds. Mmm!

xoxo

I'm a _____________.

I remember sitting across from photographer Cory VanderPloeg at our blog interview when I blurted out, "As a writer.." then I suddenly stopped myself and stuttered, "Well, uhh I mean I'm not a writer writer.."

He politely interrupted me and said, "You're sitting in front of me with a pen and you're writing. You're a writer." 

Why do I struggle to call myself a writer? Why does anyone downplay what they work towards? Is it because they haven't achieved the necessary accolades or moreover fat paycheck that is associated with their craft?

While I have yet to be published in an international glossy or write a best selling novel, I do write, a lot. I've written for many student run publications and online environments. I write in PR school everyday. I blog and continue to work on creative pieces.

Sometimes I get lazy. Sometimes I tell myself I'm a terrible writer. I get intimidated to pitch stories to bigger publications. I ask myself why did I choose this path? I'll never be the next [insert influential author/blogger/screenwriter/communicator here.]

Lately I've been reading a lot. I scour magazines, fiction, non-fiction, business books and other blogs to gain more knowledge and inspiration from other writers. 

Stephen King said, "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot...reading is the creative center of a writer's life...you cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you." 

I love to write, and I will try to work harder and keep up with more regular blog posting. I will also try to  put myself out there more in my attempts to get published. I believe if you're working hard towards something, it will eventually pay off.

I hope to share some new writing projects with everyone soon. Until then: Read. Share. Talk. Learn. Work. Listen. Absorb. Create. Capture.

Try to improve your life's work everyday, whatever it may be.

Some rules to live by:
1. Do what you love & love what you do. 
2. Try & help others along the way. 

seasons

 

Nails au naturel

I'm proud of my nail polish collection.

For Christmas my mom bought me a handful of new, waiting to be painted polishes. The deep plums, purples and ravishing reds complimented the holiday season and the weather. Yet, there was one shade that didn't quite fit. Its nude, creamy colour didn't grab my attention and faded in comparison to my berry hues.

So I reluctantly tried O.P.I's "Barefoot in Barcelona"($10 at salons and Trade Secrets) and painted my nails in a flash. To my surprise, I had straight from the salon nails (and I'm no manicurist).

The colour is sophisticated, classic and perfect for potential interviews and handshakes with the PR world. When in need of a quick nail fix, I don't have time to deal with messy stains and the precision that comes with applying dark colours.

The name brings back memories of hopping across the sizzling sands of Barcelona, trying not to burn the soles of my feet.

I'm a neutral nail polish newbie and I'm lovin' it.  

Fashion Ingénue

At the ripe age of 22, I had just made the cut off to attend Teen Vogue Fashion U. One of the things I noticed from my weekend, was how many self-assured and driven young women were there. I don't remember having that much self-confidence when I was in highschool.

I met 17 year old aspiring fashion designer Mariah Serrano at the Maybelline seminar. As we made our introductions, I noticed her large portfolio filled with sketches. She's from Long Island, New York so I asked if she'd like to be featured on Not A Model. 

Check out her interview and designs below. Who knows you may be wearing her clothes and seeing her name on your labels in the future.

Q: How or when did you get interested in fashion and design? 

M: "When I was little I used to watch movies at my grandmother's like My Fair Lady and Gone with the Wind. The costumes would mesmerize me. She was in fashion when she was young so she would help me make outfits for my barbies that looked like ones in the films." 

Q: Who is your favourite designer?

M: "Alexander McQueen, no, Galliano, no McQueen! Definitely McQueen. We have the same birthday. He just amazes me. Everything is so ugly-beautiful which in my opinion is the most beauteous beauty. He once designed legs for an amputee model Aimee Mullins and then he had her model in one of his shows. I'm an amputee so something like that really captures my heart."

Q: What influences your designs?

M: "Everything! Other designers, books, time periods, movies, girls I see on the street, nature. My favourite concept I've ever done was Alice in Space. It was a futuristic spin off of Alice in Wonderland. It was very fun to do."

Q: Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years?
 
M: "Maybe working in theatrical costume design, maybe starting my own line of clothing. Either way I'll be doing something in design. I don't see myself anywhere else." 

 

  

  

  

Check out Mariah's blog at: missfashionfin.xanga.com