The Debbie Downer Diet

This is my life according to instagram.

Instagram, a photo sharing app for the I-phone, is creative in how it uses filters to haze out the bad while leaving a better version of everything from your puppy to your plate of pasta. Don't you wish your entire life was seen through these filters?

Last weekend I attended a funeral for my mother's good friend who passed away from cancer at the startling age of 35. When I heard the news, I was delivered a large dose of perspective, the kind that is shoved down one's throat instead of taken in small, prescriptive doses. It is hard to make sense of tragedy, especially when it hits close to home.

I decided to focus on one thing this week: less complaining. It's a conscious effort to channel the mind to only appreciate the good things, no matter how insignificantly superficial (like a shiny pair of shoes) or heartrendingly important (like my beautiful family) it is all part of the life that I get to build everyday. Why waste energy bemoaning the little inconveniences? 

So instead of cutting carbs, cut the complaining. You won't miss a thing. 

Past the Princess - Twilight, The Hunger Games and Brave

I vowed not to fall into the Hunger Games trilogy trap...and failed.

My apprehension to read came from the comparisons to the vapid Twilight franchise. I remember reading the first Twilight book and within 50 pages I was yawning. Why is this girl just staring at some guy and walking around the forest? I shut the book and never went back. I'll admit that I did watch the movies, and while some were entertaining I couldn't help but grit my teeth at Bella Swan.

Blame my media studies degree, (hey, it has to be useful for something) but the representation of Bella as a helpless girl who can't walk without tripping and lets some supernatural boy take over her entire life is ridiculous. Don't even get me started on demon babies and imprinting. The worst part is that I know young girls just salivate over this intense representation of "true love" and I want to hit someone. Perhaps Edward?

You could imagine my surprise when Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games shows up and is pretty much the anti-Bella. Heck, she would probably even destroy beefed up Jacob (Team Jacob, always) with one glance. This girl was not waiting to be rescued from anyone. Note: I read this book in 5 days.

My latest beauty post for The Kit delves into my inner little girl and how I felt growing up with my own female pop culture role models. Enjoy! xx


Not A Model Blog for The Kit - BE BRAVE

When it comes to beauty, we want what we can’t have.

As a little girl, I wanted the hair of a princess. I desired the kind of mane that would reflect shine on the cloudiest of days and hang down my back like a silk scarf. I noticed early on that the prince didn’t fall in love with the girl with frizzy hair. She was usually the stepsister or the funny friend in the romantic comedy. Even our duchess Kate has the most enviable blowout this side of the castle.

Recently, while reveling in my not-so-secret hobby of watching movie trailers, I came across an animated movie called Brave. That is when I saw her. This bow-and-arrow-wielding young heroine had the largest, brightest, uncontrollably curly mane I had ever seen. This big-haired girl wasn’t in the background and she wasn’t the “funny friend,” she was the one who got to take the journey. She was the one who got to be in the spotlight.

Whether young or old, we shouldn’t have to look to big screens to validate our beauty, but I do believe one thing: if young girls can see the different representations of beauty, strength and power from a young age, the idea of what is beautiful begins shape their own perceptions. That little girl will turn to her mom and say, “Hey Ma, look, she’s just like me!” Perhaps the more we see, the more we’ll grow up wanting exactly what we always had.

Movement - Not A Model Mantra

While January is the time to make health resolutions, I am in favour of spring.

Good thing this photo is hazy. It's too early
cameras!

I am fooling myself in January. I know that an extra piece of chocolate cake will never show beneath my favourite double knit cardigan and the permanent imprint of my backside in our futon is completely justifiable.

With spring on its way, I am reluctant to tell my body that the protection of our down-filled puffer jacket will soon be torn off for lighter, brighter and clingier materials. It's this season that reminds me that I haven't been keeping up with my active routine. I can point the blame to many factors like an overly busy schedule and a new irrational love for sea salt and pepper chips from my work's treat drawer, but blame is useless.

As per usual, Not A Model doesn't care if your scale is high or low. She cares about health, confidence and a clear mind. I find that when I'm more active, I'm happier and less focused on the "bad things." I also find that I'm more creative. This week's Not A Model mantra sums it up perfectly:

"Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states." Carol Welch

This morning, as per the hazy picture above, I started a new running routine with my friend Nisha. We woke up at 6:30 and hit the foggy city streets. I am also going to try and sign up for a race next month with another friend. I usually prefer to workout alone, but sometimes it's nice to have a friend to keep you motivated. I won't hit the snooze button if I know that someone is waiting for me.

So Not A Model asks, how are you staying active this spring? Write, tweet or Facebook me. I love to hear from you! xx 

Sweet Like Candy - Not A Model Contributor Post

Looking to brighten up your wardrobe? Below is another Not A Model contributor post from Katie. She usually hits us with the best recipe blogs but she also has an affinity for writing some great fashion posts. Enjoy! 

By: Katie Mills

Neon was a mega trend last year which made a statement that screamed the bolder, the better. Even though its made a lasting impression for another season, their lighter shaded sister is starting to pop up everywhere. Seen on the runways at Tibi, 3.1 Philip Lim, Diane von Furstenberg and Preen, just to name a few, these sweet sorbet hues are sweeping in to steal the spotlight for the warmer months. What's great about pastels is that if you're not usually one to wear colour (and you thought neons took it way too far), these lighter pigments are a subtle way to inject life into your monochromatic wardrobe. Regardless of whether you incorporate pastels into your full on look or just add a splash by way of accessories, these candy coloured shades are sure to keep you looking sweet.

1. J Brand 835 Mid-Rise Capri - $169

2. Madewell true love shrunken oxford - $59.50

3. Zara platform sandal - $99.90

4. Topshop dropped back sleeveless shirt - $47

5. Alice + Olivia Cady cuff shorts - $169.87

6. Zara geometric panel necklace - $25.90

7. ASOS pastel skinny belt - $10.97

8. Wilfred Sabine dress - $165

9. ASOS pyramid metal tip clutch - $27.41

10. Aldo Shurkus pump - $90

Greta Constantine & Elle Canada

Last week I won a contest on Twitter to sit with ELLE Canada and watch the Fall 2012 Greta Constantine show at the Arcadian Loft in Toronto.

When I found out that I won, I felt a twinge of panic.

While I've been to fashion shows in the past, this time I was going to be sitting front row with professional editorial people. Cue a cliched pop culture reference to Anne Hathaway and her hideous skirt convention. 

Beyond my nerves, I was excited. I met Alannah from ELLE at the event and I no longer felt out of place. Let it be known that she is the friendliest, most down-to-earth, anti-mean girl fashion editor on the planet. 

The Fall 2012 Greta Constantine show didn't disappoint with its collection of crystallized gloves, wide cinched leather belts, exposed backs and slinky, draped dresses. I especially liked the one-piece monochromatic jumpsuits and strategically placed chunky knits that were never frumpy.

At the end of the show we went to backstage mayhem where I was introduced to Kirk and Stephen as "the girl who won the contest" and boy did my face turn red. So thank you ELLE Canada, Greta Constantine and Alannah, I'm ready for my next show!

See below for my photos from the front row. [Credit below: myself, Above credit: Stoli Canada, Jalani Morgan] 

The Heart Truth

My grandmother Maria died from a stroke at the age of 57.

My mother was just 25 years old and I was a newborn baby. As I near closer to my 25th birthday, the thought of losing my own mother to heart disease does not seem like a real possibility. When I think of heart problems, I conjure up images of stressed out men in suits clutching their chests like in a dramatic scene from a movie. I don't think about young mothers, warm grandmothers or women at all. Nothing could be further from the truth. Heart disease and stroke is actually the #1 killer of women in Canada.

As yesterday was International Women's Day, I had the opportunity to attend the Heart Truth Fashion show in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. The show was tons of fun and featured many inspirational Canadian women such as Divine Brown, Lisa Ray, Jessi Cruickshank and Shannon Tweed-Simmons (to name a few) who strutted down the runway in a complete "non-model" way. Translation: tons of smiling.

After the show, I had the chance to talk with singer and song writer Divine Brown. I asked her what advice she would give young women today. She said, "Take care of yourself. The healthy choices that you make today will always be on your side. Stay focused and don't be afraid to take chances with your dreams."

After the show, the first thing I did was call my mom. Today, I start thinking about the little changes that I could make to strengthen both my heart and my health.

Below are some snippets from the show. Enjoy 

Not A Model Photo Diary - In my place

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I made my Shawshank escape from the suburbs to the city. This little apartment in the sky has become home and with only a couple of months left on the lease, I'm starting to get nostalgic.

Despite snuggling into my new place rather quickly, I never really made my room special or decorated it properly. We aren't allowed to paint or drill holes anywhere, so I never really took the opportunity to get creative. On the other hand, my roommate Farah's room looks like a boutique hotel complete with crystal lamps, framed artwork and a desk she created with her own hands. I always say that she could have a bright future as an interior decorator and I will gladly sign up as one of her first clients. 

So check out a long overdue Not A Model photo diary. It seems since I switched over to an I-phone, I don't take as many pictures with my SLR camera. It's easy to add a photo to Instagram, but picking up my camera made me realize how much I missed shooting.

Enjoy!