What I've learned so far in la la...

- Saying “I’m cold” becomes a relative statement very quickly.

- It’s not uncommon for salespeople to hug you hello & goodbye – ok admittedly, after you discovered you were separated at birth.

- Visitors are as good as a visit "home".

- Don't rely on having cell service at LAX, Dodger Stadium, the Rose Bowl - or anywhere with thousands of Los Angelians.

- Spanish is second nature for anyone who grew up here. French really throws people.

- Asking where the washroom is is the same as tattooing a maple leaf on your forehead saying "I'm Canadian".

- You can mapquest things on foot.

- Beware of “boot camp” classes & exercises called “GI Janes”.

- The beach is well worth the price of time and loss of patience sitting in traffic to get there.

- It’s worth the drive to Laguna.

- The yoga in California isn’t always better, you’ve got to find it.

- San Francisco isn’t necessarily a 6-hour drive...

- Fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters are a given.

- When you hear & see a helicopter circling overhead, it’s probably not the next celebrity wedding – there was likely a murder.

- Don’t always trust your GPS.

- Avoid Santa Monica Blvd, Fairfax, and a few other choice streets like the plague – they’re all anyone's GPS knows – and 95% of the city is using one to get anywhere. Beware of congestion...

- There are places you just should not go - EVER. Don’t let the gas light come on when you’re Southeast of anything.

- Runyon is almost always the highlight of my week.

- Boys in LA date date date.

- My trainer would use another word for date…

- If someone wears a blue or red bandanna, they’re likely a blood or a crip. If you ask them and they say no, go with your gut.

- More than half of the cars on the road are ones you’d want to own. People just need to learn to drive them!

- Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

- Rain REALLY shuts the city down.

- What goes up, must not always come down.

- Whole Foods should be called “Whole Paycheck” - if you have one!

- You could eat out every night and never tire of the restaurants here.

- Nothing beats Rodeo. Avec holiday decorations - even better!

- The Grove really is heaven on earth – or "adult Disneyland".

- Time is different here, 15 min late is on time. Don't ever be early, you'll be kept waiting.

- Anything in the car takes at least 3-4 times longer than mapquest, googlemaps, or your GPS says.

- Valet is cheaper than parking tickets.

- You don’t really appreciate free apples until they’re gone.

- Ryan Seacrest really does run this town. And I love him.

You can take the girl out of Canada, but you can’t take Canada out of the girl. Who'd want to?! Please.

k

PS - That's it for this year... and what a year it's been.

Happy Holidays!! See you in 2010 - with bells on. xoxo

Not so Clueless...

I recently bought and read Alicia Silverstone’s “The Kind Diet”. It caught my eye from its initial release this fall, but having mixed feelings about veganism – I held off. Well I bit the bullet last week, and I read it last night – all of it – in one go. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at meat or animal/ by-products the same way again... I’ve read many books on diet, wellness, cleansing and so on – but this one really resonated. Animal cruelty issues are one thing – but the hormones and other toxins in the highly processed food we eat are another. I haven’t eaten red meat since I was 15 (aside from a few unenjoyable instances I can count on one hand) – I initially cut it out for health reasons. And then as you can imagine, if you try eating something your body hasn’t seen in over a decade – it well – rejects it. Ewa. I don’t miss it, and I rarely crave it. Although filet mignon was my favorite meal until age 15.

Having issues with dairy, I’ve wanted to become vegan for a few years. My main concern being that also having sensitivities to corn and gluten – once you take out chicken, fish, turkey, eggs & anything with animal by-products - there isn’t much left. Reading Alicia’s book, she said a lot of people who adopt a vegan or macrobiotic diet are able to reintroduce whole wheat and gluten products after they’ve practiced clean eating. I’ve never seriously considered macrobiotic. I know Gwyneth and Madonna are fans and clearly look fantastic – I also know they have personal chefs and the extraordinary resources to hardly notice such an extreme and dramatic change in everything they put into their bodies.

Without quoting the entire book – Alicia raves that she easily lost excess weight when she changed her eating and has more energy than ever. Her struggle with acne vanished, she sleeps better and hasn’t been sick once. The list of health benefits seems is endless. The lighter footprint of organic and locavore eating (making an effort to eat only foods grown or harvested within a 100 mile radius of your home), and the cruelty-free animal existence are all added benefits.

So after careful thought and consideration, I’ve decided to try going macrobiotic, and primarily vegan for 2010. A close friend was diagnosed with celiac last year and swears she doesn’t miss the foods that used to make her so sick – food for me is a daily struggle and I’d love to get to a place where it offers more than taste. If you’re going to do something do extreme with everything you consume, LA’s the place!! I’ve looked into a macrobiotic meal delivery service – for a somewhat reasonable price you can have 5 entrees delivered each week – allowing you to add variety, convenience, and ease to your new clean existence.

Some notable celebrity vegetarians, vegans and macrobiotics are:

Macrobiotic fans: Kim Kardashian, Madonna, Gwyneth

Vegans: Ellen Degeneres & Portia de Rossi, Woody Harrelson, Ginnifer Goodwin, Tobey Maguire, Alanis Morrisette (also Canadian!)

Vegetarians: Anne Hathaway, Anna Paquin, Brooke Shields, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt (yum)

So yeah - I’m officially LA crazy... Go clean or go home.

k

What did you do last weekend?

Cuz I got bangs. And to those who remember my highly publicized decision to first get bangs last May – it was talked about for weeks… months for a lucky few! And sadly after the big unveiling - no one noticed! They weren’t really bangs at all. Having the same blunt hair cut since I was 15 (after unsuccessfully trying the Rachel – Jennifer Aniston layered look a few times and realizing it doesn’t work with my wavy hair) these small decisions are more than a bit major for me.

Sidebar – like most young girls I had bangs from an early age till I finally grew them out at age 12. They basically started at the crown of my head and complemented my bowl haircut very well. I’ve blocked it out. I don’t want to talk about my first true bang experience thank you.

So these bangs 2.0 aren’t your long layered swept behind the ear type of thing. They are just below my eyebrows, still side swept – but only falling about 4 inches from the top of my forehead. They aren’t deep (I’d say they’re between a quarter and half an inch from the front of my forehead back) - it’s a small and somewhat subtle start, and definitely noticeable. Especially when they decide to stand straight up… I kind of love them, and kind of hate them. They are the change I wanted. Although I’m not sure I need more help looking about 18 – still carded – everywhere! And let’s all remember when I took my California road test back in birthday month, I was asked if I was just getting my license for the first time. Uh – yes, 13 year ago that was the case.

Overall I think we’re in a natural adjustment period. They’re higher maintenance - which was to be expected, requiring a daily blow-dry to cooperate – and I use that term loosely. Working out with them is also a challenge. I’ve tried my lulu headbands (with the rubber grip – I added the faux denim navy one to my collection this weekend in their honor - LOVE) and they do the job for as long as it’ll stay on my head. Next will be the plethora of bobby pins and clips I plan on buying at the Grove.

I won’t include a picture as it'd conflict with my poor attempt of keeping the anonymity of “Style Guru” in tact. That and we’re still adjusting. ☺

k

"Holiday" High Tea

My favorite Christmas movie of all time is “The Holiday” (2006) – actually it’s easily on my short list of favorite movies EVER. A surprising admission, because I don’t like Jude Law… but his character – and Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black - all more than make up for it in this fantastic flick. If you haven’t seen it – watch it. You'll love it. Really. The story lines take place in LA and England over the holidays – two of my favorite places. And I can say that Cameron Diaz’s movie wardrobe is by far the BEST OF ALL TIME. From the Miu Miu white and wool cashmere coat, TSE and Ralph Lauren cashmere scarves and sweaters – to her chocolate brown and white Dior shearling coat. It’s all just fantastic.

With yesterday marking the first Sunday in December, LA is in full-on Christmas-mania (The Grove started this epidemic weeks ago...) – it’s on and it’s time to get festive. With this in mind, my best friend, her boyfriend and I had “Holiday” high-tea at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills yesterday. The list of famous movies filmed here (for $14,000 USD/ day) fills an entire page. The most exciting for me being “The Holiday”… but not at a small price. The Director, Nancy Meyers, wasn’t happy after the first day of filming so the studio paid another $14k to get it right. You really do have to spend to save.

After an hour and a half of chatter over tea, biscuits, various treats and champagne we went on a tour of the mansion– seeing the “dining room” where Cameron Diaz and Jude Law shot the scene where he takes her to lunch (ironically set in England in the movie). It was pretty cool. Some other notable favorites in good company were Ghost Busters, Air Force One, and The Bodyguard. The park ranger who lead the tour said when you see the white and black marble floor in a movie it’s a dead giveaway – I’ll definitely be looking for it in movies to come.

Feliz Navidad!

k

thank you, thank you, thank you, you’re far too kind

After a quick trip to T, I’m back in LA - already home. Thankfully it was unseasonably warm on the East Coast for late November – but that didn’t stop me from wearing SEVERAL layers at all times. It wasn't just an excuse to enjoy my winter wardrobe. I refused to get sick and waking up Thursday morning I could not get warm – eating breakfast with a hat, scarf & earmuffs was quite the sight for my beloved parents. Miss me? ☺ You’d think after 40 below on Everest I wouldn’t turn fair-weathered so soon... Think again. My four days were a whirlwind, the highlight of course seeing as many of your beautiful faces as possible.

Thanks to RH for an incredibly warm, albeit short homecoming and an offer to have my old spot back starting yesterday – greatly appreciated (DUN for life), but it looks like the team is doing just fine… congrats G!! Thanks to the girls for closing the rest as I knew we would, R for brunch “just like old times”, JC for a house I thoroughly LOVE, and MRT for well… Triple T!!! PAW for my fav downtown spot (syrup all around!). K, miss you despite talking every five seconds…. love, love, love AKC, need more of her in my life – Dr PhD, you rock – KRob & JS who isn’t reading this, love you both. LKA you're the BEST. Little red ballers – thanks for th entertainment as always. JD, JF & co - Tgiving 2.0 avec la familia was tres fantastique. M/N thanks for filling my bags - I made it. And L – my #1! Forever & always.

The tough part about seeing people after four months is it makes you miss them more – the silver lining being that I’m back in December for the holidays in uh... three weeks today. We won’t talk about the fact that after that it’s unlikely I’ll make another appearance until cottage season 2010. There will be MANY boathouse roof dates required.

“Good friend are like stars… you don’t always seem them, but you know they are always there.” - Anonymous

Thanks for being my stars, love you!

k

US Tgiving

Since moving to Cali I get asked at least once a week where I’m from – clearly it isn’t here – nothing against my new neighbors, but I don't take this as an insult. I get a lot of "Are you Australian? British?" Others know it’s Canada right away (although six months in, I’ve finally gotten away from ‘eh”… thank GOD!!) – I even had one person say “your from Toronto?!” about two minutes into a conversation. I asked what gave it away, and he said “everything, I go to TIFF every year..." I get teased for my “out” and “about”s on a daily basis – although I’ve yet to start saying “owt” and “abowt”. It’s not like I’m from somewhere where in C with a thick accent. Born and raised in downtown T isn't exactly the boonies. Don't get me started on "z" versus "zzz" - or "o" versus "zero"... creating daily confusion when giving a zip or phone number. And if I ever start with “huh” – please just shoot me right then.

Other things that are a dead giveaway are saying sorry all the time – like if someone walks into me coming out of the elevator – I say “Sorry!” Or hand signaling thank you when someone lets you into their lane. I’ve never had anyone return the favor outside of the Great White North. Although I will say, Americans in California are generally nicer than the rest of the US. Likely because of the weather, or maybe because for the most part – people are probably on vacation!! Or living like we are ☺

My favorite question since moving here has been, “You guys have your own Thanksgiving? What’s it for?” Ha. Yes, we have our own Thanksgiving (not to be confused with America’s Columbus Day, which falls on the same day) – in a different month, and yes we were also founded. It’s almost as good as the blank stares I get when I talk about Boxing Day (usually brought up in the context of Birthday Boxing Day – or the greatest shopping day of the entire year… a day where for years I’d wake up at the crack of dawn to spend my Christmas $$, getting in & getting out before the masses). Our beloved Boxing Day doesn’t exist in the US – ironically, they have their best shopping of the year over Thanksgiving!! It’s a good thing I’ve done enough shopping over the last few months to justify heading to T next week, missing the sales, and catching up with as many of you as humanly possible in four days. Along with the rest of the US, WATW will be closed for business next Wednesday-Friday – oh wait… we haven’t opened yet?!

Clearly Canadian.

k

Perfect "10"

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of conducting an interview with Jill Martin for WHAT ARE THEY WEARING. Jill is an US Weekly Contributor and TODAY fashion expert. As an Emmy-nominated reporter, she is a famous subject expert for both fashion and sports. Jill’s latest endeavor was her November 16th launch of “Fashion For Dummies”. After being thoroughly impressed by our conversation (this girl knows her stuff!), I sat down with the book this past weekend and within minutes I couldn’t put it down. I’ve read many, many, MANY style and fashion related books and this one is by far the best. It’s informative, well organized, efficient and productive. All of my favorite things! Jill’s message is to find your personal style and simplify your wardrobe - her goal is for you to never say “I have nothing to wear!” again… and to never refuse an invitation, or a night out, because you simply don’t look and feel your best. It's very much in line with WATW's mottos of "great style for all" & "looking great to feel better".

Jill’s simple system has you go through your closet, only keeping things that are a perfect “10” – to quote Jill, “Every item you have should be evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10, and only 10s should remain in your closet.” She goes on to provide a list of guidelines to help you identify what qualifies as a “10”. The same rule applies when shopping - Jill guides you through a list of questions to ask yourself in order to identify if what you buy is something you need, and if so – whether it’s your “10”. She also has a fantastic list of the top ten things every woman’s wardrobe should include, from your go-to little black dress to your classic set of pearls. Jill breaks down dressing for your body type, along with the fundamentals of fabrics, cuts, and styles to help you become a more informed shopper – all the way down to what you wear underneath it all... Most importantly, she tells you how to do it without breaking the bank – with several suggestions such as helpful discount and value retailers and websites. I found it so well written and informative, I pretty much flagged every page (all 332 of them).

Although a good closet clean always seems like an onerous task to get started (like anything, starting is the hardest part) – there are few things as gratifying and cleansing when you're done. Not wanting to set aside the majority of a day, I started with my dresser and I already have a full bag for charity. I’ll be tackling the rest this weekend.

"If you stay ready, you never have to get ready."

- Nick Cannon - Mariah Carey's husband, host of America's Got Talent

“10”s for life.

k

♫ Only thing that's on my mind...

Is who's gonna run this town tonight ♫

Last night I went to the best concert of my life – hands down - a bold statement I don’t make lightly. Who thought I could top U2 only two weeks later – to the day. Shawn Corey Carter – aka Jay-Z - at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. The Pauley Pavilion is best known for hosting the UCLA Bruin’s basketball games – an intimate campus venue holding less than 15k people (especially in comparison to the Rose Bowl’s 95k). Since his latest greatest album “The Blueprint 3.0” dropped in August, Jay’s been touring North America. He was in Toronto last weekend on Halloween Saturday. If you don’t have his album (you’re one of the few - HOV’s 11^th number one sold over a million copies in a matter of weeks) you need it. I bought it - I love it - I listen to it exclusively – along with some of his old skool classics, “Girls, Girls, Girls”, “Izzo”, “Big Pimpin”, “Renegade”… there are too many to list and count. The hip hop mogul has won nine Grammies & nine MTV VMAs – and if last night is any indication... he’s not ready to go home.

Another all-time fav – Rihanna – made a surprise appearance during “Run This Town”, and also sung the first live performance of her new single “Hard” after Jay-Z lovingly said “RhiRhi you ready?”– she was killer. Her new album “Rated R” comes out November 23^rd. Ready!

My LOVE for hip hop is nothing new - thanks to cottage, Collingwood, & early morning Blue Mountain drives (AN, first M's for you!) - and my desire to be of African decent (have you seen Taye Diggs? Please... ). I’ve always liked Jay-Z (especially since he married one of my ultimates - Beyonce "B" Knowles in 2008 after six years of dating – he liked it & he put a ring on it… a $3 million one!!), but recently I have grown to LOVE him. It started when he was on Oprah August 18 – what's not to love during birthday week? Jay took Oprah to the housing projects in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn where he grew up. He sold drugs (never taking them) from age 13 for survival – and claims this was how he learned integrity and loyalty. It was also here where he started rapping – fierce lyrics that highlight his incredible intellect. Listen to them closely, his wit is not to be missed☺ Jig has sold more than 30 million records, as well as launching his own Rocawear clothing line (I might wear black for a year straight) & Roc Nation entertainment company. He is a true story of rags to riches – a self-made protégée (so ambitious) who told the crowd last night - "although it might sound cliché, not to let anything stand in the way of your dreams. Screw the haters".

Everyday a star is born.

k

Hollywood Delicious

I’m such a big fan of Taye Diggs that I’m giving him his own post. I’d give him a lot more if he wasn’t married with a newborn…. Ah-hem – sorry L – step dad of the century ☺ Seriously though, he’s one of my top five. Delicious.

Awwwww…

It was last Sunday – my best friend’s parents were in town visiting from Toronto for the weekend – we LOVE visitors! Anyway, after watching the better part of World Series Game Four (damn yanks…) we were out for a quiet Sunday night dinner at a local Italian eatery on Beverly – Angelini (rumored to be the best Italian in LA, I don’t disagree) – when my friend thought she saw Nelly Furtado (go Canada). Turns out, Nelly was Taye’s wife… they do have a strong resemblance – and thankfully that brought her to realize Taye was the star-siting - only a few tables away. There were in a group of five – lucky friends.

Being a fan of all things Kate Walsh (seriously? they broke the mould on that one) – I’ve watched Private Practice since it spun off from Grey’s in '07. Shonda Rhimes has struck gold twice. Kate (Addison)’s clothes on the show are killer – think DVF, Tory, Pucci – you want it, she has it. Although Private Practice wasn’t my introduction to Taye – we go way back to '98 "When Stella Got her Grove Back". We met again in '99 when he was “The Best Man” – the soundtrack alone is worth a rental.

You'll be happy to hear I didn't harass or accost him during his meal - we did do a walk-by to the washroom when I stared and smiled.

That is one lucky wife.

k

Hollywood Halloween 1.0 *fratastic*

Los Angelenos’ L♥VE Halloween. Last Saturday (and most of last weekend for that matter...) was like nothing I’ve ever seen, and I spent Halloween 2006 in the Castro - San Francisco - the world’s best known gay neighborhood... where they reeeally got into it. This marked my first Hollywood Halloween, and I think there are a few reasons why LA gets so into the haunted festivities. Most people living here are in some form of creative work (writers, actors, producers, etc) – or at least strongly follow the entertainment industry (when in Rome...). Almost everyone shares a quest and admiration for vanity – so a somewhat acceptable reason to dress up as scantily clothed as possible seems to appeal to both sexes - in fairness this is also a regular weekend club occurrence for many of my beloved neighbors. There's short, and then there's LA short. So as you can imagine, there was no shortage of bare…

I’ve never loved Halloween (it’s no birthday!) – it reminds me of New Year’s where there’s a certain amount of pressure to have a fabulous night. But this year – I may have been transformed. Hitting up industry parties in Hollywood (Hollywood Blvd) & Silver Lake (East Hollywood to the West & Los Feliz to the Northwest) – my Canadian friend and I did have a fabulous night. I think there are three keys to surviving Halloween in Hollywood – and likely anywhere for that matter. #1 – have a kick *** costume – EVERYONE dresses up and tries to guess what you are. Don't be lame. If you're not feeling it, stay home. #2 – Stick to house parties and party hop – get in, have fun, and get out - on to the next one. #3 – Have no expectations. That way you can only be pleasantly surprised. And of course, just go with it!

“Where there is no imagination there is no horror.”

- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

We’ve definitely got imagination in the land of dreams.

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

- Walt Disney.

k

*this is it*

I don’t know anyone who wasn’t/ isn’t a fan of Michael Jackson (MJ) – or who doesn’t at least love a solid wedding rock out to Billie Jean, Bad, Black or White, Thriller, or The Way You Make Me Feel – I could fill an entry with the titles of his greatest hits alone. He was “The King of Pop” and will always be remembered as such.

I recently saw “THIS IS IT” at our favorite local theatre – The Grove! My best friend had the foresight to buy tickets a few weeks back (thank you!!) – it’s only in theatres for two weeks and is just as popular as you can imagine. I watched the press on the October 28^th LA premiere – a star-studded turnout of course! Oprah had a show on the movie too (The Oprah Effect = anything she touches turns to gold). It’s amalgamated footage from MJ’s planned 50-concert tour – originally intended for his personal library and sadly ending just 8 days before his death. It serves as a tribute to him - his dancer’s & back up singers who never had their chance to truly shine - and of course the entire crew.

I was très excited for the movie – I knew in the least I was going to see him sing some (ideally ALL!) of my favorites. In the spirit of my childhood and adolescence (MJ has SEVERAL songs on my Soundtrack of Life) I eightified myself. That included a fluorescent orange lace Free People tank, zippered black skinny jeans, and a cropped black blazer – if I owned shoulder pads I would have rocked them. I can’t say anyone in our group joined me – but I think they appreciated the effort ☺ The audience was full of MJ diehards. It was a sea of concert shirts, white sequin gloves, and even sequin leggings – GO big or GO home!!

Two hours later, MJ’s work did not disappoint. It was great to see him as his authentic self, getting ready to do what he did best – perform. A true artist. An incredible perfectionist with a great attention to detail. The songs and performances are uplifting – people were singing and dancing in their seats (this is LA!!).

My rec is to see it - dance it, sing it and feel it!

This is it.

k

Precious...

I was lucky enough to go the Vogue screening of “PRECIOUS” this week. If you haven’t heard of this movie yet, you will. I first heard about it on Oprah a few months back, and I can wholeheartedly say that it’s hands down THE BEST MOVIE I'VE EVER SEEN. I’m sure it’ll sweep the Oscars – 2010 Best Picture’s definitely within reach.

Executive Producer’s Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry give it star power – along with fantastic performances by Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz. Although both are hard to recognize – Mariah in social worker garb and Lenny in scrubs as a male nurse. Director, Lee Daniel’s, is best know for Monster’s Ball and Shadowboxer. The lead, Claireece “Precious” Jones, played by Gabourey Sidibe is a fresh talent who’s circumstances have and will continue to drastically change from this movie. She's incredible. Although a tough storyline, it’s hard to watch. Without going into the graphics - Precious is a 350 lb sixteen-year-old African-American girl, born into a life no one would want. Her mom is a toxic woman who abuses her emotionally, physically and sexually to no end. Precious is raped and made pregnant by her father twice, and learns that he gave her HIV. She’s never even had a boyfriend. Sadly these aren’t even the most graphic parts… and worst of all it’s based on a true story set in Harmlem in 1987 – from the novel “Push” by Sapphire. A woman’s true struggle in overcoming tremendous odds.

PRECIOUS has already done exceptionally well at the 2009 festivals - Cannes, Sundance, and the Toronto International Film Festival (go T!!). I can only imagine the further acclaim the winter awards season will bring – but what I know for sure (thanks Oprah) is this film will change how you view others. I’ve always known that we rarely truly know and appreciate the circumstances of others – I just never realized how horrifically bad some of those people’s struggles are... this film brings it close to home. The images don't stay at the theatre.

Never judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in his or her shoes.

We are all precious.

k

24 hours of Bucket List √

Sunday I was lucky enough to join 95,000 people in what will undoubtedly go down as one of the best concerts of the century. The Black Eyed Peas + U2 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Joining three fellow Canadians, we were VERY excited to see Bono live for the first time. This is one of the many things on my Bucket List (first drafted when I was in Africa in 2004 - before the self-titled 2007 Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman movie). I’m constantly adding things – and better yet, completing some!!

When I heard the Peas were opening for U2 I was as excited to see them as the fighting Irish. And let me tell you, neither disappointed!! Fergie rocked out hard to GN’R’s “Sweet Child O’ Mine” with a special guest… Slash! (click URL on Peas pic to watch). And Bono sang all of my favorites, along with impromptu versions of “Stand By Me” and “Amazing Grace” – both on my Soundtrack of Life. The entire concert was streamlined live over YouTube to seven continents worldwide (a man after my own heart...) and watched by millions in 16 countries – it was incredible. You can watch it ALL by clicking on the Bono pic below. His question of the night was “what time is it in the world?” – and of course being an IMPRESSIVE political activist he touched on several global rights issues through his songs and videos. The world’s biggest rock star is also Africa’s biggest advocate. He had me at hello.

Sunday was a major high – followed by a very exciting day with another one of my mega-male mentors – Sir Richard Branson. I went to “The Perfect Pitch 2009” – a Richard Branson Entrepreneurial & Investor Conference at the Ritz in Marina Del Ray (a 45 minute drive – local

by LA standards). The premise was to bring venture capitalists and entrepreneurs together to assist in raising capital and share knowledge. There was a competition where some pitched their businesses to various investors – very interesting to watch, but I chose not to participate as I’m not looking for investors yet. Ideally never! More relevant to me was the keynote address from Sir Richard, the closing remarks from Ed Hardy Founder – Christian Audigier (a designer who’s entire marketing campaign for his line was / is to have celebrities wear his clothes – GENIUS!!) – and panels with several other impressive and inspirational successful tycoons. There were also fantastic breakout sessions on Ecommerce, web-strategy, PR, marketing and SEO. Couldn’t have come at a better time.

My favorite quotes were:

“I’ve spent my lifetime doing things people said were impossible.”

“Screw it, let’s do it!” - also the title of one of Branson's books.

“As long as your airline goes further than your name would suggest.” - Sir Richard Branson (all above)

“You’re not an entrepreneur until you miss a payroll. Welcome to the club”- Jason Nazar, CEO & Founder – Docstoc

“No journey in life is as exciting as entrepreneurship. Be in control of your destiny.”- Steven Lipscomb, CEO & Founder – World Poker Tour

k

A city in mourning

Clearly there are much bigger problems in the world right now than the Dodgers losing the NLCS, but with sports providing as much of a distraction from daily life as our beloved entertainment and all-things celebrity – it’s noteworthy. Especially in the City of Angels.

With a 10-4 victory for Phillie it wasn’t close. Taking the title in only 5 games (Friday’s game I went to was the Dodgers only win… just sayin). We’ll find out the 2009 World Series Challenger’s soon with NY leading the Angels 3-1 in a chase for the ALCS title – heating up an already prominent East Coast vs West Coast Rivalry – and then of course there’s the fact that pretty much anyone outside of NYC, that didn’t grow up there, wants to see them lose. Sadly that’s probably an unlikely scenario – they’re playing well and they have three more chances for just one more win. Alex Rodriguez is being described as “new and improved” this postseason in comparison to a quiet regular season (for him) – pretty sure the hot blonde (Kate Hudson) cheering him on in the stands might have something to do with that… does this mean we’ll be seeing A-Rod on Lake Rosseau next summer? MLB meets NHL... Bring it.

The Dodgers had a good run this year. And being close friends with someone very instrument in all things related to their publicity and press – I know how hard everyone supporting them worked endlessly.... from last spring until now to bring the 2009 regular and postseason together. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! It’s time for a much needed break (for some that includes a well deserved cruise!). After all, World Series Champions 2010 might have an even better ring to it?

It’s on.

k

Fan Favorite

It’s no surprise that for many Americans – baseball is religion. I’d say our closest Canadian parallel is hockey, but even that isn’t as coveted as the field of dreams (KRob you might be the exception here). With the past few weeks of American & National Leagues (NL) Postseason highs and lows – the Dodgers clinching the NL West - BRS losing three in a row to the Angels – and the Yankees beating the Angels after 11 innings last night (with hail and a small Nor’easter) there’ve been few dull moments. The Dodgers had a solid 2009 Regular Season and are closing in as World Series contenders – their series against the Phillies is tied at 1-1; with the next game tonight – winning this they’ll face the Angels or Yankees for the 2009 World Series Championship title.

I was lucky enough to go Friday’s game – watching the Dodgers rally in the 8^th - coming back to win 2-1. I’ve been to a few Dodgers games in recent years - including the 2008 Playoffs - but I’ve never seen the stadium as crazy - it was fantastic.

Most Americans have "their team" they grew up watching – since MANY East Coasters migrate West (can you blame them?) there are probably as many, or more Yankees and BRS fans in California as Dodgers, Angels, Giants & A’s combined. With a longtime rivalry spanning decades between the two mega East Coast franchises (watch Fever Pitch for the Coles Notes version) - East Coasters typically either LOVE the Yankees or the BRS – and then of course, whatever team’s playing / beating the other. It’s religion.

Ideally the 2009 World Series will be the Dodgers vs. Yankees – with the Dodgers taking the title. A close friend working in baseball (DM) explained to me that a WS of the Angels vs. the Dodgers likely wouldn’t be watched outside of California, which makes sense. Regardless, the season wraps up this month – with training camp starting in February / March – and the 2010 season kicking off in April. Can Los Angelenos handle NBA and MLB Championship titles in the same year?

It ain’t over till it’s over.

k

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Columbus Day!

Well there are no leaves to turn, but the temperature's dropped to low-mid 70s this week, my body and mind can finally start processing that it's fall. For the past few weeks whenever someone has said it’s October I’ve still been in August (it’s always sad leaving birthday month behind – only nine months to go). This won’t be the first Canadian Thanksgiving I’ve spent in the US – always being one to maximize long weekends, I’ve had a few in Boston (celebrating with BRS), and one in San Francisco back in 2005. This year I’m repeating the ladder, I’ll be driving up to SF to visit my Uncle and some Canadian friends with festivities spanning Sunday & Monday (Columbus Day here). This idea first came about back in August when I thought Columbus Day was a full-fledged US holiday – I’ve since learned it isn’t observed on the West Coast – and definitely not in LA (although the city did shut down last Monday for the High Holidays). So I’ve decided to single-handedly bring Columbus Day West – I’ll be knee deep in turkey, pumpkin pie and wine from 5pm on both days... Waking up at the crack of dawn Tuesday to miss the morning rush and get back to LA in good time. Ironically I’ll be back in Canada for US Thanksgiving at the end of November (the busiest travel weekend of the year) – and I’m sure my five-day trip will serve as a reminder of the upcoming winter I won’t be missing.

I hope you all enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating long weekend – many of you will be hearing from me during my 12-hour road trip so please stand by. Not to totally cheese it up, but a very close friend sent me this quote yesterday and I think it’s a good time to share it with the people who’ve helped me through this year’s incredible transition.

“Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

- Mark Twain

Thank you!! xx

k

Another high

As the East Coast falls into fall, we’ve just come out of a 2-week heat wave. It’s gone from 90+ to 80+, without a cloud in the sky. I’m not complaining, but I do miss the seasons changing. I LOVE fall, it’s my favorite fashion season – so many looks to layer! I’m heading to San Francisco for Canadian Thanksgiving (Columbus Day here) so I’m hoping to get my fill then. As someone recently said to me at a dinner party, “these are high class problems to have”. Again, not complaining!

Last week was a good one, Wednesday I was invited to a charity event “A night of Emotion” for Hollywood’s LA Dogworks – “a place to play and a place to stay” for dogs - hosted by the newly engaged “True Blood” co-stars, Anna Paquin & Stephen Moyer. This marked my first walk on a Hollywood red carpet… clearly the paparazzi wasn’t focused on my best friend and I, but it was still noteworthy for us. More importantly, it was a great event to raise money for rescue dogs - it was all I could do not to adopt one of those adorable canines and bring it home... I’ve decided when I’m ready for Everest (which will be post May 2010, as my building is now heavily enforcing an exorbitant amount of monthly pet rent) I’m going to get a rescue dog. I have my heart set on a chocolate brown lab, and from what I hear there’s no shortage of them needing homes. I got in touch with the owner of LA Dogworks to see if I can volunteer dog-walking services to get used to the life of a dog owner.

Last Thursday, I was invited to a special event for Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet, hosted by Neiman Marcus at The Thompson Hotel. Carmen Electra, Jenna Dewan (recently

marrying GI Joe’s hunk Channing Tatum), Lo Bosworth, Lauren Conrad and Jessica Lowndes (Canadian!!) were all there... It was enough for me just being there, but a close friend actually introduced me to Lauren – and we spent a good amount of time talking to Jessica (bonding over being Canadian, although she’s 20 and from Vancouver so the chances of us knowing anyone in common are slim to none) – both were really nice. I didn’t realize Lauren would be there... I'm featuring her as one of the fashion "gurus" on the site, but I was too starstruck to do a pitch – or an interview (and too embarrassed to ask for a picture!) – all in due time… I got a new Blackberry with a voice recorder and I’m ready to go! After all, I'm press now :)

k

What Happens In Vegas…

… Stays in Vegas.

I don’t love Vegas – I could really take it or leave it, but somehow this past weekend marked my fourth trip to Sin City – ironically my second while living in California (my first was with girlfriends in 2006 from San Francisco) and I went back twice from Toronto – once care of RH - thanks Max!! This was however, my first time driving to Vegas – an added element of intrigue, although the 5-hour trip was admittedly a lot more interesting on the way there, than coming back Sunday at 6am after only two hours sleep. Thank God I really LOVE my new car.

There are some great things about the city – it’s the best shopping anywhere in the world when it comes to selection and value (no sales tax) – it’s also close to the Grand Canyon which I was lucky enough to do a helicopter excursion to with my best friend in 2007 (we call it our honeymoon tour). But overall, it’s a city of excess… you see the best and worse of America. It’s hard to ignore the morbidly obese people settling in at the slot machines for the day, or walking along the strip drinking those bottomless New York New York Eiffel Tower sugar drinks - all praying to drastically change their circumstances. Girls wear dresses so short they’re probably shirts – men leer – and people gamble, drink, and eat way past their limits. WAY past. You also see people with more money than most people can imagine. The disparity is incredible. Kind of like LA in many ways.

Vegas is a city of entertainment – the shows are fantastic, I loved “O” when I saw it a few years ago, and I’d love to see The Beatles “Love” among others. They have some great performers. It’s also a city of little to no sleep – and aside from catching a few Z's poolside during the day, you’re pretty reliant on the bright lights and oxygen pumping Casinos to keep you going. That and the 24-hour Starbucks. You know something's wrong when there's a line after midnight...

Our 30 hour trip wasn’t all excess – we were lucky enough to hit the AVP (American Volleyball Professionals) Pro Beach Volleyball Tour – it was the “Best of The Beach” tournament – 3 days of some of the fittest and best looking athletes you've ever seen - all scantily clothed (very Vegas). It was cool watching a sporting event in Vegas of all places – and totally impressive. I’ve seen the AVP Circuit in Boston & Hermosa Beach – but there was something unique about the small intimate venue. I think being inches away from Kerri Walsh (two time Olympic gold medalist - 2004 & 2008), her husband (Casey Jennings) and their 5-month old adorable baby boy also helped. Now that’s something to love!!

k