God Bless My Visa

The last time I was a US resident I wouldn’t have been displaying the American flag with any sense of pride, excitement, or at all – it was in 2005-2006, during the Bush regime… we all know how that turned out – but with Obama in the White House this country has newfound hope – a heightened sense of patriotism…. And most importantly, we’re no longer a worldwide laughing stock.

I get mixed reactions when telling people I’ve moved from Toronto to LA – most Torontonians think it’s cool, a few people have asked how they can do the same. California has the obvious draw of great weather and a healthy lifestyle. I recognize the celebrity focus of LA isn’t for everyone – but it’s hard to argue with ~350 days of sunshine a year. Of course, with this comes the infamous LA smog (you can actually see it as you’re landing at LAX) - so like any city - it’s not perfect, and the smog serves as a daily reminder that we need to be good to our planet. The LA natives I’ve told about my move seem to question why I’d ever leave a place like Canada!! With the US facing a national healthcare crisis, obvious economic turmoil, and California being so ridden with debt the State recently issued IOUs to citizens in lieu of tax refunds (and our best bet out of this is our beloved Governor - The Terminator?!) - I can appreciate how Americans admire their neighbors North of the border. Canada is undoubtedly the best place in the world to live - the quality of life is unparalleled. I’m incredibly proud to be Canadian. That being said – I’m THRILLED to renounce my status as a Canadian resident and to formally beginning this 3-year (plus!!) journey – legally, officially – I live in LA.

k

"Money doesn’t buy you happiness,"

"But it buys you a big enough yacht to sail right up to it."

- Johnny Depp as quoted in the July issue of Vanity Fair.

Living in LA for the past two months, it’s hard not to get caught up in the media / celebrity- buzz of tinsel town. The most prevalent of course being Michael Jackson’s unexpected recent death. I was actually in Toronto when it happened – but I can’t say the aftermath has subdued much at all since. Michael Jackson’s life, his legacy – and the criminal investigation of his untimely death – has been the top story in entertainment news for several weeks now. The latest twist being federal investigators raiding Jackson’s Dr’s office – Dr Conrad Murray, who was with him at the time of his death.

Famous from age 5 – Michael Jackson lived in the spotlight for 45

years – dying at age 50 on June 25, 2009. Sadly, his life and death show that even in the world of celebrity - money doesn’t buy happiness. With Thriller topping the charts as the best selling album of all time - estimated with as many as 110 million copies being sold worldwide (still going strong). It’s been said that Jackson was chasing it's success since the 1982 release – never being able to top or even match his own greatness. Fighting the verge of bankruptcy in recent years, while still wearing couture with jackets in the tens of thousands of dollars, it's clear he was deeply troubled.

It reminds us that too much of anything isn’t good – excess of fame, money, attention, or power seems to have the opposite effect of what you're hoping for in attaining them. Let his death be a lesson to us all and let's let the King of Pop rest in peace - after all, we are the world.

k

I am Zen

There are many benefits of living here in The Palazzo – free apples (hey, shopping at Whole Foods they add up!) and Starbucks tea & coffee in the spa – wireless internet in the common areas (pool, business centre & lounges) - and the location – but tonight I experienced by far the best yet - a 90-minute private yoga class. This is the second week no one else showed up for Thursday's 7:30pm class. I’ve worked with trainers and done yoga regularly for the past 3 years, but I’ve never had a private yoga session. One word - intense. Tran tailored it to what I wanted and what he thought I needed – which was an intense stretch and leaning exercises. Because I had his UNDIVIDED attention, he corrected all of my bad habits and cheating. We also concentrated on breathing. Tran pushed me so hard that he said I needed a sauna after – uh, OK - check!! The result - I’m more relaxed than I have been in a long time – so relaxed that I almost didn’t write this entry (sorry!!).

Relaxation seems to be a new theme in my life. After last week’s exciting visa news I took the weekend off – I did Runyon and yoga Saturday and then spent the balance of the afternoon with my best friend at our pool. Sunday we went to Manhattan Beach – as much as I love Beverly Hills and our complex, I’m pretty sure this is where I want to live next. I can already see Everest and I in a beach house – going for walks and runs along the beach. The beauty of a home office is I’d avoid the number one complaint about this highly sought after location – it’s out of the way in comparison to Hollywood, downtown and other key LA attractions. It has a great community feel and you can get anywhere in about half hour depending on traffic (nothing under an hour is even remotely considered a hike by LA standards) – we love our cars.

I’ve had a few more star sightings – Monday I was working in our leasing office lounge, taking advantage of sitting at an actual desk and not just working on my Target patio chairs, and a girl sat right across from me. I didn’t look up – it took me about an hour until I did, and I realized it was one of the stars from the show Privileged: Ashley Newbrough (left).

I’m featuring the show on whataretheywearing, although sadly it was cancelled late last year – it’s still on in syndication and the clothes are fantastic!! She was in our building visiting the show’s other star – Lucy Hale (right) – who I’ve seen in the gym twice, once just tonight. How embarrassing would it be if she was on the treadmill beside me and I was watching her show?! !

Alright – that’s it for this week. Time for the best sleep of my life!

k

Five years!!!!!!!!

Today is a great day. It's a big day, HUGE really. After getting home to LA late last night, I received a VERY exciting email this morning - from the US consulate to schedule my visa approval interview. My lawyer confirmed this is only a formality and it means I’ve successfully gained legal entrance to work on whataretheywearing.com in the US for the next 5-years. I called the number given right away, taking the first available appointment - and in a matter of weeks I’ll be making a quick trip to Toronto to have a proper goodbye and reenter the US legitimately. For a process that started 7 months ago in January (sorry RH), I’m thrilled to see it coming to fruition. Thanks to everyone who’s helped along the way (there are too many of you amazing supporters to name) – it’s truly taken a village – and so far, it’s very worth it!

A very wise, insightful, talented & accomplished woman gave me the card at the top of this post – I feel in love with the quote instantly. This same person made me the creative framed picture above (it says whataretheywearing over and over) – I’m going to hang it along with some other inspirational cards I’ve been given over my desk in my new home office. The best part about today's news is once I have my visa I can get my car, look into getting my little puppy (Everest August Duncan) and the balance of my belongings (furniture!!) can be shipped here from storage - the trip across the continent is scheduled to take the truck about 3 weeks... so it looks like I'll have an extra special birthday delivery (August 22nd)!! I'll be able to start enjoying my home office (with a desk and chairs) - and get ready for all of my visitors.

My sister sent me this link - I've already passed it along to a few of you... it's worth a watch - very inspiring! Stay hungry, stay foolish.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA

It all starts here.

k

Canadian heaven

After a 2-week hiatus to the East Coast I have to say what I’m going to miss the most about Canada (people aside) is Muskoka. I’ve been lucky enough to spend summers there since I was in the womb (being a late August baby I was essentially born up there, with late-stage pregnancy meals for my mom including corn on the cob & Webers). If you’ve been, you love if - if you haven’t, you should make the trip. If it’s good enough for Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson, Martin Short & countless NHL players, it’s good enough for me!

So in the spirit of my last day in the country for I’m not sure how long… (I head back to LA tomorrow until I can come back for my visa approval – ready and waiting!!) I’ve decided to do a tribute to all things Muskoka – a few personal favorites from those I know and love:

Don’s Bakery in Bala – their Chelsea buns have a cult following, and with good reason.

Bala Falls – breathtaking!

Webers – it's so good it’s worth mentioning twice – last Friday I actually drove an extra hour just for their veggie burgers & fries – and even for an impatient person like me, it was worth it!

Antique boats – you may be lucky enough to catch a crew of these heading to a boat show in Port Carling or Gravenhurst – there’s something historical, peaceful & outright beautiful about them. If you're really lucky, you may also see the Lady Muskoka or Seguin.

Waterskiing – I can’t say I can make it all the way around Acton Island like I used to… (or even close) but it’s still great to get up.

Frozen Yogourt – whether it’s a quick stop in Bala, Port Carling, Minett, or Bracebridge… it always hits the spot.

Sunsets – almost every day is killer, I can't remember a bad one – this time of year is great, it’s light out late so you can maximize the day.

Marty’s Butter tarts – if you’re ever within a one-hour radius of Bracebridge – MAKE THE TRIP – these massive tarts are so gooey your mouth will thank you. They may be the sweetest thing you’ve ever tasted… I have it on good authority that Dorset has some killer tarts as well, if you’re closer to the Lake of Bays /Hunstville area. A good friend of mine had some at her wedding last summer, a different take on the cupcakes for your wedding cake trend and oh-s0-yummy.

Weekends with friends - priceless. Memories to last a lifetime, and a lifetime left to create.

The Wildlife - we caught these guys crossing at the narrows just a few hundred meters from our cottage a few summers ago.

Boat rides – I can hands down say my FAVORITE thing in the word to do is drive a boat, or go for a boat ride. I spent 2 summers in University doing the Muskoka Lakes Marine Patrol – yes, it was just as amazing as it sounds… driving the 3 lakes all day. Heaven.

Muskoka, I miss you already!

k

Bye Bye 10 Delisle

As much as I dislike the process of moving, I love change.  I crave it every few years, which is evident by the fact that not including my family home or cottage, I’ve lived at six different addresses since graduating from Queen’s six years ago.  This has created a lot of administration - I’ve learned the ins & outs moving all too well – this move across the continent marks my 3rd & quite possibly last time I'm moving to a new country – although it’s the first time my answer to “how long do you see yourself there?” is “indefinitely”. 

It’s scary how things like selling your home, packing up your life, and all the intricate details of cross-border moving eat away your time.  So I decided to write a how-to guide that will hopefully make the process a little easier for anyone as crazy as me, who finds themselves uprooting their life anytime soon:

-     Opt out of OHIP – you need to do this to claim nonresident status (major tax benefits here).

-     Change addresses – mailing & billing – be sure to keep a card with Canadian billing as some websites/ companies in Canada can’t accept a US & vice versa – it’s also important for anyone living in North America to maintain credit history in both Canada & the US.

-     Register for mail forwarding – it’s significantly cheaper if you can forward to a Canadian address – visit your local post office.

-     Update address & profile for any professional memberships / organizations (ie. ICAO).

-     Change your magazine delivery addresses – most will let you forward the remainder of your subscription to your new country – otherwise you can forward the remaining issues to a lucky friend and start new subscriptions for your new home.

-     Cancel newspaper delivery.

-     Cancel gym, club memberships – try to do this a few months in advance if you can, you’ve likely already paid the last month’s dues - also make sure the monthly payments stop.

-     Return car / sell car.

-     Cancel car / home insurance – you need to fax a letter with a signed request – also try to do this with as much notice as possible so as not to pay past your move date.

-     Request a 5 year driver’s history from the DMV – this is required to get US auto insurance – it can be done online through "http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/" or via fax.

-     Get a credit report (transunion.com) – especially if you’re moving to the US with no credit history!

-     If you’re moving to the US you’ll need a social security number – it’s just like our SIN - you need to be in the US to get it, it involves going to a government office & it takes a few hours.  More information can be found at:  "http://www.ssa.gov/"

-     Get items from any safety deposit boxes at banks etc.   Be sure to take all valuables out of any home safes before giving them to the movers – seems like common sense but when you’re doing a million things at once it may slip your mind & those contents are most likely a lot more than you've insured your move for.

-    Cancel phone, cable, internet, return all cable boxes, routers & equipment – keep your proof of return to make sure you aren’t charged for any hardware.

-    Contact cross-border movers (AMJ Campbell) at least one month in advance of your move date – FYI – it takes at least three weeks to move your belongings across the continent.

-    Get moving boxes & no print newspaper, packing accessories (ie fragile labels, markers & tape) – clearly label all boxes for US immigration / customs.

-    If you're moving to the US & you're self-employed, you'll need private health coverage (see the first point about opting out of OHIP). 

-    Apply for relevant work visa – I have an amazing immigration lawyer who works magic – if interested email me for more details.

-     Book your service elevator in the condo your leaving & the one you’re moving to!  Those lucky enough to be leaving / going to a house need not worry. 

-     Book your flight!  Ok, that’s fairly obvious.  Also make sure you’ve got a ride to the airport.  Friends visiting the same city who can take a few suitcases help too :)

Bon Voyage!

 k

Say the magic word & I’m there

Typical type A, I’ve always been an early riser.  Whether it’s to get to work (or start work I should say these days), to work out (for 5 years I woke up at an ungodly hour every Tuesday to get my butt kicked by a personal trainer), to catch an early flight, or rally for wherever life takes me – I like to start my day in a productive way.   There are many things I love getting out of bed for – reading the paper, meeting friends, yoga – but nothing beats a good SALE.  Most people grew up loving Christmas morning, I loved Boxing Day where I’d brave the malls early – get in and get out - saving hundreds of dollars in the process.  

It’s both a blessing and a curse that I live right across from one of

the best shopping complexes in California – The Grove - I can pretty much see Nordstrom from my balcony, if I counted I can’t imagine it would be more than 100 steps.  It’s closer than Whole Foods.  So imagine my excitement Friday morning when on my way to the gym, I saw this sign.  I can think of few words or phrases in the English language that garner a similar reaction in my core as that magical word.  SALE.  Close runner-ups are “gift with purchase”, “designer clearance”, “exclusive shopping event” and “free” – although I’ve learned few things worthwhile in the world of fashion are ever entirely free.  You have to spend to save!  If I told you how much I saved in a mini-shopping spree at the designer premium outlet mall in Las Vegas a few months ago you’d be very impressed.  Everything was 70% off – I couldn’t afford not to participate...  It was also my little goodbye Corporate Canada present to myself.  A gift of some new non-corporate wardrobe updates that keeps giving.

After a quick call I sadly found out the SALE above is the “half-yearly” men’s sale – I missed the women’s last month.  The saleswoman must have heard my disappointment, because she immediately reassured me that the next SALE starting July 17^th will be worth the wait.  It’s on the entire store – and doors open up 7am.  If anyone was wondering what I’ll be doing at 7am, Friday July 17^th you now have the answer.  And yes, I take requests.

k

what are they wearing?

I’ve asked this question for as long as I’ve understood what it meant – “what are they wearing? who is she wearing? what is he wearing? who is that by?”…. you get the point. I wouldn’t consider myself a girlie girl – I grew up going to camp several weeks of every summer and I’ve traveled to some far from glamorous destinations, forgoing showers & comfort for several days in search of adventure – but when it comes to fashion I’m all GIRL. I love it. The shoes, clothes, makeup, hair, accessories – ALL of it. I’ve always noticed what those around me wear, and even when it was from the GAP, Cotton Ginny, Kettle Creek – I’ve HAD to have it. It's nothing to be proud of, but in my 28 years on this earth I've learned to embrace what you cannot change. When I was 15, I remember calling all over Toronto in search of a pair of burgundy pumas that I wasn’t sure even existed. They did – and I found them. If I hadn’t I think I would have created them myself. I used to go to camp and come home wanting all of the clothes my counselors were wearing – remember Roots Tuffs anyone? I had to have the black ones. I remember wearing them to school for the first day of grade 10. Big day!

It’s come to my attention (and pleasant surprise!) that there are a few readers following who don’t know me personally – and therefore don’t know what this little business and dream of mine I’ve been referring to is all about… here goes!  www.whataretheywearing.com is your one-stop style guide; a site that will be “bringing celebrity style to you… every day” – our motto along with “great style for all” - as the idea is to profile popular items you see on your favorite TV shows, movies, as well as what celebrities are wearing in their daily lives. The site will include links of where to buy the exact item, as well as offer two other options in varying price points ($$$ lux, $$ chic & $ every day).   

My focus so far has been getting the site and it’s content ready for our July launch (exact date TBA) – meaning I’ve

been spending the majority of my time emailing publicists, agents, stylists and sales professionals for some of your favorite fashionable stars and their coveted brands. My excitement so far has been helpful & friendly replies from Christian Louboutin’s Director of Sales & the nicest star herself (Sarah Jane Morris from Brothers & Sisters - the GORGEOUS girl to the upper right) who took the time to write a paragraph about her style, and what she was wearing in several photos I sent her publicist. The remainder of my day is usually spent using google to try to figure out what these “icons”, “gurus” & “young Hollywood” girls we love are actually wearing – I usually spend at least a few hours doing this in a coffee shop close by, and I’m convinced anyone walking by thinks I’m nonstop online shopping. Oh how I wish!  Sadly nothing goes into the shopping cart – just into my database!

This week’s excitement will be the launch of my Style Guru blog – 

be sure to check out www.whataretheywearing.com/blog later this week for a taste of what’s to come!

k

My first LA week

If LA was feeling like home last week, this week it’s feeling like heaven. I spent my first weekend getting some essentials for my place from Target (there’s a reason why Oprah & most Americans are obsessed – and there’s no good reason why we don’t have this not-so hidden gem in Canada) – and getting settled into my neighborhood which I love. Highlights have of course been the Grove, as well the Whole Foods that’s ~200 feet from my doorstep – it’s open from 7am until 11pm EVERY DAY which is both amazing and dangerous. I’ve also fallen for the gym in my complex – it’s fully equipped with state of the art machines, has a great view from the treadmills, and quality yoga classes throughout the day & evening. And last but not least, one of my favorite LA spots - Runyon Canyon - is only 5 minutes away, this hike is the number one thing I’d recommend anyone to do when visiting the city (it also gives you a cheesy, yet fantastic view of the Hollywood sign). Sadly, I didn’t see Justin & Jessica, or Matthew…

By midweek I was excitedly invited to my first private screening at Fox studios for a Sandra Bullock & Bradley Cooper movie – ALL ABOUT STEVE (http://bcoopernews.wordpress.com/2009/01/09/all-about-steve-trailer/) - coming to theaters Labor Day. It’s more of an indie than Sandra’s usual romantic comedy (although I admit to loving her in “2 weeks notice” & as a Canadian dealing with visa issues I’ll definitely be going to see “The Proposal”… OK – Ryan Reynolds helps with that decision…). In ALL ABOUT STEVE, she plays an eccentric crossword-writing offbeat yet somewhat likable girl who falls for a news cameraman, and then decides to follow him across the US while he chases stories. Most interesting is that Sandra Bullock says this character is the closest she’s even been to playing herself. Definitely a conversation piece after you see it… She’s also the producer and took a massive pay cut to create this – equally impressive in my eyes. I met another producer who’s working on set with Bradley Cooper in NYC on "New Y0rk, I Love You", as well on as another project with Rachel McAdams (find me someone who doesn’t love her). It's funny hearing industry players refer to these stars as “Bradley”, “Sandra” & “Rachel” - obvious that they actually know them, and clearly on a much different level than those of us who think we know actors from the characters they play.

So despite “June Gloom” – a weather phenomenon where the blooming flowers of spring take over the typical 350-days a year sunshine, spreading overcast throughout LA county – all is well in the Golden State!

k

Feels Like Home

Most people don’t realize there’s a maximum weight for checked bags when flying.  That’s because most people would never attempt to check a bag over 60lbs (over 50lbs is when you’re charged, over 60lbs CANNOT fly – unless you opt for cargo - requiring the time and desire to get to another terminal).  Never having mastered the art of packing light, it wasn’t the first and likely isn’t the last time I'll arrive at the Air Canada desk to hear my bag is 30lbs over the legal weight restriction... oops!  I then spent the better part of 20 minutes behind the kiosk rearranging my two bags, while adding a third (thanks to Longchamps!).  After an eventful check-in, an uneventful clearing of immigration (THANK God!), and a full-on security search of my extensive carry-on(s) - the six-hour flight flew by.  I was so grateful to see my best friend at LAX – with my total baggage weighing more than me, we excitedly drove home – my new place is in the same building as hers, only four floors above.  After numerous visits I know the complex well, and I’m ready to call it home. 

My first morning as a LA resident, I went to see my place - I love it.  It’s everything I hoped for and more.  I’ve unpacked my three bags and bought a few necessities (did I mention I live across the street from The Grove?  Just a few of my favorite shops below...) - managing to get as settled as possible with all of about 20% of my belongings!

I had my first "celebrity run-in" getting into my elevator – Entertainment Tonight host -

Kevin Frazier – lives on my floor:  http://www.etonline.com/about/bio/2007/03/47535/.  

I’ll keep my eye out for more and write again next week – definitely a lot to do to get settled and have WATW up and running but so far so good.  I’m home.

k