Birthday Bonanza

Birthday quarter is coming to a close – it’s official... I’m 29. My weekend was amazing and I’ve fallen in love with Southern California. Saturday morning we hit the road early at
7am, and after stopping for Noah's Bagels, we were in Laguna by 9 – despite some overcast it was gorgeous! Turns out my birthday surprise was a day at the Ritz!! Thank you, thank you......!! Starting with yoga in a gazebo overlooking the ocean, followed by pedicures in a world-class spa - it was heaven. We hit the beach where I was surprised with Sprinkles cupcakes (from Rodeo Drive – I can now say they’re worth the never-ending line) and wine… yum! We enjoyed the pool and amenities until heading back to LA late afternoon (I’ve never been so excited by so much car time, LOVING the new ride) – thankfully the sun had come out in full effect by about 2pm.

Back in the city we got a small group of people out at the Sunset Marquis in Hollywood for

drinks – it’s a gorgeous hotel on Sunset Boulevard with a back outdoor patio bar (where we started) and a trendy hot bar in the front (where we ended – and saw Orlando Bloom, Kings of Leon & a few other celebs) – the venue was recommended by a local friend and was just what we’d hoped for… after a few too many indulgences I can’t say I felt great Sunday but we fought it with a hike at Runyon followed by the Dodgers game (we lost to the Cubs but we’re still in first… THINK BLUE!!).

Thanks for all the birthday wishes -- love and miss you all!

k

Birthday Eve EVE

This won’t be the first birthday I’ve spent in California – I had my 26^th in San Francisco while I was there with PwC – I’d just moved out a few weeks earlier so in similar fashion the celebrations started in June & July. In my 29 years I’ve spent my birthday in three other places - Muskoka, camp, and Toronto once I entered the corporate world when my birthday fell during the week (although I almost always took the day off). This year’s festivities start gearing up tomorrow on Birthday Eve Day – with a massage and facial at The Palazzo Spa which was part of my welcome package) – and then Saturday morning I’ve been told by my best friend we have to be in Laguna Beach by 9am – with yoga & running clothes – and we’ll be back in LA in time for dinner / drinks in Hollywood – uh, OK!!!

As much as I'll miss friends & family, you've all done MORE THAN enough to make up for the distance (thank you to my former esteemed colleagues who gave me my first birthday cake this year in MAY!!!) - and of course, any day I'm here in my happy place is a day I'm all smiles...  :)  Life is good.

I have to say, Birthday-fever is spreading the continent. So thank you everyone for your well wishes – 29’s looking good so far!!

k

My life weighs 3,600 lbs

Ok – in fairness, it’s probably more like 5,000…. I have a few things stored in Toronto and with all of my trips back and fourth over the last three months (and the help of friends) – my moving truck doesn’t have my entire life – just the majority.

Imagine my surprise to find out my stuff was arriving today – 24 hours after passing my driver’s test, getting my new ride (more pictures of her to come next week – one word – LOVE) – and all in birthday week no less!  I’m really going to be calling LA home.  I’ve been loving it so far, but never underestimate the power of a kitchen table.

I moved to LA June 2^nd, I haven’t had a couch, kitchen table, desk or many other comforts of home since...  after three years of making my 10 Delisle condo perfect, I left it all behind.  I’ve slept on a mattress right on the floor (which oddly I got used to) – and survived with a few dishes and patio furniture from Target.  I have a fair bit of my clothes, but being an admitted shopaholic – there’s a lot more to come.  The weirdest revelation of my minimalist existence has been that I’ve gotten really used to it – and I almost like it… it’s simple.  It’s going to be weird to unpack all of my stuff – a lot of it clutter, and reflective of my old life – my old ways of constant busy-ness, nonstop work/ activities/ life – often forgetting to breathe!  I’ve been reminded that the most important things in life aren’t things - they’re people, experiences and places – I’m not going to pretend I’m not THRILLED about my new car, and the opportunity to sit on my couch – but I like that I know I don’t need it.

Couch or no couch, I’m home.  

k

My New Baby

As much as I LOVE the babies of my friends & family – proud parents and PAPA, you know who you are – when I refer to my baby I’m usually talking about my website – or in this case it’s an exciting purchase, like my new car. The 3-month process to get it has really felt like a birth of some sort…

In an attempt to go green, I first had my heart set on the Lexus RX hybrid (no, not for dropping kids off at the Granite) – but sadly that was a no go, so next - in an attempt to be thrifty I fell for the new VW Tiguan. It drives well & I loved the massive pana sunroof. Sadly being self-employed was a roadblock there as well… so as per usual as a new resident without any US credit history, I had to try and try again – thankfully BMW came through (and thankfully I had the dealerships working for me in tandem) and has let me lease a X3 for the duration of my visa (3 years!). The only catch being I have to get my California license before I can pick up my car. It’s ironic because the insurance companies give you a 6-month grace period to get your local license, but BMW couldn’t flex on this at all - even after a lot of begging & pleading.

I never expected at 28 (OK, a week shy of 29) to be taking an eye, written & road driver’s test– after countless hours on the phone, internet and at the DMV office itself - I can really say I’ve felt the effects of California’s budget crisis firsthand. Each call takes an average of 30 minutes on hold (thank goodness for hands-free!) – each line was at least 30 minute’s wait & you have at least 3 per visit (never mind the 35 question test took less than 10 minutes) – and the testing offices are now closed Friday & Saturdays as the State can’t afford to pay the staff.

I shouldn't complain, reading a driver’s manual is probably never a bad idea (it’s good to know California made texting & emailing while driving illegal earlier this year – and of course, heavily enforces hands-free) – and my new friends at Beverly Hills BMW are calling in a favor to get my road test that's scheduled for next week pushed up. So in the end it's worked out - I’ll have my new ride in time for my birthday (BIRTHDAY rides!!) – and after renting, cabbing, borrowing, walking & running my way around the most spread out city in North America – I’ll NEVER take having a car at my full disposal for granted again!!

I'm ready for my “ultimate driving machine, sheer driving pleasure and the ultimate driving experience”! Let's see what these Germans can do...

I can't wait to meet her!!

k

BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!

Most people know I’m REALLY into birthdays – OK, obsessed is probably more accurate. They are actually my favorite thing in life. Whether it’s a close friend/ family member/ colleague, or my own – there’s nothing I love more than to get really into the whole celebration. As I’m maturing I definitely prefer other people’s special day to mine – I love making a really big deal out of it and making people feel incredibly special. After all, it’s the one day a year that’s all about YOU. In fairness, I don’t celebrate my birthday solely on August 22^nd.

Growing up spending summers in Muskoka and having a late summer birthday meant we’d celebrate in July with my Dad, at the cottage in

August, and again in September with my Toronto friends. At age 8, I started spending my special day at camp – this was a really big deal – I was changing camps and the only 2-week session offered was during the last two weeks of August, meaning I’d be away from home on my biggest day of the year. It turned out to be fantastic because I’d now celebrate at the cottage before leaving, at camp (skipping around the dining hall and wearing a “Birthday Hat” all day) and then again several times after returning home. So for as long as I can remember, my birthday festivities have started in July and lasted well into the fall. I usually start counting down one month before from July 22nd… but once it’s August 1^st it’s officially Birthday Month. Followed of course by Birthday Week, Birthday Eve, my actual BIRTHDAY – and any celebrations trailing which are essentially Birthday Boxing Day.

I start every day reading my horoscope in what used to be The Globe, and now online – being a Leo/Virgo cusp I read both and pick whichever is better. I have strong characteristics of both signs, but I’d say overall I’m a Leo true and true (I have the Tiffany’s astrological pendant to prove it). I love when retailers ask for your birthday – this happened to me at Michael Stars in The Grove a few weeks ago, and imagine my delight when I received a card in the mail last week with a big “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” and saying I’m entitled to 15% off any purchase for all of August. Birthday month is officially here - my Muskoka birthday flowers from last weekend are below to prove it - from my mom who says every day's my birthday - uh OK!!

In case I ever miss your special day...

HAPPY BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE!!!!

k

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