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