"The world's a roller coaster and I am not strapped in. Maybe I should hold with care, but my hands are busy in the air."

My personal philosophy courtesy of Mr. Brandon Boyd of Incubus. 

Let Me Introduce You To........

The Dumbest Bachelorette "in Bachelorette history"! So, I just barely controlled the urge to hurl my laptop across the room when Jillian once again fell for the ridiculous douchery that is Wes. Now, if it was dreamboat Kiptyn pulling this shit (though we all know it never could be) I might understand her idiocy, but it's not. Instead it's the dirty southern drawling, chinless, famewhoring "musician". Dude, maybe if you could write more than one subpar song success would have hit already? In what will now and forever be dubbed "the most ridiculous episode in Bachelorette history" Jillian was once again duped by this Texan tool. I hope to god, for her sake, that the producers are forcing Jill to keep him around. Otherwise, I'm afraid our once beloved Canadian girl just may deserve him. So Jill, hurry up and cut my almost perfect surfer boy Kiptyn loose so he can have his real shot at love with this slightly less gullible Canadian specimen.  

"It's Vogue Ok?"

OMFG! How is it possible that I have been completely oblivious to the fact that their is a real life version of The Devil Wears Prada currently in production entitled The September Issue? The documentary follows the notorious Anna Wintour during the production of the September 2007 issue of Vogue (the biggest issue in Vogue history) and gives an insider perspective on the most powerful woman in, not only publishing, but fashion in general. I know it's  not everyone's cup of tea, but I nearly lost my head when my pal gyoza (aka. Christina) sent word of the project. Then I checked out the trailer  and now I can't wipe the stupid grin off my face. If one day I can have a tenth of the success of Wintour I will die a happy lady, so I will be the first in line when (and if) TSI hits Canadian theaters, looking for a glimpse at her secrets. 

Vancity Vacay

Well, I'm not sure I would call three days of continuous partying a vacation, but it certainly was a trip! I forgot to take my camera out on the first night, but after arriving (first time ever enjoying a flight, executive class is like another world!) Kimbo picked me up at the airport and we headed to Yaletown to see her and D's summer rental and get a bite at the Cactus Club (bellinis and prawn ravioli trio=Heaven). Then it was time to meet up with pops for a fine feast at Gastown favourite Bonita. After dinner it was time to meet up with my beloved pal Carolynne and my VanMag lovelies Christina and Steph at The New Bohemian in Kitsilano (it's my cousin Paul's lounge and it's pretty awesome even without my bias).  We then proceeded to indulge thoroughly in the cocktail list and girly gossip. If you are ever at the NB you must try the Boho Chic, it is like liquid candy, I kid you not. So a fabulous start, but I knew Friday was going to be a busy one so off to bed I went.

Friday started bright and early with Kim picking me up at 9:30 to wisk us to a day of birthday preperations. While she was getting her eyelash extensions put in (yes we are those kind of girls) her future sister-in-law and I Daniella went and scavenged for a coffee and nourishment, or in Daniella's case tea and a scone (clearly English at the core that one). Did a little browse around the Yaletown Beauty Mark and picked up a Stila Lipglaze in grapefruit which I love and then we were off for mani pedi with the rest of Kim's gal pals. Kim is the kind of girl who has a lot of different 

groups of g-friends from all her different exploits in life. I always hear about them, but this was the first time meeting most of them, so it was really nice to put a face to all there names. She seems to be a magnet for good girlfriends in her life, so I can't imagine how big her bridal party is going to have to be when that day comes! Anyways, Kimbo was planning a heck of a birthday fete for that evening, but unfortunately the Mag Awards were also that evening, so I gave her herbirthday champs, got buffed and polished with the ladies, ate a little lunch and had to be on my way to Carolynne's salon, The Colour Box on W. Cordova, for more pre-award preparations.

Had an absolutely great time at the salon, we got a couple of pitchers of White Peach Sangria from The Greedy Pig next door that may have changed my life. I have never tasted such a amazing sangria, not even in Spain, so it inspired me to go out and buy my own Sangria jug when I got back to Calgary to experiment with. 

We were going for a Blake Lively boho-beachy 

look so Car did some great highlights and toning and sauced it all up with waves and a braid crown. The tone of the blonde ended up being perfect and the hair style lasted all weekend so that was GREAT. Don't want to put down my hairstylist here in Calgary, but I guess Car just knows what I like after so many years (we carried a bottle of bleach and a role of tinfoil across Europe to continually lighten my hair!) she just knows the drill instinctively now.

We were running quite a bit behind schedule after all the chatting and sangria, so I had to hop in a cab and make a mad dash for the Mag Awards. It is actually a really fun event even though I was clearly placed at the reject table this year! Got the chance to see my past editors at Western Living and to catch up with my fellow past WL intern Meaghen Ng.  Hadn't seen the Ngster in quite a while so it was great to get together and live it up a little (we both have a penchant for sparkling wine). Swerve had quite a bit of success at the awards and it was really nice to be there as the Boss Lady received her lifetime achievement award. She really has accomplished so much in her young life, but the honour should've been dubbed outstanding achievement rather than lifetime in her case, as I'm sure the best is still yet to come. 

Just took it easy on Saturday, sleeping and preparing energy reserves for the evening. Was really excited to have dinner at my favourite restaurant in the world Chambar with Kevin, Stephen and Carolynne. We had a really great meal and a really great time talking and laughing. We get a little carried away with our laughing so

 I wouldn't be surprised if we caused a bit of a scene with our antics surrounding a particular busboy whose rump could have cracked walnuts— I'm pretty sure he knew all four of us were scoping him out. 

Kevin was feeling a bit under the weather, so after we had a few crazy shots at Revel lounge he ducked out and Seb, Car and I headed to the Balarney Stone to meet up with Richy and the boys. I had foolishly worn my Michael Kors heels and we ended up standing in a bit of a line (I HATE standing in lines!) so by the time we got in there I was in a bit of a mood. I was just going to duck out with Carolynne, but thank the lord she donated her flip flops to my cause and Richy convinced me to suck it up and have fun. All in all it turned out to be a great time and it was so nice to hang with my boys again, apparently we had missed each other. By the time Rich and I left Mikey's place to go home the sun was rising and the birds were chirping....pretty common place for a night out with them actually.  

Spent Sunday hanging out with mom and visiting with Auntie Bev and Uncle Mark and then it was time to head back to C-Town and get back to work. I would love to say every weekend was so much fun, but it's simply not the case. I'm presently detoxing for another 6 days when Mikey and Rich will arrive for another crazy weekend (Stampede Baby!) It's hard to imagine, but next weekend could be even more ridiculous than the last...at the very least the photos will have a strong western theme. Can't wait to party with my boys again, it is going to be a very good summer if all our adventures go as planned.

The Music Man

Been working like a crazy woman since returning from Van in order to get Swerve's Stampede issue out without a hitch so, unfortunately, I haven't had the time or energy to put together a post about the trip (too much to cover on so few brain cells!). But, I have some cranky followers on my case so I thought I'd better let you know a bit about the great interview I had with the amazing Xavier Rudd yesterday. For those of you who aren't familiar with this aussi's body of work I highly recommend you check him out at xavierrudd.com for a truly unique experience.

I had the pleasure of seeing Xav play at the 2007 Blues and Roots Festival in Byron Bay Australia (where he recorded his newest album) and he blew me away (he's like a one man band with a didgeridoo!) and now after chatting with him about his favourite songs to listen to on tour (the man is DEEP) I am even more excited to see him perform here in Calgary on July 5. It's not a usual opening Stampede weekend activity, but I'm sure it will be an outstanding show and a lifelong memory, just as the first one was. 

Can't wait to sit down and write the piece tomorrow and for those of you in C-Town pick up the July 3rd issue of Swerve and see what the man had to say (and listens too) and get yourself some tickets to the show.

Packing Procrastination

I'm heading back to Vancouver tomorrow for a few reasons, but most notably to attend the Western Magazine Awards (my awesome boss lady is receiving the lifetime  achievement award even though she is much too young for it). Such a weekend requires some pretty intense wardrobe options, which requires some pretty thorough  packing....which I hate! I've put it off for two nights now hoping inspiration would hit. I've cleaned my apartment, gone to get chinese food, pondered why there are peas in my wonton soup and  now here I am blogging about packing instead of actually packing (the image above is from my last trip to San Fran, don't be fooled into thinking I have accomplished something here). Even worse than packing for me, though, is unpacking. Usually my suitcase just sits in my living room until I have eventually used everything in the bag, approximately a month or two later. Oh goody, something more to look forward to once I finally do pack!

Critical Critic

My pal (and colleague) Bruce says I am one tough cookie when it comes to musicians impressing me. Every day a few albums arrive at the office and every day I give each one three songs to impress me (that's why record labels line up all the singles at the start). More often than not I am the one who vetoes the album and sends it to the reject pile never to be heard from again (perhaps I do have a low crap tolerance after all?). After a couple particularly brutal rejects yesterday, I started to wonder when the last time I was really blown away by an album was? I miss that feeling. I'm looking for inspiration here people, so please share the last great album (or song) you loved with me. And I'm not just talking about a pretty good Kings of Leonesque  record, I'm talking about the shivers up your spine, tears in your eyes, awe inspiring kind of good. So enlighten me if you would be so kind.   

Lovely Lively

Those who know me will quickly agree that I am much more of a Blair than a Serena. Well maybe 

there is a small part of me in the "old Serena" with the martini swilling and scandalous behaviour? But, then again I am much more intregued by the Chucks of the world than by the Nates. 

So, understandably, I was slightly surprised

 as I was flipping through my stack of Vogues and had to stop and admirer the beauty that is Blake Lively—Holy smokes the girl gives good face. She even makes me give the St. Laurent jumpsuit a second glance, proving exactly why every designer would be lucky to have her in their duds. 

Once again it's photographer Mario Testino that we have to thank for these works of art, but Lively pulls off the old school glamour well. Normally it's her beachy boho hair that inspires my look (in fact she is the inspiration behind the do I have planned for the Western Mag Awards this weekend), but let's give credit where credit is do, the Veronica Lake waves suit her equally well. Now if only Vogue would get Testino to shoot Leighton for the cover they could really have my respect. This is what Vogue does so well; taking a starlet, transforming her look and putting them into an amazing photo shoot. This one is a little simpler than I normally like to see form them, but it still makes a visual impact—unlike the editorial content these days. 

Hey Daddio (And Marky)!

My pops and uncle mark made the pilgrimage to C-Town supposedly to visit me, but I was well aware that the true motivation of the road trip was to do some SERIOUS wine shopping. And shop they did—about nine cases worth. We had two great dinners together at St. Germain in the Hotel Arts and Mercato, which I have been waiting to visit since I moved here; I'm pretty sure their linguine with rock lobster has changed my life forever!

Sadly, the weekend flew by so fast and it was time for the boys to hit the road and me to get some serious writing done before going to press at work on Monday. By the looks of it, though, they will have a few souvenirs to remember me (and the trip, of course) by for a few years to come.

So You Think You Can Dance? I'm Not So Sure

Alright, so I missed the last episode where they cut things down to the top 20, so maybe I'm missing a certain element of attachment, but I am less than impressed with this years crop of dancers. It's so ho hum this year, that I'm able to text and blog while watching. That never would have happened last year with Mark, Kherington (my absolute fave), Katie and Twitch on the scene (I actually didn't care too much for Joshua, but...he won, so what do I know?). 

What is outstanding so far this episode is the lovely Cat Deeley. This photo is an old one, but I assure you, her hair, her legs and her charm have never been in finer form.FLAWLESS. Gotta ask what's going with the wardrobe department though? Cat looks great in her Stella McCartney esque frock, but the dancers are looking ghetto minus the fabulous. Where did all the Gucci of seasons of yore go?

Let's just hope it's all up hill from here cause things are looking a bit rough—maybe this is the one show in the world that Canada can beat the States in production value? 

END NOTE: Now there we go! The tenth and final couple of the night finally brought the heat! Max and Kayla came out of nowhere and delivered the hottest samba maybe ever! I never would have picked them out of the crowd, but holly smokes, they are the couple to watch now. Outstanding! 

Burn After Wearing?

So I took my biannual trip to the dry cleaner this morning (fledgling editor remember?)hoping to have the vodka-tonic spills (I know they weren't my doing, cause that were down the back!) cleaned off the silk dress I wore to my friend Laura' s wedding. The owner took one look at the beaded straps and told me they couldn't be dry cleaned. All my cocktail dresses are dry clean only, so I was flabbergasted and searched for the care instruction tag. On it read the following:

Do NOT Dry Clean

Do NOT Wash

Do NOT Iron

Do NOT Steam

Umm... WTF? Apparently Jones New York believes everyone should follow Madonna's lead and dispose of their clothes after a single wear. If that's the case I'm gonna have to have to a.) start buying my clothes at disposable prices or b.) start making a heck of a lot more coin. But what to do about this damn dress?

The World's Most Hated Bloom

Now I'm not saying I wouldn't slam the door if a date dared to show up with these—I'm more of an orchid or listhianthus kind of gal. But just this once, I decided to bypassed my usual fuchsia long-stems and  give the modestly priced carnations a try. Now don't delve too deeply into that 80's prom montage, just hear me out. As long as you steer clear of the pastels with babies breath and ferns and opt for a monochromatic arrangement in a modern vessel, I think funeral territory can be avoided, non? They are like a blanket or orange frills (forgive the amateur photography and take my word for it). Carnations, I salute you; now who's with me?   

Every Good Blog Needs Some Man Candy

Three reasons why this episode of The Bachelorette is AWESOME:

1.) Vancouver! Whooo whoo, can't wait to come home for a visit next week.

2.) Jillian is wearing the same anorak jacket she wore last season with Jason....they are really her clothes!

3.) Kiptyn, Kiptyn, Kiptyn (imagine it chanted). I knew my boy Kiptyn had this one in the bag, the first moment I saw him emerging from the surf (see above) with that smile and those abs. He's dreamy, 'nuff said.

Ahhhhhhhhh Make that 4 Reasons: Two Douchebags down, one to go! See ya later Juan and David, just wish you could have taken Wes with you.

Umm...WTF?

So there I was at my local Mission neighborhood Safeway (also affectionately known as Crapway due to it's magnificently deficient produce section) on Saturday perusing les fruits when I stumble across these little freaks of nature: Doughnut Peaches. For $7.99 a pound! Since when should tiny fruit equal inflated prices? Can someone please tell me what is wrong with a regular sized peach? Does this have something to do with supermodel diets or Manarexia? The same goes for those stupid tiny banana's that everyone (except me) showed up to school with in 7th grade. And while we're at it, let's address the issue of square watermelons; what in god's name do the farmer's have against spheres? If they were looking to improve upon the peach, maybe they could have addressed the issue of fuzz? Oh wait they did—they are called nectarines. 

The End

I have been dreading this day for the last two months;I even started rationing my nightly reading pages when I reached book four. Last night I settled down, turned on the Kings of Leon album (they are the unofficial Twilight soundtrack) and breezed through the final 80 pages. Now it feels like the day after Christmas, when all the excitement and anticipation is over and your left with an empty and slightly anxious feeling. It's hard to believe I wasted so long resisting the phenom that is Twilight. I guess I just assumed it was only for young girls and that if hysteria followed it the quality just wouldn't be there. I was wrong. This hysteria is like the one that followed The Beatles (quality) rather than The Jonas Brothers (less than stellar). There's a story there I think—better pitch it to the boss lady on Monday. Until then, I will be in mourning over the end of my Twilight era. What the heck am I supposed to read now? 

The Artist Formerly Known As Cammy D

Speaking of goddesses, can we just take a moment to worship in the splendor that is Ms. Diaz photographed by the legendary Mario Testino and featured in the June issue of Vogue. There is something about Cameron for me that I just can't put my finger on. She is just a cool chick who is not afraid to be herself, even in the superficial world of Hollywood; and the girl gives good face! Unfortunately, the same praise cannot be given to the rest of the issue. A friend and colleague of mine recently criticized, not only Vogue, but a slew of June fashion mags on her blog, ladolcerita.com, for lacking editorial content and slapping together a cut-and-paste-job of product shots. To a certain extent I have to agree that this issue of Vogue was lacking the spark that makes the mag a true leader in the industry, but as we all know, it takes a boatload of money to produce such a product and when people aren't buying copies (ahem, Rita!) and advertisers can't afford to place ads what else can they do? Don't get me wrong, no one needs to feel too badly for Anna Wintour, she created her own elitist hell, but I do think that glossies are in a serious pickle here and I'm not sure they can get out of it without serious reinvention.

So, I guess the question becomes whether or not the publishing dinosaurs are willing to let go of the industry of the past and make the changes necessary to get readers back on board. And I'm not talking about cheap gimmicks like facebook pages and twitter accounts;who gives a rats ass what a newspaper columnist is thinking at any given time? Even if I did I wouldn't want it being sent to my phone. I'm talking about looking for original thought and content, rather than continually commissioning work from their pals. 

Cameron Diaz is a fascinating woman, so why am I still reading the same story about how great her laugh is and how she has an inner spirit? If the freshest idea Robert Sullivan can come up with is a two graph lead about what a sensational driver she is, then I'm afraid it's time Ms. Wintour searched out some fresh blood. I'm not saying that youth is the answer to the industry's problems, wisdom comes with age, but it's time to start thinking outside of the box—understandably a terrifying prospect for an institution like Vogue.    

Divine Intervention

I think I may need an intervention team. I was lured into The Core shopping centre on my way to work yesterday with the intention of finally buying a black silk blouse I had been stalking for a while. Unfortunately, once inside I was not able to resist the pull of my beloved Banana Republic (if you read my recent WWBC? Swerve article you understand how deeply committed Banana and I are to each other) so made a 

quick stop to check out the jewelry case. Happily, or perhaps unhappily, depending on perspective, there was a bit of a sale happening and I scored a stunning pair of drop earrings and this blinging braided gold beauty. 

Seems I have a bit of a Grecian goddess theme going on in my recent purchases from my turquoise (aka. Weezer Blue) silk cocktail dress chosen for The Western Magazine Awards coming up in Vancouver, to my Sienna/Jesus sandals from earlier in the week—must be a summer thing, although that is mighty wishful thinking considering it snowed here last night. Damn you Calgary! 

Sandal Up

These little Nine West beauties are the perfect mix of a Sienna Miller boho moment and well, quite frankly, Jesus. I didn't have to covet them for long after I saw them in this month's In Style (aka. the bible) as I stopped to check out the merchandise on my way home from work yesterday and made a swift impulse buy. What can I say, it was love at first sight. 

Look At You...You're Like A Sexy Little Weasel

Just got back from a long weekend jaunt to San Francisco with Kimmer. What a city! Didn't realize just how much I missed the ocean living in land-locked C-town, but now I know that I am a coastal girl at heart. Luckily, when it is time to set up shop in Australia the nation will be happy to comply with my need for beaches.

In the past, I have always been somewhat of a fly by the seat of my pants traveller, but for this trip (due to the limited time and popularity of the cities restaurants and bars) the Virgo/Editor in me took over and we were scheduled and booked into the city's hotspots weeks ahead of time. Usually I would have expected such preparations to backfire big time, but happily for us the weekend went off without a hitch! 

Also in the past, I have been a backpacker on a rather "limited" (see brokeass) budget, 

but this time around K and I were all about style. Champs (Veuve Clicquot, my personal fave) and Michael Kors all the way! Every night was a new round of cocktails, wines, and fine dining with some standouts being The Slanted Door, Town Hall and a particularly rowdy evening with our new friend, the ever creative flirt Jeffery Allen, at The Bubble Lounge. This boy wins the award for most creative pickup attempt hands down. His, "I'm here with my dad, but he's picking up. I'm Jeffery Allen, can I sit with you for a minute?" line was so refreshing we even gave him our real names. The outstanding quotes about resembling prom queens, zebras and even sexy weasels that followed have earned him a permanent place in my heart.

I cannot get over just how much better the shopping is south of the border. You would think there wouldn't be that much of a difference stateside, but once you  experience it, it's like

we are living in effing Siberia up here. Why do we even bother having department stores in Canada when they are never going to measure up to the mecca known as Nordstrom? I had always thought that Nordstrom was the be all end all of retail therapy—that was before I was introduced to the wonderful world of Bloomingdales. My certainty has now been shaken. Both retailers carry goods by my boy, Michael Kors, so it makes perfect sense that my best finds (men's wear inspired gold watch and an almost too hot to handle pair of caged heels) were by the American designer.

We certainly did the town right— Even a run in with food poisoning couldn't put a damper on the experience. So cheers to you K, can't wait to meet up in our next destination of choice for some more Champs and giggles.