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It's been an amazing 17 days for Canada. We won 14 gold medals and hosted the world in Vancouver and Whistler. The whole country came together to support our athletes. We are no longer Albertans, Torontonians of Quebecers. We are Canadian!

Despite the tragedy that unfolded at the beginning with the death of Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, we pulled through as a host nation to the greatest sporting event of its kind. We witnessed Alexandre Bilodeau become the first Canadian to win a gold on home soil, and see Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir win gold in ice dance, another first for Canada. When Virtue and Moir performed their free skate, I knew they were going to win. Floating on ice like angels, and performing signature moves such as the "Canadian Goose", Moir and Virtue claimed the gold medal for Canada, and were the youngest couple in history to do so.

A fan in the crowd recorded this video... or click the link to watch it with fancier camerawork. http://www.ctvolympics.ca/video/index.html?assetid=dd34d664-d55e-4f19-ace0-e8d9a49a1f89 - which I highly recommend. Their performance brought tears to my eyes, and so did Joannie Rochette when she won bronze after her mother passed away only a few days ago. To me, these skaters are not athletes, they are heros. Rochette skated beautifully and brought emotion to her audience. To stand on the podium with record-holder Yu-Na Kim is an accomplishment on its own.

I admit to exclusively watching only the figure skating events, and I can honestly say that I have never been more enthusiastic about the sport. I thank the courage and sportsmanship of the Canadian figure skating team for inspiring me to take up a childhood passion I forgot about a long time ago.

Canada might be saying goodbye to the hundreds of athletes that came to compete in beautiful B.C. and the torch might be extinguished...but all around the country, people will continue to don their red mittens with pride.

Cabin Fever

As I look out my window, snow is falling down steadily. My neighbours have made a snowman, and a dainty layer of snow covers the trees in front of my house. My garden is completely white and none of the bushes or topiaries are visible beneath the cold blanket of winter. As I sit inside, sheltered by the comfort of my house, a nostalgic feeling for warm summer months comes over me.

I miss seeing lavender and peonies grow in our garden. I miss the feeling of warmth against my skin and the energy the sun gives me. I miss going up to the cottage and spending lazy days on the dock or poolside, while being serenaded by loons and owls. Spring might be right around the corner, and my spring wardrobe might be shaping up... but this Saturday, winter is still here.

My Death by Detox

This isn't my actual obituary. I'm still alive and kicking...For reporting class, we had to write our OWN obituaries. I took this assignment with a grain of salt and decided to have fun with it. I hope to see you all at my afterparty tonight!

Natalie Svetlana Ast, 18, a journalism student and aspiring model died yesterday from drinking too much water. Ms. Ast died of water intoxication, at 11 p.m. last night after going on a detox diet.

Despite her young age, Ms. Ast was known in her community as a vibrant personality and an avid dancer and artist. She started ballet lessons at the age of four and grew into a multi-disciplinary dancer studying flamenco, tango and jazz. She was a Rising Star semi-finalist two years in a row and had the opportunity to dance at the Canadian National Exhibition. As an artist, Ms. Ast would paint and draw, influenced by her late grandfather who was a painter. She formed her high school’s art council and two of her original murals hang on the school walls.

She displayed a love of life and volunteered at many charities, such as the Santa Clause Parade and numerous animal charities. She wanted to develop her humanitarian efforts by being part of the Miss Universe Canada pageant. She was a GTA and Central Ontario finalist, and competed in a pageant in late November 2009 amongst 43 other girls.

Throughout her life, Ms. Ast grew up surrounded by animals. She cared for many pets, while also volunteering at shelters and animal hospitals. It was a dream of hers to own an alpaca farm, and her parents are converting their cottage in the Kawarthas into a hobby farm in memory of their daughter.

Ms. Ast loved to travel and experience different cultures, and aspired to become a fashion journalist. She was a first year journalism student at Ryerson University while juggling a modeling career and dance classes.

Ms. Ast’s funeral will take place on Friday Feb. 12, at York Cemetery. Since life was one huge party for her, an after party will take place in her honour at Wetbar on Richmond Street later that evening.

My Little Pony meets Wicked

Words cannot describe how I feel about this musical. I saw this drunk first time around, and my friends and I couldn't stop laughing. There are real people inside those costumes, and yet the ponies are lifelike and emotive throughout the performance. Imagine this high on acid. Can't wait for the show to come to Toronto.

Dreaming of Bugatti

This is the most expensive car on earth. And it's not the Pope-mobile. It's the Bugatti Veyron. Costing around $2 million, the car is made for you and comes in any colour. It can reach speeds of 704 km/h. In one speed test, a low-flying bird went straight through the radiator.

This photoshoot was really interesting to me. The gorgeous car is in an abandoned parking garage, yet for some reason, this model clad in couture is hanging around it. It's dark and gritty and kind of refreshing to see the car in a different light - other than a perfect black background or racing in the sand.

Although this might be ok for Barbie, this is a crime against humanity. All cars look better in black anyways.

IKEA

There are very few places in the world where adults can furnish their whole house, where children can cannonball into a ball pit, and where you can get 2 hotdogs for a dollar. This magical building is IKEA, and through out the course of my life, I have encountered many people that have never been to this establishment (you are missing out in life...)

This afternoon, my family and I went for our monthly pilgrimage to IKEA at Leslie and Sheppard (they have free shuttle buses from Leslie subway station btw). I haven't been in a while and there were numerous changes in store.

First off, the epic slide we all enthusiastically went through as children (and teenagers...) has been REMOVED. They replaced it with this, oversized mousehole thing...

This is a tragedy. It is almost as heartbreaking as when the county where my cottage is located removed the children's playground. It's sad that a happy part of my childhood taken for granted is gone. You might think I'm nuts to grieve over a 3ft high slide, but you must understand that I was deprived of the best part of the Ikea experience (and I'm not talking about the Swedish meatballs).

I never got to play in Ikea's playground. I missed out on this formative childhood experience because I was either too little, too tall or the pit was too crowded for them to accept me into the elusive play area. The slide was ALL I had. And now it's gone. I'm sure there are children out there that were rejected from the Ikea playground and they will miss out on the fun I had in that little slide.

After going through the children's department, (which I have to admit, is the most exciting part of the store) my sister found an interesting children's toy.

Although the plush cat was on sale for $7.99, I couldn't believe the pussy had NIPPLES! I couldn't stop laughing. I admit to being a cat lady, and through out my life, I have collected numerous plush cat toys, and none of them have ever had nipples. I don't think it's inappropriate for a child, in fact, it's an accurate depiction of cats... it was just unreal.

Secondly, the prices seem to be slowly creeping up... I always deemed H&M to be the IKEA of clothing stores, but like the Swedish fashion retailer, IKEA is raising their prices bit by bit. The curtains I bought two years ago are randomly double the price. Still cheap, but I hope the home store won't start to get hasty...

Another aspect that pisses me off, is the fact that their furniture is becoming increasingly more complicated to assemble. The diagrams are off, and more often than not, you are missing a vital tool to assemble the piece. If my dad wasn't an engineer, I doubt my media bookshelf would be standing as it is in my living room.

But enough hating. Even if you don't like the furniture, or the dangerous floor plan er maze of the store, stay for the meatballs.

Who & What's HOT @ the Olympics so far...

1. Evan Lysacek... the American figure skater proved to the world last night that you don't need a quad to prove that you're a man... or win gold!

He's also extremely handsome...(and he's straight, if you're wondering.)

2. The "ripped jean" snowpants the US Snowboarding team are wearing

Designed by Burton, Shaun White and all of Team US are wearing these. I love skiing and playing in the snow, but I hate the saggy, ugly snowpants. Initially, I thought that Team USA were wearing jeans, then I realized they were indeed snowpants. I can't find them online, but hopefully they will be manufactured for the masses by next season.

The Virtues of a nice Bubblebath...

You've had a long day. Your muscles ache from running around downtown, and your feet are so numb that they feel like they are about to fall off. To relax, you draw yourself a bath and add two capfuls of magic to unwind the stress encountered while taking advantage of $4 margaritas or clearance-priced boots.

The bubbles fill the tub with sudzy aromas of lavender. You sink in, and all your troubles melt away. This is an ideal way for me to end my day, and although the childish bubblebath rarely occurs in our adult lives, I believe it's time to re-imbrace it into our everyday routine.


In MTV's groundbreaking television show, Jersey Shore, Snooki decides to take a bubble bath...Hilarity ensues and champagne is involved, but Snooki seems to be enjoying herself (was a shower head involved?...that we will never know). It may look fun to empty out half a bottle of bubble bath into a jacuzzi tub (which amplifies bubble production) and then have your own foam party, but having to fight with bubbles isn't exactly relaxing. I reccommend adding 2-3 capfuls or a couple pumps of bubble bath as soon as you first turn on the tap. That way the bubbles have time to grow but won't suffocate you.As far as my personal picks for the best bubble bath, nothing can parrallel Vitabath. The instant you throw it into running water, bubbles begin to form and you are immediately being relaxed by the aromatherapy... did I mention that the green one (my scent of choice) turns the water a bit green? Sounds gross but you are truly indulging in the spa experience in your own home.

Lush carries a wide variety of bubble-bath magic. I got the 'sex bomb' bath bomb (pictured above) for my birthday... and besides its suggestive look, the bomb fizzed and filled my bathroom with a sweet smell. I wasn't crazy about the smell (I prefer more organic smells like green tea or lavender) but it was definitely a treat. I used the sparkly bath bomb once, and I tell you that it should only be used if you want to have a layer of tacky sparkles all over your body and tub. Cleaning my bathtub was a bitch. I had sparkles everywhere... next time, I'm using it at a hotel. (I feel bad for the maids though!)

There are many nay-sayers out there when it comes to baths. People think it takes too much time, or it painfully reminds them of their childhood. They clearly don't know how to unwind... Baths are not only good for relieving cramped or pulled muscles, they save the environment too. A 20 minute shower uses around 40 gallons of water, while a bath uses around 20-30. In our stressful lives, it's good to take 20 minutes out of our day to alleviate stress. I don't recall ever having a "relaxing" shower. I'm usually frantically trying to wash my hair before the cold water comes pouring out, making me scream in shock.

This is my dream tub... too bad it costs a fortune!

Bring on the rubber duckies! Bathtime is even more fun with someone... or with something waterproof...

Hit the G-Spot... or scroll through it

This mouse is called the G-Spot. It's not much of a mystery why...

The mouse (obviously) resembles a vadge. Brought to you by Andy Kurovets, it is definitely a statement on your desktop. (Imagine the reaction of your coworkers!) The "special button" in the centre ;) shortcuts you to your favourite webpage or program. I can't decide if the computer mouse is clever or trying too hard. I recommend this product for men, you might as well learn some valuable interpersonal skills while playing Warcraft.

Vienna waits for you...

One of my favourite topics of conversation is The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love. I admit to this guilty pleasure... I take great joy in watching other people fall in love with several different women with dubious backgrounds.

Over the course of this season, we follow Jake Pavelka, a commercial pilot who's searching for his co-pilot, or alternatively, someone's landing strip to land his plane on. On paper, Jake is your typical hottie, but as I continue to watch the show, his questionable taste in women and turtlenecks are making me think otherwise. There were a few standouts like the gorgeous model, Gia (who is clearly the next Bachelorette) and Allie, who were unfortunately let go.

The most interesting character on the show is Vienna Girardi. Hailing from Sanford, Florida, she is an elusive creature that crawled out of the Everglades. I will outline my case, with the help of a few pictures (courtesy of Usweekly.com)

Figure 1.0 - Vienna is a ho

This photo from a Calendar shoot (she's definitely not Miss July material) says it all... She is clad in nothing but a Burberry scarf. (I'm betting it's fake to boot!)

Figure 2.0 - Vienna is a major Diva

"Slow down, you crazy child, you're so ambitious for a juvenile." - Billy Joel. I couldn't resist throwing in this GEM of a pic. Really Jake... do you want your future kids to look like this? Not to mention her antics on the show... and her ex-boyfriend whom she was obsessed with during the taping of the show. No one deserves drama like that.

Figure 3.0 - Vienna is an "ex"-Hooters Girl

Vienna worked at this clASSy establishment (her face is circled)... but judging by the previous picture, we would assume that she wouldn't have the ahem... "assets" to qualify there. Girardi allegedly drained $5000 from her ex-husband (!! i don't recall her being a divorcee mentioned on the show!), Josh Riley's bank account while he was overseas in Iraq.

So much for a Dear-John type romance.

Jake, Vienna may "wait for you" but she might leave you, and steal $5000 to get those puppies upgraded.

If a man doesn't do a quadruple jump, then he is not a man

A wise man by the name of Evgeni Plushenko once said, "If a man doesn't do a quadruple jump, then he is not a man." Kind of ironic, coming from a man clad in a unitard adorned with rhinestones.

Plushenko's arrogant interview sounded like it was part of the script from Blades of Glory, and judging by the men's short program last night, the world is in for a treat. I predict drama, excellent skating, and Plushenko fighting to defend his title as an Olympian.

After a three year absence in the skating world, Plushenko wowed the crowd and judges with a score of 90.85. Plushenko felt 'sick' and wasn't up to his own standards. Let's hope he can pull through to Thursday!

I'm always rooting for the home team, but in skating it's all about the Russians. Plushenko, don't let the Japanese get you, YOU'RE THE MAN! (thanks to your quads)

How to Survive a Cold...

Wiarton Willy told us there was going to be six more weeks of winter. This means six more weeks of bone-chilling temperatures, and the potential to succumb to germs all around us. Last week, I became a victim of some evil bacterium... For four days and counting, I've been trying to get rid of it (it's reading week after all).

Item #1 - Breathe Right Strips

Although these things might make you look like Heidi Montag, they are a life saver. They don't contain any drugs (some are coated with menthol, if you need it) but merely open up your nasal passages so you can breathe better. Wear them to bed, or all day to help you breathe and save your throat from getting sore.

Item #2 - Vick's Vapour Rub

mmmm... the scent of menthol. Apply a thin layer before going to bed on your throat and back, magically, you won't be awakened by the urge to cough in the middle of the night. The smell is a bit strong, but it grows on you, even though you kind of turn into a greasy Christmas tree.

Item #3 - Day Time TV

Now whether this involves transvetites on the Tyra Show or titties on Springer, letting your brain turn to mush is an essential part to getting on the road to recovery. You're sick, screw concentrating. (Discovery channel is only allowed if it's Mythbusters or something with as many explosions)

Item #4 - Chicken Soup

People have claimed this to be "Jewish Penicillin"... I don't really know about that claim, or why chicken soup would be considered jewish (considering the stuff we eat out of Campbell's is matzo-ball free...sadly) but it works. The warm broth instantly clears sinuses, while administering a healthy dose of fluids. Too bad I can't taste it.

Item #5 - Complaining

You're sick after all... why not take advantage of this time and make everyone feel as useless as your physical strength. Give yourself complete license to throw a diva fit and demand for discontinued lozenge lollipops. Bitch about being sick to your friends, bitch about being sick to your followers, bitch about being sick on your blog (sorry guys...) or bitch about the humidity level until your family members turn your living room into a 16x20 area with the climate of a Brazillian jungle. I know it's bad to take out your misery on loved ones, but you can get away with it.

Get better, until then, I will be tweeting about who's (or who isn't...) the daddy on the Maury show.

I hope you don't mind that I put down in words...how wonderful life is while LOVE is in the world.

Happy Valentine's Day! Since today is dedicated to celebrating love, here are some of my favourite quotes that promote this approach to life.

"If you want to be loved, be lovable."

This proverb is very true, the attitude you project into the world is reciprocated back at you.

"Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love." - Albert Einstein

Einstein is not only a genius, he's also very witty. I believe that people naturally gravitate towards each other, but we cannot blame earth's gravitational pull for the process of falling in love with someone.

"Life is the flower for which love is the honey." - Victor Hugo

The french writer eloquently describes the balance between life and love; which is a balance I hope to achieve someday.

"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistably desired." - Robert Frost

My favourite poet of all time touches on our egos... we all want to be desired and wanted by someone. We search and long for this companionship. When we find it, the exchange is an important part of a relationship.

"I have found a paradox that if you love till it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love." - Mother Theresa

These are words to live by.

"Who being loved is poor?" - Oscar Wilde

Wilde, being my favourite author is typically melancholic. However, what he says is true. A person isn't rich if they have no love in their life, and money can't buy you love.

"It's often just enough to be with someone. I don't need to touch them. Not even talk. A feeling passes between you both. You are not alone." - Marilyn Monroe

"Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold." - Zelda Fitzgerald

My favourite jazz singer has a major point here; there are psychological studies on every aspect of our brain and our behaviours... I guess our capacity to love cannot be measured, for it is infinite.

Love, Lust and LINGERIE

Whether you are pleasing your man, or treating yourself to something special, having confidence with the way you look midway between clothed and naked is important on the day dedicated to love and lust.

Look for styles that are comfortable and well fitted. Avoid boning in corsets at all costs, unless you're willing to shell out more than $50. Chances are, the boning inside will poke at your ribs or won't contour to your body, making maneuvering ;) painful and difficult. (Foreplay is important... bodice ripping must be saved till later...)

Lace is an itchy subject with girls. Men love lace. I've yet to meet a guy that won't go wild for a pair of low brazillian-cut lace boyshorts. Consequently, women are under the impression that the textile is uncomfortable and just plain irritating. And then spandex saves the day! Stretch lace can feel as comfortable as cotton... and remember ladies, beauty is pain.

When Valentine's day comes around, why not be adventurous? Try out a daring style you haven't before or mix up what you usually wear with a splash of colour or rebellion. If you're still at a loss for ideas, you can't go wrong by exposing your inner vixen. Nothing is sexier than La Perla thigh-high sheer stockings held up by a sexy garter. Bra optional.

Photos: Left- Victoria's Secret Ribbon Lace Boyshort - $16 or 3 for $30

Right - LaPerla Garter belt approximately $139

We're going places, they never dreamed of...Oh

I received this text at 1:16 am this morning: "got tickets! april 30, mark it off!" mark what off in my calendar? Oh, just the fact that I'm seeing Dragonette... and british electronic sensation, Little Boots on April 30th.

Here's a little sampling of Little Boots...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McdqerXrwXE

Little Boots is the British Lady Gaga... only better. Her outfits aren't crazy costumey, but she is always avant garde and pushing boundaries. Her voice is sweet and breathy, while her skills on the keyboard, stylophone and the Japanese Tenori-on (the square thing that lights up) amaze. She's awfully catchy too.

And if you haven't heard of Dragonette before... shame on you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14BsjAqv-Vc

I can't wait for this concert!!! I have my outfit picked out already...

RIP Alexander McQueen

The fashion world is grieving at the loss of one of the most influential designers. I was utterly shocked to hear that Alexander McQueen, 40, committed suicide. He was under a lot of stress, and apparently lost his mother last week.

McQueen (with a little help from Lady Gaga) brought avant garde into mainstream fashion and his designs were delectable. Detailed, and exceptionally constructed, the couturier was in his own category. His pieces were modern works of art. (Who could forget the Armadillo toes?)

I can recall watching many of your shows on Fashion Television and remember being blown away every time. You are an inspiration to me, and I hope that your brand will continue to represent your unique vision on the world.

Rykiel pour H&M

I'm usually not a fan of the designer collabs at H&M. The Jimmy Choo collection was a complete disappointment for me. If I'm spending around 2 bills for a pair of shoes, I want quality, and Choo for H&M definitely didn't deliver.

H&M has been under a lot of heat recently; they destroy unsold garments instead of donating them, they rip off designers and their jewellery has been found to contain dangerous amounts of lead.

When I logged on to their website after being directed by Perez Hilton, I was shocked to see the Sonia Rykiel for H&M collection.

The collection is bright and colourful. Although the colour pallette isn't very current, and the styles are a bit costumey, I have to admit that Rykiel and the H&M team have done a good job on this one. Instead of blending in with the rest of the hipster clothes at the massive chain retailer, these pieces stand alone and would make an excellent pop in any woman's wardrobe.

I've got my eyes on the bright yellow jumper ($39.95) and the cute pink t-shirt sweater with the black crown (also $39.95). The price is reasonable, as these pieces are direct representations of Rykiel's lines (see comparison above... H&M is on the left- the sweater I want: Rykiel's designer line is on the right).

I haven't bought an H&M designer collab piece since the Mathew Williamson collection, and Rykiel's knitwear is a breath of fresh air for the down-on-their-luck retailer. Available in stores February 20th (I guess that means I have to line up...)

Thoughts on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day. Those two words, and their meaning can incite fear, anxiety and panic into some people. To others, the words bring back recollections of fond, fuzzy memories (mostly mushy).

I have to admit to the fact that I have always been a hater of the "Hallmark" holiday. I always seem to be single around this time (correlation?) and in elementary school, the stress of giving and receiving Valentines was enough to cause premature pattern baldness; I love my hair too much.

As young kids, we would send Valentines with Disney or Barbie characters to everyone in the class. We made doilie heart cards for our mommies and daddies and we ate cinnamon hearts. Then, grade four came, and so did the shift in our tendencies. From that point forward, we became selective with who we send our Valentines; and who we send our metaphorical love to. For some unknown reason, the bitter cinnamon hearts are still consumed.

The film, Valentine's Day, starring 60% of Hollywood attempts to shed a light on the highs and lows of the tumultuous day for relationships. Many people get engaged, break-up or drown their sorrows in a pint of Ben & Jerry's on this day. So much stress is put on a day that was originally created to honour a Saint, who was giving and passionate about people.

This Valentine's Day, I urge everyone to return to grade one. Spend this February 14 by sharing love with everyone. Or come to the cinema with me to see Wolfman...just don't eat too much chocolate. Your thighs will thank me later.