I'm a firm believer in good skin care, always have and always will be. I studied make-up artistry and esthetics eons ago, long before university, because I wanted to know as much about make up and skin care (mostly for myself) and for my sister Thalia, who has also benefited from my knowledge. Over the years I've kept up with updated information, new make-up, techniques, what's in vogue, and of course new skin care innovations, creams etc. I don't make it a habit of offering unsolicited advice as I don't want to appear as a big head, but when someone asks me something, I'm always happy to share my "secrets" (well not everything, but enough).
For the last two years my Russian friend Karina has been hounding me every chance we get together or talk on the phone for skin advice. "I look old, my pores are too large, what should I do?" "Why do you have such smooth skin, do you use Botox?" "Why do you look so much younger than me?" Anyway, you get the drift, for the record, I don't use Botox (not that there's anything wrong with that if that's your preference). Karina is younger than me, but looks older due to excessive sun exposure, like tanning on the beach for hours without sunscreen (bad), drinking too much Vodka (it's a Russian thing) and not eating enough fruits and vegetables (good diet is everything). It doesn't help that she doesn't drink enough water. Being the good friend that I am, in an effort to help I always email her articles on new products, the latest study on antioxidants (the best fruits and vegetables), the benefits of water. I told her that Botox, chemical & laser treatments should be kept as a possible last resort and that she was too young for that. In an effort to dissuade her from more radical skin treatments (trust me she doesn't need it), I even compiled a comprehensive list of best skin care products (based on my personal R&D), and healthy foods for Karina to include in her diet.
So last Saturday I attended my friend Mariya's dinner party to celebrate her belated birthday. It was an intimate event, some of her close friends (including me), Karina (her other close friend) and Mariya's young kids (didn't expect that). Imagine my surprise when I walked in and saw Karina looking absolutely horrific, no exaggeration. She looked like she was part of the dinner menu itself and had been placed in boiling hot water for an extended amount of time, taken out of the water, cooled down & dunked back in the boiling water, eventually taken out and then prodded for several hours. I couldn't help but wonder if lobster was on the menu. But you catch my drift. It turns out that the idiot decided to get a chemical peel and laser treatments a week before her 31st birthday (as she thinks she's over the hill). Well someone ought to roll her down the hill as it was hard to look at her, while simultaneously wanting to stare at her face at the same time. I was thinking to myself over dinner, "What the f---k did you do you to your face, you moron?" While trying to have pleasant conversation with Mariya and her friends and trying to pretend Karina wasn't there. Karina, oblivious to the overall reaction to her face, innocently asked, "Do you like my hair, I lightened it?" I looked around the dinner table to see if it was just me and it was confirmed by the other shocked faces that Karina was either clueless or in complete denial.
When Karina decided to suddenly bail after dinner due to a sudden suspicious headache, after receiving a mysterious text. Mariya pulled her aside and said, "What the hell have you done to your face? You look awful!" I wasn't going to say anything at the dinner party, but Mariya asking was perfect. Karina became extremely defensive. She looked my way and snarkily replied, "Creams don't work". I simply shook my head and replied, "No more skin care advice for you". What I should have said is, "Have you actually looked in the mirror?" My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Mariya's six year old daughter tugging at her mother's dress and sweetly asking, "Mommy what happened to Aunty Karina's face?" Karina quickly gathered her stuff, waived goodbye and left.
I called Karina to wish her a Happy Birthday today and to also inquire about the dinner plans for tonight, and she made an excuse about not wanting to celebrate today, preferring to stay indoors (solo). Hallelujah! Yes please stay indoors, because truthfully, I don't want to be seen in public with her until her face looks normal again. Don't feel bad for Karina, I know her, she has an intimate dinner planned with her on again/off again lust interest, and that's the real reason she cancelled. I just hope she wears a veil!. At the end of our phone conversation Karina said, "My next chemical peel is in another few weeks and I know my skin will look amazing". While she was blathering on, I was wondering if I should give her a mask for her birthday present. My response to Karina, "No comment". Enough said!
Moody Girl Out.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Monday, 31 October 2011
Masquerade Charade
Is it me or has Halloween become a huge deal? There's no escaping it wherever you go. Halloween parties in the city took place from last Thursday right through the weekend. Earlier today there were celebrations taking place at all the restaurants, bars and even offices - during the day, during business hours! This evening all the cute little ones & (some big scary ones) will be embarking on a door to door journey in search of candy. Kids can dress up in their favourite super hero, monster or fairy costume in search of candy from strangers. They're not quite aware of their identity yet and can instantly become transformed (so they think) into their favourite character. At a masquerade party, you can become anyone you choose to, such as a famous character and have fun for a few hours pretending to be someone else. Sometime we need costumes to disguise who we truly are on the inside and other times we can can disguise ourselves with a good outfit and the right attitude!
I wore my own version of a costume earlier today, not so much for Halloween but rather an important job interview. After all it doesn't have to be Halloween to wear a mask, a metaphorical mask that is. I took out my best professional yet fashionable ensemble, shoes and accessories. I had a fantastic hair day, girls know that a good hair day is equated with a good day (most of the time). My make-up was flawless, subtle but polished. I looked the part of a sassy, sophisticated Assistant to the Publisher (that's a mouthful, but it sounds important). I was amazed at how a simple transformation on the outside could have such a positive effect on the inside. I look the part, therefore I am the part. Tres dramatique?
We wear different masks everyday to convey to the world a particular character. To a potential employer, a face of enthusiasm and confidence is equated with competence and potential new employee material, regardless of how you may be feeling on the inside. It had been a while since my last interview, so I have to admit I was feeling a bit defeated and rejected. Just getting an interview with this company today boosted my confidence immediately. I mean, they wanted to see me :) Now reality has already set in and I've changed into my regular uniform, the one that allows me to eat chips and salsa right after I had fish and chips kind of uniform. Just as I changed, so did my thoughts, the doubt started to creep in. What if they hated me? What if I failed their test (yes there was a test, can you believe it?) How am I going to get there for 9 am if I'm hired? (Too many late nights). Now I realize that things can go either way and I can be employed full time next week on my way to a new career path, and then shortly after start complaining about my idiot boss, the work load, the traffic, blah, blah, blah or be in exactly the same situation...Ground Hog Day. Regardless of the outcome, I know the mask I conveyed today was one of strength (at the time). Perhaps I need to wear this mask more often...hmmm? In the meantime, my dear ghouls, goblins and everything in between, I bid you adieu!
Moody Girl Out.
I wore my own version of a costume earlier today, not so much for Halloween but rather an important job interview. After all it doesn't have to be Halloween to wear a mask, a metaphorical mask that is. I took out my best professional yet fashionable ensemble, shoes and accessories. I had a fantastic hair day, girls know that a good hair day is equated with a good day (most of the time). My make-up was flawless, subtle but polished. I looked the part of a sassy, sophisticated Assistant to the Publisher (that's a mouthful, but it sounds important). I was amazed at how a simple transformation on the outside could have such a positive effect on the inside. I look the part, therefore I am the part. Tres dramatique?
We wear different masks everyday to convey to the world a particular character. To a potential employer, a face of enthusiasm and confidence is equated with competence and potential new employee material, regardless of how you may be feeling on the inside. It had been a while since my last interview, so I have to admit I was feeling a bit defeated and rejected. Just getting an interview with this company today boosted my confidence immediately. I mean, they wanted to see me :) Now reality has already set in and I've changed into my regular uniform, the one that allows me to eat chips and salsa right after I had fish and chips kind of uniform. Just as I changed, so did my thoughts, the doubt started to creep in. What if they hated me? What if I failed their test (yes there was a test, can you believe it?) How am I going to get there for 9 am if I'm hired? (Too many late nights). Now I realize that things can go either way and I can be employed full time next week on my way to a new career path, and then shortly after start complaining about my idiot boss, the work load, the traffic, blah, blah, blah or be in exactly the same situation...Ground Hog Day. Regardless of the outcome, I know the mask I conveyed today was one of strength (at the time). Perhaps I need to wear this mask more often...hmmm? In the meantime, my dear ghouls, goblins and everything in between, I bid you adieu!
Moody Girl Out.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Dark Days, Sour Face
It seems like I'm always complaining about the weather, but really the weather has sucked lately. I'm sensitive to many things, extreme weather of course is never a good thing. I seem to be touchy to everything these days, such as, gloomy, cold days, (adds to the moodiness), bright sunny days, if it's too hot (I get tanned sitting by the window). Heavy rain (not good for my hair), humidity (even worse for my hair). Crazy windy weather (even worse than humidity for my hair). Well you get my drift. October hasn't been it's usual pleasant Indian summer weather, apart from a few random days of perfect weather it's generally been dark, rainy, cold, extremely depressing weather. The howling winds outside my window seem to be echoing my inner screams.
The days are fading into each other and I have no concept of time and space, er, until I look at a calendar or a clock of course. Numbness consumes me, apart from the ringing sound in my head that seems to go off in the middle of the night and jolts me back to reality, plus there's the lunatic who lives above me that drives me crazy with his stomping around at 4 am. It's almost November and I still haven't found a new full time job :( Panic mode is in full effect upon the realization that time's up and there are no more life lines. My White Knight (from the previous blog) turned into Flight Knight! After weeks of chasing M to follow up with his contact at C_____C, my emails were evaded until last Saturday, when I received a polite email saying that his contact informed him that the position had been filled with someone internally, and for me to keep trying. What the hell? I didn't even get to wear my best interview outfit as there was no interview. What kind of contact is that! Thanks a lot for your help Flight Knight! I know he tried his best, after all he is sleep deprived, working long hours, has a demanding wife and a brand new baby, but what about me? :0
I mean Halloween is around the corner, and after that the focus is on the holiday season. It's been a never ending parade of birthday celebrations this month, and will continue in November. It's not a good feeling when I can't even muster up enough energy (mental or physical) to socialize with my friends. I feel bad, because I don't want to be that person who bows out with a flimsy excuse like on Thalia's birthday dinner. (I won't mention any names, you know who you are - Shabana). Okay the real truth is that driving has become ridiculous in this city, you can't get anywhere in less than 1.5 hour and that's one way on a good day. So you throw in the bizarre weather patterns and accident prone drivers, and then you're forced to add on even more time to the commute, which is maddening! So you take 4+ hours out of your day (coming and going) for a couple of hours of dinner - please! Oh, let's not forget where to eat, where to park, what to wear, who's gonna pay? What? Where? Wear? "Lions and tigers and bears oh my". Evidently, I'm The Scarecrow, Tin Man, The Lion and Dorothy all wrapped up in one.
No surprise, I'm feeling insular these days and rarely venture out unless I absolutely have to (groceries). I'm wearing the same thing over and over again because it's "comfortable" and provides a good disguise while I drown my sorrows in an overload of carbs and simultaneously avoid the scale. I still haven't brought out my fall/winter wardrobe out yet. I'm still stuck in summer mode mentally. I can't believe that it's the middle of October already! My life seems suspended in time (and funds), which is sort of ironic as time is flying by too quickly and the bills keep on coming. As one of my mum's favourite proverbs goes, "Time and tide waits for no one". Ain't that the damn truth!
Sour Face Moody Girl Out.
The days are fading into each other and I have no concept of time and space, er, until I look at a calendar or a clock of course. Numbness consumes me, apart from the ringing sound in my head that seems to go off in the middle of the night and jolts me back to reality, plus there's the lunatic who lives above me that drives me crazy with his stomping around at 4 am. It's almost November and I still haven't found a new full time job :( Panic mode is in full effect upon the realization that time's up and there are no more life lines. My White Knight (from the previous blog) turned into Flight Knight! After weeks of chasing M to follow up with his contact at C_____C, my emails were evaded until last Saturday, when I received a polite email saying that his contact informed him that the position had been filled with someone internally, and for me to keep trying. What the hell? I didn't even get to wear my best interview outfit as there was no interview. What kind of contact is that! Thanks a lot for your help Flight Knight! I know he tried his best, after all he is sleep deprived, working long hours, has a demanding wife and a brand new baby, but what about me? :0
I mean Halloween is around the corner, and after that the focus is on the holiday season. It's been a never ending parade of birthday celebrations this month, and will continue in November. It's not a good feeling when I can't even muster up enough energy (mental or physical) to socialize with my friends. I feel bad, because I don't want to be that person who bows out with a flimsy excuse like on Thalia's birthday dinner. (I won't mention any names, you know who you are - Shabana). Okay the real truth is that driving has become ridiculous in this city, you can't get anywhere in less than 1.5 hour and that's one way on a good day. So you throw in the bizarre weather patterns and accident prone drivers, and then you're forced to add on even more time to the commute, which is maddening! So you take 4+ hours out of your day (coming and going) for a couple of hours of dinner - please! Oh, let's not forget where to eat, where to park, what to wear, who's gonna pay? What? Where? Wear? "Lions and tigers and bears oh my". Evidently, I'm The Scarecrow, Tin Man, The Lion and Dorothy all wrapped up in one.
No surprise, I'm feeling insular these days and rarely venture out unless I absolutely have to (groceries). I'm wearing the same thing over and over again because it's "comfortable" and provides a good disguise while I drown my sorrows in an overload of carbs and simultaneously avoid the scale. I still haven't brought out my fall/winter wardrobe out yet. I'm still stuck in summer mode mentally. I can't believe that it's the middle of October already! My life seems suspended in time (and funds), which is sort of ironic as time is flying by too quickly and the bills keep on coming. As one of my mum's favourite proverbs goes, "Time and tide waits for no one". Ain't that the damn truth!
Friday, 30 September 2011
White Knight, Ray of Light
Tomorrow is Nuit Blanche in Toronto - an annual all night festival of art and multi-media. Traditionally huge crowds of people swarm the city and prowl the streets, some for the art and others just for the sake of being outdoors for no reason other than to be hooligans. Regardless, it is a celebrated event that everyone looks forward to, as it's a magical night in Toronto.
Being the last day of September, White Night or Nuit Blanche got me thinking of a different kind of White Knight, not the kind that fairy tales are made, but perhaps the most unexpected person that can possibly save the day. This friend is known as M, and is my sister Thalia's best friend, and is a wonderful, sweet soul. Since M has some contacts in the film and television world, he graciously forwarded my resume to one of his contacts at a premier television/production company in the city. He emailed me today with the reply his contact sent back, and there may be a possible opening for moi! Yippee! Dare I say, I almost feel hopeful. All I need is a break, where my resumes don't get lost in a flurry of email submissions and never get read, or worse the corporate websites where I apply and never hear anything back after spending upwards of an hour filling out their extensive questionnaire, uploading my resume and writing an essay.
Okay, I'm trying not to get ahead of myself, but can't help but wonder if the universe was waiting for the right time, as everything in life is about timing (and contacts). Oh please, please M's contact at ___________ call me! All I need is an interview, I know I can win them over. My horoscope has been implying that an auspicious occasion is near and that I need to be patient.
This week, Thalia and I visited M and his wife at their home, as they have a brand new baby girl. When I met the cute baby girl, all my cynicism floated away. When I held her, she felt like a ball of love in my arms. It's been a while since I held a cute baby, and I like this one a lot. She represents hope and I couldn't help but feel that perhaps my metamorphosis is also taking place, slowly but surely. Then something unexpected happened after my visit, I actually allowed my thoughts to drift into baby territory. Thinking to myself about how great it would be to have a baby girl. What? Then I went grocery shopping tonight and was terrorized by screaming, screeching, ill mannered children everywhere. I was so annoyed by them! I couldn't wait to get back to my quiet condo. I digress, okay the baby moment is over, but M's baby was more of a symbolic awakening for me, possibilities, birth, renewal, new beginnings etc. (you get my drift).
Well it's Friday and another weekend is upon us along with the start of October tomorrow, and today my usual disappointment at the end of the week is replaced with a glimmer of hope. Perhaps the start of something new awaits me next month. It's been a rough couple of months and I could sure use some positive news right about now. I'm ready to celebrate what's about to come knocking at the door. Maybe? Hopefully!
In the meantime, I look forward to celebrating my sister Thalia's birthday tomorrow, with my ever constant White Knight(ess), when the sky is black and is illuminated by lights during Nuit Blanche .
Moody Girl Out.
Being the last day of September, White Night or Nuit Blanche got me thinking of a different kind of White Knight, not the kind that fairy tales are made, but perhaps the most unexpected person that can possibly save the day. This friend is known as M, and is my sister Thalia's best friend, and is a wonderful, sweet soul. Since M has some contacts in the film and television world, he graciously forwarded my resume to one of his contacts at a premier television/production company in the city. He emailed me today with the reply his contact sent back, and there may be a possible opening for moi! Yippee! Dare I say, I almost feel hopeful. All I need is a break, where my resumes don't get lost in a flurry of email submissions and never get read, or worse the corporate websites where I apply and never hear anything back after spending upwards of an hour filling out their extensive questionnaire, uploading my resume and writing an essay.
Okay, I'm trying not to get ahead of myself, but can't help but wonder if the universe was waiting for the right time, as everything in life is about timing (and contacts). Oh please, please M's contact at ___________ call me! All I need is an interview, I know I can win them over. My horoscope has been implying that an auspicious occasion is near and that I need to be patient.
This week, Thalia and I visited M and his wife at their home, as they have a brand new baby girl. When I met the cute baby girl, all my cynicism floated away. When I held her, she felt like a ball of love in my arms. It's been a while since I held a cute baby, and I like this one a lot. She represents hope and I couldn't help but feel that perhaps my metamorphosis is also taking place, slowly but surely. Then something unexpected happened after my visit, I actually allowed my thoughts to drift into baby territory. Thinking to myself about how great it would be to have a baby girl. What? Then I went grocery shopping tonight and was terrorized by screaming, screeching, ill mannered children everywhere. I was so annoyed by them! I couldn't wait to get back to my quiet condo. I digress, okay the baby moment is over, but M's baby was more of a symbolic awakening for me, possibilities, birth, renewal, new beginnings etc. (you get my drift).
Well it's Friday and another weekend is upon us along with the start of October tomorrow, and today my usual disappointment at the end of the week is replaced with a glimmer of hope. Perhaps the start of something new awaits me next month. It's been a rough couple of months and I could sure use some positive news right about now. I'm ready to celebrate what's about to come knocking at the door. Maybe? Hopefully!
In the meantime, I look forward to celebrating my sister Thalia's birthday tomorrow, with my ever constant White Knight(ess), when the sky is black and is illuminated by lights during Nuit Blanche .
Moody Girl Out.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Nosferatool
I was going to begin with a quip about how it's officially fall and the rainy, dull weather is fitting. But oh wait, some bozo decided to move the first day of fall to September 23rd instead? Like it's going to matter that it's technically still summer. Let's face it people, fall is here whether the calendar says it or not. You can feel the change in weather. The days are shorter, the sun makes a brief appearance and disappears and then the clouds part for the rain.
This kind of weather evokes something darker and melancholy in me, the little pep I had in the summer has long gone and the moodiness is in full force to compliment the dark days of fall. In my world, I'm more acutely aware of the Nosferatool(s) around me. These are the emotional vampires/dolts that pop up to drain me of what little energy I have left. I seem to be surrounded by them at every turn lately.
Just when I begin to channel a glimmer of hope and positivity to bring me out of my funk. A Nosferatool will appear or call me on my phone at the most inopportune time to blather on about their insignificant problems that I've heard a million times before. Now a Nosferatool is not looking for a solution to their most recent or past problem, they just want to vent, pause and repeat it all over again the next day. So in my moody haze I can take one of two approaches. 1) Listen and detach emotionally while giving a "uh huh" every few minutes while (in my head, plan something good to eat for dinner tomorrow night, usually a carb high). 2) Engage, and attempt to problem solve, only to get pulled into a heated conversation, until my blood pressure rises and my head explodes. Suffice to say Option 2 is not the optimal way of approaching things, in this case Option 1 serves my cause better when I'm already feeling physically and mentally depleted. A Nosferatool is merely looking to feed on emotional energy, they're not concerned about the after effects they have on you. It's all about them.
The clueless Nosferatool may not necessarily express their understanding of your current situation that has left you feeling so defeated, or maybe after a long day when you want to hear some uplifting words, instead you hear, "Snap out of it, it could be a whole lot worse". Wow, thanks, I feel so much better now, and you think to yourself, why did I let you trick me into thinking that you might say something intelligent for once! This was just one big waste of time. Or if your job search is not going well a clueless Nosferatool may suggest that you try becoming a driving instructor or a postman and doesn't necessarily understand that you've spent a great part of your life completing a degree, that will hopefully jump start a possible second career of your dreams. A Nosferatool can often be out of synch with who you are and say hurtful things inadvertently in an effort to help you.
The self absorbed Nosferatool is the worst kind there is. This joker will pretend that they care about you and lull you into a false, hopeful state by pretending that spending a fun night together is just what you need. In actuality the self absorbed Nosferatool arrives in a bad mood because of something stupid like heavy traffic and then proceeds to vent irrationally about some nobody who cut them off an hour ago on the highway. Then, a fun night like going to the movies, becomes a dreaded horror of your own. An ironic contrast between seeing a funny light flick like say, Crazy Stupid Love, while the self absorbed Nosferatool is still reeling from the fact that you accidentally knocked over their popcorn, while trying to find the chocolate box you dropped. Yeah, a real fun night, we should do this again sometime!
Nosferatool(s) are are not ill intentioned people and there is no malice on their part. It is up to us to spot the signs of a Nosferatool, especially when low on energy reserves. It doesn't mean we don't love them or care for them, but we have to look out for ourselves too. It is up to us to protect ourselves and create a barrier between us and them. During these times seek out the Uplifter(s) - the warm, kind souls that understand you, and provide a source of light that makes you feel that anything and everything is possible no matter what. An Uplifter just may be the right antidote to a Nosferatool.
Moody Girl Out.
This kind of weather evokes something darker and melancholy in me, the little pep I had in the summer has long gone and the moodiness is in full force to compliment the dark days of fall. In my world, I'm more acutely aware of the Nosferatool(s) around me. These are the emotional vampires/dolts that pop up to drain me of what little energy I have left. I seem to be surrounded by them at every turn lately.
Just when I begin to channel a glimmer of hope and positivity to bring me out of my funk. A Nosferatool will appear or call me on my phone at the most inopportune time to blather on about their insignificant problems that I've heard a million times before. Now a Nosferatool is not looking for a solution to their most recent or past problem, they just want to vent, pause and repeat it all over again the next day. So in my moody haze I can take one of two approaches. 1) Listen and detach emotionally while giving a "uh huh" every few minutes while (in my head, plan something good to eat for dinner tomorrow night, usually a carb high). 2) Engage, and attempt to problem solve, only to get pulled into a heated conversation, until my blood pressure rises and my head explodes. Suffice to say Option 2 is not the optimal way of approaching things, in this case Option 1 serves my cause better when I'm already feeling physically and mentally depleted. A Nosferatool is merely looking to feed on emotional energy, they're not concerned about the after effects they have on you. It's all about them.
The clueless Nosferatool may not necessarily express their understanding of your current situation that has left you feeling so defeated, or maybe after a long day when you want to hear some uplifting words, instead you hear, "Snap out of it, it could be a whole lot worse". Wow, thanks, I feel so much better now, and you think to yourself, why did I let you trick me into thinking that you might say something intelligent for once! This was just one big waste of time. Or if your job search is not going well a clueless Nosferatool may suggest that you try becoming a driving instructor or a postman and doesn't necessarily understand that you've spent a great part of your life completing a degree, that will hopefully jump start a possible second career of your dreams. A Nosferatool can often be out of synch with who you are and say hurtful things inadvertently in an effort to help you.
The self absorbed Nosferatool is the worst kind there is. This joker will pretend that they care about you and lull you into a false, hopeful state by pretending that spending a fun night together is just what you need. In actuality the self absorbed Nosferatool arrives in a bad mood because of something stupid like heavy traffic and then proceeds to vent irrationally about some nobody who cut them off an hour ago on the highway. Then, a fun night like going to the movies, becomes a dreaded horror of your own. An ironic contrast between seeing a funny light flick like say, Crazy Stupid Love, while the self absorbed Nosferatool is still reeling from the fact that you accidentally knocked over their popcorn, while trying to find the chocolate box you dropped. Yeah, a real fun night, we should do this again sometime!
Nosferatool(s) are are not ill intentioned people and there is no malice on their part. It is up to us to spot the signs of a Nosferatool, especially when low on energy reserves. It doesn't mean we don't love them or care for them, but we have to look out for ourselves too. It is up to us to protect ourselves and create a barrier between us and them. During these times seek out the Uplifter(s) - the warm, kind souls that understand you, and provide a source of light that makes you feel that anything and everything is possible no matter what. An Uplifter just may be the right antidote to a Nosferatool.
Moody Girl Out.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Army of Forgotten Shoes
Summer is almost over, where did the summer go? I know it's not officially the end of summer, but you know what I mean - tomorrow is September - what? So I was perusing through my September issue of Vogue - love it! The fall fashions as always are breathtaking and depressing. Why depressing? Because I have no budget for fall fashions this year :( I mean not yet, I always find a way one way or another. Any way it just seems like I finally put my fall/winter clothes/shoes away a few months ago.
When I opened my closet I realized that I had an astounding number of boxes with hidden shoes, I say hidden because if it's not right in front of you when you open your closet, then you tend to forget what you have, the same applies to clothes. I've always found that taking out a pair of shoes that have been "forgotten" is a great way to cheer myself up and re-energize my current wardrobe. So I went through all my closets (I have three, but it's not enough) and pulled out the boxes and went on a trip down memory lane. This is an account of a select group of designer shoes and memories:
Ah, there they were, my sexy, black leather patent shoes with a killer heel also known in my home as The Tango Shoes. I put those on and I was immediately transported to the night when Little Dragon performed at Wrongbar and I wore those shoes. I looked taller, slimmer and my butt looked awesome. That was a good night, and a great night for my hair, along with my sleek, black ensemble and red lips. Oh by the way, Grant Bedford was there, along with Thalia and The Complicator! After a few hours, the killer heels did a number on my feet and trying to walk out of the club like a normal person was excruciatingly painful.
The next box revealed my strappy, flirty Cinderella Shoes - guaranteed to make you feel like a princess, regardless of the outfit, fancy or not. I had worn these bejeweled shoes to my cousin's wedding a few years back and my shoes garnered just as much attention as my oh, so gorgeous dress. I was the belle of the ball, yes I know you're not supposed to upstage the bride on her wedding day, blah, blah, blah - but I looked great that night! This relationship started out lovey dovey and turned bitter by the end of the night, like they do with all my favourite shoes.
Then I came across another pair of designer shoes, the most expensive shoes I had in my closet. My S&M Inspired Shoes, black patent leather with a peekaboo cutout and triangular heel. The shoe salesperson had guaranteed that these shoes would be comfortable to walk in, and I wouldn't be able to live without them. It turned out that these shoes turned on me, they are my enemy, I do not have a love affair with them as looks can be deceiving. These shoes were the most painful shoes I've ever had and challenges the notion that super expensive means great quality shoes. I hate these shoes, they caused me so much pain, and continue to cause me pain when I look at them, when I'm reminded of how much they cost - boo hoo!
The next box revealed my Romantic Shoes, a sublime pair of two-toned rose and chocolate coloured pointy slingbacks. These shoes are a prized possession and when I put them on, I was taken back to the Marcus Miller Show at The Opera House, a couple of years back. That was a fun, summer night and I looked svelte in my plum and black ensemble with tousled hair and berry lips. There were a whole bunch of us that night, so I had to look good. Let's see, me of course, my sister Thalia, The Complicator, Grant Bedord (bonus), my friend Jenny, Thalia's friend The Professor, and The Complicator's "straight" male friend Miss Tobinsky (I'll explain in a later blog). Ah, it was a magical night indeed.
Last but not least, my Golden Goddess Shoes, one of my favourite pairs of dainty, gold strappy sandals. (Thalia has a pair too, we both couldn't resist). My fondest memory is seeing Marcus Miller (the first time) at the Toronto Jazz Festival. I was wearing a form fitting, summery, light green dress with these shoes. I felt beautiful that evening and Grant Bedford's face lit up when he saw me. The Complicator gave me the look he always does, as if I'm too dressed up - whatever! Thalia looked drop dead gorgeous. She wore a black, Spanish inspired romantic, dress with a teal, silk ruffle scarf wrapped around her neck, and was wearing her black patent Talk to Me if You Dare slingbacks. Grant Bedford's mysterious friend appeared to be hypnotized by Thalia's presence. How can I say this, we looked marvelous! Thalia and I looked and felt a-m-a-z-i-n-g. We made quite the entrance and left quite the impression, I'm sure of it!
Basically, a favourite or forgotten pair of shoes can change the way you look and feel in an instant. The right pair of shoes can infuse new life into an old outfit. Shoes can evoke a memory that is locked in a special or not so special place in your heart. Within each pair of forgotten shoes lies a secret sole. On the other hand, love hurts, you can look good on the outside and be dying of pain on the inside. But all in all it is a love affair that I will never give up!
Moody Girl Out.
Thursday, 18 August 2011
New York I Love You
Well it's only been a couple of weeks since my whirlwind trip to NYC and I've been in a bit of a funk since I got back. It doesn't help that Mercury is in retrograde and there was a wicked full moon last week. I was close to turning from Moody Girl to a full on beast.
Anyway New York City was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! It makes Toronto look like a sleepy little town in comparison. There was so much excitement, lots of hustle and bustle, masses of people everywhere and a lot of tall, skinny bitches. Of course, there were museums, galleries, the best retail stores, restaurants and tall skinny bitches. I think I developed a bit of a complex after visiting. Suffice to say I'm not tall or er skinny, but in my head I sometimes think of myself as both (if that makes any sense). Well that particular delusional view didn't quite translate in NYC as I would every so often get a quick glance of my reflection. Yikes! Obviously there was something wrong with the glass and mirrors in New York as I seemed to appear a lot shorter and wider. Now I happen to be petite (don't like short) and curvy but fit (okay I'm working on the fit part) but because I'm small boned, I tend to give myself a pass more often than I should. Anyway, since I've been back, I've done a couple of workouts, I hope I can continue this rigorous routine.
The Complicator drove us everywhere and kept snapping at me the whole time as apparently I was unable to read the minuscule print on the map, walking too slow blah blah blah. Oh well, the price you pay for going on a trip with him. Of course he did enjoy my company, that's how he expresses his affection, by bossing me around! We were up at 7 am and didn't return to the hotel till well after midnight every day/night. The Complicator kept saying, "There is so much to do and to see". Yeah whatever, "You're killing me you stupid maniac", is what I was thinking. We barely spent any time at the lovely hotel we stayed at and missed cocktail hour there daily, due to his fanatical schedule.
Okay it was really hot and there was a lot of walking. I wanted to look cool so I took my best outfits and shoes but they didn't serve me well in the heat. Wrong fabrics clinging in the humidity not so sexy when outlining the wrong curves. I ended up looking totally disheveled, hair pulled back in a high ponytail and not as sophisticated as I had envisioned. I had to eventually resort to my uncool but very comfortable sandals and looked even shorter at that point. The Complicator didn't have to do anything special, he was totally casual in T-shirt and shorts and was still getting looks from tall skinny bitches. The Complicator commented that the women were in sick shape, I snarkily replied, "I didn't notice".
Okay so my highlight wasn't sitting next to Mickey Rourke, having breakfast at a charming Belgian restaurant, but rather when The Complicator and I ran into Grant Bedford. Who is he you ask? Well he's one of the most eligible bachelors who resides in Toronto but as of the past year has been living in NYC. He also happens to be The Complicator's friend (and mine). Okay so it wasn't a completely fortuitous meeting. I happened to email him the night before we were leaving, casually mentioning that we would be in NY and wondering if he was available so that we could get together for a drink and catch up. Much to my sheer delight he responded favourably. I tried to play it cool in front of The Complicator but inside I was jumping for joy. Okay so Grant Bedford is kind of like every character Hugh Grant has played, and there is something so charismatic about him that just makes me so happy anytime I'm around him. Ditto for The Complicator, he becomes a different person, much more likeable and fun (he is a Gemini after all). He's hardly that way with me these days. Anyway, I digress, Grant Bedford called The Complicator and suggested we meet in Williamsburg and go for dinner Saturday night. Yippee, I couldn't wait for Saturday night to come, Saturday was our SoHo day and we went to every gallery and store in the area until I was completely worn out by 6 pm. After the heat, the walking, the snippiness, I wasn't feeling as giddy by the end of the day. Then Grant Bedford changed the time from 7 pm, to 9 pm to 10 pm - I thought I was going to lose my friggin mind - come on already, I can't wait anymore.
Luckily there was a small window where I forced The Complicator to drive back to the hotel so I could freshen up, thank goodness for that. I was able to pull myself together and was finally pleased with the end results. I slipped back into my strappy heels even though my feet were killing me and wore my colourful va va voom dress. 10 pm finally came around and we met up in Williamsburg (oh yeah The Complicator was there too). There he was, just as youthful as ever with those dreamy brown eyes and boyish grin. However, Grant Bedford neglected to make reservations on a Saturday night, so we went to a few places before we could actually get seated. By the time dinner came around it was after midnight, but who cares about hunger pangs when you're with Grant Bedford. I felt like I was lit from within and grinning like a fool all night, so much so that The Complicator gave me a quizzical look a few times. I was laughing and so happy listening to Grant Bedford's narcissistic stories. Oh, he also mentioned that his current squeeze Tadpole (okay that's not her name) was moving in with him - yeah whatever, I totally blocked that out. Did I mention that I felt so confident and was getting a few looks at the restaurant and the waiter was totally flirting with me. It was a great confidence booster and just what I needed in the land of the beautiful people. Anyway, historically speaking, Grant Bedford has seen me with many different looks over the past decade and one thing has always been consistent, he always looks at me adoringly, like the first time we met. Seeing myself in his eyes was just what I needed to feel sexy again, and I did feel sexy. Half the time I forgot that The Complicator was even there. It was a magical evening indeed, the food tasted better, the wine tasted better, the ambiance was cozy, the music was perfect. A magnificent and memorable evening.
When Grant Bedford dropped us back at The Complicator's car, he gave me a kiss on both cheeks and just as I was exiting his car, he said, "I'll be back in Toronto in September, we should get together" the whole time eyes locked on me. You don't have to tell me twice, I've been counting the days since I got back!
Moody Girl Out.
Anyway New York City was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! It makes Toronto look like a sleepy little town in comparison. There was so much excitement, lots of hustle and bustle, masses of people everywhere and a lot of tall, skinny bitches. Of course, there were museums, galleries, the best retail stores, restaurants and tall skinny bitches. I think I developed a bit of a complex after visiting. Suffice to say I'm not tall or er skinny, but in my head I sometimes think of myself as both (if that makes any sense). Well that particular delusional view didn't quite translate in NYC as I would every so often get a quick glance of my reflection. Yikes! Obviously there was something wrong with the glass and mirrors in New York as I seemed to appear a lot shorter and wider. Now I happen to be petite (don't like short) and curvy but fit (okay I'm working on the fit part) but because I'm small boned, I tend to give myself a pass more often than I should. Anyway, since I've been back, I've done a couple of workouts, I hope I can continue this rigorous routine.
The Complicator drove us everywhere and kept snapping at me the whole time as apparently I was unable to read the minuscule print on the map, walking too slow blah blah blah. Oh well, the price you pay for going on a trip with him. Of course he did enjoy my company, that's how he expresses his affection, by bossing me around! We were up at 7 am and didn't return to the hotel till well after midnight every day/night. The Complicator kept saying, "There is so much to do and to see". Yeah whatever, "You're killing me you stupid maniac", is what I was thinking. We barely spent any time at the lovely hotel we stayed at and missed cocktail hour there daily, due to his fanatical schedule.
Okay it was really hot and there was a lot of walking. I wanted to look cool so I took my best outfits and shoes but they didn't serve me well in the heat. Wrong fabrics clinging in the humidity not so sexy when outlining the wrong curves. I ended up looking totally disheveled, hair pulled back in a high ponytail and not as sophisticated as I had envisioned. I had to eventually resort to my uncool but very comfortable sandals and looked even shorter at that point. The Complicator didn't have to do anything special, he was totally casual in T-shirt and shorts and was still getting looks from tall skinny bitches. The Complicator commented that the women were in sick shape, I snarkily replied, "I didn't notice".
Okay so my highlight wasn't sitting next to Mickey Rourke, having breakfast at a charming Belgian restaurant, but rather when The Complicator and I ran into Grant Bedford. Who is he you ask? Well he's one of the most eligible bachelors who resides in Toronto but as of the past year has been living in NYC. He also happens to be The Complicator's friend (and mine). Okay so it wasn't a completely fortuitous meeting. I happened to email him the night before we were leaving, casually mentioning that we would be in NY and wondering if he was available so that we could get together for a drink and catch up. Much to my sheer delight he responded favourably. I tried to play it cool in front of The Complicator but inside I was jumping for joy. Okay so Grant Bedford is kind of like every character Hugh Grant has played, and there is something so charismatic about him that just makes me so happy anytime I'm around him. Ditto for The Complicator, he becomes a different person, much more likeable and fun (he is a Gemini after all). He's hardly that way with me these days. Anyway, I digress, Grant Bedford called The Complicator and suggested we meet in Williamsburg and go for dinner Saturday night. Yippee, I couldn't wait for Saturday night to come, Saturday was our SoHo day and we went to every gallery and store in the area until I was completely worn out by 6 pm. After the heat, the walking, the snippiness, I wasn't feeling as giddy by the end of the day. Then Grant Bedford changed the time from 7 pm, to 9 pm to 10 pm - I thought I was going to lose my friggin mind - come on already, I can't wait anymore.
Luckily there was a small window where I forced The Complicator to drive back to the hotel so I could freshen up, thank goodness for that. I was able to pull myself together and was finally pleased with the end results. I slipped back into my strappy heels even though my feet were killing me and wore my colourful va va voom dress. 10 pm finally came around and we met up in Williamsburg (oh yeah The Complicator was there too). There he was, just as youthful as ever with those dreamy brown eyes and boyish grin. However, Grant Bedford neglected to make reservations on a Saturday night, so we went to a few places before we could actually get seated. By the time dinner came around it was after midnight, but who cares about hunger pangs when you're with Grant Bedford. I felt like I was lit from within and grinning like a fool all night, so much so that The Complicator gave me a quizzical look a few times. I was laughing and so happy listening to Grant Bedford's narcissistic stories. Oh, he also mentioned that his current squeeze Tadpole (okay that's not her name) was moving in with him - yeah whatever, I totally blocked that out. Did I mention that I felt so confident and was getting a few looks at the restaurant and the waiter was totally flirting with me. It was a great confidence booster and just what I needed in the land of the beautiful people. Anyway, historically speaking, Grant Bedford has seen me with many different looks over the past decade and one thing has always been consistent, he always looks at me adoringly, like the first time we met. Seeing myself in his eyes was just what I needed to feel sexy again, and I did feel sexy. Half the time I forgot that The Complicator was even there. It was a magical evening indeed, the food tasted better, the wine tasted better, the ambiance was cozy, the music was perfect. A magnificent and memorable evening.
When Grant Bedford dropped us back at The Complicator's car, he gave me a kiss on both cheeks and just as I was exiting his car, he said, "I'll be back in Toronto in September, we should get together" the whole time eyes locked on me. You don't have to tell me twice, I've been counting the days since I got back!
Moody Girl Out.
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