An Olympic Kiss

The clip of Marianne St. Gelais, 2-time Olympic silver medalist, cheering for her boyfriend, Charles Hamelin, on his way to winning the first of his 2 Olympic gold medals, is remarkable for her enthusiasm and has been replayed a gajillion times by CTV. The best part though, is in the final third, where they run towards each other in a passionate kiss. Hollywood can't script something this good.

That's Right

We own this game!

Congratulations to our men who closed the deal today after a nail-biter of a gold medal match against Team USA that went into sudden death overtime. Let's do this again (except without the sudden death part) in 4 years, OK?


With this victory, Canada became the "winning-est" country when it comes to gold medal finishes, as well as most golds won by a host country ever at the winter games.


Way to go, Team Canada! The True North Strong and Free!

A Golden Baker's Dozen

Well, it was an awesome day for Canada today with the men stepping up their game in a BIG way.

It started with the Men's Team Pursuit in long track speed skating taking gold, followed 5 minutes later by Jasey Jay Anderson in the parallel giant slalom. Our Canada 1 4-men bobsleigh team was denied a silver by one-one-hundredth of a second and missed the top spot by 0.39 seoncds. And then our curlers' kill it with a decisive 6-3 victory win over Norway to make it 3 gold medals.

That's a record for gold medals won by a host country and with the guaranteed medal for Men's Hockey tomorrow, colour TBD, our final medal count is 26, surpassing our all-time best of 24 from Turin 4 years ago.

That's pretty fantastic!

▌♥ ▌ GOLD CANADA GOLD ▌♥ ▌

▌♥ ▌ GO CANADA GO ▌♥ ▌

I haven't blogged at all about the Olympics since they started and there are several reasons for that. Work's been crazy busy as I get ready to square things off before I leave for a week's vacation in Vancouver this Tuesday to visit my sister and Piglet. Because of that, I've been working the nights and through the weekend when I'm not watching the Olympics and training. And then there's the challenge of articulating this unfamiliar patriotic pride and enthusiasm that really only comes around every two years when the Olympics are on.

We Canadians aren't typically rah-rah like our neighbours to the south so it's pretty damn awesome to see the outpourings of Canadian pride. And to have the games in Vancouver? Wow. That just magnifies the awesomeness. (See? Not very articulate.) I love the sea of red and white in all the crowds - HBC really hit the jackpot with their Olympic clothing line. And to see the Maple Leaf raised and to hear an entire arena sing O Canada? It brings sappy, happy tears to my eyes and gives me the chills. Chills, I say.

We're sitting at 21 medals right now - 10 of them gold which is a record! Two more are assured with our men's hockey and curling teams battling for gold. The climax of course comes Sunday though with the men's gold medal hockey game. It's a re-match of the border war that was fought last Sunday in which Team USA came out on top.

Now, I'm the farthest thing from a hockey fan. I only care about the sport for 2 weeks every 4 years. Our ladies kicked ass last night and now it's time for the guys to close the deal. Make it happen guys!

▌♥ ▌ GOLD CANADA GOLD ▌♥ ▌

Stuck inside...

Literally!

There are wicked drafts coming through my door and I finally got around to putting up some foam tape to stop i this afternoon. Only problem is, it's too thick or something and my door's now stuck.

I stupidly tried closing the door from the outside and when I couldn't open it again, I was in a panic for the minute or so it took me to force the door back open. And then I thought, well, maybe the foam just needs to flatten out or something. So I closed it again, this time with me inside my place. And still the same problem, I can't open it. The latch appears to be stuck and I can't turn the damn thing. So what to do??

I'm going to try again in a few minutes and as soon as I'm able to open the door, the foam tape's coming down. I'll have to try again with something thinner.

Grrrr!!!

First Julia, now Isa

So, I went and bought another Mackage coat Tuesday after lurking on their website for the last 3 months. At the same time I had my eye on Julia, I was considering Isa and decided to pull the trigger after finally getting fed up with how my current 3/4 length wool coat gets all pill-y and lint-y. Considering that I got it in Hong Kong 5 years ago during a particularly cold Christmas there, I consider the value fully amortized.

So, back to Isa, I ordered it Tuesday during my lunch hour and it arrived today by FedEx in a large flat box, so large that I couldn't comfortably carry it home. So I wore it instead. :)

I Believe

I am so excited for the Winter Olympics! I tried getting tickets to no avail so for the next couple weeks, while the Olympics are on, I'll be parked in front of my TV watching the games when I'm not at work and training.

The momentum, excitement and coverage of the games has been building. I'm the first to admit I'm a total sap and while I'm not usually overtly patriotic - as most Canadians aren't - hearing O Canada and seeing the flag raised during gold medal ceremonies brings happy tears to my eyes. Seriously. Even cheesy commercials like this one featuring the venerable Donald Sutherland currently airing on CTV, the national network with the Canadian rights to the Olympics, give me the warm fuzzies:



And this video of the 2010 Winter Olympics CTV theme song totally gets me going:



Cheesy, right?

My friend wL will be running in the torch relay 6:45 AM local through Stanley Park. I've booked myself in a meeting just so I can follow along and watch online. Then come the evening, I've invited some friends over for dinner and to watch the opening ceremonies. Can NOT wait! I'll be the proud Canadian on the couch wearing my Roots Canada hoody...and maybe even my 2010 mitts from Aritzia. :)

Heading West

I'm heading west for a visit with my sister and Piglet in early March and in anticipation of that visit, I was browsing Etsy for some gifts when I came across seller Camie Turner's store, Growth Charts Galore, so after corresponding on her shipping policies to Canada, I promptly ordered this adorable chart for my Piglet, who at 26 months is now more than 1/2 my sister's height, she's growing so fast!

Sick Day

I saw my doctor in the 'burbs this morning for my annual check-up and was fine when I left, but by the time I arrived back home downtown and was getting ready for work I was COLD. I mean, so cold that even with the heat on, fleece and a down vest I could not shake the chills. So I called in sick and spent the afternoon in bed. I'm feeling much better now, though I'm still very tired. But at least I'm not cold anymore.

Home Sweet Home

I fell for Seb Lester's Home Sweet Home as soon as I saw it. I mean, how could I not? First of all, it's gorgeous typographic art and second, it's got chamelon-esque stunning colours.

The limited edition run of 100 was screen printed by hand on Mirri paper which changes colour depending on what angle you're viewing it from, and makes me a bit nostalgic for my sticker-collecting days, when Sandylion hologram stickers were as prized as the fuzzy ones.

There was no sense of urgency when the print was introduced but then I was lured onto Keep Calm Gallery's site by an email today, and the fact that there were only 14 left spurred me into action. I had to put my order in before it was too late. So I sucked it up and placed the order for what will be the most I've spent on a work of art yet....which, considering the vast world of art out there, is relatively affordable. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you value, right? And I do so love this print and can't wait for it to arrive.

A Beach Affair

My sister is planning a wedding this fall at an as yet undecided destination that will surely have a sandy beach. She sent me a few dress options which got me thinking about suitable gowns for a beach wedding. Simple, more informal gowns made of soft and flow-y materials immediately spring to mind so a quick browse at David's Bridal and J.Crew online yielded these candidates:

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

My favourite of the bunch has gotta be #7. Incidentally, first 6 dresses from David's range in price from $119 to $399. I didn't know it was possible to get a bridal gown for that little. Perhaps I've watched too many episodes of Say Yes to the Dress, where bridzillas can spend tens of thousands of dollars on a gown they'll wear just once. I'm glad to see that there are gorgeous, affordable options out there although one would have to take a chance shopping online.

My plans to fly out to Vancouver in March for a visit with my Piglet now includes dress shopping with my sister! I'm so looking forward to the the trip, never mind the shopping for my own MOH dress. :)

David Trubridge

I'm still thinking about a ceiling fixture for my dining area. I can't seem to let it go. And because I've always liked the coral pendant designed by David Trubridge, I hopped online to DWR to yearn a bit. How could one not yearn a bit considering the gorgeous shadows it casts in a room:

Image via Decor8

I had assumed that the Coral was his only round pendant design but I was so wrong. There's an even prettier FLORAL design(!!):

And the Snowflake, though not round, is also gorgeous:

The full line is available in Toronto at Ministry of the Interior. I am thinking Floral is the way to go...

I like but...

I'm rather over Coach as a brand but I stepped in for a quick browse while I was out today and found myself drawn to their Madison metallic leather hippie bag. I love the colour and the shape is a familiar silhouette since it's the same as my favourite summer bag, Roots' Olivia in French Vanilla.

Now, I know this sounds totally snobby and elitist but I can't bring myself to spend hundreds of dollars on a brand that is slung across the shoulders and chests of pre-teen girls everywhere. By this measure, much as I admire it, it's not worth the $458 purchase price.

Grey, White and Blue

I have a superstitious Chinese mother who reads up on Chinese astrology and she told me that in this upcoming year of the Dog, my lucky colours as a Dragon are grey, white and blue. It was funny how it came up, too, because I was home on a weekend that I had planned a trip to Ikea and she told me I should pick up the blue and white floral bedlinens I liked because they were in my lucky colours.So I did. I thought they were superfluous when I first saw them in store so didn't buy them but since they're in my lucky colours, well, then that's OK. :)

Anyway, I started this blog to share with you my new purchases! I went to Anthropologie this afternoon in the hopes of finding either of the yellow bags I've had my eye on but alas, they're not available yet (if ever) in stores here. I didn't leave empty-handed though! I came away with these two tops which I can't wait to wear!

Pratia Tank & Percussive Cardigan

Incidentally, the textured flowers of the tank remind me of Etsy seller Sarah & Bendrix's delightful framed pictures:

YELLOW!

Yellow has always been a difficult colour for me. I mean, I like it as a colour, but when it comes to wearing it, I limit myself to the buttery yellow tones because anything brighter or deeper I think just looks awful against my Asian skin.


Anyway, I was lured onto Anthropologie's site by the Tweet above from Ms. Grace Bonney over at Design Sponge, which is how I came upon these 2 bags in yellow:

Zing & Tart Bag

Winter Aconite Tote

I'm thinking yellow as an accessory colour could be just the thing I need as a pick-me-up before Spring truly sets in. I know, we're only JUST getting to the end of January, Spring's eons away! I like them both for different reasons and I'm thinking now that I should head on over to Anthropologie this weekend to see if they're carrying it in Toronto...

WIP: Gallery Wall

The photos I ordered through Kodak Gallery to be picked up at Best Buy a couple weeks ago were ready for pick-up Wednesday and it's then that I realized I had ordered some of them in the wrong size. Why I didn't just read the measurements on the frame I don't know. It was a stupid mistake that I thought would cost me another 10 days but turned out to be no biggie because I was able to have them printed again by Costco, with a turn-around time of less than 24 hours!! Talk about efficient!

I had another pleasant surprise in finding Off the Wall, which I've walked by countless times on Queen West without really noticing, to get a mat cut for a c. 1905 print of the Northern and Southern Constellations I'd picked up at the South Bank Book Market in London last Spring. I had gone to De Serres first where I had previous mats cut but the framer happened to be off yesterday so I walked away disappointed towards Urban Barn where I wanted to pick up the this birdseye wallhook (yes, more birds!) Anyway, I looked into the window and noticed the mat samples on the counter and inquired and found that their pricing was far more competitive. And the bonus? My order would be ready for next-day pick-up! I did a happy dance in my head when I heard that! :)

So here's the before, with the newsprint I'd taped on the wall for a potential layout:

As you can see from the WIP After, I didn't follow it:


I'm really happy with how the mix of photos and art is turning out. I need to go back to Ikea to get the 5-print Ribba frame once the black one's in stock...it appears to be sold out at the Etobicoke and North York locations and I'm not willing to trek all the way up to their Vaughn location just for a frame.

I've been browsing etsy for more prints and am contemplating the following, not necessarily for this gallery wall:

Sweet Berry Bird by Cafe Baudelaire

Moon Rocks by Bon a Tirer Fine Art Editions

Fantail Birds by Sugarloop

Winsor Yellow II by Laura Su

Papillons Bleus by The Nebulous Kingdom

I'm going to let things stew for a bit before making any decisions.

Help closer to Home

It's Winterlicious in the city again - 150 restaurants in the city of Toronto will be offering 3-course prix-fixes from January 29 to February 11 - and the lead sponsor, American Express, will donate 5% of purchases charged to Amex Cards at participating restaurants to Food Banks Canada, up to a total donation of $40,000.

I've taken advantage of this promotion and its summer incarnation, Summerlicious, almost from inception. It's a great way to try out the city's pricier restaurants if you have the patience to wait out the inevitable busy phone lines, or discover hidden gems at what is usually very good value.

Of my Winterlicious plans so far: I've a lunch next Friday and a dinner 3 weeks tomorrow...hopefully I'll be able to keep it at that...though I suspect there may be a couple more impromptu dinners thrown in the mix.

With my training, I've been eating clean consistently and it's paid off: I tried on a dress I bought a couple years ago in Vancouver last night that had gotten too tight and it fit again! Plus, my CEO's EA commented on how I'd lost a lot of weight. Now, truth be told, I've only lost a few pounds. What I lack in weight loss, I've gained in muscle mass. I'm more toned and tight and I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to "burn," aka the next phase in my training where we "shrink wrap" the muscles that have developed.

I'll just have to make up for these indulgences by eating super clean the rest of the week. You only live once, right?

Help Haiti

It's impossible not to be affected by the earthquake that hit Haiti last Tuesday. I find it difficult to look at the images and avoided the papers the first few days because to look at them would bring on the tears and I can't be crying at work.

If you live in Canada, and hadn't already heard, the federal government, through the Canadian International Development Agency, will be matching individual donations to registered charities specifically earmarked for Haiti earthquake relief up to a total of $50MM through to February 12. I first donated through Plan Canada, the charity through which I sponsor a child, and just made another donation to Unicef Canada after watching CNN's efforts, which I found out about through Twitter, search #CNNHelpHaiti.

Help if you can.

Every dollar makes a difference.

Incidentally, my company also happens to have a charity matching program, so my dollars in this instance go 3x as far. Check out your policies at work and take advantage of them if you can.

A Single Man

I went to see Tom Ford's debut feature, A Single Man on Friday night and it's really grown on me. It was super-s l o w to start and I was thinking in the back of my mind, An Education - the other movie I wanted to see - would have been way better because something would have happened by now.

But then it started to get good about two-thirds of a way in. Anyway, I don't want to spoil it. Just know that it's a very thoughtful film with an ironic ending.

Oh Yoga!

I went to my first yoga class in over 4 months tonight and remembered how much I used to enjoy it. The hiatus began after I started personal training but I decided it was time to get back into it so I re-scheduled my training during the week. I have to say that the strength training has made a difference. My chest and arms are much stronger now and I'm able to maintain a proper chaturanga pose during the sun salutation series.


I've also noticed that my yoga pants are looser, which means I'll have to go shopping for new ones. I love Roots' Mantra pant - half the price of Lululemons and a better fit for my curves. A bummer on the one hand because I want to rein in my spending but "yay" on the other because I've slimmed down!

The other buy I've got my eye on is this Lululemon yoga bag with room enough for my clothes and my mat. The one thing I didn't miss about yoga is how I turn into a complete bag lady. I walked to work with 4 bags today - my purse, my mat bag, my gym bag with my change of clothes, and the bag with my work papers - which is cumbersome at the end of the day because I usually head out for dinner after class with AL and there often isn't enough room in/around the table for all my many bags. It's time to consolidate!