THE MUSIC OF QUEEN: A ROCK & SYMPHONIC SPECTACULAR

If you take a glance at my record collection, you’ll notice I have a pretty eclectic roster of music: 70% classic rock, 20% classical, 9% indie, and 1% other (the “other” is comprised of Merry Christmas Sesame Street and my mother’s original copy of the Sound Of Music soundtrack). Most people are surprised by my musical choices, but they’re not so surprising once you know a little more about my musical history…

My dad was a radio DJ in college during the mid-seventies. I grew up listening to the likes of Supertramp, Chicago, Elton John,  and The Who, and would often dance around the living room to the tunes of Led Zeppelin, while my dad told me stories of the local bands he used to interview, like Max Webster (also in my record collection). After recognizing my love for music, my mom then enrolled me into piano lessons at the age of eight, and I made my way up through the Conservatory Of Music. Although I still have the odd dance around the living room and now only play piano occasionally, my love for classic rock and classical music has not changed. It has grown along with me, and now I make every effort to see the bands I was once too young to see.

So when I stumbled across a contest held by Turn The Record Over to see The Music Of Queen: A Rock & Symphonic Spectacular, I entered every e-ballot possible. One of my all-time favourite musical groups + the entire Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony? Yes, please!  The show was dancing-in-the-aisles fantastic, and the performers did every Queen song justice. There is still a perma smile on my face, and my voice is hoarse from singing along to every word. If you get a change to see this show in your town or city, GO! Drop all your plans, get yourself a seat, and be prepared for a fun evening that even Freddie Mercury would be proud of.

the20music20of20queen206_zpsxwbgewni

the20music20of20queen207_zpslfvzaibd

the20music20of20queen204_zps94hfnnui

the20music20of20queen203_zpsyntisboj

the20music20of20queen202_zpsrvxcyxgb

the-music-of-queen-1_zpsq5erwma5

SPARK SESSIONS 2015

Spark Sessions was started from a desire to “create a space where like-minded bloggers and influencers could get together for a weekend of learning, networking, and fun.” The theme of this year’s workshop was “Beyond The Blog – An Outlook On Social Influence”, and was full of inspiring influencers from across the social map.

The conference has been on my radar for quite some time, so I was thrilled that I was going to be able to attend this year. One of the universal themes from every speaker’s presentation at the workshop was positive encouragement. It’s all about showing your fellow influencers some love! Leaving a comment on their blog…giving them a ❤ on Instagram…retweeting something they’ve posted…you get the idea.

Although I am new to the game of personal blogging (I blog a lot for work), I’ve been on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for a while now. Most of my interactions on these platforms have been pure randomness, but after this workshop, I am beyond excited about what my future on social media looks like.

If you are a blogger in the fashion or beauty industry, or just a new blogger looking for some advice on how to make a splash in this social world, be sure to check out the next Spark Sessions. Until then, I thought I’d open up this post as a place to show some love and encouragement. Feel free to share your blog or social handles in the comments below and I’ll be sure to check you out!

Where to find me: Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Periscope | Polyvore

12th ANNUAL WHITE CASHMERE COLLECTION

Earlier this week, some of the top wedding gown designers gathered at The Carlu in downtown Toronto to show off their latest designs at the 12th Annual White Cashmere Collection runway show in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. But these gowns were unlike any others these designers had crafted before – these gowns were made entirely from bathroom tissue!

“Conceived to showcase Canada’s fashion industry, and Cashmere’s soft and luxurious features, the collection has brought more than 125 top Canadian fashion designers together in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation over the past eleven years.”

As you walked down the pink carpet, designs from past years greeted you in the main lounge (a little preview of what was to come). Guests were welcomed by Beverly Thompson, host of Canada AM and our MC for the event, who shared her survival story, along with event curator, Jessica Mulroney, and Nancy Marcus of Kruger, all of whom had personal and touching stories to share about breast cancer – a reminder of why this event was being held.

Once the runway show began, the room filled with “oohs” and “ahhs” as the most gorgeously intricate gowns made their debuts. There were moments when I got so wrapped up in their beauty, I completely forgot that they were made from bathroom tissue. A big congratulations goes out to all of the designers to participated in this worthwhile cause! It was an honour to be a part of this amazing event and support your work.

Being that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cashmere Bathroom Tissue is making it easier than ever to support the cause. Here’s how:

  • “Vote Couture For The Cure”. Head over to the Cashmere Facebook page and vote for your favourite bathroom tissue gown. $1.00 will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for ever vote.
  • Purchase the limited edition pink Cashmere bathroom tissue and 0.25 cents from every purchase will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.