The Jodester

Getting. So. Excited.

2011-06-23T22:38:00.000-04:00

Words cannot explain it.

SOON. VERY soon, I will be starting theatre school (well... more specifically, a Triple Threat program... but you get the gist).

SOON I will be dancing every day.

SOON I will be singing every day (OK, that's not going to be a change, but it will be in a more structured way every day. Less me pretending to be Baaaarbara, and more... structure. God I'm at a loss for words today).

SOON I will be acting every day (and NO, not in the way my family puts it, where I get all "dramatic". LIFE is a performance, don't you know).

Today I even read a play.

I am le excited. In fact, I'm so excited, that in my state of semi-joblessness (which, is the starving artist way of life, n'est-ce pas?) I can see a light.

Now all I need to do is find all my tights, leotards, and leg warmers, brush up on my Sondheim, and learn about some famous playwrights.

Life is good people.
Life is good.

xo
Jods

This Week's Obsessions

2011-06-11T11:58:00.001-04:00

Numero Uno!

Sara Bareilles' live version of "King Of Anything"

I have been legitimately obsessed with this song for about 6 months (after asking one of my friends why her bbm status was "Who died and made you king of anything?" At the time I thought she was just being snarky. Now I know she's just an obsessed fangirl) and it hasn't stopped! Sara is clearly an incredible talent, and the entire album Kaleidoscope Heart is fantastic. BUY IT!

Numero Dos!

This year's season of SYTYCD!

Alright, I admit, when searching for this fantastic Sonya Tayeh routine on YouTube, I searched for SYTYCD Season 11. Doesn't it feel like it's been that many seasons? And that's been my issues with shows like SYTYCD and American Idol... they seem to never end, and I can never remember who my obsession was last year, let alone the first season (anyone remember when Blake McGrath was on SYTYCD? I sure do.). However, this season seems beastly (in a good way), and BUCK (In a Lil' C way), and I'm pretty sure my PVR is going to be chockablock of SYTYCD.

PS This is my all time favourite SYTYCD routine (<3 NappyTabs).

Numero Tres!

SLEEP!

So incredibly underrated (as in, I definitely didn't get enough last night, getting off work at 1, getting home at 1:30, staying up to watch "Big Fat Gypsy Weddings" on TLC because I couldn't sleep. I then woke up sounding like a sexy, sexy man), and all I can hope for tonight is a big fat night of sleepy time. yayyyyyy sleepy time.

That's all for now :)

xoxo
Jods

Don't Let it Die A Virgin

2011-06-09T17:33:00.000-04:00

I have become completely obsessed with Sofia Copolla's film version of "The Virgin Suicides". Having never been much of a Kirsten Dunst fan myself, I wasn't expecting to be completely overtaken by her performance as Lux Lisbon - the naughty Catholic School Girl that every boy dreams about.

"You're a stone fox".

However, obsessed I did become.

All the pastels, the flowy low hemmed and high necked dresses along with Lux's ability to break the rules constantly; this film is as much about style as it is about the perils of Suburbia.

the virgin suicides by thejodester featuring charlotte russe shoes

Expect to see me wearing a lot more lace this summer.

xo
Jods

C'mon Skinny Love

2011-06-07T11:30:00.002-04:00

Something about this song never gets old.

Skinny Love by Bon Iver is one of my go to "make me cry" songs. It has been on my favourites playlist since a dear friend introduced me to "For Emma, Forever Ago". Please buy it. It might change your life.

How epic is this live version of Skinny Love?

Doesn't it remind you of watching the DVD of Chris Carraba and Dashboard Confessional's "MTV Live" album? The audience knows every word and you can tell how much they are loving it. In my opinion, that's how every concert should be. Full of love (<3 - cue sappy mood asap). Also a fan of this version by Birdy:

Because, I like a good cover, and her take on it makes this song somehow even more haunting. And apparently she is FOURTEEN! Dear lord, if I was that cool/talented at fourteen I think by now I'd have reached a level of coolness that would be Bowie-style.

If anyone could fill me in on when Birdy's first album will be released I would be pleased as punch.

xox
Jods

It's Monday... Feels like Sunday

2011-06-06T23:00:00.000-04:00

When you don't work a 9-5 (and let's face it, what self-respecting aspiring performer does?), your weekends aren't real weekends and your weekdays can kind of turn into nothingness.

Alas, today's playlist. Sure, it's a little Ellie Goulding heavy (so shoot me. I just LOVE her), but it's easy breezy and a little bit techno. Like every weekend should be.

xo
Jods

I like to sing...

2011-06-06T12:22:00.001-04:00

Sometimes a song doesn't just come as easy as you would like it too.

Sometimes a song really just asks to be a little ditty, and this is what we have here. A ditty.

And did anyone catch the "JAWS" reference? And no, it's not when I say "Jaws of life...".

xo
Jods

On My Radar... no, not like Britney...

2011-06-01T23:25:00.001-04:00

Some fantastic new (well, new as in, they don't have massive LPs out yet. What artist is ever new? I am of the opinion that artists start making themselves into artists from a very young age... but I digress) have been on my radar lately.

To start it out with some CanCon (in the good way babies! Not in the Much On Demand way... although I don't even think that exists anymore).... KAY!

The fantastic singer/rapper hails from Nova Scotia (holla, East Coast), and sounds like a mix between Robyn and Nicki Minaj. Her EP "My Name is Kay/M.A.J.O.R." just went on sale on iTunes Canada yesterday (you can buy it here). However, this EP doesn't contain my favourite Kay collabo with Tiesto which I suggest you listen to here:

TIESTO - WORK HARD PLAY HARD (FEAT. KAY) by MY.NAME.IS.KAY

As you may have guessed, the Waffles Girls seem to influence my musical choices in all the best ways. Anyone who has spoken to me in the last 6 months has come to know my love/envy of blonde temptress Sky Ferreira whose catchy ditties like Sex Rules, One, and 17 have taken over my Top 25 Most Played on iTunes. Why this girl's LP hasn't been released yet is beyond me, but just listening to snippets from her upcoming album makes me le excited. Yes, there is a le there, because I am so excited it should be a noun.
<3 werewolf (from waist down) by Sky Ferreira Official

Last but not least, I leave you today with some fun from Sunday Girl, whose covers of Tik Tok and Only Girl in The World I'm sure you've heard. However, her release, remixed by Diplo of Four Floors has been on repeat all day, and that is a sure sign that obsession is on the horizon.

That's all for now folks.
God it feels good to be foreal blogging again.
xo
Jods

I'm back...

2011-06-01T00:53:00.000-04:00

So I back in November (or October... I can't exactly remember which), I made the switch over to Tumblr. And don't get me wrong, I lalalalaLOVE tumblr. But tumbling is more about... posting pretty pictures vs. posting your thoughts and what you're doing with your life. People don't blog on tumblr, they REBLOG. And I've been itching to blogify.

A few blogs have recently left me inspired. These include the genius 18th century girl:

And let's admit, she has pretty much the most GORGEOUS blogger layout I've ever seen. (*Note to self... improve layout drastically).

And also, my new love of the blogosphere, Leave the World Behind:

who today has introduced me to about 10 new fantastic artists. Hallelujah.

So what this teeny tiny blog is here to say is, I'm back, bitches. Just like Britney.

xox
Jods

I moved to Tumblr

2010-10-27T16:41:00.003-04:00

Sorry babies... but now you'll find me at:

http://thejodester.tumblr.com/
xoxo

My Dad looks freakishly like Tom Selleck

2010-10-16T21:09:00.002-04:00

I have a new ambition in life... and it is to play Tom Selleck's daughter in one of his roles. Here is why.

Tom Selleck (in Blue Bloods - playing a cop):

My dad (a real life retired cop): (and Mom... forgive them they were at a wedding)

I rest my case.

Casting agents everywhere! Find me a role in which I play Tom Selleck's daughter. Clearly I have the lineage for it.

Topangggga

2010-10-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

Ah.
Destress.
Despite being in the middle of what my classmates and I are considering "hell week" (2 x midterms, 2 x papers, 4 x days.. 0 x fun?), I am surprisingly relaxed. The fact that I have chosen to write a blog post may show this in spades, OR may be a testament that facebook has gotten too boring to be a procrastination tool. I have no clue if I used testament correctly in that sentence... but I like big words, so big words I shall use.

The non-looming prospects of grad school have got me feeling content with 80s (or 70s... or passing for that matter), and I am starting to realize that life experience is much more important than the B S and c that will come after my name. My poor unfortunate friends applying to grad school... I truly feel for you. I wish you the best in being doctors, Registered Dieticians and Occupational Therapists. I also hope that in my old age you will be kind to me and rehabilitate me.

Another reason I am perhaps so chillaxed despite writing a paper about a zero tolerance blood alcohol limit that I wish to impose on Canadian Drivers (it's a paper... chillax)... Coeur de Pirate.

While my Immersion French may be rusty (rousseur? rousseuse? rustay? - pretty sure all of those are wrong), I understand enough to have Beatrice Martin make me swoon.
Check this out as it rules big time:

Other fun facts about my day:
- I changed my blogger template
- Jian Gomeshi tweeted me (HOW COOL IS THAT?! I had to text my Dad who religiously listens to Q and with whom I can bring up Billy Bob Thornton and have him think he is equally as douchebagy as many a creep)
- Topanga is now in my twitter background
- I embraced the curl in my hair.
- I forgot the sugar free pumpkin pie at my parents' house (that's just sad... but important)

xo
Jods

I kind of enjoy Taylor Momsen

2010-09-25T17:24:00.000-04:00

My taste in music has been described as eclectic, interesting, varied, or just downright bad (So what if Party in the USA is my most played song on iTunes... it is followed by KOL's Closer... OK maybe that isn't as much as a jump as I'd hoped... but let's pretend it is Sigur Ros's Saeglopur). However, I am really digging Taylor Momsen's band "The Pretty Reckless" and their latest single "Make Me Wanna Die".

I am a pop princess myself, but something about her raccoon eyes and hooker shoes is really quite endearing. People say she's stuck up, annoying in interviews, blah blah blah. I just think she's 17, and if I was 17 and in a rock band, I would probably be annoyed doing daytime television interviews at 6 in the morning. Am I right or am I right?

Just check out the video below and let me know what you think... I find her grittiness rather fun. Like a leopard print coat, or any item of leopard print for that matter...

I'm not going to lie... the fact that she strips down to her skivvies right at the end of the vid shows such a vulnerable side... (and some enviable abs).

We all go through a period of looking like a hooker, for better or worse. Some of us just have parents.

Let's like Taylor Momsen's "The Pretty Reckless". OK friends?

Listening to Ellie Goulding... and "Reflecting"

2010-09-08T09:49:00.000-04:00

It is upon me.

8 more months left of my undergrad.

However, unlike most of my peers who can't seem to get ENOUGH of school ("Jody, which grad programs are you applying to? Are you writing the MCAT/GMAT/LSAT, etc, etc), I am so unbelievably done. Mentally, right now, I am graduated and I am moving on with my life... Unfortunately I still have to attend class.

And all I want to do is sing/write/record/sing/write/record. Is that too much for a girl to ask for?

I hope everyone has a great year for school... I just hope someone can inspire me to read for my seminars and actually participate and/or prepare for exams...

However... you should all check out the Teenage Dream Cover I did with my friends JP, and Mike (also seen below). We are past 300 views without a whole lot of pushing it (haven't had to send it to my extended family yet...), so we are pretty proud of how it's doing, and of how it sounds :).

You should also check out Ellie Goulding, because she is AMAZING.

Teenage Dream Cover - Jody, JP, Mike

2010-08-30T21:08:00.000-04:00

Let You Put Your Hands On Me In My Skin Tight Jeans

2010-08-13T09:35:00.000-04:00

It’s that time of year again.
August rolls around, the days start going from hot and humid every day (I’m talking to you, hair), to hot and humid every other day, and we start to realize that SEPTEMBER (really should be a 4 letter word… don’t you think?) is well on its way.
And now… it is time to reflect on everything I’ve learned this summer:
1) Unconditional love is… unconditional!
Let me tell you… I didn’t REALLY believe this until some events of the summer left me sickly, unhappy, complanitory (yep… just made that word up) and an all around grump-muffin to hang out with. But guess what? The people who I love stuck through it with me and could not be happier that I’m feeling better. Do you know how great that feels? Fan-freaking-tastic, that’s how. To those of you who have stuck with me during the “hard times”, I can’t tell you how much I love you and how much your support helped me.
2) Autotune is way overdone.
It was totally cool when T-Pain did it. It was DEFINITELY cool when Cher did it (it complemented her insane high cut body suits and ridiculous wigs). It is NOT so cool when every song you hear on the radio has the now mandatory autotune wail just for shits and gigs. If it makes your song interesting, go for it. If it’s just something to do, leave it the eff out. T-Pain, I'm OK with you continuing to use this. I'm not sure why.

3) I’m living the Teenage Dream
As an all around lover of Pop Music words cannot begin to describe how fantastic Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream is. The video is pure genius. The makeouts, the bikinis, the dance party. It’s like I’m 18 again. Aaaaah (shout out to the summer of ’06).

(image from zimbio.com)

4) Wearing jeans to work doesn’t make work any less work-y.
My office went casual for the summer. I thanked the Lord and put together some more-than-questionable outfits to be worn during the 9-5 (Yes… I know a see-through lace top with nothing underneath isn’t exactly office appropriate but I wore a flannel shirt over it… so you had to look REALLY hard to see my bellybutton). However, work is still work, and excel spreadsheets are still spreadsheets whether you do insert the macros in pyjamas or a high-waisted skirt and stilettos (PS… tots (totally) never wear heels to work… ever).
I hope you had a great summer too… and look forward to some more blog posts when I’m back at school, and only have 12 hours of my week booked up (thank youuuuu first year courses in 4th year ;)).
Xo
Jods

Easy

2010-07-18T21:34:00.000-04:00

New song!

Hi everyone! This song is very personal to me. None of us are perfect, and this song is about letting that special someone know that try as you might, it will never be easy, and love is always a challenge, but that it is always well worth it. I hope you like it :).
xo

Wow... MIA... and no I'm not talking about censorship

2010-07-04T21:48:00.000-04:00

Why today of all days was I inspired to rejuvenate this blog (and no, I didn't spell rejuvenate correctly without spellcheck)?
The last few months have been a series of ups and downs, which I won't bother to bore you with, but let it be known that I'm spending time with people who I LOVE and who can teach me so much about music, and love and life and what it is to TRUST. However, this has left me very little time to blog.
But trusting... That's not easy! In fact, I think the hardest part about trusting is trusting yourself...
I, like so many others, tend to second guess myself.
What I need to remember is to trust my gut (no, not when it's telling me I need to eat more ice cream cake... oh the gurgles), and to BELIEVE that I can do whatever I want to do.
Along with that comes HARD WORK... which is awesome.
What's hard is working hard at something when you work 40 hours a week at something you definitely DON'T want to work hard at.
But I digress... Let's look at some things that have inspired me as of late.

# 1 - Sky Ferreira, One

#2 - Daisy Dares You, #1 Enemy

#3 - LIGHTS, Second Go

#4 - Blondie, anything at all Blondie

Yes. I have a thing for cute girls who sing.
xo
Jods

Why We Should All Learn A Lesson From Taylor Swift

2010-05-24T21:34:00.002-04:00

A conversation today with some friends sparked this idea for my blog.
No one dislikes Taylor Swift.
Yes, she is the all American girl-next-door with looks to match her angelic singing voice and guitar virtuoso. She is a blonde, blue-eyed cutie who is pretty, but not intimidatingly so, and just listening to her songs can brighten even the most cynical of cynics' day... but this is not why we love Taylor Swift.

Taylor Swift is unabashedly open about love.

I am of the opinion that this trait, this transparency, is something we could all use a little more of and is the reason that Swifty gets under everyone's skin.

I wonder sometimes why public displays of affection are so taboo, and why having a "mutual breakup" (as if that EVER really happens) and not "kissing and telling" are such regular ways of dealing with love loss and gain.

Why can't Taylor's type of honesty be normalcy?

Enough with the guessing "does he or doesn't he feel like I do". Enough with the games, enough with the stupidity that the game of love can turn in to - why can't we just tell the people we love how much we love to be around them every day - and if the mood strikes, serenade them with a country song or two?

Honesty is always the best policy, and Taylor Swift embodies this, and sings her heart out to boys and girls around the world about the power of love - the good and the bad, the happy and sad.

She's not afraid to fall in love 20 times before getting it right, and listening to her music, you get the feeling that she has kissed her share of frogs (Joe Jonas... anyone?).

3 people very close to my family have unexpectedly died in the last few months, and today I heard that the fourth Canadian soldier this month was killed in Afghanistan. I can only hope that someone told these people first and foremost, that every day they were loved. I hope that honesty was a priority in their situation, and I hope that they could live their (too short) lives with the satisfaction that love had prevailed for them.

On my run today, listening to a medley of T. Swift songs, I realized that she has it right. Love isn't about forever. It's about right now in a 2 minute pop gem. It's about telling someone how much they mean to you, and hoping he or she returns the favour. If this isn't the case, it's about picking yourself right back up and knowing that love isn't solitary and that you can find what you're looking for if you only try.

Love is all around - Taylor Swift believes that and so should we.

*It's a love story, baby just say yes*

#2

2010-05-15T19:03:00.001-04:00

#2 - Hope you like it :)

Spring Outfits - Punky Pink

2010-04-29T10:12:00.001-04:00

As Spring rolls around, all I want to do is wear pretty dresses and romp around Bloor Street. However, it is important to maintain my very intense "rocker edge" all the while. This set breaks down (a highly expensive) version of what you might see me wearing out and about on a pretty spring day...

Miss Dior Cherie - oui oui by thejodesterblog featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs

Items in this set:
Elizabeth and James, Spring 2010
appliqué crop cardigan, 360 GBP
Elizabeth and James Mason at Zappos.com, $355
Bird-print satin wallet, $450
Marc by marc jacobs bags PINK, 235 GBP

New Music - Something I Should Know

2010-04-26T18:01:00.002-04:00

So here we have it - the "Please Break Up with me song" I just wrote. Super sad. I hope you enjoy it oodles and oodles. :)

Please note... I'm not ACTUALLY asking anyone to break up with me in this song... it's just what it's about. :)

New Music - No Fear

2010-04-18T20:11:00.002-04:00

Hello little muffins.
Voila - some new music, recently written, and performed. I hope you enjoy it (leave me some comments :) ).
xo
Jods

Follow Up From Blog 1

2010-04-15T10:37:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to say whether or not I’ve come any farther in the last 3 months re: life planning in comparison to my very first blog. Perhaps a retrospective on these last 3 months would be a good effort in learning how to move forward:

January: Filled with new years resolution-esque vigour, I relished in the opportunity to write a blog portraying my life and passions. I wrote my first blog entry, had a couple of YouTube cooking videos, and generally enjoyed my newfound blogdom (freedom in blog form).

February: Dancing, my safety net since the age of 6, once again took its hold. Robbie Burns shows (the poet… don’t ya know – we celebrate him with scotch and haggis), 3 x per week practices, and awesome endurance had wrapped me up in the warm little blanket of adrenaline. Very little time to blog, or do anything else for that matter.

March: Disaster strikes. My foot goes AWOL and dancing says “Ta Ta for Now!”. I am left to my own, unsure devices once again. What is a girl to do? Decided to bake up a low calorie storm. Cupcakes may or may not have recently been perfected.

April: After much bbm conversation with a dear friend, a trip to Dance Cave, and some reevaluation of my life, I have decided to pursue my first love: music.

Since the age of 6 I have been songwriting (some of you may remember “Scratchy Dog, New Dog”… the big hit in my household that I wrote, and choreographed a pretty snazzy dance to), singing (much to the dismay of my sister, who always told me that my singing “made her froat [throat] hurt”), and generally performing up a storm (see Home Videos of me singing the entire soundtrack to both Les Miserables and Lion King). Why wouldn’t I do this with my life? No details as of yet… but perhaps expect them to come by the time I graduate in 2011.

So there you have it men, women, and children. A possible future for the most mind-changing girl I know…(me).

We all love a 17 year old skank...

2010-04-06T21:26:00.001-04:00

And I mean that with the utmost respect, truth, and head bopping attitude there is.
Alas: Sky Ferreira
Click the link to see her new video for her song "17", which includes messy red lipstick, blonde locks, and a semi-fledged sex scene with a boy who may or may not have yet hit puberty.
Scandalous.
Love it.

Thought of the day...

2010-03-23T21:18:00.000-04:00

I think that it's awesome that it looks like I have toothpaste on my nails.
I thank Essie Mint Candy Apple.

And as a side note... for all you beauty fanatics out there, this Essie Polish goes on like a dream. Mint is all the rage this season! Go buy it ASAP!
xo
Jods

Wordle: totally cute

2010-03-19T17:50:00.001-04:00

I went to wordle.com today after having browsed some other blogs here on blogger. I entered the URL of my blog and badda bing! A mixture of the words I use most on this site. Clearly, even whilst writing, I use "like" too much.

xo
Jods

Satisfied By You

2010-03-17T23:12:00.004-04:00

Hey Babies.
So here is a song I wrote last night and I am SUPER proud of it... All it is right now is the chord progressions with me singing, but I hope to record this soon and work from it. I also think it would be a great boy/girl duet... who knows!
So take a look and let me know what you think... I'd love to hear from you.
xx
Jods

Why I've Been a Bad Bad Blogger

2010-03-12T14:08:00.000-05:00

I don't like to finish a week off with excuses... but frankly, that's all I have.
I finished off strong last month with a great post about how much I love hunky pro sports boys, and had every intention of continuing with part 2.
However, Life gets in the way.
For me... this was dancing. I was wholeheartedly convinced that if I put my ALL into highland dancing for the 900th time in my life, I would be able to do relatively well this competitive season and maybe impress a few people.
Well... I was very close to this goal. But as always, my mind was saying YES while my body said... OH NO YOU DI'IN'T!!
One stress fracture later, I am stuck in an air cast hobbling around work, and with no looming goals of highland dancing in the near, distant, or very freakin' far off future.
So now I am here... once again contemplating my life goals (stylist, makeup artist, musician in an amish rock band?). And yet again I have no further clues, although I'm pretty sure that anything physical, or at least involving my feet, is completely out of the question.
So, I've been a bad blogger due to BUSYNESS, not business. No worries though... I have no life starting... 3 days ago. Blogging, slightly ditzy chef... etc. I'm back.
xoxo
Jods

Fantasy Olympic Team - Boy Toy Edition Part 1

2010-02-22T13:13:00.002-05:00

For some reason boys LOVE to put a significant amount of time and effort into creating fantasy sports teams. They spend hours upon hours researching the stats, putting together draft lists, and agonizing over one of their best friends stealing away their top draft pick. It's the next best thing to being a professional Sports Star for them - and I have never understood it.
Boys love this. And I love boys. I decided that I needed to get in on this fun; and whatbetter way to create my own Fantasy Team - for no sport in particular - but for my Canadian Winter Olympic Boy Toy League.
A girl can dream right?

1. Captain: Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby is one of the best Hockey players in the NHL. Although his World Juniors win and Stanley Cup are impressive... there are more important reasons for him as the Captain of my Boy Toy Team. As a former Puck Bunny (well... minor Puck Bunny), I can still appreciate a boy who can rock the Under Armour. When I look at Sidney Crosby, I can imagine him carrying me up 40 flights of stairs without feeling my 120 lb frame. He does not have funny lips (as my boyfriend likes to say), and looks good without a shirt. He also has a passion for the game that is both impressive and dignified.
Being a maritimer also gives him insane brownie points.

2. Assistant Captain: Scott Moir

Canadian girls always have a thing for boys on skates, and I say we extend this thing to boys who wear Figure Skates and can do a tango on ice. Scott Moir is a performer, super entertaining, and can lift his partner Tessa Virtue in the most ridiculous/awesome fashion possible. The fact that he and Tessa are so super cute together, although they are not dating, makes my heart melt. I can only hope that one day they get married and have cute little Ice Dancing babies.

3. Alexandre Bilodeau

Alex Bilodeau was the perfect person to win Canada's first Olympic medal at home. He clearly has worked his butt off (dedication is sexy!), loves his family (his best friend is his brother Frederic who suffers from Cerebral Palsy - Bilodeau claims he has kept him grounded and determined), and is French Canadian. Biligualism rocks (and french accents are totally cute).
Brownie points for being super humble!

4. Jarome Iginla

I don't know why... but I really just like Jarome Iginla's forehead wrinkle. It makes him look pensive and distinguished.
Brownie points for being a nice guy.

5. Jon Montgomery

Jon Montgomery reminds me of someone you could meet if you were lost in the woods. He would take you back to his cabin for "hot chocolate" and then help you find your way in the morning. Basically... he looks like a glorified lumberjack and I like that.
Also, being the best Skeleton rider in the entire world (shown by his epic Olympic win on Friday), it's pretty obvious that nothing could scare this guy; including going head first down a large sheet of ice at 140 km/h.
Brownie points for being a ginger.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this epic Boy Toy Team!

Greasy food that makes my tummy feel better...

2010-02-21T19:56:00.002-05:00

After a night of "fun and frivolity", it is assured that in the morning I will feel like absolute poop (see above picture... fun and frivlous? Yes. Shitty morning? You bet baby). For this reason, I like to keep a good amount of post-bar, greasy, dirty food in my house for the inevitable munch-fest that will occur from 3 AM and into the next night. Below, is a list of food that every self-respecting lush should have to make that tummy stop rumbling like a 7.0 Richter Scale earthquake.

1. A super greasy Tuna Melt
There is quite literally nothing better than flavoured tuna. I prefer the kind flavoured with lots of spicy things (Hot Thai Chili, I think). Set on a Weight Watchers Bagel (less calories, more fibre, as always), add some fat free cheese, toast in the toaster oven for 3 minutes and badda bing! You have the most delicious and dirty fishy snack ever.

2. Dirrrrty Mac 'n Cheese
While some may choose the traditional Kraft Dinner that is more orange than the uniforms of the Olympic Athletes from Holland; I choose the homemade kind made with cottage cheese, evaporated milk, and some good down home cheddar. I make this for dinner before drinking, get my tummy all gussied up to prevent the drunk-after-1/2-a-1/2-mickey issue, and then refrigerate. Easy peasy when you get home to pop it in the microwave, add some serious Ketchup, and lounge in the disaster that possibly was your night. For a sick recipe, click here. I also suggest this for breakfast the next day (as I had it this morning...).

3. Pudding... and lots of it
When you aren't feeling so hot due to self-inflicted ethanol consumption, pudding seems like a creamy pillow you wish you could rest your head on. I like the Jello 60-calorie pudding cups (no fibre but very few calories) with some Cool Whip on top. Delish.

4. Potato Chips
You need savoury and you need salty. Any kind will do, especially Dill Pickle.

5. Chai Tea Lattes
I don't drink anything caffeinated because, well, it hurts my stomach (oxymoron... I know). So, instead of making myself feel like SERIOUS poop, I choose the decaf Chai Tea mix from Starbucks. Add some Vanilla Almond Breeze, and a little bit of Cool Whip on top and you feel like you should be in the Alps being served breakfast in bed after having spent the night at a very classy party and not at the Crocodile Rock.

Reasons why I love the Olympics right ... NOW

2010-02-14T21:48:00.004-05:00

1) Alexandre Bilodeau!
The first ever Gold medal won in Canada by a Canadian. My whole family cried while he talked to CTV about his training, and being inspired by his older brother with Cerebral Palsy. I am so proud.
2) HBC Olympic Clothing
Today I bought some $10.00 Olympic mittens. Let me tell you, they are comfortable, cute and CHEAP. I think I will invest in some more clothing ASAP.
3) PVR
Thanks to Rogers PVR (and I usually HATE Rogers), I am able to simultaneously watch Sportsnet and CTV in HD with the little swappy box. I am not missing a MINUTE of Olympic content.
4) CTVolympics.ca
I can watch the action I'm missing while I'm at work, and keep up with EVERYTHING, including athlete profiles, scoring (yesterday, it explained to me how moguls work - now I feel like an expert)

Things I love about NYFW (so far)

2010-02-14T19:45:00.006-05:00

There are plenty of things I lalala-love about New York fashion week... this mainly includes a bevvy of beauties dressed up in fabulous ready-to-wear clothing. Some of my favourite trends/colour schemes so far have been the obvious (and timeless) black and white structured pairings, such as those from Prabal Gurung and Bensoni. Also, as I am a girl who loves black, white and tan more than any colours under the rainbow, the pretty neutral and girly dresses from Alice + Olivia and Jason Wu make my heart pitter patter. I can't wait to get my hands on some of these (knock offs... likely) come the fall.

Dear John: You didn't make me Cry!

2010-02-08T22:33:00.003-05:00

So I went to see Dear John on Friday night, FULLY expecting to ball my eyes out.

Sadly, with tissue and fro yo in hand, I was not able to muster up enough sadness to belt out the tears along with Channing Tatum's (P.S. what a hottie).

Nonetheless, the Soundtrack was gorgeous and had some amazing tunes by Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk
however, the shining moment of the entire movie was Amanda Seyfried singing and accompanying herself to her own composition entitled "Little House".

Check it out below. Her vocals are ethereal and pretty. I wouldn't mind hearing more of this from her...

Things I should have loved a long time ago: Tegan and Sara

2010-02-03T22:23:00.003-05:00

One of my best friends from university has loved Tegan and Sara forever. I didn't get it until yesterday when I (very legally) downloaded their latest album Sainthood from iTunes. As far as I can tell, the music is generally more poppy than their previous albums while still maintaining their alt/indie street cred. And they are twins which is just plain cool (see my post on The Veronicas
). While I may not be as appreciative of their "style", this is definitely some Can Con I can buy into.

Easy Peazy, Quick and Dirty Banana Bread

2010-02-02T19:59:00.003-05:00

Here is the recipe for the easiest banana bread of all time (and semi good for you too!).
Enjoy!

3 bananas
1 cup Splenda
1.25 cups Whole Wheat Flour
1.5 tsp baking soda
1 100 mL package of unsweetened Apple Sauce
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Mash bananas. Add Splenda and mix. Add all other ingredients and mix together. Spray a small baking pan with non-stick spray and place mixture evenly in pan. Cook for 40 minutes or until a knife can be stuck in the middle with no good coming off.

Bon Appetit!

VGTS (Valentine's Gift To Self)

2010-02-01T12:26:00.002-05:00

My boyfriend and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in the true sense of the word (fancy dinners, dressing up, etc. etc.). Instead, we choose Valentine’s Day as an excuse to watch the NBA All-Stars weekend non-stop and eat greasy pizza and a kilogram of mini eggs. This is my perfect Valentine’s Day, because I think Valentine’s Day is kind of stupid and money grab for Hallmark, and I really enjoy the dunk contest.

However, this does not mean that I myself do not fall victim to the consumerism that takes place in the month of February. Below is a list of things I would like to buy myself for Valentine’s Day… just because I (maybe… if I save up my monies…) can.

1.Something from Tiffany & Co.: You can’t just buy Tiffany’s any day of the year. As I recently got my ears pierced (at 21, I know), I was thinking a nice pair of earrings might be a plausible VGTS (Valentine’s Gift to Self).

2. Ray Bans Wayfarer Sunglasses: I have been rocking a not-so-hot set of leopard-printed fakes from Urban Outfitters for 2 years. This style of sunglasses is classic. Why not go for the real thing?

3. Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch in Silver: I haven’t had a watch since I worked at Summer camp in 1st year (need to keep those kiddies on time!). I love a watch that looks like it belongs on a man, and this one is freakin’ beautiful. But do I have the $225 to spend on this? Should I ask for this for my birthday instead and face the likelihood of not receiving it?

4. A set of Ramekins: Anyone who watches the Food Network as much as I do will have seen how amazing Ramekins can be for making portion-sized desserts. It would be in the best interest of my whole family for me to have a set of these. Perhaps a bread pudding on the next episode of the Slightly Ditzy Chef?

There you have it. My top 4 VGTS options. Let me know what you think I should buy… or alternatively, try to convince me out of buying anything and save for tuition ;).

Things I Think You Might Like: My Music

2010-01-31T23:07:00.004-05:00

Tonight it was the Grammy's, and although the production quality of the whole show was sloppy at best, there were some ridiculous performances (Lady Gaga and Elton John!!! Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks!). It inspired me to post some of my own music for you. This song is called on my own (written, produced and sung by me... which isn't a big deal if you saw the very low-budg and painstaking way I record). I hope you like it.

P.S. I suck at html/am too lazy converting m4a to mp3 so the easiest way for me to upload the music was to quickly iMovie it and upload to YouTube. Hope you likey :)

Things I love oodles and oodles: The Veronicas

2010-01-30T17:30:00.006-05:00

Reasons I love The Veronicas:

1. They sound like I wish Avril Lavigne did post sk8er boi days.
2. They are totally hot. And they are twins!
3. They have killer style (slightly emo... very punk... very glam... all thing I LOVE!)
4. They are teeny tiny and I could put them in my pocket.
5. They are so pop but have this magical alternative credibility I crave (can you tell I wish I was a Veronica?).
6. They can write a killer love song (see above).
7. They're Australian (aka have the cutest accent ever).
8. Did I mention they have killer style?

Check out my favourite The Veronicas song above and then try to give me one good reason NOT to love the Veronicas.

Things that are awesome that we never should have left in our childhood because they are freakin' fantastic: Lip Smackers

2010-01-28T22:40:00.006-05:00

Recently, as in yesterday, I took a semi-obligatory trip to Loblaw's (we needed bananas - I cannot live without bananas... hmmmmmm slightly ditzy chef #2 = banana bread?).
After having walked through the grocery store once and picked up all of the fun organic foods my parents will not buy unless I am there with them, I decided that I deserved a small treat for such hard work (see Blog #1 re: self-entitlement). Clearly the best way to do this was by perusing possible purchases in the obligatory low-end cosmetics aisle that never seems to tickle my fancy. I searched through the Sally Hansen nail colour (dull, as usual), the mid-ranged perfumes (nothing special...) and the likely-to-crease eyeshadows, when low and behold, I came upon a genuinely small but glimmering corner of the aisle: The Bonne Belle section.
Now, any girl (or boy?) who grew up in the 90s likely begged her (again... or his) mother to take her the the Bonne Belle section of Shopper's Drug Mart every time Mom had to pick up some feminine napkins (that sounds so much nicer than tampons... doesn't it?). Similarly, if the girl in question begged enough it is likely that this girl's mother gave in and bought her the $1 (prices have raised to almost $2 now... damn recession) lip chap on a semi-regular basis. It seemed like every week there was a new flavour of Lip Smacker that was a necessity in every girl's (rather small) makeup case or Caboodle (although, I knew a girl in Junior High who had a full dresser drawer devoted to Lip Smackers. That is D E V O T I O N.). Buying options included the classic soft drink collection (the Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker has proven to be eternally popular), the Starburst Collection, the Jell-O collection, and the M&M collection, among other exciting new product developments such as added sparkles and shiny casings.
However, yesterday, at Loblaws, when I was searching in a sea of dullness, I found that one piece of makeup that had been missing from my ever increasing stash of powders, glosses and tubes of various shapes: the classic Vanilla lipsmacker. It has all of the unearthly powers of Carmex and Blistex, but with a twist of goodness that makes me want to lick a really big lollipop. It reminded me how good it was to be a kid... how a flavoured lip chap could make my day... and reminded me that sometimes life is about the little things (even an ounce of beeswax drenched in syrup).
And it is now, with lips tasting like a Birthday Cake and memories of my grade 5 crush rushing back to me, that I leave you with this thought:
The 90s rocked. Lipsmackers still rule. Maybe it's time to bring back the side pony tail and the crimping iron?

Easy Peasy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Healthy too!)

2010-01-27T10:52:00.005-05:00

The slightly ditzy chef says "Let them eat chocolate chip cookies!".
Here is my super simple recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp margarine
2 tsp vegetable oil (canola oil is best!)
1/4 brown sugar blend splenda
3 tpsb + 2 tsp egg creations
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup whole wheat flower
1/4 cup oats
1/2 cup chocolate chips/raisins

Preheat oven to 375 Fahrenheit
Mix together margarine, oil and splenda.
Add egg and vanilla to mixture until it's all mixed in and goopy.
Add baking soda, flour and oats and mix until they are completely coated
Add chocolate chips and stir until evenly distributed

Place wax paper on a baking sheet and spray with nonstick spray. Place 1/2 teaspoons of cookie dough in rows of 3 on baking sheet. Bake for 6-10 minutes (depending on how crispy you like them).
Voila! Bon appetit!

But… Mommy said I could do anything if I put my mind to it.

2010-01-25T20:25:00.002-05:00

Over the past 4 years, while completing a wonderful, titillating, and not even remotely stressful Bachelor of Science degree (can you smell the sarcasm?), I have had many ideas regarding how my life would run its course. Below is a list of possible “professions” I had thought would be suitable for my future during my formative university years:

Fame: No real idea of how this would occur, but I would be famous in the most existential way possible… just for being me. Paparazzi would follow me, designers would call me, begging me to wear their one-of-a-kind clothing, and I would be the most sought-after thing in Hollywood. Kind of like Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan without the sex tapes or drugs.
Dance: Having been a successful and hard working highland dancer since the age of 6, I figured all this training should probably get me somewhere. Highland dancers are obviously in high demand in the world of Entertainment (again… sarcasm). I then decided that maybe I could bring that training into something new… maybe Jazz or Hip Hop. However, a lack of flexibility, street cred, and general old-age (OK… dance-world old age) made me think twice.
Music: When I was younger I idolized Gwen Stefani, her bouffant hair-do, and the way she commanded control and awe over the band she lead, No Doubt. Years have passed, sappy songs have been written, plans to learn how to play the Guitar (that I got for my birthday approximately… 7 years ago) have passed, the “emo” style I once considered my uniform has come into and gone out of style, and now I am left with a loving MacBook (woo GarageBand), a midi keyboard, and some slightly above average vocals with a penchant for autotune. Again… exactly what the world/music industry needs right now.
Music and Dance: Broadway is the place for all people who love both singing and dancing. Clear choice? I think so. Oh, minus the fact that I a) don’t live in New York, b) don’t plan on leaving my humble abode and c) I get nervous thinking about it.
Shrewd business woman: The only way to afford Christian Louboutins is to partake in idea #1 (see above), or work for many years, and decide that you deserve a little somethin’ somethin’ for all your hard work. Getting an MBA, being an executive, and getting paid shitloads of money all seem great… until you realize that having no life would kind of suck. Lack of fun, increasingly hard work, and a diminished social life? Pondering must continue.
Marry rich: I could deal with an allowance, taking care of the children, going to the weekly bookclubs (ahem… neighbourhood gossip sessions at Starbucks) all while driving my white Escalade or Land Rover with a nice big rock on my left ring finger (Tiffany & Co. or the answer is NO!). But… would that actually be any fun?
Cook: Obviously I couldn’t be a cook in a restaurant. Far too stressful. This attention-hungry girl would need a serious cooking show on the very serious Food Network. It would be called “The Slightly Ditzy Chef” and would show a plethora ways to make your favourite foods healthy and fun (anyone who witnessed my first attempt at “Salsa Peppers” might shy away) and people would love me and I could spend all day in an apron.
Makeup Artist: My makeup bag is disgustingly full, and makeup makes me disgustingly happy. I beg my friends to let me do their makeup and hope that one day I will find the perfect nude Lipstick (current love: MAC’s Hue)… however, in this economy, how many makeup artists are newly employed? Do I want to stand on my feet all day? What if I had to do my makeup like they actually do at MAC and look slightly like a drag queen? What if my makeup actually sucks but people humour me? It is all too personal…
Fashion Designer/Stylist/Industry Insider: Very few things bring me joy like shopping does. Shopping for shoes, shopping for jeans, shopping for leggings, shopping for blazers, vintage shopping, sale shopping, shopping for purses, shopping for sunglasses, shopping for jewelry (again… Tiffany!), shopping shopping shopping shopping! You may say that I have spent a lot of money on clothing and accessories in my life, and you would be 100% correct. I recently decided that making my own clothing (or even the ability to alter that clothing I have bought) would be a good use of my time/decrease the amount of money I spend on tank tops and flowy dresses that are basically a long sheet of fabric with an elastic band. I can do that. I can do whatever I want. The world is my burrito.

All of these possible career choices have been fairly recent. They do not include my high school stints of wanting to be a lawyer, a doctor, an astronaut, a chemist (working with makeup of course) and a kindergarten teacher (I have since learned I have little patience for naughty children and poopy pants).

People say I’m a “dreamer”, but I’m not the only one (I really didn’t mean to quote John Lennon there… I promise). Ever since I was able to say “When I grow up I want to be a fairy princess!”, my parents told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be if I put my mind to it. They had no doubts that I would be 100% successful in life, and that I would move mountains, change history, and be, obviously, above average at everything. And that’s not just my story or the choice words of my parents. Chances are, if you are between the ages of 5 and 35, your parents have told you something similar. They have likely told you that you are wonderful, smart, pretty or handsome and that sheer hard work can get you anywhere, in any industry, and they will help you in any way possible.

Well I’m here to say that we are, maybe, just a little bit, shit out of luck.

My parents, like most of your parents, came by this completely innocently. My mother came to the big city to become a nurse because it was a good job that would pay well and get her out of the countryside. Similarly, my big, burly father came to become a Police Officer, because it was a good-paying job with benefits, (amazing dental… thank you 8 years of braces) and because it was a responsible decision for his future; his future wife and future children. When my parents had me in 1988 (an exceptionally long labour, they tell me), they chose to give me what they didn’t have in their slightly impoverished childhoods: all the clothes, food and toys I could ever ask for, every dance class, voice lesson, and musical instrument I could possibly play, help with every homework assignment, the sureness of a University education, and the knowledge that I could be whatever I wanted to be with hard work, and that as long as I loved my job, I would be happy. So happy.

Along with this came an ever-increasing sense of self-entitlement.

Guess what? I have no idea what I want to do with my life. I may be only 21, but when my mom was 21 she was saving lives in the Emergency Room. When my dad was 21 he was arresting drug dealers and murderers on the mean big city streets. What am I doing? Twiddling my thumbs, trying to search my soul and find who I am? Doesn’t seem very important, does it?

So, instead of continuing to sit here and do what I do best, which is worry about my impending doom, I decided I should start to take some action. “Write a blog about this, girl!” was all I could think for an entire weekend (an eternity in 21-year-old-girl time). So I came to this epiphany: I will write a blog, detailing my love for all things in life: dance, music, fashion, cooking, love, art, etc. etc. etc. This is a blog for the new-age, self-entitled girl or boy who knows nothing better than him or herself; hence the reason why I named this blog after my very own nickname. I hope you enjoy and I hope you comment and I hope you affirm my need for writing this blog… but more than anything, I hope that from this I can realize what I really want to “do with my life”, how I should live my life, how I can fit into the lives of others, and where I belong.

That’s all I really need, right?