Well said. You'd be hard pressed to find me without headphones on or at the very least in my pocket. It's in those ear buds that the magic happens. Whether you draw inspiration from the lyrics of others or feel the release of feel good hormones when a beat takes you on a momentary escape from life. Music is like oxygen. So, here we are. Another Monday. My co-worker has been buzzing around all morning humming... "it's just another manic mondayyyyyy...." It's actually perfect. As much as I will curse her later when i'm teaching my classes with that silly little melody kickin' around my brain, right now it's making the stressful transition back into work easier after such an amazing weekend. So, Saturday was possibly (and I say this a lot recently), but it really was one of the best night's one could ask for in the bitterness of a Toronto ice storm. It was blustery outisde but it was hot, sweaty and insane inside the Horseshoe. The Balconies opened up with a performance that only confirmed that this trio is on the road to mega super stardom. If I didn't mention in my last post about these guys, Jaquie plays lead guitar...belts out lead vocals.... and rocks out harder than (insert rockstar analogy of choice Here).
After they stepped off stage and V and I managed to get fresh drinks and reclaim our coveted front row spots amongst a crowd of what felt like love struck teenage girls. Nightbox took the stage. They are so huge right now amongst men and women of all ages, and anyone who loves to dance and have fun BUT it is simply easy to understand why the band of 20-something hipsters has a herd of girls that would follow them to the ends of the earth. They have spent the last little while building their Toronto fanbase with gigs around the city that have received rave reviews. They recently released their debut EP produced by MSTRKRFT's AL-P and Death From Above 1979's Sebastien Grainger. Check them out but more importantly, get out and see them live.
WHERE THE HELL IS COLD TEA?
Good things are hard to find. After Nightbox wrapped up we set out to find the rest of our crew for D's birthday at Kensington's new 'it' bar hidden at the back of the unassuming Kensington Mall's secret doorway. Once inside, we were happily met by a wild and crazy group of friends dancing to the beats of whatever the DJ felt the urge to spin. Pros: Great Back Patio, Dim Sum available until last call, your neighbours will most likely be there. Cons: A whole lot of neon, possible line anger, no live music.... 3 for 3 for me right now. But Saturday got 10/10 for the people, the 'tri-pod', and of course, the dancing.
Hope your week is off to a good start... K x
My teacher
and wonderful friend updated his status this morning to read: “How do you begin your week?What do you do
that ensures you kick it off mindfully? Each beginning is a chance to start
fresh. #Ahimsa #Yoga”The Ahimsa Yoga Centre is his baby, my second home, place of transformation and a space for
laughter, light and inspiration. I’ve watched my Yoga practice evolve in the
safety of its embrace, spent hours discussing the Tao of it all, listened to
some of my favourite music vibrate through its walls and found a family of Yogi’s
who just know how to be. Real, true,
gritty and full of heart. One thing I’ve learned, worth mentioning here, is the
power that lies within being true to who you are. If you aren’t sure who you
are, live life and discover who you
are. Your nature is ever changing and yet is always the same. Don’t try to
resolve the various contradictions in life, instead learn acceptance of your
nature. Live from your heart. People will hate. (People love to hate) And in a
world full of envy, there will always be someone who wants you to fail. BUT that’s them. That is not you. Don’t BE
who you think others want you to be. Be you. YOU are the most beautiful when
you live your truth. "…I believe in
you Romeo… “
Thanks for
listening. So, it’s Monday. I love Monday’s, mostly because they mean I get to
reflect on what music is laying roots in my world. If you have read my blog
before, you probably know I love Justin Vernon (Bon Iver). I mean, I love his
music. I think he is undoubtedly one of the most talented artists to date. He also
happens to have a beautiful, talented lady in his life named Kathleen Edwards. Kathleen
Edwards brand new album "Voyageur"
was produced by Kathleen Edwards and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and is available NOW.
In light of what I was saying earlier,
this album comes off the heels of Edwards divorce from her long-term guitarist
and collaborator. Endings are never easy, but the lessons we learn of our
resilience, our strength and our truth can be profound. It’s clear to see in so
many singer/songwriters that it is in the throes of loss and despair that
beauty is often created. The power of endings comes from the inevitable horizon
of a new beginning. New love. New opportunity. An opportunity to see the world through
clearer eyes. Although you can feel the undertones of break-up woes, Edwards new
album is definitely not a collection of sorrowful tracks. Her lyrics are deeply
personal but are delivered in such a way that you feel like you’re growing up
with her. I imagine her new love has something to do with it as well ;) The
Vernon/Edwards collaboration is something else. Mark your calendars…
Edwards is playing The Phoenix Concert Theater on February 11th,
2012. ** Follow ME to a video EPK about the new album that was posted on Vimeo last week. **
Next, BAHAMAS.
Another man (Afie) who found a woman (Feist) and inspired each other (I’m
sure) to make beautiful music. Yes. Here are three reasons to love Bahamas
right now:
1.Their new album - To be released February 7th, 2012 "Barchords" (ready for pre-order)
2.Free show at Dakota February 9th,
2012 (Get there early)
3.An awesome Video of Bahamas in the recording studio for Barchords that I cannot stop watching.
Ok, last
must see on the local Toronto radar. Dan Wolovick is known for bringing in some
of the best raw talent into the beloved college street landmark Rancho Relaxo.
Tomorrow night, Ben McKenzie is taking the stage for an early acoustic set. He has
a deep, sexy voice. Think Springsteen meets The National. Come out and have a drink and a listen with me
;) Set starts at 9:30… event info. here.
Now, since
being at work (I got in at 9:30… essential pit stop at CRAFTED on ossington – I work
with artists - we have no sense of time and always prioritize coffee,
espeicially on Mondays) I have images to share. Today’s fashion inspiration…
when it rains… wear red nail polish and say things like… “I love my life!” - it feels good.
Call your best friend. Write a funny e-mail to someone you love. And finally
make a post-work move your body date… I suggest yoga. Surprised?
It was recently brought (back) to my attention that I am a Nutritionist. Trained. Registered. Certified Holistic Nutritionist. It's not that I forgot, it's just after a couple of years of consulting I left my job as resident foodie at The Integrative Health Institute to pursue other 'things'. My ever present yet formally dormant Nutritionist is more awake then ever these days. As we come into February, after two months of overindulgence and heavy winter food, more and more people are asking me for tips and tricks for getting back into shape, cleaning up their diets, increasing energy, fighting colds and generally warding off the winter blues for the upcoming weeks of chilly days and cold dark nights. Friday is usually not the day typically devoted to putting your health first... Most of us who work behind a computer screen from Monday to Friday welcome Friday with a bottle of wine and dinner out with Friends (desert included!) BUT who says Friday isn't the BEST day to jump start your feel good engines? With two days of less responsibility ahead of you, you may find some quiet time to plan your week ahead with all the things you need to successfully implement some healthy lifestyle changes.
My friend just discovered the incredible Joy McCarthy of Joyous Health. Nutritionista extraordinaire. Her website is chock full of information, education and empowerment! Two little tid bits that were sent my way really triggered my whole - lets get our acts together people mentality. Whether you want to look great, boost your energy (and your mood), loose weight, live longer or just feel like a million BUCKS you MUST put your health at the top of your priority list. Now that you've covered 'getting out of your own way' you should have more time to feed your body, mind and spirit with the nutrient dense food and serotonin pumping exercise and yoga to feel and LIVE like the sexy being you (already) are.
Here's a little taste of what Joy has to say:
"When you eat, think about how it’s nourishing every single
cell of your wonderful body. Think about how every morsel is going to literally
turn into you. Think about how that good fat from that avocado you eat is going
to feed your skin a gorgeous glow, how that protein from the quinoa or fish you
eat is going to feed those happy brain chemicals and grow strong healthy hair
and how the complex carbs from the brown rice, sweet potato is literally your
brain food that’s going to help you think and propel you forward in each step
you take."
LOVE YOUR BODY! Right? Ok, there's more:
"Your happiness cannot be found in a tub of ice cream, plate
of white pasta or a bag of candy! These foods or rather, phood-like substance
are a recipe for winter blues. Foods with zero nutrition tax the body and
create a need for even MORE nutrients for their assimilation. What I mean by
that is… if you eat processed “white” junk foods your brain will continue to
crave nutrients and guess what? You end up craving even more sugar and refined
carbs. How do you stop this? You eat NUTRIENT-DENSE DELICIOUS foods!"
Some move your (sexy) ass tips for this weekend...
Go to a class with a friend. Mix time with friends with exercise, it makes both so much more fun and rewarding! Try Yoga or a Spin class or hit up Goodlife for some Zumba. (MK you are up)
To market to market to buy FRESH FOOD! Yes it's winter in Toronto and the crops are frozen BUT believe it or not you can still get fresh fruits and vegetables! (who knew?) Stock your fridge and plan your meals for the week (all 21 of them). Turn on some music and pre-make Quinoa Salads for lunches, try your hand at a Nutritious soup, get creative with Kale, and if you're a bit of a freak like me you could even arrange your fridge like a rainbow of vegetable goodness! The more colour in your diet the more nutrients you will be filling your body with. (FYI: WHITE is not a colour)
Get outside! Breathe deep. Fresh air and Oxygen will boost your mood and your energy.
Laugh. Its better than doing side plank.
Dance in your undies.
In typical Friday Fashion, there have been several lovely things making me happy, inspired, envious and just overall happy to be alive... enjoy.
You may recall, from a couple posts or so ago, that I moved into what is quickly becoming my little oasis. I had said then that I would blog the whole design process but alas, I have yet to post anything because EVERYTHING is taking me forever to get done. From the holidays, to being sick, to long hours at work, general exhaustion and tons of fun things going on in the city, I have had no time to spend on my home. Clothes remain in boxes and all my little projects just sit around my mind waiting for a table saw, hammer and some friends to help put it all together. The more I fuss over the fact I haven't got around to it yet the more pissed off I get with myself. Which brings me to all the other things I've recently decided there is just NO TIME for... like working out, making healthy meals, meditating, reading (the hunger games), writing thank you letters, writing - period, painting, sleeping, etc. etc. So I decided to write down the things I do with my time outside of work and teaching. The result? I totally have time for ALL OF THE ABOVE, I am the only thing standing in my way. There are 24 usable hours in everyday, thank you Empire Records. We all make excuses for why we don't 'have time'. It's part of almost every conversation we enter into with friends or family. Think about your last conversation with a friend; guarantee there was something in there about not having enough 'time'. Try making a list of the things you want to make time for. Once you have that list pull out a calender for the week and write in all things that are fixed, like work or events etc., now schedule out the rest of your free time with the things you want to do (Work out, Yoga, Cook, play music, bubble bath etc.). Stick to this schedule for one week and see what happens. Who doesn't love a good experiment. You might surprise yourself and adopt some great new habits while you're at it.
OK, so last week was a weird one. I'm fighting off something while trying to stay on top of all my SH*T and we all know that being sick turns us into babies who do things like call their Mums for validation that one day we will feel better. Sigh. So this week while sick with more time on my hands to just lie around and think I fell in love with lots of things, like the window in my bedroom that lets in the perfect amount of light, the smell of my Santiago Huckleberry Volupsa candle, making playlists for yoga class, reading in bed first thing in the morning, then again in the middle of the day and then again right before bed. I also fell in love with some old bands, some new bands and lots of other things on the intra-web :$
5 Things that make me terribly happy:
1. Sifting through Design blogs is perhaps my favourite past time. I love seeing what other people do with their spaces. Its awesome and inspiring. My favourite design blog this week: DESIGN SPONGE. simply because it has a little bit of everything.
Hearted
2. The Sartorialist project "True Love in Pictures" ... and everything else the Sartorialist posts.
EXCERPT FROM THE SARTORIALIST: "There’s nothing better than working on a project about love with the one you love. A few weeks ago, Garance and I had the opportunity to collaborate on a project capturing ‘true love in pictures‘ for the Tiffany ‘what makes love true’ campaign. It was cool to play with instagram while shooting some of our friends (like Andi & Jordan above) in both Paris and New York.
It was also fun thinking about the small, tender gestures that a couple offers to each other– which are really the fuel that keeps a relationship special. I love that Garance makes my oatmeal for me in the morning while I run out to get our coffee. They’re both just simple small acts but they make life happy"
3. Music Monday Pick: YOUTH LAGOON in Toronto March 31, 2012 at Lee's... Already sold out :(
Once again big thank you to my best Brooklyn music muse for always making me smile.
4. Still my favourite spot for image inspiration... Wit&Delight - today's top two:
This weekend my friends over at Audio Blood Media celebrated their third Birthday at Sneaky Dee's with a little help from The Balconies who played 60's and 70's covers all. night. long. Translation: one sweaty, amazing night on the dance floor with the best people in town. The Balconies are back in Toronto performing at Horseshoe Tavern on Saturday, January 28th with Nightbox. If you love loud music with vocals that will rip at your soul come on out.
I spent some time in Costa Rica a couple years ago with one of my best friends and fellow yoga teachers. On one particularly breathtaking morning as we rode to the beach, she stopped and turned to me and said 'Hello Life'. Since that moment, every time life surprises me with her beauty I think to myself, Hello life. I'm not usually one to profess, 'this is going to be a great year', but I feel confident that 2012 is going to be something special. This past year as been full of its ups and downs. Moments that need to live and die in the past and moments that will forever live on in my heart. There have been ends and new beginnings that have brought with them their fair share of sorrow and joy. To ride the wave and balance somewhere where the self is ever present is no easy task... surfing seems to always offer up the perfect analogies for life; sometimes you find yourself riding the perfect wave and everything is quiet - everything is perfect - sometimes you catch an edge and eat it, literally you are thrown into the wash praying for your next breath. And then... you paddle out again, wait for your next wave and just go. No attachment to the past and no expectation of the future. Ready?
If you are someone who writes NY Resolutions then listen up. Don't place unrealistic expectations on yourself. We often fall prey to the big audacious trap of placing expectations on ourselves that are just not achievable. Did you ever stop and think maybe an intention for the upcoming year would serve you better than a resolution? Intentions live in your heart and are more in line with the self than a seemingly simple resolution to hit the gym 7 days a week or cut out sugar forever. You are only setting yourself up for failure and in turn beating yourself up for failing to do it. So don't do it. Set intentions that have depth and meaning to YOU. Learning to love yourself for who you TRULY are and not what you THINK you are or what others think you are is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Self love = freedom. Only then can we love others and see the beauty in everything, even when things seem at their worst. Consider this, its a grey miserable day, the clouds are low and the fog is thick... you get on a plane and take off, its bumpy as you pass through the clouds and then all of a sudden you break through the darkness and the sky is blue, the sun is bright and everything comes back into balance.
Enough of that. Just be real. Live your truth. Speak your truth and all will be revealed. I just got back to the city (-20 for those of you who don't live in the centre of the universe), after an incredible couple of days in Tremblant. I woke up on new years day and felt assured that everything is exactly as it is meant to be. No matter what happens, I am OK.
I drove back to MTL with my best friend and although we didn't speak much (brain dead) we managed to compile a best of 2011 playlist. When I asked him if he read my blog this is what he said... No, no I don't, never... I don't get it... SavageOM? Nope' - I'm still laughing. What are friends for? Right? Adore him. Anyways, I hope our list helps kick off 2012 on a high note. I'm wrought with anticipation for all the new music coming out this year. If it is anywhere as good as last, we're in for a treat.
Top 20 of 2011
1. Wait - M83
2. Holocene - Bon Iver
3. Goshen - Beirut
4. Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks - The National
5. Get it Wrong, Get it Right - Feist
6. Sugar - Horrible Crowes
7. If You Don't Pursue - Charlotte Cornfield
8. Cards & Quarters - Local Natives
9. Towers - Bon Iver
10. We Used to Wait - Arcade Fire
11. Brides Song - Yukon Blonde
12. Nova Baby - The Black Keys
13. Sante Fe - Beirut
14. Shake it Out - Florence and The Machine
15. Blue Jeans - Lana Del Ray
16. Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye ft. Kimbra
17. Midnight City - M83
18. Ritual Union - Little Dragon
19. We Found Love - Rihanna
20. Night Call - Kavinsky
*(SORRY - My mediafire is not firing... links to mp3's up tomorrow)
Also...
Most anticipated album & tour of 2012: Radiohead & COACHELLA
Top 3 priorities for 2012: HEALTH, LOVE, ADVENTURE
The holidays according to my iphone:
My 'Yoga Space' while in QC, not bad
5% of runs open at Mt. Orford - Shame but still beautiful!
Tremblants Finest
Ready for 2012
The One and Only SP
This is how we roll... By far our best shot ;)
Back to work tomorrow, bittersweet **sigh**... sweet dreams, K x
