The Joy of Books

Browsing, thinking, contemplating, dreaming, sighing, procrastinating... and I found this video of Toronto bookstore, Type Books. It made me smile. Happy Monday!

2012 Oscar Nominations

I love award season in Hollywood: the fashions, the costumes, the spectacle of it all! And what a spectacle it is. One day, it would be very cool to actually go an award show, especially the Oscars. I can dream can't I? The closest I've ever been to going to the Oscars is personally knowing someone who attended last year's ceremony! I'll see it in person one day...Positive thinking! Hahaha!

2012 List of Nominees

I'm off to look at the nominated costume designers and their work. I'll leave you with the PS22 Chorus' performance at last year's Academy Awards. Until tomorrow!

Live the Language - Paris

I must say congratulations to Jessica W.N., makeup artist extraordinaire, who just won an all expenses paid trip to Paris for four days! Can you imagine a treat like that? I couldn't think of someone more deserving of a getaway like this one will be. Congratulations my love!

It's got me thinking of Paris, France, and the French language. Don't speak it? Neither do I. I've pretty much forgotten the majority of everything I learnt in my high school French class.
Here is a fabulous video that is definitely inspiring me to review those old notes! Enjoy!

How Not to Look Like a Tourist in NYC

Every time I travel, I want to explore new places and visit the attractions. But I also want to blend in and be a local. I don't really know why, but it's always been an unconscious thing. I've avoided whipping out the maps on every street corner, wearing sneakers and fanny packs, and having the camera hanging from my wrist (although now having a camera around doesn't necessarily scream "tourist!").When I was in New York this summer, I really wanted to experience more than just the tourist bits. Here are four things I learnt about blending in, New York style:

1. Walk with confidence. It works wonders! Someone even asked me where the Ralph Lauren boutique was on Madison! Luckily for them I walked past it every day to get to work. When I was a bit confused about directions, I stopped and checked the map on my phone. If that's not enough, don't be afraid to ask someone.
2. Shoes. I didn't even bother bringing running shoes with me. I brought my Converse sneakers and wore them with pretty much anything: shorts, jeans, dress pants!
3. Pace. I didn't run on the sidewalks but I didn't meander extremely slowly. I generally kept pace with the locals. Well, often that was necessary so that I could get to work on time!
4. Crossing the street. In the smaller streets of the big city, I crossed when it was safe and traffic free, even if the pedestrian light was not signalling go. I noticed New Yorkers don't really pay attention to the running man or red hand on the other side of the street!

That's all I've got for now but native New Yorker, Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo has even more fabulous tips!

Enjoy and happy travels!

Images from: weheartit, nyc

Tintin Travel Style

I was flipping through a magazine and there was a Tintin themed style page! I used to love reading Tintin comics and now that there's a movie out (still haven't seen it), the adventurer and his white dog are back!
It reminds me of when I was in first year in university. Every week I would see a student between classes that was dressed exactly like this, right down to the orange flip of the hair:All that was missing was Snowy!
Explore like Tintin and in style with these awesome Streamline Correspondent Suitcases! It comes in white but I'm liking the red!

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a wonderful new year!

Have you made those resolutions yet? I've got a few but really my main one is this: I resolve to try and stick to my new year's resolutions! Looking back on 2011, it had its ups and downs but I would say that it was a good year. In spite of the fact that I'm beginning 2012 with no voice and a cold, I think it's going to be a good year. Cheers everyone!