Tag Archives: summer

Whassin My Bag?

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After spending a few summers cramming as many music festivals as my wallet/calendar permits, I think I’ve learned a thing or two. This isn’t my first rodeo, as they say in the Wild West. For starters, it pays to make friends with those around you – they may offer to save your spot while you dart to the port-o-potty or give you a boost on their shoulders if you happen to be vertically challenged (such as myself). Also, do not make the mistake of wearing flimsy or uncomfortable shoes – you’re going to be dancing around like a maniac, people stepping on your feet, and may have to deal with a muddy terrain. Don’t be one of the cursed few whose poor sandal gets left behind in a puddle of mud – a Cinderella situation is unlikely to result. Finally, do not go in with the misconception that your brassiere is a safe place to hide things – security is going to grope and snap it whether you’re warned or not – so not worth it. Perfecting the packing of your bag for the day is also of great importance – here’s a list of must-brings to get you through any festival day – come hell or high water.  Continue reading

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Dream Tunez: Hillside Edition

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Despite an affinity for fresh produce, the outdoors, and the fashion and music of the 60’s, I have never considered myself a hippie. Patchouli, bare feet, and communal livin’ just ain’t for me. The drum circles at the park tend to irritate me, and I have no desire to grab a tambourine and dance to the rhythm of Mother Earth’s movement. However, after living in the beautiful city of Guelph for 4 years, my heart has opened up to a simpler type of living. Particularly when that life includes the wonderful music festival that is Hillside.  Continue reading

25¢ Horoscopes

IMG_2866Give me a quarter, I’ll tell you your fortune, I love quarters, give me one! That phrase, which came straight from the mouth of the coin gypsy machine at the theatre, was perhaps my very favourite fit-of-giggles phrase growing up. To think, for just 25 cents you could be told what your future held. Times were much simpler then. Instead of losing all our quarters to an electronic clairvoyant, we now turn to the stars, the zodiac, in hopes of catching a glimpse of what’s to come. I’m not sure how much faith I actually put into horoscopes, but it’s nice to start the month with some focus, whether it be a pile of codswallop or not. Perhaps it’s all B.S., but maybe if you read that the month of July is your month to be lucky-in-love, you’ll approach the next 31 days with a more open heart. The case of the positive self-fulfilling prophecy. In case you’re too busy to put good vibes out into the universe, I’ll do it for you. Here’s what the stars have written for you this summer.  Continue reading

Summer Resolutions

SUMMER RESOLUTIONS

Typically the beginning of the year is considered the appropriate time to construct a list of resolutions, and the summer is the time of year to construct a bucket list. But, come January 1st I tend to be stressed out enough with the suspense of the year ahead, and don’t need a list of resolutions to add to the angst. Then in the summer I find a bucket list creates the same type of pressure – the pressure to fulfill expectations, keep busy, and have so much fun all the time yay! Not that I don’t perform well under pressure, but I’m perfectly content to set personal intentions, and partake in fun summer activities at my own leisure. So this summer I’m setting seasonal resolutions (shorter time frame, less pressure/probability of failure), and just letting the bucket fill as it goes (no list required). Continue reading

#TBT: Last Summer

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Happy #ThrowbackThursday everyone! Oh how I love trollin’ through my Instagram feed on a Thursday. Why you ask? Well, because I get to see celebrity throwback pics. We’re treated to cute pics of them when they were younger, notable amazing events they attended in the past, and the very predictable photo of Kim Kardashian throwing it back to some sort of bikini shot that begs the question, ‘How are those human dimensions even physically possible?!?” Today I’m going to throw it back to last summer, Summer 2014, when I was an editorial assistant for MTV FORA. While I reflect back 365 days and refuel my *creative juices* (ew) for the upcoming summer, take a peek back and see what I was talking about way back when.

MTV FORA SUMMER 2014 POSTS

Dream Tunez: Bestival Edition

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My tastes in music are on the diverse side. I can appreciate a song by Donna Summer the same way I appreciate my favourite song by FKA Twigs the same way I appreciate Crystal Castles the same way I love Tame Impala (and the list could continue for at least another 40GB worth of music). I’m a little all over the place, but it makes for great listening, and even better live music experiences. The Lana Del Rey concert encouraged amazing swaying, and Father John Misty inspired some truly exceptional knee-slapping and George Clooney-worthy chicken pecking, but my favourite type of dancing is more akin to a) a sorceress casting spells, b) a person who is possessed, or c) a physical representation of the pulse of the music. These forms of dance can only be found at a specific breed of festival, and this weekend I will be provided two days worth of opportunity to bust out such moves – all thanks to Bestival. Continue reading

Festival Inspiration: Dark Western

DARK WESTERN

Yes – festivals are about the music and the truly joyous atmosphere, but they’re also very much so all about the fashion. I’m not sure what it is exactly, but for some reason I approach getting dressed for a festival the same way in which I dress for Halloween – with dizzying excitement and a specific theme in mind. I suppose I like to develop a mood or vibe for the show I’m about to view, based on the artists who are going to be there, and then my mind wanders (you don’t wanna know), and voilà my festival motif is born! This week I’m lucky enough to be seeing Lana Del Rey, Grimes, and Father John Misty (among others), and for one reason or another, my mind landed on the concept of a dark western – Spaghetti Western à la squid ink, if you will. Bizarre? Maybe. Sartorially savvy? Well, I certainly think so.  Continue reading

Dream Tunez: Endless Summer + Field Trip Edition

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All the evidence points to one thing – that summer in the city has arrived. Days have been spent in parks and on patios, my glaringly pale legs have made more than their fair (pun intended) share of embarrassing public appearances, and outdoor music festival season is in full swing. The thrill of seeing music live is one of my greatest joys, but the thrill of seeing it at a well-organized and well-attended outdoor festival? That’s a whole other ball game. It’s my jam. I love it and look forward to it all year long. This week my ears are going to be treated to a handful of outdoor performances by some of my all time favourite artists c/o the Endless Summer Tour and Arts & Crafts’ Field Trip. Continue reading

Moonshine Memories

MOONSHINE MEMORIES

Certain sense experiences – smells, tastes, sights – can be associated with specific memories and allow waves of nostalgia to wash over us. If we were the leading character in a sitcom, it is during these moments that we’d stare thoughtfully into space and the show would cut to some sort of hazy memory from a not so distant past. When I smell pumpkin spice I think of autumn. When I smell orange and cloves I think of Christmas. And when I smell a delicious mixture of cocktails I think of summer. Summer is the season of sitting on the beach/patio/balcony of a friends’ with a nice, cold beverage in your hand. Now, excuse me while I pause to stare into the distance, and let my moonshine memories montage reel play out (recipes included). Continue reading

Picnic Pout

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With the snow melting, and the sun making its first attempt this year to SLIGHTLY warm the planet I am reminded that spring is on its way. And because I like to get ahead of myself, this means summer is close by as well.

Summer weather means light, airy clothes, and barely there makeup. Our skin is sun-kissed, so our faces are able to breath without formulas. Despite making a concerted effort to rock a ‘natural glow’ all summer long, I am happy to play around with lipstick pigments. Today I’m going to find the perfect lipstick to match the tint provided to your pout by some yummy, summer picnic treats.

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