Me On T.V.!

Southside Mitsubishi Commercial
Director: Simon Morgan, Lindisfarne Productions

Producers: PlanItSound 

Boom Operator: Sheena Moore

Cameraman: David Baron

Makeup: Colleen Nuc

Actors: Mark Meer, Colleen Nuc , Alykhan Gulamani and me!

What a flattering picture above hey? Ha ha. Some of you may know that in addition to being a Buyer, Blogger and Stylist, I also do some acting from time to time. It's been my dream and passion since I was a little girl and I've spent many years studying "the craft" and being involved in all sorts of projects -  in Theatre, Television and Film. Unfortunately, where I live, there aren't a whole lot of acting opportunities so when I'm lucky enough to book a job I make sure to give it my all and enjoy every second on set because you never know when and if another opportunity will present itself. This shoot was SO much fun! I lost my voice from screaming for an hour and a half but I didn't care! I loved working with this talented team; there was a lot of laughing on set as you can imagine! I hope you like the commercial and I hope I haven't scared any of my female readers into getting their tubes tied ; ).

Feature: 15 Reasons to Love...

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that I'm featured on the beautiful (and hilarious) Lauren Lanza Osia's blog today. You can check it out here. Thanks Lauren for the very kind feature!

A Life Update

Last week I mentioned that I had some exciting things were going in my life so now that Western Canada Fashion Week is over and I have time to breathe I thought I would share them with you all : ).

#1 I styled a photo shoot by myself for the first time last Monday and got to work with the amazing Harvey Miedreich. Here's a sneak peak from the shoot. I will share the rest with you once Harvey releases them.

I took this photo which is why it's not centered

#2 I filmed a commercial a few days ago! On a Vespa! Funny (and long) story actually: My agent sent me an email saying he had submitted me for two roles: the "Scooter Girl" and the "Dancer."  (Not that kind of a dancer, people.) He knew about my dancing background but he said if I couldn't ride a scooter that I shouldn't go for the "Scooter Girl" role because they want someone with experience. So I went to the audition thinking I would be up for the dancer role only. But when I got into the room and the producer asked if I was trying out for both I  suddenly changed my mind and blurted out, "Yes!"  Why not double my chances, right? He said, "You can ride a scooter?" And I said, "Well I ride motorbikes." I do not ride motorbikes.

 Anyways on camera he asked me to tell him about my experience with riding and I told him a (true) story about when I was 13, driving a motorbike near my family's cabin at the lake,with my cousin on the back, I almost ran into a tree after gawking at shirtless teenage boys and instead of putting on the brakes after I swerved I put the gas on all the way, and then the brakes (you could call it a "reverse reaction") and I flew off the bike onto the road and broke my humerus which wasn't funny (ha ha, yes I actually used that line. Call me extra cheesy.) If you're wondering what happened to my cousin...nothing! She ended up with a hole in her sock and that's it. But I quickly followed up with, "I'm much more comfortable riding motorbikes now," which was a lie wasn't true because the accident scared me away from riding anything with two wheels, minus a bicycle. When the producer asked me what type/brand of bike I last rode I came up with, "Ummm...it was a small one. It was my friend's, I think it was a Honda? Yeah, it was a Honda!" I was sure the producer saw right through me but he let me go on to audition for the dancer role and I had to two-step with myself because I didn't have a partner, which is as hard and as awkward as it sounds by the way, but I felt I did a pretty good job. Anyways, a couple of days later my agent calls me to tell me the "good news." I thought for sure I got the role of the dancer! Nope. I got the other one. Shit! Now I had to learn how to ride a scooter! And fast! And in heels. Dear Lord. So D.'s friend gave me a quick one hour lesson on his scooter a couple of days before the shoot and I felt comfortable enough to be able to drive one in the commercial.

No broken bones this time! And I kept the coat ; )

You gotta fake it 'til you make it right?? I had to follow that truck with the camera on it with only about 5 feet between us, without going out of frame and I'm proud to say I did it and I did it well, apparently. The director said I looked so calm while riding and I replied with, "That's where the acting comes in." He didn't know that in my head I was saying the Hail Mary and praying I wouldn't lose control or ram into the truck in front of me. But thankfully everything worked out well and after I calmed my nerves I actually had fun. Unfortunately I can't tell you what the commercial is for yet but it will be airing in Canada sometime this month!

#3 The most exciting news: I'm going to be an Auntie again! My sister-in-law is pregnant and due at the end of April/beginning of May. I am over-the-moon! The baby will join my nephew, Kayden (below), who hopes he'll be getting a brother "or two" although my sister-in-law is not having twins unless they're not telling us something ; ).

He's not always this dirty, I swear.

And that's that. Not everything in my life has been hunky-dory though. (Does anyone else still use that word besides me and my Grandmother? Hunky-dory?) My car broke down, not sure what's wrong with it but it won't start so I've been driving around in D.'s dirty clunker I call "The Bomb" until my Dad can take a look at it. I also found out I'll need gum surgery on both sides of my mouth and two crowns which, even covered by mine and D.'s benefits will cost me a few thousand dollars. Yikes. But I'm trying to focus on the positive: at least I still have teeth, right?

I hope you're all having a good week so far! We're closer to Friday already : ).

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Exciting News!

Me, Tyson and Zoe

Just wanted to share some fun and exciting news with you! I have started interning part time as a Stylist Assistant for Zoe Kreider/Mode Models and our first shoot together just so happened to be with a very popular actor from the 'Twilight' series. Recognize him? Edmontonian Tyson Houseman plays werewolf Quil Ateara, best friend to Taylor Lautner's character Jacob Black in 'New Moon,' 'Eclipse,' and 'Breaking Dawn.'  I can't say much about the project right now but what I can tell you is that the photos are going to be amazing! I'll share them with you when I can.

Thank GOD it's Friday. It's been a long, exciting but exhausting week for me. Can't wait to catch up on my sleep ; ). Have a great weekend! 

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Mode Models 'The Face of the Future' Model Search

This is me when I was fifteen, post-braces and spiral-permed hair. A long, long, (long!) time ago my older cousin Lisa suggested I try to get into modeling to make a little money so she set up an appointment for me with Edmonton's top modeling agency, Mode Models. At this time I had just finished a not-so-fun summer working at McDonald's as a cook - my very first job - for $4.25 an hour. I spent my shifts heating buns, cooking meat and dressing Big Mac's and Arch Deluxe's. I should mention here that this was before I became a Vegetarian. Modeling seemed a wee bit more lucrative than flipping burgers (and plus - you get to have your picture taken and wear fabulous clothes!) so I was all for it. After the somewhat (?) successful meeting the agency director suggested I take some 'test shots' with their photographer to see if I had any 'potential' in front of the camera:

(My cousin did my makeup by the way.) As you can see, in almost every shot I have the exact same expression on my face! I was so BORING. And Mode must have picked up on that because they didn't sign me : ( They told me my look was too "girl next door-ish" which I guess wasn't edgy enough at that time when models like heroin-chic Kate Moss were dominating the runways. But I was okay with it because a few months after this shoot I landed an amazing talent agent and started doing something I was really passionate about - acting. So it all worked out in the end : ).

This past Saturday I attended the finals for Mode Models' 'The Face of the Future' model search at Edmonton City Center. Approximately 90 young, fresh-faced aspiring models lined up that morning in hopes of becoming (cue Tyra Banks) "America's Canada's Next Top Model."

Here are the five lucky finalists, L-R: Mikayla, Olivia, Milli, Breann and Karly. If you're in the Edmonton area you can check them out on Breakfast Television on City TV Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning of this week where they will be showing off their modeling skills with photo shoots and runway walks. On Thursday the winner will be announced. And that winner will not have to work at McDonald's because they will be awarded a contract and development deal with Mode Models, an editorial in Parlour magazine, a $500 gift card for Edmonton City Center and a career that will most likely emulate that of Ford model Anna Carter's who was discovered at a Mode search just like this one in 2005 and who acted as one of the judges on Saturday.

 Anna Carter 
photo's via

Good luck to all!

I hope you all had a nice weekend. I have a giveaway coming up this week that I'm reeeally excited about and think you're gonna love so check back soon!

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Bummed

via

I mentioned last week on Twitter that I had driven to Calgary and back twice in less than 24 hours (that’s about 11 hours of driving) but I didn’t mention why. Well I went there because I had an audition for a lead role in a movie on the Monday, got home at 10:30 p.m. and my agent called me that night telling me I had to go back to Calgary for a callback the next day at noon! Two road trips in two days!

I knew who was directing the movie but I didn’t think he was going to be at the callback, I’m not sure why because usually the director is always there for the second audition so when Jason Priestley came out of the bathroom in the lobby I was waiting in, smiled at me and said hello I almost shit my pants. I was nervous enough for the audition itself but as soon as I knew I’d be auditioning in front of Brandon freakin’ Walsh (who has the most beautiful, clear blue eyes I’ve ever seen by the way) my anxiety sky rocketed and my hands started shaking. Still, I went into the nerve-wracking audition room filled with the producers of the movie, the casting director, camera operator, reader and of course Mr. Priestly himself, shook his hand and performed my two scenes which had him laughing. (A good sign because the scenes were supposed to be comedic.) It wasn’t my best audition because I was so nervous but I think I did an okay job.  I just wish he would have had me do both scenes over, when I had relaxed a little but I think he was satisfied with my performance the first time. Anyways, I drove home thinking what I could have done better like I always do after auditions. I had been waiting anxiously to hear if I got the role for a week during which time I fantasized about what it would be like to work with such a talented Canadian actor/director and thinking, “He has to pick me! I’m blonde and his wife is blonde! All the other girls at the call back had dark brown or black hair!” and I found out this morning the coveted role went to someone else. (Probably a brunette dammit!) My agent said a "bigger name" had been cast. Bummer, I know. It would have been such an amazing opportunity and a fun part to play! But that’s okay, another opportunity will come along soon and who knows? Maybe someday in the future I will be able to work with the dreamy J.P. And when one door closes, another one opens, right?

This could have been me!

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Me in the Movies! (My Demo Reel)

So remember in this post I talked about having done some acting here and there over the years and that I had a demo reel I wanted to show you? Well here it is : ) ***WARNING: One of the clips contains content that is quite graphic and disturbing. (Don't say I didn't warn you!)

Oh, and I finally gave in and hopped on the Twitter bandwagon, you can follow me here if you like!

I've Been Tagged

The lovely Cat tagged me to come up with my five current loves and to answer 5 questions so here I go!

My Five Current Loves:

 #1 Turban Hats and Turban Headbands like the ones Rumi and Lena are wearing.

Anyone know where I can get one in Canada???

#2 Clemence Poesy. French actress and a Fashion Icon. She always looks so effortlessly chic.

 Here she is at the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" premiere.

#3 Joe Fresh Style. This clothing line, which you can find in Canadian grocery stores, is fun, fashionable and extremely affordable. I bought the dress on the left a week ago for $39.00! It was the last one in my size.
Can't wait to wear it on Christmas Eve : )

#4 My new Sigma Brushes. They're so soft and durable. I'm definitely in love.

 

#5 Online Christmas Shopping.

Eliminates the need to venture out to the mall in minus 20 degree temperatures, avoiding the sparse parking spots, crazy crowds and screaming children. Is anyone else with me on this?

Five Questions:

1. Favorite Makeup Brand?

MAC. I've been using it for years. I've never been disappointed in the quality of their products.

#2 Favorite Clothing Brand?

#3 Your indispensable make-up product?

                                         

Concealer! With my dark eye circles it's a must! Right now I'm using MAC Pro Longwear Concealer.
I bought this after I tried using Benefit's Boi-ing Concealer which for me was a waste of money.
Boi-oing Concealer was difficult to apply, it caked and creased and didn't last very long.
Pro Longwear goes on smoothly, lasts all day and gives great coverage.

#4 What country would you like to visit and why?

Greece! The culture, the delicious food, the breathtakingly beautiful beaches, the warm weather...
I just know I'd enjoy my time there : )

#5 What is the last concert you've been to?

Lady Gaga. AMAZING! You can read about that here.

I tag:

1. Lena from Quality Rivets
2. Jessica from Ciao Bella
3. Janis from Dress Me Dearly
4. Ashley from Two Eyes in the Mirror
5. Tam from Tamera's Take
6. Niko's Mommy from Fabulous! (Pasta Not Included)
7. Courtney Erin from Sartorial Sidelines
and anyone else that wants to partake!

I'm sorry I haven't done any outfit posts lately. I've been sick all week with a nasty cold so the last thing I want to do is venture outside in knee deep snow to freeze my patooties off while taking photos! And I'm not a fan of taking indoor pictures. I'll have one for you guys soon, though!

A Feature, a Book and a Magazine

Happy Friiiidaaaay! I wanted to share with you an interview I did with Smashion.com which is a "social fashion site that connects buyers and sellers with a passion for fashion." I was honored to be featured in their Smashion Lounge! You can click here to view my interview and check out their cool site.

I also wanted to let you know about an amazing book I read last week called "Rockettes, Rockstars & Rockbottom" by Keltie Colleen. Here is what's written on the back of the book:

"Caught between backstage and center stage, Keltie Colleen opens a window to her intriguing life of dance and rock n' roll. In between gigs, Keltie optimistically untangles complicated rockstar romances, while clinging to her own identity. Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, Keltie's story is an honest, powerful and ultimately uplifting guide to following your dreams and losing your heart."

My boyfriend and I went to Keltie's book reading and signing last Friday where I had the pleasure of meeting her. She's such a sweet, beautiful and down-to-earth girl who happens to be from the same hometown as me, in fact we probably competed against each other many times in local dance competitions! Well after she signed my book D. and I came home - he went down to his "man cave" to watch an action flick and I stayed upstairs reading "Rockettes, Rockstars & Rockbottom" in one sitting. I didn't get off the couch, not even when I had to pee I was that riveted. (And I have a small bladder.) I just couldn't put it down. When Keltie was 19 she took a bus to New York City with only $500.00 in her pocket, hoping to make it as a dancer in the Big City. Well she did (and then some) and every dream she had as a child came true, including becoming a Rockette. She also fell in love with three famous rockstars (at different times) and had her heart put through the wringer over and over again, picking up the pieces after each relationship failed while trying to hold on to her sense of self. While reading this book I found myself becoming very emotionally involved with her story: I cheered for her, I cried for her and I wanted to kick all of her (ex) boyfriends in the gonads for her. Trust me, after you read this book you'll want to, too! Her book is really good. And very inspiring. To learn more about Keltie and to order her book you can click here.

And how stunning does Carey Mulligan look on the cover of Elle UK's January 2011 cover? I die!

 

Speaking of cover girls, what do you think of Taylor Swift being the newest face of COVERGIRL Cosmetics? I love Taylor, she's an excellent role model for young girls, beautiful inside and out and can do no wrong in my books. Plus she's dating Jake Gyllenmajigger! Don't they make the cutest couple?

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Boo!

I'm okay! It's just make-up ; ) I've mentioned before on this blog that I do a little bit of acting here and there - well, whenever I'm lucky enough to book a gig - and I thought I'd share some "scary" pics (since it's Halloween and all) of me on the set of NBC's "Fear Itself" which I had the pleasure of working on in 2008. The star of this episode was Elisabeth Moss who plays Peggy on "Mad Men." I actually wanted to show you guys my scenes from the show but I'm having trouble uploading my demo reel to a site like Youtube without it being blocked by Lionsgate Entertainment and taken down due to copyright issues. Grrrrrr...D.'s still working on it and hopefully I'll have something to show you soon! And if any of you know how to get around this "issue" without me being sued please let me know ; ). I hope Lionsgate doesn't read this and if they do c'mon, I was a part of the show! Let me SHOW it! Pleeeease.

I played the role of a serial killer's victim he tortures. Here's a pic in between takes getting my makeup retouched.

You can't see it in this photo but I was handcuffed and tied to the chair I'm sitting on for a very long time while we filmed. In my underwear.

The makeup was amazing! The "blood" is actually corn syrup.

I know, ewwwww, right?! Here I am with talented director Stuart Gordon and actor Stephen R. Hart who played the serial killer. Stephen is 6'11 and has the deepest voice I've ever heard. Although he looks freaky in the photos he's a real sweetheart off screen, I swear! Filming this episode was so much fun, it was my greatest acting experience to date.

I hope you all have a great Halloween weekend!

Blog Awards and Stupid Human Tricks

Happy Monday! (As happy as a Monday can be.) I hope you all had a great weekend! I was honored to receive a couple of Blog Awards last week. First I want to thank the lovely aspiring make-up artist behind Funny Face Beauty for awarding me the Sunshine Blog Award.

My second thank you goes to the talented photographer Snappy Q for awarding me the Versatile Blogger Award.

In order to receive this award I'm supposed to list 7 random facts about me so here goes. I  used images 'cause that's how I roll.

 1. I’m a terrible, terrible cook although I can make a mean-ass salad ; ) When I moved in with D. my best friends presented me with a copy of "The Rookie Cookbook" which I will crack open soon. Maybe. No, just kidding, I do want to learn ; ).

2. I can flip a coin from heads to tails on my stomach using my ab muscles and nothing else. This is just one of many useless and stupid human tricks I can do. ***Please let me know what stupid human tricks you can do in the comment section below, I'd love to hear!***

3. I don’t eat anything that has a face. I just can't do it. (photo via Cafe Bellini)

 4. One of my favorite things to do is to go to the movies with my girlfriends and eat a huge bag of extra-buttery popcorn.

5. When I was four, my brother burnt my face by accident with a marshmallow that was on fire. It left blisters but luckily no scars!

 6. I am a Reality Television junkie and watch waaaaaay too many reality shows: So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars, Teen Mom, The Real World, Jersey Shore, The Bachelor series…these are my guilty pleasures ; )

7. I am a recovering D.P.A. That's Diet Pepsi Addict. I decided to quit aspartame a couple of weeks ago because of what I think it's doing to my stomach.. It's been soooo hard! I used to drink 3 cans a day. (I know - BRUTAL.) I can't seem to find a low-calorie, refreshing, non-chemically enhanced drink besides water to replace it with. But my tummy is doing better so that's a plus.

I'm supposed to pass on these awards to some of my favorite blogs but I'm going to be B.A.D. and pass it on to ALL of you because really, how can I choose? So I apologize for being "That Girl" who doesn't play by the rules but I hope you understand why. I don't want to leave anyone out.