The Modern Girl Style Archives 2006-2010

Soaring into 2011!

artwork via Steffan Johnson 

2010 was a year that swooped by fast. I can't believe in the last year that so much in my life has changed. I moved this blog to Blogger and back to Typepad. My husband and I bought a beautiful loft in Toronto. I had my first photography show in TO. I was in an opera at The Royal Canadian Opera that performs at the Four Season's Theatre. I started a series of acrylic painting of dogs that sell at The Modern Art Co. I wrote 5 new short stories and I'm finishing up my novel that I've been working on for the the last three years. OH MY GOODNESS! What a year it has been! 

 

It isn't till the end of a year that you begin to discover all of the blessing! I rescued a sweet dove named Moucha that has brought my husband and I tons of joy. I could keep listing the blessing, but what about all the awesome-ness that's been happening in your life? How was your year? Did you take time to reflect on the last year? Did you make new goals for 2011? Take 15 minutes and write a letter to yourself. It's the means of bringing more heart centered value to your life.

jewelry by BuenoStyle

Don't forget that 2011 is already off and soaring! Make everyday count! Discover the beauty, love, and joy in your life! Make this year your best!

 

Top 5 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues!

Life has been beyond drama this month for me and I'm sorry that the posts have been few and far between. What's a modern girl to do? Ah...shop! I don't want to feel too guilty that I'm buying myself things before Christmas, but I at least bought things that were really inexpensive, but totally joyful. 

How to Keep the Joy during the Holidays

 

{image via: martha stewart}
 

The answer is to TREAT YOURSELF!!!!!

Yes, I just said that! If you can't take care of yourself, then who can you take care of? 

Tip to Beat the Blues #1: Cook to Contentment

 

{image: Nestled In}

So, I had the worst case of the blues and I marched out to my local discount home goods store and indulged in cheap red tag sale shopping. I bought a inexpensive mandolin to spruce up my newbie attempt into raw cooking, which brought about amazing results! Cooking & food always equal happiness.

Why not bake up a storm, too? Gingerbread houses are a great way to spend an afternoon releasing some stress! Although, don't try to make it too magazine worthy, you're not taking it onto the Food Network! LOL! 

{image: Luxist}

Tip to Beat the Blues #2: Beat the Blues with Art

What else can make you feel good? Art supplies! Art is truly an art therapy of sorts for me. Art & crafting is just a time to hang out and have fun! I started a new blog, Pacific Citrus, to showcase my random doodles and inspire others to let art heal, inspire, and invent a new way of looking at the world. A new perspective is the best way to find happiness when everything else looks bleak! Here is a field of color that made me really happy to create. 

  

{image by moi at Pacific Citrus}

There is also a totally free doodle program that rocks. It's called Odosketch! Sign-up and make some art without the hassle of clean-up. Here is a screen shot of what can be done. The program is also great because it creates a flash video of how you make the art, too. 

There is also a free version of Art Rage, and it's one of my favorite digital art programs. Here is a screen shot of Art Rage-nice apple! YUM!

Tip to Beat the Blues #3: Take a Movie Break!

Watch a Movie! Ignore all phone calls, put the holiday cards aside, stop wrapping up gifts! Throw the popcorn on the stove, mix up a bowl of candies, and hang out in a totally different era. My rental pick of the month is PUBLIC ENEMIES. Hello-Johnny Depp!!!! He is bang-bang hot, but seriously, this is a Michael Mann movie and it rocked! I loved the story line, the costumes, and the ambiance.

 

{image: Commentary Track}

Marios Cotillard was lovely as Dillienger's girlfriend in Public Enemies. I love her dress at the premiere.

{image: Wardrobe Mag}

Tip to Beat the Blues #4: Read Blogs and Connect

Last idea for those that want to beat the holiday blues...READ MORE BLOGS! 

I've got a huge sidebar of links of just wonderful blogs waiting for someone like you. Get inspired in thousands of different ways. There are links to style, fashion, interior design, art & craft blogs. There are so many amazing people blogging these days. When I started Modern Girl Style, I have to say it was still party conversation to tell people that I kept a blog!

Tip to Beat the Blues #5: Give to Others and You'll Give Yourself a Smile

I also suggest clicking a link from my hip charity list because it is the month of not only giving to yourself, but giving to others. At the end of the day, nothing beats the buzz of making someone else happy! Life is about balance after all! Here are some impressive ideas on wrapping up gifts, and this blog post! 

{image: Paper Crave}

Happy Thanksgiving Beauty Giveaway: Win a $200 product by Perricone MD!!!

{Thanksgiving Day Table Design. Image: Domino Magazine}

Modern Girl Style & Perricone MD wants one lucky reader to radiate health and beauty this holiday season!

Thanksgiving Day is a few weeks away, but the Holiday season has already started. Don't believe me? Head over to Starbucks and pick up an Egg Nog Latte! How did the holidays sneak up so quickly? I don't have an answer for that, but the holidays mean shopping (love it), giving (love, love it), and lots of time with family (ah...?). The saddest thing is that so many people neglect themselves during all the holiday mayhem! Things have got to change. If you can't be your healthiest, then who is taking care of you? If you aren't feeling lucky, no worries. Everyone wins at this contest with a Perricone Coupon that includes special offers, deals, and more!

One lucky girl will win Perricone MD's Neuropeptide Facial Contour valued at $195!

Say What?

What is it? Perricone MD's Neuropeptide Facial Contour is the Red Carpet-Ready Cream of Celebrities. This unique skin-tightening formula helps to create the appearance of chiseled cheekbones, jaw line, throat and decollete areas. Imagine what your family and friends will think seeing your skin radiate with such beauty and health! Imagine walking into your holiday office party looking every bit the goddess that you are inside and out! 

My sister is a makeup artist for Benefit cosmetics and she went WOW when she heard about this giveaway. She knows that Perricone MD products are awesome. Check out all the Perricone MD products at the Perricone website. If you think lady-luck is on your side just follow these simple steps to win:

How to Win this Contest

 

{image: Zoe McLellan Allure Magazine}

1. Follow Modern Girl Style on Facebook, Twitter, or by Email subscription. 

2. Leave a comment on this post by midnight November 25, 2009. 

3. That's it, except you must be American win! Good Luck!!!

Winner announced Thanksgiving Day!

That's Mr. Perricone MD himself! What a feast! LOL! I love a man with humor!

I'm Happy Again

>

Never let things get you down. There is so much to love in the world....

There is so much style to be found in every life...

There are so many ways to reinvent everything....

So dance and love and be happy again!

Yoga Break: The Open Heart of Krista Cahill

Last winter, I had the opportunity to enroll in a Yoga Alliance 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training Program. To make a long story short, I'm now a certified yoga teacher. I never in a millin years thought I'd get certified, but it's funny how things sometimes line up. I have studied yoga for over a decade and so I guess it all makes sense that one day I would be sharing the knowledge. I've never taken the time to share this passion at Modern Girl Style, but today it's all changing

I found this incredible video of Krista Cahill flowing for Yogi Toes and had to share. It's brilliant, amazing, and beautiful. This flow isn't just about Krista Cahill being flexible. It's more about her open heart and mind that creates these beautiful sequences of postures (asanas). It's also not often that anyone gets an opportunity to see such an amazing sequence of poses. Time to take a Yoga Break!

A few more poses to inspire yogis all levels!

{images: YogiBuni Photostream}

We've Have a Winner for Cathy Alter's Book Give-Away!

Congratulations to Diane for winning a hardback copy of Up for Renewal! In the weeks to come, Modern Girl Style will interview Cathy Alter and Diane will have a special opportunity to join in on the interview process! Thanks again for everyone who joined Modern Girl Style at Facebook. Until then, catch this great interview of Cathy on the Today Show. It'll definitely make you want to read this book!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Let's Run a Marathon! A Modern Girl's Guide to the New York Marathon.

It's official. I won a ticket into the New York Marathon! That might not be like winning the lottery or ticket to the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, but I'm thrilled to say the least. I've started my first week of diligent training and already I'm excited to cross the finish line in Central Park.

Week: 18

I'll be blogging about the process of training for a marathon over the next 18 weeks. Here is the full schedule that I am following as posted at the New York Marathon website. (Click to view larger)



However, I am modifying the schedule to include strength and agility training. Friday is my off day, but I'll most likely do yoga or pilates on that day.

Runner's Tip

Cross train to build muscle to protect your knees, hips, and back from injury. Working the core with pilates and strength building yoga is also a great way to increase your endurance. Do a set of 15 bicycle sit-ups.

 

Why the heck should a Modern Girl run a 26.2 mile Marathon?

Modern Girl Katie Holmes on her way to the finish line in NYC!

Reason No. 1: You're crazy!

Sorry, I couldn't resist that one, but then again you've got to be a little wild to want to run 26.2 miles, right?

Reason No. 2: Get into the best shape of your life.

My New Year's resolution was to get fit and it looks like that is on the slate to happen. I should point out that I've ran before so I'm not doing this cold-turkey. I'm completed a 5K, the 10K Santa Monica Classic to Support Heal the Bay, and the Mississauga Half-Marathon. Some might say I'm already fit, but my body goes through ups and downs like any woman that deals with four seasons and chocolate. I also want to get into tip-top shape before I start the task of having child.

Reason No. 3: Prove to the World that You Are Not Surviving, but Thriving!

I actually already completely trained for the San Fran Nike Woman's Marathon in 2006 when I found out that I had cancerous cells growing that had to immediately be removed. I was devasted. I had started my training in Italy, on the island of Capri, and spent the next three months training and then I got the call from my doctor that I had to stop running. At the same time, I was in the UCLA Interior Design program where I met a Korean lady who owned a spa in Hollywood. She was a holistic healer and she told me, before I got the call from my doctor, that I had to stop training for the marathon because I was very sick. Wow! East meets West and agreed on the same thing. I shouldn't be running. Well, I was little bull-headed. I thought I could prove to people that I would be strong enough to get the operation and maintain my marathon training. However, my friends and family convinced me to give it up. This is starting to sound like the first reason now, isn't it? Anyhow, literally, I ran 22 miles and the next day I arrived at the hospital for my operation. I was out of the race.

Reason No. 4: Do it for your Family.

In my family, I have proven to every living member of my family that health is a choice and not a generation flaw. I'm the thinnest and healthiest member of the family who is constantly nagging about organic food, the principles of a yogic connection to mind, spirit, and body, and living eco-friendly. If my life impacts only the members of my family, then I consider the accomplishment of running a marathon to be a clear cut indicator of my lifestyle choices.

Summer Sexy Hair: Bohemian Style

Who can't get enough of Anthropologie and their beautiful hair accessories! I can't. I love them and what's better is that I found a fabulous blog called Effortless Anthropologie. The blog is dedicated to all things Anthropologie. Check it out and get inspire to find a new hairstyle for lazy summer days! Here are great examples of summer sexy hair.

Boho Waves work with or without hair accessories.

I love this collection of Anthropologie picks and corresponding hair accessories. Soft curls, wavy bed hair, and maybe a soft roll at the nape of the neck would be a great way to incorporate some sexy summer hair style. Give it a shot tonight!

The Creative Genius next to Elizabeth Gilbert

If you haven't already read Eat, Pray, Love, then give it time, because you will read it. Hollywood is making it into a movie, if that doesn't get you motivated, or you can watch this brilliant talk that Gilbert gave at the TED convention in Long Beach. Now, I have no idea what the Ted convention is, I just know something brilliant when I hear it, and Gilbert gets funny, wise, and brilliant in this short lecture.

Elizabeth Gilbert

Thanks to Karma Tube for opening my eyes up to this one! Everyone should sign up for Karma Tube because it's just inspired!

Spring is in the Air

March 20th marks the official start of Spring, which means wardrobe changes, trips to the gym, and maybe a new hair cut. What plans have you got for the emergence of your Spring look? Whatever you decide to do, keep is personal, express your unique self & trust your gut. Have fun getting creative, try a new scarf, or maybe light up a new candle. I was reading about Pacifica at Sephora and totally love the vibe.

 

Get Inspired by Pacifica

The woman-owner business had this to say at Sephora. "For me, fragrance is about inspiration—the power to move the intellect or emotions." I always love the stories behind how businesses get created, so I have to add that the story behind Pacifica sounds destined.

EVERYDAY INSPIRATION
For Brook and Billy Taylor, Pacifica Is an Expression of the Pure Joy of Being Alive

From their very first meeting, Pacifica founders Brook and Billy Taylor shared a trail blazing, West Coast mentality and a passion for art, nature, surfing, activism, and healthy green living. The duo dreamed of starting a company that would reflect all of these things, and the idea for Pacifica was born during long drives home from weekends at the beach. A natural perfumer, Brook had been keenly tuned in to smells since her childhood, when she mixed spices in pots on the kitchen floor. In high school, deeply moved by a reading of Tim Robbins' Jitterbug Perfume, she began blending her own fragrances and then studied aromatherapy during college. Though her blends were true perfumes intended for wear on the body, she and Billy initially put their seven favorites into candles. Instinctively, they knew this would be an easier way into the world of fragrance than to try to launch perfumes right off the bat. In 1996, on a lark, they took their candles to a trade show and orders were off the charts. They set up a candle factory the very next week and set out on their fragrant journey. Brook and Billy had a grassroots vision that if they invested in the quality of their products and the fragrance experience, rather than in marketing, those who fell in love with Pacifica's exceptional products would spread the word. They were right. The company's devout following of fragrance aficionados and earth-conscious connoisseurs deeply value Brook's fresh approach to perfuming—intended to enhance rather than overtake. Her blends are sophisticated and complex, yet, fun, happy, and easy to wear. They come to life differently on each wearer—becoming a unique and integral part of them. Pacifica customers also trust Brook's thoughtful attention to balance in formulating natural, safe, and sustainable products. Today, Pacifica is thought of as a breath of fresh, ocean air in the world of fragrance. Heralded from the beginning for the unique nuance and complexity of their blends, the brand came full circle with the 2007 launch of the Perfumes collection—at long last. The perfumes are pure expressions of the pair's beloved blends for everyday wear on the body—as they were initially intended. But most of all, Pacifica is an expression of the pure joy of being alive. With an intense respect for the power of fragrance, Brook and Billy are honored to know that their products carry this fragrant joy into their customers' hearts and homes—and linger in their fondest memories That's what I call Modern Inspiration! Take time to check out Pacifica!