Happy Weekend + Links I Love

Happy Sunday, everyone! It’s officially fall, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. We’ve been enjoying hot and sunny weather and I hope it sticks around a bit longer.

The Toronto International Film Festival ended last Sunday and I’m a bit sad. It was a whirlwind 11 days and I managed to attend 3 film screenings. I highly recommend seeing Roman J. Israel, Esq., The Mountain Between Us, and In the Fade when they hit theatres.

I’m catching up on some much-needed sleep this weekend and starting this book. Got any fun plans? If you’re in the mood for some Internet browsing, I’ve got you covered with my favourite links this week…

This Vanity Fair cover story, Meghan Markle, Wild About Harry. “I don’t read any press. The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. The rest is noise.” Such a class act.

In related news: Prince Harry is in town for the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, an international Paralympic-style sporting event.

TIFF invited actors and filmmakers in town for the fest to sit for portraits in their studio. All portraits were snapped with a Huawei P10 smartphone and they are stunning. See the full gallery.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Mountain Between Us. Kate Winslet x Idris Elba: Actor x Actor. Real talk about the craft of acting, how they worked together on the film, their first impressions of one another, and more.

My friend Alyssa raved about Ear Hustle so I subscribed and I am officially hooked. Last night, I listened to episode 3. Do you listen?

A great piece from the New York Times: From Prison to Ph.D.: The Redemption and Rejection of Michelle Jones.

Meet South Africa’s ‘boxing grannies’. “Many claim that they no longer suffer from the ailments they had before and are stronger than ever.” This is the best thing I’ve seen all week. Inspired me to give boxing a try.

Score, a documentary about movie soundtracks sounds so fascinating. Watch the trailer.

Celeste Ng: By the Book. I loved Everything I Never Told You. And I’ve heard great things about her latest book, Little Fires Everywhere.

I’ve been on the hunt for a backpack and I am loving this one in the prettiest blush shade.

For all you adventure lovers out there, Mel shared this Palm Springs travel guide.

Everyone is talking about Hillary Clinton’s new book. I’m adding it to my fall reading list.

Also, I just ordered Anne’s new book Reading People from my local bookstore.

Happy Weekend + Links I Love

 

Happy Sunday, everyone. The end of summer is fast approaching and I’m trying to make the most of it by getting outdoors as much as possible. How are you spending these final days of summer?

If you’re in the mood for some internet browsing, here’s a roundup of the links I’m loving lately…

This week, I spent more time than I would like to admit googling the upcoming solar eclipse. Fun fact: I wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up! This feature is pretty cool: a team of NASA-funded scientists will be chasing the moon’s shadow in two WB-57F research jets.

Also, this Atlantic article is absolutely fascinating: How blind astronomers will observe the solar eclipse. “Diaz Merced, an astrophysicist, is blind, with just 3 percent of peripheral vision in her right eye, and none in her left. She has been working with a team at Harvard University to develop a program that will convert sunlight into sound, allowing her to hear the solar eclipse.”

The Toronto International Film Festival is less than 3 weeks away and the final batch of films was announced this week! Here’s the updated list of films premiering at this year’s fest.

From Gala Presentations to TIFF Docs to Contemporary World Cinema, here’s every single trailer released so far.

I finally watched Concussion a few weeks ago. I can’t stop thinking about it and Will Smith gave a mind-blowing performance. Have you seen it?

In related news: This interactive piece from the NY Times. 111 N.F.L. Brains, All but one had C.T.E. Timely, informative and really well done.

Garance shared this moving and empowering personal essay, Late Bloomer. “My story has helped me to understand the enormous amount of pressure that is put on women to be mothers, a pressure that I had completely internalized and that I question today.”

5 interview questions that will help you hire better people. These are soooo good!

Trapezing is up there on my list of things I must try. This incredible post (and the accompanying photos) gave me the push to finally make it happen! The day my kids flew.

For the past month, I’ve been getting terrible headaches and muscle pain. This post on why we need magnesium couldn’t have come at a better time.

Joanna recently gave us a tour of her family’s Brooklyn apartment. Such a beautiful, warm and inviting space. Just look at all that natural light!

I’ve been a pretty big fan of grilled cheese since childhood so I’m excited to try this grown-up version: loaded caprese grilled cheese.

Claire shared the recipe for her version of Rhum Corner’s The Jungle Bird cocktail! It looks like the perfect summery drink.

Summer reading update:

A few weeks ago, I picked up Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips and raced through it in two days. A mother and son spend an afternoon at the zoo. As closing time approaches, they hurry to the zoo’s exit. But the mother witnesses something shocking and what she sees has her running for her life and doing everything in her power to protect her son. Beautifully written and well executed.

Earlier this week, I finished E.K. Johnston’s YA novel, Exit, Pursued by a Bear. It’s an engaging and devastating, yet empowering and hopeful story about the captain of a high school cheerleading team who is raped at summer camp. Johnston focuses on how she deals with the aftermath and fights to regain control of her life with the support of family, friends and therapy. Beautifully written, thought provoking, and necessary.

I also just finished Fitness Junkie by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza. I’ve been dying for the release of this one and I’m happy to report it doesn’t disappoint. Laugh-out-loud funny and relatable.

Happy {Easter} Weekend + Links I Love

Happy Easter weekend, everyone! Got any fun plans? I’m heading out of town to spend  the long weekend with family.

I hope you have a good one! As always, I’ve rounded up my favourite links from the week for you to check out…

+ How to write TV in the age of Trump. The showrunners of ‘House of Cards’, ‘Veep’, ‘Scandal’ and ‘Madam Secretary’ tell all.

+ Who’s your celebrity crush? I burst out laughing at Joanna’s running commentary and “Looking at photos of him is like looking at the sun” would make a great t-shirt slogan! Also, I loved loved loved the comments.

+ This Cadbury mini eggs skillet cookie looks amazing (and potentially dangerous!) I see myself eating this in one sitting.

+ I love getting a behind the scenes look at just about anything really. Megan shared her creative process for a spring gathering shoot she worked on for Midwest Living.

+ This Everygirl article broke my heart. (Grab the Kleenex.) “Since his death, I have celebrated life each day. I hug each person I love when I say goodbye, as he would have done. I treat strangers with extra kindness, knowing that at some moment we will all experience loss and will have to continue to be out in the world unsure of what’s ahead.”

+ Good news for all US readers: Jetblue is offering anyone who owes taxes the chance to win a free flight!

+ Going under the knife, with eyes and ears wide open. After two surgeries and slight complications with general anesthesia on both occasions, I would still prefer to be asleep while being sliced open. How about you guys?

+ The 2017 Pulitzer Prizes were handed out earlier this week. Here’s the complete list of this year’s winners.

+ Such a great interview with Audrey Gelman, co-founder and CEO of The Wing, a New York-based co-working space for women. “I think courage is going to those hard places when you really don’t want to.”

+ When darkness seems to hide His face. This vulnerable post made me cry.

+ This essay: Why I gave up my glossy magazine job to be a butcher.

(Photo from Sherwood Forest last spring.)

Happy Weekend + Links I Love

Happy April, everyone! How are you spending the weekend? I’m hoping to get some spring cleaning done. (Wish me luck!) In case you missed it, I shared my spring 2017 reading list yesterday.

I hope you have a relaxing one! If you’re in the mood for some Internet browsing, I’ve got you covered with my favourite links…

+ Flaws and all. I really appreciated this real and beautiful post.

+ Cup of Jo featured this cool book-filled loft in Toronto!

+ Flour 101. This guide makes my inner nerd very, very happy!

+ I’ve always had a thing for parfaits and I’m dying over this cute cereal version.

+ This New York Times Magazine video by Lynsey Addario, A Long Separation had me in tears. The accompanying article is worth reading as well.

+ The NBA’s secret addiction. So surprising and adorable.

+ Anne shared her favourite podcasts (15 of them!) I’ll be adding Off Camera and Smartest Person in the Room to my rotation for sure!

+ I am loving Man Repeller’s podcast, The Call and this week’s episode is well worth the listen: Wendy Carillo on what it’s like to run for Congress.

+ Beauty foods 101. McKel shares the top 10 beauty foods to add to your diet and advice on how to boost your beauty!

+ Do’s and don’ts of adding personality to your resume. Loved this.

+ How gorgeous is this strawberry malted milkshake Easter cake?!

+ Weekend reading: I started Behind Her Eyes last night and I am hooked. Have you read it?

(Photo snapped by Kay Gardiner Beltline last spring.)

Happy Weekend + Links I Love

Happy Sunday, everyone. I hope you’re enjoying the weekend. I am putting together my spring reading list and I’ll be sharing it with you all on Tuesday!

If you’re looking for some weekend reading, I’ve got you covered with my favourite links…

+ Last night, I started The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and I am already 100 pages in. This is a story that desperately needed to be told. It’s tearing me apart. I can’t stop my hands from shaking while reading certain parts. All I can think is “this feels so real.” And that’s because it is real; it’s happening every single day. Here’s a great interview she did with Atlanta magazine. I am ecstatic it’s being adapted into a movie!

+ LOVED this essay. The Personal is Political.

+ Emma Roberts has an online book club, Belletrist. I really enjoyed her exclusive interview with Joan Didion about her new book South and West.

+ Will’s incredible profile in the Sunday Styles section of the New York Times is so well-deserved!

+ A fascinating long read: ‘London Bridge is down’: the secret plan for the days after the Queen’s death. I haven’t read this piece in its entirety, but I will soon.

+ How to Get What You Want (it’s a lot easier than you think). I can definitely relate to  number 3.

+ The Super Bowl Champ, and the Dying Author Who Changed His Life. “Your book ‘Exclamation Mark’ … changed my outlook on life. It taught me that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from—there is a place in this world for you. You just have to stay strong and keep moving forward.”

+ This cake is just so beautiful.

+ I’m dying to make this matcha ginger affogato. So gorgeous!

+ Have you heard of Code Switch? It’s an NPR podcast by journalists of colour that launched last year May. Gosh, I’m late.

(Photo snapped by Kay Gardner Beltline last spring.)

Happy Weekend + Links I Love

Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you’re having a beautiful weekend so far. Got any fun plans? I’m catching up with the girls over Sunday brunch and I can’t wait.

If you’re in the mood for some weekend reading, I’ve got you covered with my favourite links this week…

+ Watch: how to run away and join the circus. Talk about taking the leap!

+ Amy Krouse Rosenthal, the author of the popular Modern Love essay, “You May Want to Marry My Husband” died of ovarian cancer earlier this week. Reese Witherspoon shared a touching post on Instagram, complete with illustrations by the children’s book author.

+ This vanilla latte coffee scrub sounds amazing.

+ Man Repeller launched its new podcast The Call this week and it is so good. I am really looking forward to future episodes. You can listen to episode one here.

+ Loved this powerful and beautifully-written essay that Meghan wrote for Time Magazine: Periods, Potential, and the Path to Education.

+ Have you heard about the fashion search engine TAGWALK? A former assistant quit her job to create it! Here’s her story. “Van Houtte’s startup is designed to help the fashion industry track down looks with as much specificity as possible, from runway shows in Paris, Milan, London, and New York that occur twice a year. It’s like Google, but in Anna Wintour-speak.”

+ Diane von Furstenberg shares some of her greatest design inspirations in this short video.

+ What life as a human rights lawyer is really like. “We need those who will work to amend, change, or even break laws if need be, all in the service of protecting our fundamental right to a life of equality, freedom, and dignity. Being a human rights lawyer is one such way.”

+ Photographer captures ballerinas in this stunning underwater photo series.

+ I’ve been snacking on protein balls lately. These pistachio matcha snack balls and these salted caramel protein balls sound so delish!

+ Whipping up this creamy raspberry protein smoothie this weekend.

(Photo snapped by the Toronto Waterfront last spring.)

Happy Weekend + Links I Love

Happy Friday, everyone! How was your week? The weather here in Toronto is freezing (-15 celcius) and super windy, so I’m staying in and catching up on my favourite shows and doing laundry. On the bright side, Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a.m. this Sunday!

Hope you have a good one! If you’re looking for some weekend reading, I’ve got you covered with a ton of my favourite links this week…

+ Kerry Washington, Warner Bros. to adapt ‘The Mothers’. This news made my year!

+ A Week of Outfits: Toby. LOVE Toby’s personality and sense of style and I could not stop laughing at his commentary. My favourite line: “I like blazers because it’s like a grownup. I like wearing layers. I know my style — I just know.”

+ Where to dine, shop, sweat, and stay in Santa Monica. Such a comprehensive city guide!

+ Finding space. I cried while reading this post. So beautifully written and heartfelt. “Slowly, being single didn’t seem like the worst thing. Slowly, I didn’t equate single or alone with loneliness.”

+ Loving this adorable sweater dress (with ruffles!).

+ I can’t believe I just discovered OKREAL! In honor of International Women’s Day, they featured inspiring women from their #OKREAL community. I could really relate to this one: “It opened my eyes to how difficult it is to be an active advocate for your own health.” I learned this firsthand a few years ago. Read all their stories here.

+ I was curious about this new networking app so I downloaded it yesterday. Do you use it? Thoughts?

+ “I’m in.” Miss these two, but they’re still at it! “Thank you to both of you for your profound levels of activism within our community, leading up to a historic event that I did not think I would witness in my lifetime. Thank you for how you treated children, both your own and all of America’s, with kindness, humor, and spontaneity.”

+ Tsh shared the 3.5 tricks that are helping her read more this year.

+ I’m seriously craving these turnip cake fritters with prosciutto and these glass dumplings with mushrooms and smoked gouda cheese.

+ Weekend sips: Iced lavender dirty chai latte!

Reading update:

I finished The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall this week. I could not put this down.

Reading this weekend: Unbound by Steph Jagger.

(Photo snapped at sunset by the Toronto Waterfront.)

Happy Weekend + Links I Love

Happy first weekend of March, everyone! Spring made an appearance here in Toronto, but that was short-lived. We’re back in the deep freeze again (Right now, it’s -13 celcius with the windchill!) How are you spending the weekend? I fell behind on my winter reading and I’ve got a stack of books to cozy up with this weekend. Read any good books lately?

I hope you make the time to rest this weekend. I came across so many good things on the Internet this week and as always, I’m sharing them with you. Enjoy!

+ Too Busy (not) To Pray. I read this post while waiting in the blood lab this week. Perfect timing as always. “My so-called “busyness” is often the culprit of my lack of joy, lack of flexibility, and lack of a peaceful heart. But, still, even knowing this, I say things like “I have too much to do,” and then scurry past the most importance task of just sitting with the Lord.”

+ Amanda followed me on Instagram recently and I am so happy she did. She’s just so real and encouraging. This post: Our wedding and love story is well worth the read. I cried in public.

+ You may want to marry my husband. This Modern Love feature also made me cry. Luckily, I read it at home.

+ Interior designer Magalie René-Hayes shares her 10 tips for transitioning careers quickly. I am thinking about changing careers so this post came at the perfect time. Thanks, Design Sponge!

+ The Cup of Jo team asked people in their shared office space what they actually eat for lunch. Loved the responses.

+ Don’t Wait for Permission. Griffin opens up about how she was turned down when she first applied for her Pure Barre franchise and how she kept on chasing her dream. “Don’t wait for permission to think outside the box. I’m not talking about being dishonest or breaking the rules, but the people who go above and beyond don’t wait for approval.”

+ 10 healthy whole food swaps. Happy to see raw apple cider vinegar and tahini on the list!

+ I’ve been on a nut butter kick lately, but it’s so expensive. I’m considering making my own and this espresso almond cashew butter sounds incredible. Laura, you’re genius!

+ Sarah of My New Roots has a beautiful new cookbook out. On the wish list.

+ I just downloaded the prettiest free desktop wallpaper from Design Love Fest. Such a mood brightener.

+ Canada turns 150 this year. I downloaded Passport 2017, the Canada 150 events app this week. It’s the perfect way to get personalized recommendations and discover cool events happening in 2017!

+ I don’t care if it’s freezing out. I’m making these healthier, boozy chocolate chip cookie milkshakes this weekend! My favourite things rolled into one.

Reading update:

I picked up Zoe Whittall’s The Best Kind of People last night and it kept me up way past my bedtime.

I’m hoping to finish The Lonely Hearts Hotel this weekend. Highly recommend it if you’re in a historical fiction kinda mood.

Happy Weekend + Links I Love

Happy weekend, friends! Got any fun plans? Seriously, where is February going? I really wish the year would slow down just a little bit.

Have you filed your taxes yet? I plan on filing mine online this Sunday. I can’t wait to get it out of the way. Also, will you be watching the Oscars? I don’t think I’ve watched any of the movies in the running, but I’ll be tuning in nonetheless. We used to do an Oscars pool at my old workplace and it was so much fun!

Whatever you end up doing, I hope you have a good one! If you’re looking for some reading, I’ve got you covered with my favourite links…

+ Watch how movie sound effects are made. Just in time for this Sunday’s Oscars!

+ Sip on these gorgeous lemon raspberry sorbet prosecco floats while watching the big show.

+ The best of New York Fashion Week street style illustrated. Love love love.

+ I discovered Griffin on Instagram this week and I appreciated her super honest post, Loving the Body I Hate. I wrote these words on a Post-It and stuck it on my bathroom mirror: “But, if you struggle with loving your body, like me, remember that love is first an action. One of the best things you can do is act in a way that’s loving to your body, even if your mind is telling you otherwise.”

+ Instagram’s newest feature is without a doubt the best one yet. You can now share up to 10 photos and videos in one post.

+ When everything is not enough. I read this post at the perfect time.

+ This made me laugh. “I want to grow up and be like my mom because I really like her.”

+ This short film is not to be missed: 109-year-old veteran and his secrets to life.

+ I could devour a couple of these beautiful scallion and sesame tuna burgers right about now.

+ Love this monochromatic look.

(Photo from last spring.)

Happy {Long} Weekend + Links I Love

Happy weekend, everyone! Got any fun plans this weekend? It’s feeling like spring in Toronto and I’m looking forward to hitting the trails this weekend.

I hope you have a good one. As always, here’s what I’m loving this week…

+ A brave and moving love story.

+ The wait is over! Big Little Lies premieres this Sunday on HBO.

+ This weekend I plan on catching up on New York Fashion Week Fall 2017. This year, there were 180 shows! I loved Anna Wintour’s recap of trends spotted on the runways. “I also thought it was an optimistic week and a joyful week. I do feel when things are tough being positive is the best revenge.”

+ What Should I Read Next is one of my favourite podcasts. In this week’s episode, Anne talks books with Megan of the Sorta Awesome Podcast.

+ Hosting an Oscars party this year? Oscar bingo sounds like such a fun way to entertain your guests. (Thanks Emily!)

+ Pixar launched free online lessons in storytelling and filmmaking featuring the studio’s directors and story artists. I am definitely checking this out.

+ LOVED this. Life Inside the Lifestyle Blog.

+ I just discovered Elle‘s series This Woman’s Work. I’ll be catching up on the features this weekend.

+ On repeat: Bruno Mars’s tribute to Prince.

+ A great interview with British author Clare Mackintosh. Her response to the question, “Who is your fashion icon?” made me laugh out loud in public: “I’m a writer. Find me a celebrity who advocates spending all day in stretchy lounge wear, fingerless gloves and fluffy slippers, and there’s my fashion icon.”

Reading update:

This weekend I’ll be starting Heather O’Neill’s new historical novel The Lonely Hearts Hotel.

(Winter sunset snapped in the neighbourhood.)