remember this girl

I was catching up on all the happenings of XFactor [I like to wait until it's all aired then watch it online all at once, I'm not one for suspence].  Although she didn't win, Rebecca Ferguson's audition blew me away.  Love her voice and her style and that she knows what works for her.  Remember her, especially for all of us this side of the pond, she'll be one to watch out for.

steven & chris | the yellow twins

I attended another taping of the Steven and Chris show yesterday with my co-worker Anna.  I guess great minds think alike, since we both showed up at the office wearing yellow.  Oh well, it nabbed us front row seats and the wonderful Steven and Chris remembered me from the Blogger Event and 10 ?s.  Have I mentioned before how down to earth these guys are?  Another great taping with lots of decorating, cooking and beauty goodness!  The taping will air January 10th and you can watch Steven and Chris weekdays on CBC at 2pm or you can check out their site and watch it online [that's what I usually do!]

hump day humour | bob & doug mckenzie

This one is going out to Maggie and Rob over at Okay, Now What?.  If you can't figure out why, check out their blog.  Bob and Doug McKenzie with the 12 Days of Christmas.

hump day humour | the office

The art of Christmas Wrapping, this clip never ceases to crack me up.

battle of the blades | the winners

Did anyone else watch the Finale of Battle of the Blades?  The Russian darlings, Katia Gordeeva and Val Bure took the trophy and can I say, I couldn't be happier.  They were absolutely amazing all season - two great and wonderfully kind people, who were a pleasure to meet, partnered each other beautifully.  Congrats to the two charities they were skating for, both obviously near and dear to both skaters - Val skated for Compassion Canada and Katia for Cardiac Kids [please click their links for more on these wonderful charities]- each will be receiving $50,000.  Here's two of my favourite performances from them.  Congrats again and I can't wait for Season 3.

 

10 ?s | shae-lynn bourne, professional figure skater

Shae-Lynn Bourne is a part of figure skating royalty. Of the thousands of skaters who try to make to the top of the podium, Shae-Lynn was one of the few who has. Known for her strength, speed, athleticism and "deep edges and soft knees", Shae-Lynn and her ice dancing partner Victor Kratz revolutionized the sport, with daring tricks, intricate footwork and performances that set the bar for today's skaters. Shae-Lynn hails from my home town of Chatham, Ontario where she started her skating career. In 1991, she was first partnered with Victor in ice dancing and in their first season they won the Junior Canadian Nationals. By 1996, they were on the podium at the World Championships, winning bronze. They won bronze again in 97, 98 and 99, improving to a silver in 2002 and in 2003 Shae and Victor were the first North Americans to ever win a Gold at the World Championships. Following their gold, they retired from competition and Shae began her professional career skating with Champions on Ice, Dreams on Ice and more recently, has appeared on both seasons of Battle of the Blades, where she has proceeded to the finals on both occasions. Shae has used her celebrity to speak out against child abuse. She and Victor skated in numerous charity shows such as "Dreams On Ice". Bourne was the honorary chairperson for the "Every Life Counts" campaign for Chatham-Kent and has performed shows in Chatham to raise money for the charity. Bourne and Kraatz received the Governor General's Meritorious Service Crosses for courageously speaking out about unfair judging practices so that the sport could be improved for all competitors. Along with skating in various shows, Shae had moved into coaching and choreography. She is currently the coach of Canadian ice dancing team Kaitlyn Weaver & Kevin Reynolds. She has previously coached Cathy Reed & Chris Reed. She has choreographed programs for many skaters including Jeremy Abbott, Joannie Rochette, Akiko Suzuki, Daisuke Takahashi and Yun Yea-Ji. Up next for Shae, she's will be appearing in the NBC Figure Skating Special of Riverdance on Ice, airing February 19th, which you may recall as one of her and Victor's most memorable performances.

Shae-Lynn, despite all her celebrity, has remained down to earth, generous and extremely personable. And did I mention stunning - she's gorgeous. It was a pleasure to her meet at Battle of the Blades [and see her skate!] and I was thrilled to conduct a telephone interview with her the following day.  An outstanding performer,  and an absolute doll, you can stay up date with Shae and in contact via her website at http://www.shaelynnbourne.com/.  Here's 10 ?s with Shae-Lynn Bourne.

1.  What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career?

Being able to perform for people, to entertain and see their reaction.  Winning the World's in 2003 opened the door for me to do that and sometimes I pinch myself, to be able to make money doing what I love, it's amazing.

2.  Favourite time of day?

Sunrise and sunset.

3.  Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars, especially the first three, they are classic.

4.  What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do?

In the competitive world I would make judging a full time job.  Most judges are volunteers and have full time jobs, so they are unable to really dedicate the time and energy needed to judging.  It would help to make it fairer for both the skaters and for themselves.

5.  What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do everyday?

I dance everyday.  I love to dance.  It feels so good to get up and move around.

6.  If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do?

I would be a performer, either acting or dancing.  I love to express myself.  Maybe I'd work at a school for the Arts.

7.  Favourite Colour?

I don't really have favourites.  All of them.  Including black.

8.  Favourite board game?

I don't get to play a lot of board games.  Monopoly, I'd say.

9.  Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years?

Professionally I see myself continuing to coach and doing more choreography.  Personally,  married and a mom.

10. What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time?

Trendy - disposible fashion, replicas, pop music

Classic - Chanel, Gucci, the Eagles, the Beatles - music with a great rhythm and meaniful lyrics.

10 ?s | steven and chris, tv hosts

It's almost embarrassing to tell you how much I love Steven and Chris.  I set out into the working world during the heyday of Designer Guys, Steven and Chris' very first series.  I watched religiously and memorized just about every finish, every detail, every DIY, in fact, Steven Sabados was [and still is] my DIY guru.  My favourite episode was a spa bathroom that combined both old world style with modern touches.  The episode featured pale blue walls, a wall of sheer curtains suspended on tension wire, DIY'd frosted doors, and boston ferns on mirrored cabinets.  My first apartment ended up having ALL of those elements.  My friends and coworkers had quite a bit of fun teasing me about my Steven this, Chris said that, that when we spotted Steven on the sidewalk one day, they pushed me to go talk to him.  21 and starstruck, all I could say was "I'm a huge fan" and turned and almost ran away, my face bright red.

Most of you already know the story of Steven and Chris, Steven started in display design for Eaton's and Roots, Chris was a makeup artist.  Although both were successful, it was their teamwork forming The Sabados Group, handling events and interior design that propelled them forward resulting in Designer Guys.  After Designer Guys, they starred in the series Design Rivals and from there went into the world of fashion and style [on both high and low budgets] with So Chic with Steven and Chris.  Furniture design and linen, lighting, and accessory lines followed, and just recently, a wine label.  They really do handle it all.  And now Canadians [and this year Americans] welcome them into their homes everyday on CBC's The Steven and Chris Show where they talk, cook, DIY and style everything from bedrooms to the latest fall fashions. Charming, funny, handsome and down to earth, in person, they are exactly who they are on TV, open and honest.

To say I was excited to meet them at the Steven and Chris Show a few weeks back was an understatement.  And this time when I met them I got beyond "I'm a huge fan".  I said it again, but this time I followed it up with a fully formed question.  And now, 10 more.  Here's 10 ?s with everyone's favourite Designer Guys, Steven and Chris.

1. What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career?

S&C: For so many years we made TV in a vacuum where we never got to meet the people who watch us. Now everyday we get to meet people in our studio audience and they're an equal part of the show. It's so much fun!

2. Favourite time of day? 

S:  Morning – I like to get a headstart on the day 

C: Dinner – I like to come home, cook dinner and unwind with our dog Maxi 

3. Star Wars or Star Trek? 

S&C: Star Wars! 

4. What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do? 

S&C: We wish people weren’t so intimidated by design and had more confidence in their personal style 

5. What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do everyday? 

S: Mix and drink protein power shakes 

C: Meditate everyday 

6. If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do? 

S: Set design for films 

C: Open a décor store 

7. Favourite colour?

S:  Orange 

C:  Black 

8. Favourite board game? 

S: “SORRY”, I used to play it with my grandma all the time 

C: Snakes & Ladders – I play it with my nephews 

9. Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years? 

C: In a perfect world retired on a beach.
S: Ditto 

10. What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time? 

S&C: We never put that much pressure on trends and classics. We use what we enjoy. And if over time we change our minds, then we change our minds.

For more on Steven and Chris's S&C collection, go to http://www.stevenandchris.com/ and for more on CBC's Steven and Chris Show go to www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris.  A huge thanks to the guys for participating.

battle of the blades | part 2 - backstage

Special thanks to James, Bryan and Libby from Veritas and to CBC for granting access for me and a few other bloggers backstage at Battle of the Blades to meet and chat with the skaters.  Backstage, if possible, had even more energy than in the previous hour.  People were coming and going, the skaters were all impossibly warm and friendly, their friends, spouses and kids running around, a few media and fans such as myself in the mingle.  I had the opportunity to meet quite a few of the skaters and here are some of the highlights:

Me and Valeri Bure, who is quite possibly the nicest guy I've ever met.  Super friendly and gracious, he was ready to chat, answer questions and take pictures.  Fun tidbit, Valeri and DB Sweeney [aka Doug Dorsey in The Cutting Edge!] are good friends and Valeri completely forgot to ask him about his experience on the movie set.

Valeri's family was also backstage and I met Candace Cameron Bure who, like her husband, is super friendly and is absolutely stunning! Their daughter Natasha is just as gorgeous and incredibly mature for her age, so I won't hold it against her that the photo she took is blurry!

Katia Gordeeva is stunning and holds all the grace in person as displayed on the ice.

Todd Warriner - sans the dress - which he indicated that if he knew we'd be taking pictures he would have kept on.

Patrice Brisebois - absolutely dashing in person.  Did you see the adorable moments in the show where he was teaching his dancesteps to his daughters at home?  Endearing.

Shae-Lynn Bourne, who is the most down to earth person I've yet to meet.  So friendly.  And gorgeous.

A few other notes of highlight:


Isabelle Brasseur was so mild and meek backstage, definitely a polar opposite to her on-ice personality.  She was so sweet and friendly, her daughter is gorgeous, and she really was a pleasure to watch on the ice.  And she's so small!

Kyoko Ina is also very small.  I think she came up to my hip.

Theo Fleury signed up for figure skating lessons when he committed to being on the show.  When bootcamp started, he blew everyone away.



Men's Hockey is the most popular television viewing sport for Canadian adults.  Figure skating is second.

There are 433 hockey clubs across Canada and more than 1200 figure skating clubs.

Brett Wilson, philanthropist and judge on Dragon's Den, was there and was standing beside me at the backstage entry.  It wasn't until audience members started taking pictures of him that I finally figured things out.

Battle of the Blades is in it's second season.  I'm definitely hoping there is a third.

battle of the blades | part 1 - the spectacle

Sunday night I had the wonderful opportunity to go to see the live taping of CBC's Battle of the Blades.    What a show!  I was absolutely in awe pretty much the entire time.  The studio, the workings of a LIVE show, the energy and the people!  We saw skaters Theo Fleury, Jamie Sale, Kyoko Ina, Kelly Chase, Katia Gordeeva, Valeri Bure, Isabelle Brasseur [my all-time favourite performer!], Todd Warriner, Shae-Lynn Bourne and Patrice Brisebois, judges Sandra Bezic, Jeremy Roenick and Toller Cranston, and hosts Ron MacLean and Kurt Browning [legends!] ... it was too much.  And that's not even taking into account the performances.... which were AMAZING.  It really is hard to believe that these guys are hockey players and had never donned a pair of ice skates.  Valeri Bure put it best backstage, "they [ice skates and hockey skates] are completely different.  It was like learning to skate all over again."

The theme of the night didn't disappoint either, the skaters took to the ice with performances interpreted from Stage and Screen and included Saturday Night Fever, Shrek, Slumdog Millionaire, James Bond and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.  I had a very difficult time picking one routine of the night, so I narrowed it down to two.  The first, Shae-Lynn and Patrice's Slumbdog Millionaire.  Shae-Lynn really is a performer and the intricacies of movements, the speed, and expression was just gorgeous.  The second, Valeri and Katia with their interpretation of James Bond's From Russia with Love.  Valeri in my opinion is truly the player to beat, the athleticism,  strength and the difficulty of the lifts and throws, he may just have to come out of retirement to start a career in figure skating.  Honourable mention goes to Isabelle and Todd for the funniest performance of the evening.

We were fortunate to sit almost dead centre right beside the judges and at times I almost felt like I was on the ice.  Here are some of the shots I got from my vantage point [and my apologies on the quality of some of the shots, with so many lights and movement, I had some difficulty with the focus].   Highlights include the set, Kurt Browning, Katia's dress, and Sandra's backless chair [kudos to her for enduring an entire hour with perfect posture].  For Canadian residents, you can watch full episodes on the Battle of the Blades official site at www.cbc.ca/battle.  And also check out their blog for updates on the show and the skaters.

toe pick

In the spirit of one of my all-time favourite movies, The Cutting Edge, comes CBC's Battle of the Blades, partnering former NHL Hockey Players with figure skating's loveliest ladies.   So excited to get another invitation from CBC to attend the taping tomorrow for another blogger special.  Figure skating's Shae-Lynn Bourne and the NHL's Todd Warriner are both from my hometown of Chatham, Ontario [well to be technical, Todd is from Blenheim and I'm really from Charing Cross, but I digress] so you know who I will be cheering for.  Any other bloggers out there attending?

hump day humour | housekeeping tips

From Dwight Schrute. 

A deleted scene that never made it to air from Season 2.

10 ?s | julia black, stylist-tv host-discovering jewels

Julia Black is quite possibly the busiest woman in Toronto.  A stylist with her finger on what's new and now in fashion, beauty, decor and design, Julia, prior to 30, has compiled an already impressive resume.   Fresh faced and eager, Julia has been the Design Assistant to Samantha Pynn on HGTV's Pure Design the last two seasons, lending her keen eye and ability to source unique, individual and green finds.  Her design sensibilities also just landed her on the pages of last months' issue of Chatelaine, in which she showed off her beautiful kitchen.  Further TV credits include CTV.ca's webisode series "Get Fresh" and has appeared on CTV's Etalk.  On top of that, she is HGTV.ca's Green Geek contributing articles and videos to the HGTV blog.  And in her spare time, along with the plethora of events and shows she attends, she authors her own lifestyle blog Discovering Jewels, reporting on decor, fashion, beauty, design and events. 

I'm so thrilled that with her busy schedule she was able to contribute to sarah.wandering., here's 10 ?s with the fashionable, clever and extremely charming Julia Black.


1. What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career?

The most rewarding element of my career is getting to meet all sorts of talented, passionate, inspired individuals. I love meeting others and getting to know their ways of journeying through the creative arts. As well, when it comes to styling a project, which is what keeps me busy when I am not researching and interviewing, I am rewarded by marrying colors, textures, forms and patterns to create a harmonious, well intended space or wardrobe.

2. Favourite time of day?

My most favorite time of the day is first thing in the morning. I get out of bed around 630am and have an hour or so all to myself. I enjoy my breakfast shows, a bowl of cereal and coffee, and I read blogs, news, and twitter. I love pajamas :)

3. Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars

4. What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do?

As a freelancer I spend many hours a day on my own, actually it’s usually me and my 3 year-old Boxer, Parker. But I wish I had an office with other freelancers. A place to go to work and to leave at the end of the day, and where I can e in the company of other creative people.

5. What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do everyday?

Everyday I get some form of exercise. Everyday I read newspapers and blogs, online. Everyday I tweet. Everyday I eat a grapefruit. And everyday I try and do one thing that is unique—something that challenges me or allows me to step outside my comfort zone and grow. Just today I attended a launch of new Wii games and I strongly dislike video games. In the end, I was glad I attended, and I am happy to say I played a few games.

6. If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do?

I am fortunate to dabble in various aspect of media, design, and entertainment, all of which I adore. I couldn’t imagine doing anything that didn’t permit me to switch gears over and over again. I like writing, interviewing, styling, hosting, blogging, attending various events in support and celebration of new openings, launches, and cultural affairs. I hope to grow to be a respected lifestyle reporter and journalist, as well as a stylist But, part of me thinks about two other professions: acting and dancing.

7. Favourite Colour?

Green

8. Favourite board game?

Scattegories

9. Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years?

I see the media (television, publications) changing dramatically and then finding a new norm. I hope to evolve with it, whether it be online or multimedia. I also hope to have a place on a daily television show, as well as a written column in a newsprint. I hope to have children, a second dog, and a home designed by me.

10. What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time?

Trends truly come and go quickly. I think the most important thing about trends are the way in which we interpret them, individually. Personal style is more valued than ever before, and I strongly believe in being confident and happy with whatever style on gravitates towards. I also believe trends to be fun, so if that means indulging in whatever seasonal “essential” may be, then why not? Just today I bought myself a military-inspired fall jacket. I love when trends reflect a moment(s) in time. Currently we are seeing a lot of classics, vintage, and post-war styles and, whether we have television or designers to thank, I am thankful for the art of old-fashioned style to be back. I believe the once trending style of “eco-friendliness” is one that is here to stay. We are all more conscious, or else should be, about what we purchase and what we surround ourselves with. It’s extremely important to shop and support smarter than ever before.

steven & chris | part 2

There was just so much to take in at the Steven and Chris Show that I had to split up the post.  Here is the behind the scenes look at the crew and set.  The set was gorgeous - so many things to look at.  After the Q&A we had an opportunity to snoop around, or at least I did, and just look at the stuff on the shelves!  Such colours and patterns and textures oh my!

And then there is the one place everyone has in their house, the one place you hope people will never see, and most of the time they don't, but here it is people, the one place Steven and Chris hoped you'd never see... The back. Of the island.

There were many people working behind the scenes at the show - and LOTS of cameras - which were pointed directly at us for the first 5 minutes in the studio.  Yikes.  And one man who kept us all entertained - Richard.

Up next, the Heather and Sarah Show?