Author Archives: Janine Wyslobicky

How to break away from being a wallflower, even if there are some perks

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Along with the rest of the world I am beyond excited to see the film adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. But as much as Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and the rest of the amazing cast make me want to embrace my inner wallflower, of getting lost in my own head and people watching (admit it you always find yourself staring at people,) I can’t help but think how awesome it is to get involved with people, activities and life in general.  As my old high school leadership slogan went, “No Deposit, No Return”. (Wow something from high school actually stuck!) 

Here are my tips on how to break away from being a wallflower, make friends and try cool new things.

1. Go ahead and say hi to the person sitting next to you. Ask them a question about your class as an icebreaker.  Chances are they don’t want to be sitting alone in class either.

2.  Put down the phone! Don’t pretend to be preoccupied to try and avoid awkward interactions with people.  You are actually making it more awkward!  Who knows they could be an instant friendship or your soul mate! ;)

3.  Get out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. Join a club you might never have thought of joining, take an art class, volunteer, or actually talk to your co-workers.  It will pay off.

4.  Start slow. Maybe give up one of your TV shows a week and rekindle a lost friendship over coffee.  You can always watch the show later on demand but it’s easier to rekindle a friendship before too much time passes.

5.  Love certain books, television shows, genres, sports, singing etc?  It’s a lot easier to open up and talk to people with similar interests when you share passions.  Leave the comfort of your bedroom and check out events happening in your local city, at cafes, bookstores or open mic nights.

6.  While at a party, do you find yourself sitting alone on the couch watching everyone else?  Parties are a great place to talk to somebody new because most of the time everyone is talking in groups that are easy to join in.  Also, people are having fun at parties so they are a lot more welcoming to new faces. Join that group dancing to music instead of sitting alone eating chips.

After all, the more you put into something, the more you’ll get out of it.

“No Deposit, No Return”

Keep Calm and Listen to Ed Sheeran

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Between Adele and One Direction, the Brits are taking over the world.  Along with pretty much everyone else, I am all for this trend (I mean singing, + accents, does it get any better? I don’t think so!)  Another lovable Brit who has popped up on my radar is Ed Sheeran.  He’s collaborated with One Direction and is pals with Rupert Grint. Amazing!

Ed rose to fame in the UK after releasing numerous independent EPs, gaining him mainstream attention. This led to his eventual (and inevitable) signing to Asylum/Atlantic Records. In 2011, he released his debut single “A-team” and later in the same year his debut studio album, +(pronounced Plus).              

Since then, he has been nominated for four Brit Awards in 2012, winning himself two for “British Breakthrough Act” and “British Solo Male Artist”.  He is definitely a threat to be reckoned with, as he is also credited with writing all of the songs on his debut album, either alone or accompanied by others. As well, he was one of the two writers of the song “Moments” on One Direction’s debut album Up All Night.

Ed’s album is full of songs about relationships that he both sings and raps on.  His album includes tracks titled; “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You”, and “Give Me Love”.  Each song is worth listening to and will have you quickly clicking replay over and over again. 

Ed also has a song called “Lego House” which is fitting because on his Twitter he continues to profess his love for Lego by posting pictures of his creations.  Do I really have to give you another reason to love him? Well, if you need another, he is a ginger!  And even better, there is no reason to worry about who is your favourite British ginger between him and the beloved Rupert Grint because Rupert is featured in Ed’s music video for “Lego House”.  Best of both worlds! 

Ed has been touring with Snow Patrol on their Fallen Empires Tour, which stopped in Toronto for two nights, earlier in April.  I was lucky enough just hours before the show to get invited to go, and boy was I ever glad.  Ed put on quite a show. Although his set was short he showcased his talents beautifully.  Ed took the stage alone without a backup band, but he created the illusion that he was surrounded. He used technology to create a mix of sounds including; beat boxing, vocal snippets and pounding on the guitar.  This illusion, along with Ed singing and playing the guitar, created an atmosphere that had the crowd enticed and waiting to see what he would do next.    

Now, although Ed’s album is not out in North America until June 12th, you can pre-order it now, or if you sign up for his mailing list you can get a free EP.  Of course if you can’t wait that long (who can blame you) there is this beautiful thing called YouTube where you can go check him out on right now. To tide you over until June (or just until your browsers load), check out some of his music videos below: 

“Lego House”

 

“Drunk” 

 

Didn’t catch him this time around in Toronto?  He announced he would be back on his own headlining tour in September!  So remember, until then, Keep Calm and Listen to Ed Sheeran!

Gossip Girl Taylor Momsen’s performance with The Pretty Reckless at the Phoenix Concert Theatre has us asking “Cindy Lou Who?”

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She won over our hearts as Cindy Lou Who in How The Grinch Stole Christmas, made us envy her fashion sense as Little Jenny Humphrey in Gossip Girl and now she has us singing along with her sexy, raspy voice in her band The Pretty Reckless. Frontwoman Taylor Momsen and her band took over the Phoenix Concert Theatre while on The Medicine Tour in Toronto, performing a set that left the audience chanting for more.  The band is not new to the Toronto area, previously stopping here on their front lining tour as well as with Evanescence last October, so it comes as no surprise that they were welcomed back by screaming fans. 

The atmosphere in the theatre was both contagious and intoxicating as fans chanted Taylor’s name waiting for the band to come out.  When they did, they were met with loud cheers leading them straight into the title track off their new E.P., Hit Me Like a Man.  Dressed in her typical leather shorts, a long black t-shirt with bra showing, and her staple dark eye makeup and long blond hair, all eyes were on Taylor.  The girl knows how to rock and she sounded amazing, despite telling the audience that she was super sick. They were going to cancel the show, she said, but she loves Toronto too much. Momsen even took to her Twitter, saying, “Back in Toronto, one of my favourite cities.” Really, who can blame her? 

And oh man, does the girl knows how to work a crowd.  From the dancing on stage, little remarks in between songs, telling the audience how loud they were (oh, and they were) to the little smirks she gave while singing, the girl has got IT. I’m not sure what IT is exactly but she exudes it. It’s hard to believe that she is only turning nineteen. 

Taylor is backed by her band, Ben Phillips on guitar, Mark Damn on bass and Jamie Perkins on drums. They performed songs from their debut album Light Me Up, as well as two songs from their new E.P. and a cover of System of a Down’s “Aerials”.  They ended their set with “Factory Girl,”   then returned for one encore, officially ending their performance with “Nothing Left To Lose”. 

For someone who has been in the business from such a young age, you have to admire her for pursuing what she loves and not being the stereotypical blonde performing pop music.  It is clear from the way she performs, between the singing, dancing, hair whipping and smiles, that rock and roll is in her blood.  Although I loved her as an actress, her presence as a musician is too strong to ignore.  I left the concert asking myself, Cindy Lou ‘Who’??

If you haven’t already heard The Pretty Reckless’ songs I suggest you go check them out for some refreshingly good lyrics and accompanying music.

The Set List

1. Hit Me Like A Man
2. Since You’re Gone
3. Zombie
4. Miss Nothing
5. Just Tonight
6. Goin’Down
7. Cold Blooded
8. Aerials (System of a Down cover)
9. My Medicine
10. Make Me Wanna Die
11. Factory Girl
Encore: Nothing Left To Lose

Nail Swag: The best trends for easy at-home manicures

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If you’re anything like me, you feel naked without nail polish on. Ladies, it’s time to flaunt what we’ve got and let your nails do the talking.  This weekend, go ahead and take a break from your studies and let your nails feel the love. I’m always trying out new colours and trends because, after all, nails are the easiest and quickest way to make a statement.  Try out one of my current favourite trends: 

Neon
It’s all over the runways, and it can make any outfit go from good to GREAT!  My top colours right now are orange, green and blue. Sephora by OPI Nail Colour It’s Totally Karma on Sephora, $9.50

Coral
It is my absolute favourite spring colour at the moment.  Whether on clothing, lipstick or nail polish, it makes everything and anything look sophisticated yet fresh. Revlon Tropical Temptation purchase from Walmart, $4.77 

Watercolour
This trend is so funky but delicate at the same time. It’s for a day when you have a little extra time on your hands because it is a bit time consuming, but I promise the result is worth it. From Beauty Geeks

Nail Polish Strips
If you don’t have time to paint your nails, or you’re chronically smudging a fresh paint job, nail polish strips will save your manis.  All I can think of are the spring barbecues and backyard parties in the near future.  Time to let your nails be the life of the party. From Sally Hansen

Shatter
Shatter nail polish is still on my radar, especially since school is getting busy.  Who can deny the appeal of not having to fix chips while adding a little edge to your style?  And really, who has time to fix chipped polish these days? Turquoise Shatter From OPI

Magnetic
These nails will attract tons of attention but take it from me and follow the directions!  This will save you from doing the loathsome job of removing the nail polish and putting it on all over again. The polish comes with a magnet attached to the lid that you hold over the nail polish before it dries to create the cool lines look.  People will marvel over your nails, stopping you to ask how you did them. This trend is too awesome to keep hidden, so spill your secret! From Nails Never Fails 

Not running to do your nails yet? Then take it from Toronto’s very own Drake:
“Nail done, hair done everything did, nails done, hair done everything did. Oh, you fancy, huh?”

Go try these trends right now! Seriously, what are you waiting for? Your nails could be drying already!

How to Wear Florals Without Looking Like Your Grandma

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Florals are taking over the streets! If you haven’t joined in on this huge spring trend, the only question is, why not? 

If done right, florals are the perfect combination of sexy and sweet.  Whether bold prints or softer delicate ones, make a statement with what you wear.  Here are some flowery looks we are digging:

1. Pair this with a black leather jacket.  They will go together like peanut butter and jelly.  Nobody will be allergic to this outfit. Dahlia Ditsy Floral Dress With Open Back on ASOS, $118.79

2. If you are someone who can pull off a corset as a top then all the power to you and just know how jealous I am.  Since you’re skimping on the top, pair it with a solid maxi skirt. ASOS Crop Corset In Floral Print on ASOS , $40.21 

3. When is denim not a good choice? Add florals, no sleeves and a self tie to the equation and it makes it irresistible.  Pair it with a brighter hued skirt. Or why not rep the Canadian Tuxedo? But make the shorts coloured! Self- Tie Floral Denim top on Forever 21, $21.80

4. These shorts are so soft-hued and pretty I don’t know whether I want to wear them or just stare at them all day.  Wear them with a looser fitting white t-shirt tucked in and just count how many times people ask you where they are from. Talula Frou Frou Shorts in Kitsch Floral on Aritzia, $50

5.  In the summer I am all about the romper.  It has the look of a dress and appeals to my inner child who just wants to jump around without worrying whether my skirt is flying up. Here is something even your grandma would approve of! Look at that print! It looks like you could find it on a pillow in her house, but the style is classic. Camilla Playsuit by Goldie on Topshop, $88.17 

6. These pants speak for themselves. Pair them with a t-shirt and exude confidence. ASOS Cropped Trousers In Floral Print on ASOS, $73.10

Pair any of these with sandals or heels and you are good to go. Try to stick to solid coloured shoes since you want the floral to be the main focus of your outfit.  

If you are not sure if you can rock florals as a main part of your outfit (trust me, you can, and you will love it) then begin smaller with accessories or shoes.  Here are a few of my favourites: 

7. Tropical Flower Necklace from Forever 21 , $15.80

8. Dr. Martens Floral Cutout Oxford from Urban Outfitters , $110

9. Kimchi Blue Quarterstrap Wedge from Urban Outfitters, $49

10. Sequined Floral Wallet from Forever 21 , $12.80

So go enjoy the sun and let the flowers blossom!