The Best Way To Spend A Saturday Morning?

Friends, waffles and the Globe and Mail.

Good House Hunting

All the way from the east coast (Halifax, to be precise) Claire Webber brings us a few tips on house hunting.

1. Find a good landlord (i.e. not a jackass).  You'll find it much easier to live under the supervision of someone who you respect, and even more importantly respects you.  Always be clear about your lifestyle- surprises are usually not welcomed with open arms.
2. Find good roommates (see preceding photograph).  This is outrageously important.  Sometimes living with your best friend isn't as great an idea as you originally thought- a good roommate is someone you live well with, and this doesn't always mean someone you really really like.  Make sure your habits mesh, if not match.
3. Location, location, location (see proceeding photograph).  Make sure you love where you live, and that includes who and what you live close to.

Java Jive

"I love coffee,

I love tea,

I love the java jive and it loves me,

Coffee and tea and the java and me,

A cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup"

-The Ink Spots

In every lady's early-morning arsenal, coffee plays one of, if not the most important part.  Whether you pick one up at Starbucks or brew a pot at home, this liquid gold is your surefire route to a peppy disposition and an extended energy span- just don't go overboard to a crazy disposition.  Curl up with a good strong cup and read the following need-to-knows about the world's favourite drink.

1. Similar to alcohol, try to avoid drinking too much coffee on an empty stomach.  This wreaks havoc on the digestive tract and amplifies coffee's drawbacks- jitters, sometimes headache.  And besides, who doesn't love a little bit of biscotti with their cappuccino?
2. Leave yourself plenty of time to brew and drink your coffee in the morning if you don't plan on taking it to class, you'll be able to make it right and drink it slowly without burning your mouth.
3. Always offer coffee to guests (after dinner parties, when coming in out of the cold) - coffee has a long-standing (thousands and thousands of years, actually) reputation of being a social beverage, and sharing a warm cup is oh-so-pleasant.
4. Do not attempt to bring coffee to class if you're in a rush/have quite a ways to go.  Sure, it's kind of cute and feels very homey to have your very own mug outside of your kitchen, but the cuteness factor shoots to zero when you drop your Flintstones mug on the subway and soak everyone's shoes.
5. Always take your coffee the way you like it.  You won't enjoy it if you're drinking a double-double and are strictly a "just-a-touch-of-milk-please" girl.
6. Be. Polite. To. The. Barista.  Maybe the jerk in front of you got away with yelling the poor girl/boy's ear off, but that does not entitle to you treat the lovely person creating your coffee experience poorly.

More on the best liquid on Earth to come!

Mopeful Hopefuls

We all wish we were Carrie Bradshaw- especially all of us budding journos over here at Ryerson- but for those of us without a Manhattan apartment, a seemingly unending supply of cab fare and an unbelievably cool job, there is a way to live fabulously on a (Toronto) student's budget.  Here's how:

1. Be in the know.  She Does The City is a city-slicker's go-to guide for all things girlishly Toronto.
   
2. Save your pennies.  Downsize your venti to a tall, take the subway instead of a taxi, browse the clearance rack- you never know when that extra few dollars will translate into a fabulous night on the town.
3. Read, read, read!  Posh conversation stems from a posh knowledge base.  Leaf through those Vogues, Vanity Fairs, Globe and Mails (and of course, novels, novels, novels!) to brush up on your dialogue.

Live fabulously, ladies- just don't get carried away (ha ha ha).

Press Your Clothing

...and look sharp!

Pub Etiquette

Here are a few tips for a successful trip to the pub on a Sunday afternoon (specifically Dakota Tavern for Sunday Bluegrass Brunch- Sundays from noon until three, at Dundas and Ossington).

1. When perching upon those teetering barstools, do not attempt to cross your legs.  Keep one ankle tucked behind another and focus on not tipping over.
2. Even if the music stirs deep emotions within your soul, do not take the cutlery intended for your meal and begin to play them as a percussion instrument ("the spoons").  It's not posh, it's not even that funny.
3. Mind that you don't put your napkin down in a puddle of maple syrup.  This renders the napkin useless in its original function- that is, cleaning your sticky hands.
4. Nodding along to bluegrass is completely acceptable.  A few steps on the dance floor are okay, too.  But do take note of whether or not there is in fact a dance floor.  Impromptu grape-vines are not the best idea on Earth.

What To Wear To [Pub-style] Brunch

It's not the Royal York, but that doesn't mean you should bust out the sweat pants.  Keep it casual- sweaters, dark jeans, boots, flat shoes, a scarf perhaps, a button-down or a nice-ish tee.  Just don't show up in a cowboy hat and boots.  That doesn't make any sense, even if it is a tavern.

100 Years Glamourous

Introducing my great-grandmother, Jessie Webber.  101 this April, and still lookin' fab for her close-up.

How To Brave The Subway, With Grace and Elegance

Though it is always preferable to take a taxi or have a driver pick you up, it is often not within the young lady's budget to do so, especially after a day at the shops. With this in mind, one should always be equipped with the means and knowledge to take public transport.

1. Carry tokens. Much easier (and often slightly less pricey) than buying a single fare over and over and over again.
2. Purchase a Day Pass when necessary. For all you Torontonians, this means upwards of four trips. Metro cards are great, though not always 100% practical for infrequent subway-goers.
3. Be aware of when the subway closes. Either this, or carry enough funding for a taxi if you simply must stay out late.
4. When actually in the car, be aware of other passengers. It is common courtesy to offer your seat to those who need it more than you. As a young person, this means everyone else. In particularity: pregnant women or mothers with their children, the elderly, injured parties, people with large shopping bags, etc.
5. While on the topic of shopping bags, try not to bring these onto the subway/streetcar/bus in abundance. They are a hassle to you, a nuisance to those around you, and do not qualify for a seat of their own.
6. If you find yourself having to stand, do not grumble about it. Place your feet squarely apart, at about shoulder-width, hold a railing for support, and be aware of the car's movement- you'll get the hang of it much more quickly than you'd think!
7. You don't have to make lasting bonds with everyone on the car, but you most certainly do not need to make mortal enemies either. Smile politely, respond to queries should they arise, and treat other passengers kindly.
8. If you see someone you know on the car, do not shout. Try to catch their eye, or make your way over to them if traffic allows. Now is not the time for a large commotion, so save the blubbering and carrying on for your high school reunion.
9. If you're riding with someone, keep your conversation to a low volume, and as always, appropriate. No one wants to hear about your wild night out, your life's biggest mistakes, or your (gasp!) bathroom activities. Keep private conversations just that- private.
10. Use up the space alloted to you, and no more. If seated, keep one ankle tucked behind the other, hand on lap, shopping bags neatly stowed beneath your seat. If standing, do not slump over, keep your arms, hands, legs, feet and wits about you and be conscious of others. Along these lines is scent, believe it or not. Perfume is an essential part of every lady's morning ritual, but be mindful of the power and intensity of this perfume. Try not to smother passengers with your lingering odour, even if it is pleasant.

And lastly, mind the gap!

When I Grow Up

For all those interested in eschewing Saturday Night Study Sessions, you are cordially invited to...

O'Keefe House's Semi Annual Pub Night

Imperial Pub & Library

Saturday, January 31st, 2009

All Ages

Dress Code: What I Want To Be (When I Grow Up...)

Tickets $3 or $5 at the door

More to come on The Lady's Trip To The Pub... What to wear, What to do, What not to touch...

How To Beat The Classroom Blues

True ladies are never inattentive in class. But if you've heard the lesson a million times, and simply can't stand it any longer, here's how to get away with not listening.

1. If you're on a computer, know how to close windows quickly and discreetly before opening any. Set your volume to mute, especially while surfing the net.
2. If you're writing notes, get ready for a quick page-flip.
3. Nod in agreement from time to time.
4. Do. Not. Text. In. Class. Save it for later, this is very very rude.
5. Never, ever place a telephone call in class! It's just outrageous.
6. Establish eye contact with your professor/teacher and smile knowingly.
7. If you're called upon to answer a question and you really haven't been listening, don't try to cover it up. You're about to get caught red-handed. Do not, however, admit defeat outright. Ask politely for your teacher to repeat themselves, as you seem to have missed the last part of what they said.
8. Whether you're on a computer or making written notes, keep something related to your class nearby as a cover-up.
9. When all else fails and a scolding is close-at-hand, pull a tissue from your handbag and run dramatically to the salle de bain- you're a girl, you'll get away with it.

Whenever possible, try to actually pay attention. Any lady worth her weight in leather-bound books will have a vast knowledge of many subjects that will come in handy in future conversations. Plus, teachers are people too. They deserve your respect and attention. A professional relationship with a teacher is one of the most valuable you'll ever have. Try not to ruin it.

One Man's Junk...

Antiquing: the art of recovering beautiful objects from their dusty, moth-ridden cells. What can ultimately be an inexpensive way to amass a great deal of lovely items can also turn into something of a black hole- for money and your time. A few thing to keep in mind:

1. Wear clothing you can move freely in without knocking things over- you do not want to have to pay for a smashed tea set or porcelain figure- even the heinous ones can turn out to be ridiculously expensive.
2. Bring cash. And only as much as you want to spend. You're unlikely to find too many genuine antique spots with full credit/debit service.
3. When deciding whether or not to make a purchase, ask yourself does the object of your desire pass the three way test? [Do you love it, will you use it/look at it/wear it often, can you afford it?
   
4. Talk to the owners. You'll let them know you're truly interested in their wares, possibly hear a few extra special background stories, and be more likely to get a good deal.
5. Barter! You're not at the mall, so haggle those prices down! But do so in a polite way (of course) making sure you don't insult the owner. It might also be a good idea to ask if the prices are fixed before attempting to slash a few zeros off the price tag.
6. Bring along your mother/grandmother/aunt/whomever you like to share the experience- there's something for everyone in an antique shop!
7. Break for tea somewhere impossibly posh to keep the mood.
8. Look for old magazines to frame those funny little advertisements and retro photographs.
9. Pick up a tea cup or two to glam up your morning cuppa.
10. Pick up little buttons or badges that remind you of your friends and gift them- it's nice to feel loved and remembered!
11. Some shops keep boxes of old postcards- the art is lovely, but check out the back for a glimpse into someone's world.
12. Look for old silk scarves, fur stoles, lace tops- all those lovely ladylike garments of yesteryear- they're so elegant, and a little more posh than a manufactured version.

Be polite, get interested, and relish in the relics of days gone by- get out there and antique!

The "I-don't-need-this-but-why-wouldn't-I-buy-it?" Antiquing Playlist

1. Ella Fitzgerald Under My Skin
2. Michael Buble Feeling Good
3. Louis Armstrong Hello Dolly
4. Billie Holiday More Than You'll Know
5. Ben Harper Suzie Blue

What's the most stylish thing you can put on your head?

A Hat!

From The Desk of Michelle Tiangco...

Remedies of a Broken Heart, and Tips and Tricks vis-a-vis Le Maquillage
Straight from the horse's mouth, the fabulous, the stunning, Michelle Grace Tiangco
Remedies of a Broken Heart
The best and most attainable cure, ladies, is a night in. Sure, a night on the town is great, but let's face it- in most cases, a little R&R can (and will) go a long way. No need to stress if you look good enough to paint the town red, hanging with some of your closest friends can mend the most tattered of hearts.

Don't try to get the boy back who left you. Instead, celebrate your independence, your joie de vivre! And if that means getting cut off after a couple of drinks, then the friend who is cutting you off is usually doing you a favour- you don't want to end up swapping spit with a John Doe who won't remember you in the morning or having foreign phone numbers calling you in the wee hours of the night.

The main point, ladies, is that boys shouldn't be the epitome of our existence, and if a good one should come and go, remember (if he went) then maybe he wasn't so good anyway.

Le Maquillage
Kickin' it Old School: The bascis of makeup application

• Foundation
• Concealer (if needed)
• A rosy or peachy blush
• Lip balm
• Mascacara

However, I sometimes find going au naturel is sometimes the best morning routine, especically when there's a dollop of mascara on your eyelid that just refuses to rub off.

Glammin' It Up: LASHES LASHES LASHES!
I may admit, if I'm in a festive mood... or feeling low... I will whip out the false lashes to add an extra oomph to my step. For you ladies who are graced with long luscious lashes, mascara will do the trick. To add volume a little trick is to put eyeliner at the top rather than the bottom inner rip of our eye. It will thicken the look of your lash and make you look doe-eyed.

Adding a vibrant lipstick to your beauty regime will also do the trick. A red, bright magenta, or even a darker hue can make or break your look.
To make it:
Make sure it's the right shade for you- we're not all porcelain-skinned so, yes that shade that looked smokin on Scarlett Johannson may not exactly be the best for you.
Don't go overboard. Yes, lips are a main feature on your face so if you've already made your eye the focal point, it isn't advisable to put on the ruby red lips. Unless of course you're going for a really fierce, "I-know-exactly-what-I'm-doing/Striking-a-Vogue-pose" look. And if it goes well, then go for it! There's just a fine line between glam and you're-so-made-up-I-cannot-see-your-real-face.

The most important thing is to have fun with your makeup, but just don't let it wear you!

The Finished Product

We're Going To The Country

Off to a weekend jaunt to ye olde countryside? Perhaps a sojourn at the ski hill? Make sure you know what to pack, and how to pack it well. Packing a suitcase is a delicate art. The first and most important rule to remember is to be minimal in your approach. Don't skimp by any means, but don't weigh down the bellboy- especially if there won't be a bellboy.

A Few Quick Tips and Tricks

1. Choose your case carefully. A hockey bag may be appropriate for camp, but it's not a great idea for a trip to the Plaza. Stick to classic colours- black luggage is always a good call, but if you can pinch a few pennies, the ultimate trousseau has two special letters written all over it- L and V.
2. Line the bottom of your suitcase with your heaviest items- shoes, bulky sweaters, pants. Be sure to wrap your shoes up in ziplocks to keep your other items spic and span.
3. Layer clothing from heaviest to lightest, being careful to use as few folds as possible in order to keep clothing fresh-looking. Try to have an iron lined up at the other end of your travels, but if not, keep it in mind that your clothing choices shouldn't wrinkle too much along the way.
4. Be careful to wrap anything that might leak onto your clothing, especially if you're flying. Air pressure can pop those bottles, and that's bad news for your modest amount of clothing and accessories.
5. On that note, accessories are a girl's best friend when on-the-go. Stick to a few colours for clothing (black and cream, black and cream!) that you can mix and match, accessories will transport your outfits from it's-all-I-had to it's-all-too-fab.
   

Lastly, keep your destination in mind when making clothing choices, bring along a hostess gift (fresh blooms, pastries, something seasonal, something local, etc) and have a lovely weekend!

More on guest etiquette to come!

Back to School, Back to School, To Prove To Daddy I'm No Fool

Classes are in session, and it's time to think about lookin' fab- scholastically fab, that is.

What To Wear In A Classroom Setting

1. Glasses.  Some people would say wear them whether you need them or not.  I would say wear them if you really really like them.  And keep them to a classic frame.  Tortoiseshell and black make for the loveliest frames, but you can jazz them up any way you like.
2. Pants.  Dark Ages no longer, girls are allowed to wear 'slacks', so take advantage!  But make sure you keep your pants nicely pressed and hemmed- torn-up old hems and holes in your knees should be reserved for one pair of jeans only.
3. Skirts.  Since, however, we're still ladies, it's more than appropriate to wear a skirt.  Kilts if they're required, denim if you picked the right one, and high-waisted almost always.  Choose a skirt that shows off the right part of you.  Try not to go for the floor-sweeping variety, save this for the ballroom.
4. Tights.  With the winter season upon us, one could almost wear tights everyday, skirt or not.  Chunky tights are great for the winter term, but don't forget to make the switch to a lighter variety or come May you'll be sweating in your desk!
5. Shoes.  Really anything but heels.  Well, super-dooper high heels that is.
6. Accessories.  It's always wise to accessorize, but don't pile on the pearls like it's your job.  Keep it simple, keep it elegant, keep it ladylike.
7. Coats.  Wear a good coat.  One should never arrive to school in popsicle-form.  Do, however, keep it a little stylish with a lovely high collar and sleek buttons.

Have fun getting dressed girls.  That's the point.

New York City Dreamin'

For all you Big Apple-hopefuls wishing away the wintry hours.

Raggedy-Glam

Student and International Soloist Madeline F Webber guides us straight-maned gals in the pursuit of those sumptuously curling locks- the lost art of Rag Curls.

First things first, if you want your hair to look like this during the day, steps 1-4 need to be done before you go to bed at night.  

Step One

Wash your hair with volumizing shampoo.  If you must use conditioner, use a smidgen of leave-in conditioner, but be sure to only apply from about the middle of your hair: near your ear and down, staying away from the roots.  If you condition your roots, they'll be greasy by the time you wake up tomorrow!  Brush your hair out with a comb as soon as you step out of the shower.  Let your hair air dry, but not completely.  Your hair should be somewhat damp for step two.

Step Two

Cut twenty 10" strips of old fabric (ask first!) or clean rags.  The width of these doesn't really matter, because they're going to get folded over in your hair anyway.

Step Three

Comb a 1 1/2" section of your hair and place a rag strip close to your scalp and wind your hair around the rag.  Then tie the two ends together, like a bow.  Be sure not to knot it, it will cause frustration in the morning!

Note: If you want a wavier look, not curly, use fewer rags and bigger sections of hair.

Step Four

Repeat step three until your hair is up and you're ready for bed.  Don't use hairspray or gel, or anything that you might think will set the curls in place.  This just creates sticky hair, and a sticky situation.

Step Five

When you wake up in the morning, make sure your hair is completely dry.  If it's not, you should blow-dry it quickly, on the lowest heat setting.

Step Six

Take the rags out one by one.  If you start taking them out from the bottom, you won't run into problems with tangles.

Step Seven

If by chance a rag fell out while you were sleeping, a bow wasn't tied tightly enough, or you want one section curlier than another, you can always plug in

 the curling iron for a touch-up.

Tune in tomorrow for the results!

Everyday Eloise

Brand new contributor and seasoned city girl Amanda Michal (pictured below in Paris) brings us a taste of the Suite Life.

There's something rather fabulous about the concept of calling a hotel your home.

I repeat, the concept is rather fabulous.

For the better part of December my family and I set up base in a lovely hotel in Toronto.  And as any city girl knows, there is method to metropolitan madness.  Therefore, here are a few suggestions for anyone planning a hotel invasion:

1. My first mistake was over-packing.  I mean, really in what possible situation could one person need an entire suitcase devoted to heels when all I ever wanted to wear was flats?
2. The second oversight is to ever take a cab.  It wasn't until almost the last week that I discovered "The Path" - Toronto's underground world.  I was so impressed that I could go anywhere without a coat or ruining my hair.
3. Be sure of your purchases.  Don't buy that certain something right away- it's practically guaranteed that you will find something amazing an hour after you've spent your last dime.
4. Never anger the maids.  This is possibly the most important lesson.  Keeping an untidy room is unwise.  They have a key and will use it as early as they please.

All things considered, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  It really was an impossibly fun and totally unique experience.  Although, that said, there is something nice and familiar about a real home and your own pillow.

Feeling Low?

The "Beating-the-winter-blues-without-actually-battling-the-cold" Playlist

Assembled with love by Millie Roy

1. The Beach Boys Wouldn't It Be Nice?
2. Fleet Foxes Meadowlark
3. Lykke Li Little Bit
4. Blonde Redhead Top Ranking
5. Cut Copy Out There On The Ice

Back To School

Whip out your pens and pencils girls and boys, we're back to school.  Pull up your socks and strap on that thinking cap extra tight- best of luck for an ace semester!

More to come after English 208.

Cotton Candy Skies

Positively Lovely

The "Move-In" Playlist

1. Stars Midnight Coward
2. The Beatles Day Tripper
3. Ok Go Invincible
4. The Stooges Search and Destroy
5. The Faces Ooh La La

There's No Place Like Home

It's good to be back.

Wish You Were Here...

Wherever you go, send a postcard.

It's only polite.

Dear Diary...

A fabulous way to remember your best (and worst) moments?  Journalling!  Yes, it's time-consuming, but oh-so-rewarding.  Even if you're okay with putting the past behind you, and keeping it there, journals are an excellent release.

If you're having commitment issues, try one these ideas on for size:

1. Make lists!  They're quick, to-the-point, and perhaps even a little addictive
2. Draw your day.  Whether you have an excellent eye for the finer details of the world around you, or an knack for doodling, scribbling away a few images is just as legitimate as a full written entry.
3. Make a mind map.  Start with a favourite memory/any old memory, and let your brain do the rest, adding more and more jots and connecting them with arrows/whatever it is your mind maps with.

Don't be afraid to whip out your journal at any given moment and document your life's happenings.  It's better to have a quick note than to forget the details later.  Bring your journal along with you when you go out and fill it up with jots, scribblings, poems, song lyrics, business cards, pamphlets, stickers, receipts...

absolutely whatever comes to mind!

The Write Stuff

Journalling Frills and Essentials

A journal/diary/notebook

Find one that suits your needs.  Bindings that sit at the top of the book are best if you want to rest it on your lap and write/draw.  Watercolour paper and cardstock have a good weight and will hold up better to felt-tip pens and markers.  A Moleskine notebook ("the legendary notebook of Hemingway, Picasso and Chatwin") is an excellent investment piece, and comes in different shapes, sizes and paper styles including blank, lined and graph paper.

A writing utensil

Again, choose one that will be most effective for your journaling style.  Ballpoint pens are great for dotjotting, felt-tip or markers are better for on-the-go because they write whether your notebook is lying down flat or not.  Fountain pens should be stored carefully as a leak is hazardous to your possessions surrounding it.  Pencils are lovely for sketches and the indecisive.  Whatever you buy, make sure it is a quality piece that will last you a good while.

Not necessary, but...

Check out your local scrapbooking source for folded photo corners to adhere your favourite photographs to the pages of your journal.  Black is always a classic choice, but there are many different styles available.  

A Polaroid camera is an extremely expensive way to capture an image of something you see when you're out and about and write about it immediately.

What To Wear While Journaling

• Peacoats, slouchy hats, scarves and big sweaters create a nicely poetic vibe for coffee-house note-taking
• A crisp button-down and jeans with a nice trench are perfect for park-bench jots
• Dark drainpipes and turtleneck are perfect for art gallery revelations
• Pyjamas and a robe, coffee mug in hand, are just right for mid-morning entries

The Art of Chopsticks

Using chopsticks in a ladylike manner is easier than one might think.  Start off with a cleared dining space and a few rolls of sushi/whatever it is you might be eating.

Refrain from making faces or creating tusks with your chopsticks, especially once they've been used.  If, however, you do choose to entertain your fellow diners with impressions, remember to keep them tasteful.

The little troughs they give you at a sushi restaurant are to be used for soya sauce- fill them up and dip your individual sushi pieces in them.  The little pink flakes are ginger and are to be eaten to cleanse the palate or to kick the flavour up a notch.  The smudge of green stuff is wasabi- also for flavour.  Be careful of this stuff, it's very very spicy.

Eat sushi rolls whole, don't try to bite the pieces.  Chew confidently (especially before speaking!) and you won't look piggish.  If you have trouble grabbing things with chopsticks, experiment with different techniques.  And don't be afraid to ask for help!!  It is by far more polite to demurely ask for a quick lesson than to pretend to know everything.

And as always, try new things!  Green tea ice cream is quite an adventure, and even if it's not your cup of tea, you can say you at least tried.

A Few Extras

1. Ask your server for a glass of hot tea at the end of your meal (assuming you're at an Asian eatery, you'll get either green, jasmine or oolong tea) to cleanse the palate and aid with digestion.
2. Drink plenty of water as usual
3. If all else fails, ask for a set of conventional cutlery

Lapses In Judgement

So you had one too many last night.  Take the day off, make your apologies and snuggle up with a cup of coffee.  Your friends still love you.