Keira-anne.com

“I know a girl…
She puts the colour inside of my world.”
- John Mayer, “Daughters”

Just shy of 10 years ago, I met Ashley. Like moths to a flame, blondes are seemingly drawn to each other. Ashley and I were no exception. While our mutual love of ice cream paved the way, it took no time at all for she and I to realize the capacity of deep love we each had for the other.

She has since become one of my strongest, wisest and most genuine friends – one that has endured through many phases of my life (and many phases of her own life). Ashley has that selfless and infectious spirit that most of us can only aspire to have one day. To be able to call her a friend is a true blessing.

As another year full of achievements and adventures has passed, I wish my Ashley the happiest of birthdays. Here’s sending you all the kisses, hugs, ice cream cones (and a few little licks from Jordy) on your birthday. Here is to celebrating everything that you are and everything that you mean to those who love you.

Almost all my life, I’ve had ideals and expectations about what I thought New York City would be like. Four full days into our trip, I can say with absolute certainty that this city has met and exceeded any ideas I held. Rebecca and I have been living an adventure that is nothing short of amazing.

Before we arrived, Rebecca and I agreed that we wouldn’t plan an itinerary, but instead wake up each day and see where New York City takes us.

In the short time we’ve been here, we have drank $2 cans of PBR in a Tribeca dive bar, strolled the sunshine-splashed pathways of Central Park, soaked up the atmosphere at Union Square, stood face-to-face with the Empire State Building from the top of Rockefeller Center, given our credit cards a solid workout with some of the city’s best shopping, cooled down with frosted hot chocolate from Serendipity 3, strolled through the West Village like a couple of locals, mesmerized ourselves with the dazzling lights of Times Square and noshed on fried green tomatoes in Hell’s Kitchen.

Needless to say, the pedicures we treated ourselves to were much deserved. Whoever said that New York City is a walking town wasn’t kidding.

With three full days left, there’s much we still want to see. Battery Park, the Staten Island ferry, Chinatown and the Brooklyn Bridge are on tomorrow’s agenda, and we’ve already snagged tickets to see Sex and the City 2 while we’re in the city. I’m sure that by the time we arrive home, it will have all seemed like a dream, but we’re certainly living that dream while we’re here.

Feel free to explore my complete Flickr set here and Rebecca’s full Flickr set here.

An occasion such as this one called for a big, borrowed suitcase. My darling Pepper’s 29-inch upright is loaded with five pairs of shoes, three handbags, tops, bottoms, under tops, under bottoms and is still barely 2/3 full. Just minutes ago we checked in with our airline; a window seat for me, a middle seat for her. One particular hopelessly chic hotel in the middle of Manhattan is eagerly anticipating the arrival of two West Coast girls.

In just 24 short hours, Rebecca and I will be making our way to New York City.

Photo: A. Strakey on Flickr

I can’t deny that the fact that our ultimate girls’ vacation has finally arrived is a bit surreal. While I anticipate that the adventures that await us will likely keep me from blogging, I’ll definitely be rolling out some updates via my Twitter and Flickr, so be sure to follow along. In the meantime, if you haven’t yet entered to win a $100 gift card, this week is your last chance – I’ll be drawing a winner upon my return.

Enjoy the long weekend, play fun, play safe and don’t forget to slather on the SPF!

After 51 fantastic, thoughtful and interesting entries on my AXE contest, we have a winner. Since I’m spending a sunshine-filled weekend with one heck of a great girl, Ashley‘s giving me a hand with this one.

If I’m honest with myself, there are very few experiences in life I’d do differently if given the opportunity. Some are minor blips and some adventures can only be described as memorably epic. Even wine-induced shenanigans with girlfriends are almost always worth the less-than-stellar feeling the morning after.

It’s the little stepping stones along the way that have created my character. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve seen, the bad days I’ve survived, the parties I wish I could forget and the scandalous parties I wished would never end… they’ve all been anthems for this girl. No single experience has epitomized me but I eagerly anticipate all the ones that are to come.

As my life-long dream trip to New York City quickly approaches, I’m really excited to be capturing the journey not only through photos and memories, but also to immortalize the vacation with my brand new Flip MinoHD camera. Lucky for you I have an extra one to give away to a reader.

AXE has become synonymous for fixing guys up no matter what goes down each day. Their complete line of body washes and body sprays combine gentle ingredients with yummy scents to transform, revitalize and invigorate. Thanks to the great people at AXE, you’ve got a chance to win an armful of select products and your very own gorgeous Flip MinoHD camera – valued at $249.99!

Ladies and gentlemen, here’s your chance to capture your next wild time in HD video:

Yes, it’s that simple. You can always check out the AXE Canada Anthem for a little bit of inspiration. The contest closes on Friday, April 30. I’ll choose one reader’s story at random and the Flip camera and AXE gear is theirs!

Disclaimer: I was not paid or obligated to hold this contest. I did, however, receive my Flip MinoHD camera at no cost. Chances of winning dependent on the number of entries.

Music history is filled with musicians who play the guitar well but only a few who can be considered legendary masters of the instrument. Whatever your opinion of John Mayer may or may not be, he is one of the legendary few.

On April 1 he brought his Battle Studies 2010 World Tour to GM Place in Vancouver, and Andrea and I were some of the first few to lock in our tickets for the evening.

The show opened with a fan favourite from 2009′s Battle Studies record, “Heartbreak Warfare”, a song laced with the logistics of love.

Supported by both new players and long-time bandmates Steve Jordan (who treated us to an incredible drum solo) and David Ryan Harris on the guitar, Mayer has managed to bring a well-balanced rock show to the crowd.

It isn’t often I find myself at a concert that’s enjoyable the entire way through, but that can’t be said of the Battle Studies show. Treating us to samples from his entire catalogue, some of John’s highlights included “Good Love Is On The Way”, “Vultures” and “Why Georgia”.

Never one to shy away from having fun on stage, John sparked the crowd with inspired covers of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”.

It’s hard to ignore controversy surrounding any celebrity in the spotlight, but after expressing regrets for his candid nature in a Playboy interview earlier this year, John claimed he just wanted to keep his mouth shut and play his guitar. And that, my friends, is simply what he did… and might I add, quite beautifully. The man can drop humour like the best of them, but jamming out with us what he came to Vancouver to do.

Some experiences in life feel like nothing more than dreams when basking in the afterglow. Never is that more true of experiences with music, an element that has the power to relate to all of us. I have a lot of gratitude for John Mayer’s music and the personal impact its had on my life since his first release.

Many moments in our lives are defined by a note or a song. It just so happens that many of my defining moments have been shaped in some way by this one man’s craft.

One of my nearest and dearest has made the move from Calgary back to Vancouver Island with her husband, and now Ashley and Mike are setting up shop locally with their incredible photography business. SNAP Calgary has recently expanded and will cater to Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland with SNAP Island.

This husband and wife team is presenting a fantastic deal for the Springtime, offering a one-hour family or portrait session for just $184*. Included in the price are 30 retouched digital images and two 8″x8″ photo canvas art pieces. To book your session (and the spots are being snapped up fast), visit SNAP Island’s website, send off an e-mail or give them a call at (250) 709-8423.

*Please note this offer is valid only until June 1, 2010

All photos © SNAP Photography. To view more photos from SNAP Photography, please visit their photography blog.

The quintessential ’80s movies that defined my childhood are countless. However, few more so than ‘Crocodile’ Dundee. Mick left the Australian Outback for the first time in anticipation of bright lights-big city adventures with his lady love, Sue, and landed on the outskirts of one of the world’s biggest cities. As the camera captured a fraction of the expanse that is Manhattan, 5-year-old Keira-Anne was simply blown away. Perhaps it was Mick Dundee’s naïve curiosity that got the best of me, but I was hooked. I remember exclaiming to myself “I have to go there!”

Photo: _Massimo_ on Flickr

“Imagine seven million people all wantin’ to live together… Yep, New York must be the friendliest place on Earth.” – Mick Dundee

After more than two decades of wishing, hoping, waiting, reading, studying maps and longing over photographs, my time has finally come. This morning I selected a flight, chose a hotel, entered mine and Rebecca’s credit card numbers and the City suddenly became ours. In a little over two months, we’ll be departing YVR on a warm Spring night, landing at JFK airport in time for Saturday brunch in the West Village.

When I was younger, I envisioned myself visiting NYC on my own. While I still hope to someday, I can’t imagine a more wonderful travel partner than Rebecca. We’ve got many of the same interests, hope to see many of the same landmarks and get equally giddy every time we hear Jay-Z and Alicia Keys pay homage to the Big Apple.

Photo: _Massimo_ on Flickr

It’s really hard to believe in some ways. I look at the computer screen, see my name, blink, see the name of a hopelessly chic hotel, the flight number and our selected dates with the word “CONFIRMED” next to it all. Somehow, none of it will seem really real until our taxi starts rolling over the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan. That’s when the rush will begin.

(And don’t worry, mom. We’ll avoid the subway station at the Manhattan Municipal Building for this very reason.)

Honest to a fault and too kind to be cruel, Tony Pierce is a rare gem. As the sole author of the long-running busblog and chief blog editor for the LA Times, never a dull word is uttered from his mouth. That is, of course, if you manage to catch him long enough for a conversation.

Photo: miss604 on Flickr

Throughout our friendship, Tony has interviewed yours truly on two occasions and has even orchestrated an interview between myself and Taylor Hanson (yup, the “Mmmbop…” guy). Never once has he sat down to be interrogated by me – until last night.

Keira-Anne: Good evening. Let’s start by getting your name out of the way.

Tony Pierce: My name is Andy Warhol and I’m here to sell you soup. Actually, paintings of soup cans.

KA: Are you selling anything else, Andy Warhol?

TP: Nope, just soup. I also go by a more common name of Tony Pierce

KA: Did your mama name you Anthony?

TP: She did! Anthony Hugh Pierce III.

KA: That’s a rather distinguished name. Why did you drop the a, n, h and y?

TP: There was a tax on consonants where I grew up. So repressive!

KA: That’s rather unfortunate. I hope it didn’t break your mama’s heart. Moving on… Did you have a favourite pair of pajamas when you were a little boy? Maybe some flannels with a bunch of Cs for the Cubs all over them?

TP: Hmmmm that was so very long ago. I’m sure I did, I just cant recall that far back.

KA: Were the Cubs even in existence in the ’50s?

TP: Yes, they were just figuring out how to successfully lose for a living. Their last world series win was in 1908, so by the ’50s they were almost in stride.

KA: That’s appalling. Let’s talk about sports later on. When did you make the move from Chicago to Los Angeles?

TP: I moved here the day after my high school graduation. I was 17.

KA: I like that you’re not getting any more specific than that. You were so young, so fresh and so impressionable. Were you frightened on your first day in LA?

TP: Indeed. I had gone from kindergarten all the way to graduating high school in Illinois. I knew everyone, so moving here not knowing one soul was weird, but I was up for it. I mean, I knew what family I had out here, but no one my own age.

KA: Can you tell me what your first great memory of LA was? You know… that pinnacle moment where you realized you made the right decision.

TP: There’s this free weekly newspaper out here called the LA Weekly and they list all the bands that are gonna play and where all the movies are. Even though I didn’t like to dance, I figured I should go to a dance club to meet girls.

KA: That’s never a bad idea.

TP: So the Weekly said I should try this one club because it was a mix between the bar in Star Wars and the wildest orgies in ancient Rome. LITTLE DID I KNOW that meant it was a gay and lesbian club.

KA: They didn’t specify that in the small print?

TP: NOT AT ALL. So I stood stunned as I saw two super hot girls make out and I was all “I’m in HEAV-“ and this dude tapped me on the shoulder.

KA: Did your stomach drop at that moment?

TP: Looks like probably exactly like how your dad looks and said “wanna dance?”

KA: I guess strapping, young black men from the mid-west were his thing. Did you oblige him?

TP: No, I ran out of the club and sped out of the garage as fast as I could with a huge WELCOME TO LA feeling in my heart.

KA: Have you been back to the Star Wars Orgy since?

TP: When I told my friends about it, they were all, “a gay and lesbian dance club? Hell, we woulda’ burned down such a place in IL“. And interestingly enough this place, The Odyssey, was burned down a few months after I went there.

KA: There’s some culture shock for you… There’s a gay club in Vancouver called the Odyssey as well.

TP: See, maybe that’s a thing that we straights don’t know.

KA: Perhaps it’s a chain. What’s the one thing about LA you wouldn’t trade for anything else?

TP: People talk about the pretty girls, but you’re proof that there are gorgeouser women in Canada.

KA: Is it all talk?

TP: No, there are definitely pretty girls here.

KA: You make me blush and I’m not even the one being interviewed.

TP: Ha! Some say they like bumping into celebrities in LA, but we are now letting Canada steal our movie and TV biz.

KA: It’s true. BC is kind of a Mecca for that stuff now.

TP: So I would say it’s the weather. There’s nothing better than wearing shorts in January.

KA: How about not wearing shorts in January?

TP: Bottomlessness is frowned upon in the lower 48, but I’m glad that Canada is setting trends.

KA: What about Hawaii and Alaska?

TP: Palinville and Punanyland? They don’t really count.

KA: Fair enough. So tell me… what is so special about Los Angeles that they deserve not one but two NBA teams?

TP: LA deserves two teams of all great sports. The fact that we have zero football teams is just LA being funny.

KA: If that’s your logic, then the same should be said about Vancouver. What happened to the Raiders?

TP: The Raiders were here for 15-16 years, something like that. And Uncle Al… all he wanted was a kickass stadium – one with luxury boxes. LA promised they’d hook him up.

KA: Hold on… Uncle Al?

TP: Al Davis. The one and only owner of the Raiders.

KA: Okay. Keep going.

TP: N.W.A even has a line about him: “And quit giving juice to the Raiders / Cuz Al Davis / Never paid us“.

KA: Sounds hostile.

TP: The Raiders are silver and black because Al is color blind and he wanted the fans to see things like he does. He’s the original gangsta, which is why N.W.A loved him.

KA: Tony, you teach me something new every time I talk to you.

TP: Hahaha – menial trivia I’m sure.

KA: Someone somewhere will be interested in that fact. I, for one, am. That said, Lakers or Clippers?

TP: I am not a Kobe fan. But it’s hard not to be a Phil Jackson fan. I really wish the Clip Show was more competitive, because I would go to more of their games if they were.

KA: Nice lead-in. Kobe Bryant replaced Jerry West as the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer in tonight’s game. Does that do anything for you?

TP: Not really. Kobe began playing for the Lakers right outta high school. He’s almost always had great players around him. Jerry West spent four years in college.

KA: It’s okay. The Lakers lost to the Grizzlies tonight anyway. Point proven.

TP: See? Here’s another weird trivia bit that you may not be aware of but maybe you are.

KA: Do tell…

TP: The NBA logo is Jerry West.

KA: Reeeeeeally? Kobe’s credibility between you and I just keeps getting weaker and weaker.

TP: Yep.

KA: That is nothing short of rad.

TP: I know!

KA: I can’t go any further without complimenting you on your spelling and grammar. I’m a bit particular about it myself – obsessive almost. How important is spelling, grammar and sentence structure in blogging?

TP: it all depends on what kind of blogging you’re doing.

KA: Is it important to you?

TP: Very.

KA: Phewf.

TP: I’m trying to do something arty. When it’s at its best, which it hasn’t been in a while, it should look drunken and wasted and nutz.

KA: Blogging ebbs and flows.

TP: Life ebbs and flows and you can’t always be the artiste you wanna be.

KA: Do people still use a “z” to pluralize?

TP: It all depends on what I’m trying to evoke.

KA: I bet you say “zee”.

TP: I think the Lord has blessed us with a large pallet in which to paint from, so we should use everything – but in the right way.

KA: Speaking of, if you weren’t a hot shot with the LA Times and the sole author or the busblog, do you think you would have instead been a man of the cloth? You make this too easy for me. It’s like you’re reading my mind.

TP: If only I could read minds, I would use that power for the hottest evil.

KA: More about that in a moment…

TP: Which is probably why they wouldn’t allow me in any monastery.

KA: True. But you’re pretty tight with the G-man, no?

TP: I am a devout believer, yes.

KA: That makes two of us. I’m diggin’ Isaiah these days.

TP: I just finished first Kings, so I’m still thinking a lot about David. I will be on Isaiah soon!

KA: Good!

“I read The Bible once. You know God and Jesus and all them apostles? They were all fishermen, just like me. Yeah, straight to heaven for Mick Dundee. Yep, me and God, we’d be mates.”

Is it that simple?

TP: Let’s hope! They say you go by the Grace of God, so who knows.

KA: And probably by the sweat of your brow.

TP: If I get in, it will be after much deliberation. Unlike you, I wont get a unanimous vote.

KA: I don’t know – I think things are a bit more cut and dry than that… especially in real life. Which merit do you think would earn me that unanimous vote?

TP: A) You’re a virgin;
B) you’re Canadian;
C) your blog design is gorge;
D) you love animals;
E) you love nature;
F) when you touch yourself you think of angels and butterflies;
G) you are super sweet to even those you don’t have to be…

KA: I don’t think my ego can handle you getting all the way to zee, but that’s a good start.

TP: Hahaha.

KA: Remember when we hung out in Vancouver about 20 years ago?

TP: Best summer vacation I’ve ever had!

KA: What’s so repulsive about this city that’s kept you away since? Does Vancouver smell funny?

TP: Vancouver smells so good that even its worst aroma is Hells Angels selling weed.

KA: I don’t think they sell it. I think they have other people that sell it for them.

TP: Whatevs, that whole block smelled awesome.

KA: If you come back to Vancouver this summer, we’ll go to the arcade again. And I’ll even let you borrow Jordy to go for a walk and pick up chicks.

TP: The reason I have never come back goes along those lines… I really got a massive crush on Foxy.

KA: I know you did.

TP: And it would be hard for me to not stalk her if I returned. Which isn’t the way you wanna roll when in Canada.

KA: Would she be upset if you stalked her?

TP: It’s hard to tell because she plays it so cool. She hardly ever writes me back when I write her, so who knows if she just doesn’t wanna talk or if she hates me.

KA: And you definitely don’t want to be a needy chick to Foxy.

TP: I don’t wanna be needy to anyone. I don’t mind chasing, but I don’t wanna be annoying.

KA: That’s a good balance. But the offer stands. My dog is a total magnet. You’d have hot chicks flocking to you like bees to honey.

TP: I’ve always had great luck up there, so I wouldn’t doubt it!

KA: Multiple luck from what I’ve heard.

TP: I think the girls are just tired of naturally handsome locals.

KA: “Naturally handsome locals” isn’t really an accurate blanket statement. Do you still have this shirt?

TP: Indeed I do! I’m thinking about wearing it to this really cool Super Bowl party on Sunday. It’s the cheesiest shirt I own, so why not?

KA: Who’s playing in the Super Bowl this year? New Orleans and…

TP: Peyton Manning’s Indy Colts.

KA: Are you placing any bets?

TP: I’m not, but if I was, I’d bet on the Colts – they have the experience. But my heart is with the Saints.

KA: Is that just your hunch talking?

TP: No. I just feel for the city of New Orleans and I know how much more important this would be for them. Indy has… oh so much but New Orleans could use a break.

KA: You know, I was thinking the same thing tonight as I watched the Suns in NOLA. Plus they’re down their star point-guard. A win would’ve been great for the city’s morale.

TP: Trust me, I am in 7 NBA fantasy leagues and I drafted that point guard #1 in three of those leagues. I know all too well about that sitch.

KA: Does that mean you’re out money?

TP: No I never play fantasy for $. People cheat enough as it is, but if it was for $ I’m afraid they’d totally cheat worse, and block me from making incredible trades. Today, for example, I pulled the trigger on a trade you may appreciate.

KA: Are you afraid of becoming addicted to gambling?

TP: The only thing I’m addicted to is blogging.

KA: That’s safe.

TP: Is it?

KA: You traded Amar’e Stoudemire, didn’t you?

TP: Close, Derrick Rose for the injured Carlos Boozer.

KA: That really doesn’t impact me either way.

TP: Me, I think it’s a brilliant trade.

KA: Plus, we got whipped by Utah last week.

TP: See, they’re really good. Some would say Boozer is their hidden reason.

KA: It’s possible, sure.

TP: But in fantasy he gives points, boards, blocks. Rose can only score and dole out a few assists.

KA: Fantasy sports, in my opinion, is really likened to WOW.

TP: Oh def – except with real people.

KA: Doesn’t it make you feel a little bit silly?

TP: No because it keeps me aware of EVERY team in the NBA, even the players on the bench.

KA: So there is some value to it.

TP: Tons. When I go to a game, I know every detail.

KA: Tony, we’ve been chatting for 53 minutes now. What kind of a feeling are you having about how we’re rolling?

TP: Chatting with you, Keira-Anne, is like dancing in the clouds with Gene Kelly.

KA: Would you be Gene Kelly?

TP: Wait, that’s a dude?!?! Aw crap.

KA: Yes.

TP: Ok, his girlfriend.

KA: You’d be his girlfriend?

TP: Chatting with you, Keira-Anne, is like being Spider-man upside-down kissing Kirsten Dunst in the rain while Sam Raimi directs.

KA: That was a hot kiss – very lippy. Have you ever kissed a girl like that?

TP: Not when it was raining.

KA: Were you wearing spandex?

TP: Just under my suit.

KA: So you were more like Superman…

TP: The only way I’m like Superman is that I work at a newspaper by day.

KA: And your name is cooler than “Clark”.

TP: Tony Pierce is a pretty good name, I must say.

KA: It’s a great name. May I compliment you for a moment?

TP: Hmmmm… fine.

KA: Woah, woah, woah… why the defense? (Do you like that I spelled it the American way just for you?)

TP: How are you supposed to spell it?

KA: In Canada we spell it as “defence”. Safari tells me that I just spelled it wrong.

TP: Ahhhh…

KA: For the record, I believe our French Canadian-influenced spelling looks odd. We also spell “center” as “centre”.

TP: Yes, I like that a lot.

KA: Anyway, enough deviation. I would just like to say that I enjoy speaking with you because you are one of those extremely rare people that expects authenticity from others while seemingly accepting them for who they are. And that, my friend, makes my heart happy.

TP: Awwww thank you! I don’t expect people to be authentic, but I’m very happy when they trust me enough to cut the act.

KA: Perhaps that’s a better way of articulating what I meant. You have a knack for encouraging people to cut the crap.

TP: I’m glad you feel comfortable with me. For sure!

KA: So as our time together draws to an end, is there anything that you want/need/wish the great people of Canada to know about you? Or do you simply want to bid us adieu and goodnight with a reminder of how warm it is in Cali right now?

TP: It’s not super warm here this minute.

KA: I bet it’s warmer than Vancouver.

TP: I have my little space heater on.

KA: I have my heater on in my little space.

TP: And no, I don’t want to try to convince Canada of anything about me. I trust that they will judge me accurately. I guess the only thing for me to say to the good people up there is “Thank You”. Mostly for visiting my site as much as they do and for always being welcoming and loving when I visit.

KA: Are the majority of your readers from Canada?

TP: At the bottom of my blog on the left rail it shows the countries. Right now it’s late, so almost everyone is from the West Coast of the USA. But during the day, when it matters, it’s about half Canada and half the USA.

KA: Well, whatever we may lack in numbers, we make up for in love and pixie dust for the busblog.

TP: Hooray!!! I do have one favor of you.

KA: Anything for you, Anthony Hugh Pierce III.

TP: I would like to ask you about your love life since we have been tracking it on the busblog. So table’s turned! Ms. Keira-Anne, tell us that you’re not still a single woman. Tell us that some smart man has swooped you up.

KA: Is the interviewee allowed to ask the interviewer questions?

TP: I believe you just said, “Anything for you, Anthony Hugh Pierce III“.

KA: This is true. I can’t deny what I said or eat my words.

TP: But since you are a gentlewoman I will allow you one no comment.

KA: I am still a single woman and no smart man has swooped me up.

TP: Now how again is this at all possible?? You walk to work?

KA: I do walk to work each day.

TP: And no guys smile as you pass by?

KA: Sometimes the construction workers. But more no than yes.

TP: When you go out with your friends to eat, or better, to drink, no guys send over a nice drink and wave?

KA: I had a guy buy me drinks on my birthday. Then I found out he was engaged. Who does that? Needless to say, I bolted.

TP: Dick! Do you have any single lady BFFs?

KA: Sure do. Well, single ladies. No BFFs for this girl.

TP: Am I to believe that you and your single ladies don’t go out 1-2 times a month to prowl the bars and/or bowling alleys searching for testosterone?

KA: You know that’s not how I roll.

TP: It’s just walking that catwalk. Letting the fools know what they lucked into.

KA: I do that every time I leave my apartment…

TP: Fair enough. You’ve answered more than one question, so thank you. One follow-up though, totally unrelated.

KA: Go for it.

TP: Power Windows… Sorry, Tinted Windows

KA: What about tinted power windows?

TP: Your boy leading that super group.

KA: Aww yeah Taylor Hanson. It didn’t really take off as much as it could have. But the thing is, he gels best with his brothers. Anything else he tries, in my opinion, will pale in comparison.

TP: Glad to hear it. I was afraid you’d drank the Kool-Aid.

KA: Never. Unless it’s lime.

TP: Awesome. Well thanks for the interview.

KA: No, no… thank you.

I’ve spent the last two days playing tour guide to two friends in town from Prince George. Nothing helps me get past Friday night drinking like Saturday morning brunch. I took our three-man wolfpack (yes, we recycled jokes from The Hangover – don’t pretend you never have) to the Templeton on Granville. I adore the Templeton. Angela and Pat adored the Templeton too.

We took turns ordering and once it was Angela’s turn, I was instantly in awe. “I’ll have a coffee, some water, the New Denver Omelet and a chocolate milkshake.” It was 9:00 a.m., we were slightly hungover and each had empty stomachs. Any girl that can order a chocolate milkshake under such conditions gets my respect.

Let me be honest: I love food and my appetite does not shame me. I believe that milkshakes, mochas and pumpkin pie are pointless without a mountain of whipped cream. Chips always go better with dip. If you make me pancakes on a Saturday morning, I’ll smother them with butter and syrup before devouring the entire stack. Were I to live in France, I’d be nothing short of fat since I’d consume nothing other than chocolate, cheese, red wine and parisian bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Obviously the value of balanced eating can’t be overlooked – and believe me, this girl loves her vegetables. But wouldn’t you rather be five pounds heavier and not neglect the good stuff? The concept is simple: eat what you love and love what you eat. Foodies unite.