Tori Kelly: #turnuptoronto

I first came across Tori Kelly on YouTube around about last summer, but it turns out she's kind of a veteran in the music biz, even though she's only 20. She was the winner of America's Most Talented Kid and then was a contestant on American Idol season nine, but she didn't get past Hollywood week.

I don't understand.

Because after listening to her recently released EP Foreword, and then attending her concert last week, I am FLOORED by the incredible talent that is all bundled up in this awkward little blonde girl who stood on stage with nothing but her four guitars and proceeded to blow our minds for the next ninety minutes.

Her runs are flawless and she executes them with the sweetest falsetto contrasted by an earthier register, and she manages it all with a power that I can't even begin to comprehend. It was such a low key, no fuss performance. The venue was small enough and her connection with the crowd was intimate and authentic, there was no opening act, there was no announcement of her arrival. She walked on stage, she picked up her guitar, she stepped up to the mic, and it was beautiful.

I attended with my sister and a good friend, and all three of us agreed that we almost never want her to make it big. With all the pyrotechnics, backup dancers, gospel choirs, synthesizers and giant projection screens that dominate concerts put on by bigger acts that need to justify the high dollar ticket to a sold out crowd of tens of thousands, there's something to be said about the purity of an artist who is able to come out on stage and do nothing but perform - nothing more, nothing less.

Thank you, Tori. #turnuptoronto

"Future Lawyer Girl" guest vlogs on her perfect workspace

My little sister, Jenn, runs her own blog over at FutureLawyerGirl.com, where she talks about the ups and downs of going through her undergrad in Louisiana and now starting law school in Southern California. (Can we say proud big sis?)

This week, she's switched up her blogging style to do this guest vlog for me on how she creates a functional workspace that inspires her to keep working towards her brand of greatness. I hope you enjoy her guest vlog! I thoroughly did, although I could have done without the envy-inducing shots of the coast from her backyard. One day ...

Back in the studio!

This past weekend marked my first time back in the studio in foreverrrrrrrr! And omg, I didn't even realize how much I'd missed it!

I was back at it with Derek Brin at Fierce Music (Ne-Yo, Jaheim, Dru, Massari, Kelli Price, Che'Nelle, NoelG, Robyn, RuPaul, Ojays, etc.) and we recorded an incredible track that was just so soulful and strong - a really great vibe for my first time back in the hotbox, and I'm so excited for you to hear everything that we're going to be working on in the next while.

As always, pulling inspiration from all of the amazing people I surround myself with and sending a thousand little prayers out into the universe! #makemegreat #makemegreat #makemegreat

xo 

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A fitness chat with my coach and my ex. #awkward (not really)

For the past few months, part of me defining my own brand of "greatness" has been a commitment to myself and to my fitness.  I've been working with "I'm In" coach Lauren Boodram (who is all types of awesome rolled into a tight little package that doesn't make sense for a mom of two kids under 5), and she's done an incredible job of motivating a whole team of men and women across the city to step their fitness game up and make some real lifestyle changes that last.

Well this month, she launched a program under the "I'm In" banner called Vengeance, designed for those of us whose motivation to work out and look great falls short of the usually acceptable "increase your life span, run a marathon, and reduce the levels of toxins in your body" mantra. I mean, those are great reasons, of course, but some of us just want to look hot in a swimsuit and make boys we used to like do a double take and feel bad. (Just saying.)

Enter my ex-boyfriend Tristan Poyotte for a less awkward than you would think chat about how fitness plays a role in all of our lives.

Also enjoy this hilarious trailer for the Vengeance program designed by Lauren! Seriously, it's hilarious ...

LAUREN BOODRAM

Twitter @ima_badparent

Instagram @laurenisin

TRISTAN POYOTTE

Twitter @sn_trizzy

Instagram @trizzy_p

An Interview with T.O. artist Jimmy Chiale

Had the awesome opportunity to talk to Toronto artist Jimmy Chiale about his incredible work, his process, and how he made the decision to make his art his life.

 

  

 

Also had the chance to attend his shop at 498 Queen Street West to attend the Hennessy sponsored launch of Get Fresh Company's new clothing line, Raised by Wolves. (Picked up a dope snapback and a beanie, and I'll most definitely be back for more!)

 

 

 

 

  

 

JIMMY CHIALE

Web www.jimmychiale.ca

Twitter / Instagram @jchiale

RAISED BY WOLVES

Instagram @rbw

GET FRESH COMPANY

Twitter / Instagram @getfreshcompany

iPod Shuffle - Sister Edition

It's a family affair.

Thank you to my sisters Vanessa (her blog here!) and Jenn (her blog here!)

This I Promise You // Acoustic Cover

An acoustic cover of N Sync's "This I Promise You" with Derek (d-aSh) on the guitar. Thanks, Derek! :)

Nuit Blanche Toronto 2013

A great night with great friends at the Scotiabank Nuit Blanche - a night when the entire downtown core is pretty much transformed into a huge art gallery with hundreds of commissioned and independent artists and performers.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

The summer electro and dutch house mix in this video was mixed by none other than ellemejia.com's resident music man, d-aSh.

Stay // Piano Cover

A quick cover of Rihanna's song "Stay" on the piano. Hope you enjoy! :)