stuff i want but don't need

Out of the Vinyl Deeps by Ellen Willis

To be able to write in this city/country, I have to familiarize myself with the writing style of actual writers here. (Now count how many times I typed the word write in that sentence.) Some of my favourite columnists/writers are Kate Carraway and Sarah Nicole Prickett, whose columns I read religiously whether in print or online. So when they recommend anything, I will take to it like bees take to honey (sorry guys it's 3am and I can't think of anything more creative). So, yes. Out of the Vinyl Deeps: Ellen Willis on Rock Music. Should I buy it (not available at the Toronto Public Library) and hopefully feel more inspired afterwards to write? Or will I just feel shittier about not being able to write anywhere?

tee shirts!

I told myself I wouldn't buy any more t-shirts because my wardrobe has to grow up. Of course band & event t-shirts are an exception.

But these Volcom t-shirts are too cute! Also, they're on sale for $9.99 and with my employee discount it's even cheaper!

So, yes? No?

Yes they're men's shirts. Have I told you how much I love shopping in the men's sale department? Their stuff is ten million times more amazing than the women's!!

Teen Wolf

I will let you in on a little secret, I'm absolutely hooked on Teen Wolf. I haven't seen the original one with Michael J. Fox, but I just might after this.

Before I tell you (why I like it), let me show you first.
Remember Ty, the adorable son of Marisa (Jennifer Lopez) in Maid in Manhattan?

Well, look at him now.

He plays Scott McCall, a regular teenager bit by a werewolf.

I mean, look at this transition!

Unbelievable! But I have to say he's kept a few of his 'Ty' mannerisms (aka pa-cute ones) which are working for his character on the show.

How about Michael Sullivan Jr. (Tom Hanks' son) from Road to Perdition, anyone see that? 

I personally didn't see that movie, but I do remember him from 7th Heaven where he plays Martin Brewster.

Well look who's all grown up now and shirtless to boot.

He plays Derek Hale, another werewolf who tries to take Scott under his wing (paw? claw?) and teach him the ways of the 'were'.

He also starred as Jerry in Hall Pass, the (much) younger love interest of Christina Applegate's character.

Holy crap, right?

The rest of the cast is pretty easy on the eyes as well (Colton Haynes and Dylan O'Brien), 

but these two are just too good to be true.

 I think I've shown you sufficient evidence as to why I love this show, now let me give you some actual (aka not aesthetic) reasons.

Music

Given that it's an MTV show I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the music is great, and by great I mean music I listen to, bands I go to concerts for, and some I'm glad to have found. So far I've heard them play Two Door Cinema Club, Phantogram, and Tokyo Police Club. The best part is after every episode they have a link where you can check out the music and even download it for free (if you're lucky to be in the USA). 

Realistic

In one of the episodes, Dylan O' Brien (who plays Stiles, Scott's best friend) is going on and on about all the werewolf research he's done and at the end of his monologue he goes "..and yes, I've had a lot of Adderall" 

When I was younger, I hated it when older people started off their stories by saying 'When I was your age..' or  'Kids these days..', but unfortunately I think I will employ that phrase now. Kids these days are much different from when I was in high school which I think is pretty surprising since it hasn't really been that long since I was there..has it? Oh wait, it's been 10 years since I was a high school freshman. But I digress, I think it's still fairly recent actually. But like anything else, much has changed. When I was in high school all I was concerned about was school and swimming. I think I was pretty late in terms of developing vices to begin with, so had you told me you took Adderall when I was 15, I wouldn't have known what to do with that information. Basically I think that despite the show being intended for younger adults, the producers are very realistic in terms of situations high school kids are going through nowadays. With five episodes in, they've tackled overperfectionism, adoption, divorce, drugs, and pre-marital sex. It's a pretty honest portrayal if you ask me, and I really appreciate that.

Bromance

I love bromance movies. I think male friendships are one of the most genuine relationships there are. There's no passive-aggressiveness or backbiting, which is pretty refreshing to see on TV. The friendship between Scott and Stiles is so genuine and real that I wouldn't be surprised if most of the time they're reacting to each other rather than acting. You have to watch it to get what I mean, but it's really quite funny.

Oh, and check out this video where Dylan sees Selena Gomez on the red carpet and gets so absolutely starstruck.

UO on TV!

I know if this is a telltale sign that I'm working too much or watching TV too much that I know when celebrities are wearing Urban Outfitters stuff. I've noticed enough to actually make an entry out of it. Embarrassing? Impressive? 

Props to the stylists though for choosing a brand that seems plausible for the TV characters to be buying. I mean how do you justify a high school student wearing Chanel or something like that right? 

Here are a few I spotted.

Casey from Greek wearing a Pins and Needles chiffon top

Channing Tatum wearing a Deter tee for the March issue of GQ. This shirt actually went on sale for $9.99!

Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) wearing the Kimchi Blue Nora dress which actually sold out the same week this Glee episode aired.

Rachel Berry in another Kimchi Blue dress. We still have this in store in yellow and a mint green colour which I actually really like. 

On the latest episode of Teen Wolf Stiles (Dylan O' Brien) is seen wearing the cassette stacks tape shirt. 

I can't find an image still yet, but I promise he is!

J'adore Montreal (parte une)

Is it a little odd that I've been to Montreal three times this year and June hasn't even ended yet? Well if we're gonna be specific I might as well tell you that I went three times in the span of two months.

Why?
It's amazing, that's why. The rent is cheap(er), the men are gorgeous, and the city itself is so easy on the eyes!I'm gonna shut up now and show you some photos so you can decide for yourself.
This is from my first trip of the year, during the dead of winter.

You can't go to Montreal and not go to Schwartz, which is one of the (if not the) most famous Hebrew deli in the city. Known for its smoked meat sandwiches, this place is always full and yes, there was a line that crept out of the restaurant even if it was -20 outside. 

What is creepy? Mannequins of children covered in manila paper in the basement of an antique store, that's what.

I totally regretted taking off my mitts to pose with this guy, it was the coldest, most painful thing ever.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure this is Concordia.

College Notre-Dame

St. Joseph's Oratory was built on top of a hill, so the trek up was pretty breathtaking-literally. It reminded me of the high altitude training my team and I used to do every summer in Baguio.

Posed for scaling purposes. Seriously, Montreal snow was crazy! Toronto didn't really get a lot of it this winter though it was pretty cold. P.S. Doc Martens may just be the best boots for winter. It keeps my feet dry & warm like no other!

Oh I watched the Goo Goo Dolls concert. This was the primary reason I went to Montreal! 

Chandeliers, always.