THE Whitney Port visits Toronto!

A huge line-up formed all around the Eaton Centre Indigo store on Monday, January 31st for the one and only Whitney Port. I'm so glad that I went to line up early, because once I saw how long it was, I did not want to be at the end.

The store was packed with anxious fans grasping Whitney's new book True Whit, which is the reason why she was in town in the first place. Toronto was the first stop on her book tour, and it was great to see that she was excited to be up here in Canada.

Here are some pictures from the event!

All photos were taken by me, so please don't use them without a link to my blog! Thanks!
- Christinaaa

Pretty Little Liars on New.Music.Live

Hey everyone!

As you may have seen or heard, the cast of Pretty Little Liars came to Toronto and made an appearance at MuchMusic on New.Music.Live on Thursday, January 27th. I'm so glad that I was able to get wristbands to be in the studio, because I definitely didn't want to be one of those people standing outside in the cold and snow...

Phoebe, one of the hosts of NML!

Anyways, my friends and I were able to be there during the live show and it was great to see the girls in person. Shay Mitchell, Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario, and Ashley Benson were really nice and took the time to take photos with the fans and sign autographs during commercial breaks. And I must say, those girls are just as gorgeous in person as they are on TV!

After the show, everyone in the studio was given a book called The Lying Game, by Sara Shepard (the author of the original Pretty Little Liars book series).

Overall, it was so much fun and I'm glad to have been there! OH, and by the way, for you Bieber fans out there...I'm sure you all screamed of joy when it was announced that Justin Bieber himself will be at MuchMusic on TUESDAY FEB.1 to promote his upcoming movie Never Say Never!

Anyways, that's all for now!
- Christinaaa

C&C Episode 6!

Hey guys, check out C&C's latest episode! :)



- Christinaaa

Degrassi in India DVD Launch

Last night (Jan.21), I discovered the fantastic Me To We store in Toronto. I went to the Degrassi in India DVD launch screening at 7:00pm and got to take a look at the store, view the documentary, and meet some awesome people.

Being surrounded by screaming girls was a bit of a drawback, but it was worth it. When we went into the screening room, there were two rows reserved for the cast. As soon as they began entering the room, the shrieking began and flashes went off.

The Degrassi members who made an appearance to the 7:00pm screening (others were there, but left after the first screening at 6:00) were Shannon Kook-Chun, Melinda Shankar, Sam Earle, Luke Bilyk, Ray Ablack, AJ Saudin, and Daniel Kelly.

And after watching the documentary, it looks like such an amazing experience to be a part of. Maybe someday I'll get to go on a trip like that.

Once the screening was over, there was a question and answer session, followed by photos and autographs. We all moved out to the store and it was filled with girls going crazy over getting their pictures and everything before the time was over.

I got a chance to look around the store and everything was so cute! It's fairly new, since it opened just this past November, so it was great to see it for the first time. It was getting ready for Valentine's Day, so here's one of the posters that was displayed:

Keep checking back for an upcoming Me to We (& Free the Children) series of interviews! And check out the Me to We Style website! http://www.metowestyle.com/

Thanks!

Christinaaa

BNN Streeter

On January 13, on my way to a taping of George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, I was approached to answer a question for a news network called BNN.

Not knowing what it was, I agreed to answer the question for his TV show.

"Is Canada doing enough to make sure that we still have access to that very lucrative growth market in Asia?"

.....Well, I tried.

Not thinking anything of it, I went home and discovered someone had tweeted me about how they saw me on TV on BNN. My instant reaction = "oh no...." So I frantically looked for the video online and...

Check out the video to see how it turned out.

http://watch.bnn.ca/the-street/january-2011/the-street-january-13-2011/#clip400861

Let's just say...I will pay more attention to business-related news from now on.

- Christinaaa

Steven and Chris: Taping January 20th

New traditional home decor, make your own nail polish, and broken glass...Steven and Chris never fail to please its enthusiastic audience members.

On January 20th, I was able to attend my third taping of an episode of CBC's hit show Steven & Chris. I just love the atmosphere of the set; everyone is so nice, the bright lights accentuate the fantastic set, and being near the making of television puts a smile on my face.

I won't give too much away about the episode, but I had a great time. Erin Mclaughlin, editor-in-chief of Style at Home Magazine, had a segment about the "new traditional" style of home decorating. We also got to take home the February issue of the magazine and after flipping through the pages, I cannot wait to start decorating for an apartment!!

Another interesting segment featured some money-saving tips, and, being the frugalista that I am, I was quite intrigued by the ideas that were demonstrated. These included using brown paper bags to make your own popcorn, using old eyeshadow to create your own nail polish, and using dryer lint as a quick and easy fire starter.

After every taping of the show, every person in the audience goes home with a gift. For this episode, I received a Celestial Seasonings Tea Time set, which is perfect for this insanely cold winter weather. Throughout the show they also gave other giveaways, so I also received a bottle of conditioner.

It was a great way to spend my Thursday morning and I always love being in the CBC building. How I would love to work there someday.

Anyways, thanks for stopping by!

Christinaaa

C&C Second Season!

Hey everyone!

I hope you've had a chance to watch a few episodes of a YouTube show that I've been working on called C&C! After a long winter break, we've been working hard on ideas for future episodes and are happy to be at it again. Here is our first episode of 2011! Subscribe to our channel! http://www.youtube.com/CandCToronto



New episodes will be up every Sunday! Keep posted!

Thanks,
Christinaaa

Promises, Promises

Before I came back to BC for my winter break, I forgot to mention that I took a trip to New York! While I was over there, I was fortunate enough to see the Broadway musical "Promises, Promises" and I must say, it was fantastic.

After the show, my friend and I went to meet the actors, which included Sean Hayes (you may recognize him from Will and Grace!), Kristin Chenoweth, and Molly Shannon. It was freezing cold outside, but it was worth it. They were super nice and appreciative of their fans.

Sean Hayes!

Kristin Chenoweth is the cutest person alive

Molly Shannon!

Overall, it was such an awesome trip and it was amazing to see the city during the wintertime!

- Christinaaa

Happy New Year!

Hey everyone,

I hope you all had a great holiday! I've been able to spend my time here in beautiful British Columbia and I'll be heading back to Toronto in a couple days. I'm so excited for this year and can't wait to see what is in store for me. Keep an eye out for new interviews, articles, and C&C videos on Youtube!

Being back here in Surrey/Vancouver has been a lot of fun. I got to see so many friendly faces and I caught up with what they've been doing with their lives since I've been gone. My friends always know how to make me laugh and brighten my days. I also got to see the Sullivan Heights dance teams, which I helped coach in previous years. Being around them makes me so proud!

Anyways, I'll keep this one short and sweet, just wanted to wish everyone a happy new year :)

And here are some photos that I took while here with my new camera!

Vancouver is just so cool.

- Christinaaa

Interview with: SOUNDSPEED

Hey everyone!

On December 17, I was able to check out SoundSpeed's performance at El Mocambo as a part of this year's Jinglebell Rock show. I caught up with the guys of the band after the show (you might recognize some of them from the hit show Degrassi), and although it was cold and snowing, they were great to talk to and had lots of energy. Not to mention, they are hilarious. Check out the video for clips from the interview as well as some words from a few fans!








Above: Shane Kippel and Sean Farquharson (the other guys took off too quickly for a group photo haha)
Anyways, be sure to check them out on Myspace! http://www.myspace.com/soundspeedband
Thanks!
Christinaaa

Get ready for C&C in 2011

Hi everyone!

I hope you've all been following my adventures as a part of C&C, a Youtube show that my friend Chris and I started earlier this year. If you haven't, you can check out our first few episodes on our Youtube channel (username: CandCToronto)

Just as a taste of what's to come in the near year, we made a promo trailer!



Subscribe to us on Youtube! :)

Thanks,
Christinaaa

FutuReale Double Issue: Oneal Walters Profile

Check out my latest article in FutuReale Magazine, featuring poet Oneal Walters. I had the chance to chat with Oneal about his books, inspiration, and advice.

You can check out the entire issue on the website!
http://www.futureale.com/magazine/2011/january/

p.s. My friend Chris Allaire also has an article in this issue :)


Thanks!
Christinaaa

Chelsea Handler in Torontoooo

Hey everyone!

This past week has been a whirlwind of excitement; now with first semester and exams over, I've been able to enjoy Toronto life outside of the Ryerson campus. On December 11, my friend Chris and I went to see Chelsea Handler's show at Massey Hall (conveniently located near our residence). We were seated in the 5th row, which were fantastic seats and the venue is a really old building but I liked the atmosphere.

The opening act was Chris Franjola, who had his moments. But we were eager to see Chelsea.

After showing a promo video of her many hilarious clips from her show Chelsea Lately, I couldn't wait to see her in person.

And wow, she definitely didn't disappoint. She is a talented, crazy woman. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take any videos or photos inside, but the show was great!

- Christinaaa

Tim Deegan Interview Audio Clips

A few weeks ago, I was able to meet up with Tim Deegan, who gave insight into the life of a VJ, some of his favourite places in Toronto, embarrassing moments, and what he's been up to since MuchMusic. Check out the audio clips below!








Thanks Tim!

& Check out his website: www.timdeegan.com

- Christinaaa

Hockey Legend Bobby Hull

On Tuesday, November 30th, at 7:00pm at the Indigo at Bay & Bloor, hockey legend Bobby Hull, former Chicaco Blackhawks player, made an appearance to sign his book "The Golden Jet." Considering that I grew up in a household where hockey terms were constantly thrown around and the games were always on television, I had to check it out. Both as a favour to my hockey loving family members as well as out of my own curiousity, I took my place in the front row of seats. Reading my Teen Vogue while I was waiting, I got some strange looks from the very obvious grown hockey fans.

- Christinaaa

Amy Sedaris and Dan Levy

Anxious fans held onto their canary yellow copies of Amy Sedaris' book "Simple Times" at Indigo on Richmond & John St. on Monday November 29.

Sedaris, actress and author, was set to make an appearance at the Toronto book store to sign her book and take part in an interview with MTV's Dan Levy.

With the small stage set up on the top floor, prepped with chairs and a table full of household food items, the crowd was ready to see her live.

By 7:00pm, three lines had formed and people were lined up along the railing; luckily I got there early enough to get a seat.


An aisle formed and Dan & Amy walked happily towards the platform, welcomed by the cheering crowd. Wearing a colourful sleeveless dress, making it hard to believe that it was freezing cold outside, Sedaris took a seat across Levy.


They began with questions about her book and it gradually went on about aspects of her life.

A short clip from the interview:

After the short interview, Sedaris did a demonstration, recreating a few of the crafts from her book, with help from a couple audience members. One of her creations was a 'candle salad' - involving lettuce, a banana, mayonnaise and maraschino cherries...interesting.

Following the craft session, she took questions from the audience. People asked about random topics - from advice about what to do in New York City to questions about her TV character Jerri Blank. She even received an invitation to do crafts at someone's house - in which she replied "I'd rather shoot my left arm" or something like that haha.

Then the signing began. It was very organized.


Afterwards, I caught up with Dan Levy before he left, just in time to get a quick photo.


I quite enjoy these Indigo events! :)

- Christinaaa

Glimpse of the Crowd for Trey Songz

As many of you know, Usher came to Toronto on November 29th for a concert and one of his opening acts was Trey Songz. And as a spokesperson for Rocawear, Trey Songz made an appearance at the Footlocker on Yonge St. from 3-5pm. I strolled over there to check it out (one of the perks of living on residence = being a 5 minute walk away from celebrity events).

I walked to the end of Gould Street and immediately saw the streets lined with people waiting to get the chance to meet Trey.

Here are a few photos from the street!

If you were one of those who waited in that line and got some photos with him and want them up here, send them my way! Send your stories from the Trey Songz meet & greet, the Usher concert or any photos to christina.dun@hotmail.com ! :)

- Christinaaa

Tim Deegan!

Sorry I haven't been able to blog as much as I'd like to...it's been pretty hectic over here at Ryerson for us journalism students. But the semester is almost over, which means I'll have more time to blog! (and not to mention, my trip back home to BC is getting closer and closer!)

But anyways, back to my post. For a recent project, I met up with former MuchMusic VJ Tim Deegan for an interview. Although I didn't videotape the interview (I only tape recorded it), I hope a few photos will suffice! :) Along with some memorable quotes...

Some of his favourite interviews?

Hedley

P.Diddy

Ke$ha

Katy Perry

Justin Bieber

Jonas Brothers

Melanie C from the Spice Girls

"When I would interview people, I'd also get to try a lot of the stuff that they were doing. Or even getting hurt, as much as it sucked, looking back at it now, getting hurt made that interview."

How would you describe yourself in one word?

"Happy-go-lucky isn't really one word is it? It's kind of a descriptive term...I'll say outgoing. Yeah, outgoing."

Thanks for the interview Tim!

- Christinaaa

Bruno Mars in Toronto!

Bruno Mars came to Toronto for his first concert in Canada as the headlining performance in 92.5 Kiss FM's Haus Party. Following acts by artists such as JRDN, Blake McGrath and Danny Fernandez, Bruno Mars came out on stage in front of an excited crowd in the Kool Haus at Guvernment. I was super excited to see Bruno Mars live because a) his voice is amazing b) his songs are amazing and c) he's just amazing in general.

Here are some photos from the concert!

Even though he didn't play my favourite song "The Lazy Song" ... he's still fantasticccccc :)
-Christinaaa

ALDO DANCE CONTEST!

Hey everyone,

Please support me by checking out my video entry in the Let's Dance contest put on by Aldo. Here is the link to my video on the site. In order for the points to count, click the "like" "share" and "tweet" buttons on the side next to the video on the Aldo site!

http://www.aldo-dance.com/videos/J2SUMBelWNw



So please watch the video, like it, share it, tweet it, tell your friends...everything! Thanks!!!

-Christinaaa