Tag Archives: events
May 11, 2012 

BEE-DAY #29: Why This Year Is Like No Other

At 6:05pm on May 10th, I officially turned 29. It’s my Bee-Day, and I have to be honest – this was the most emotional one in a long time.

I’m not the type to shy away from my birthday. I love new beginnings. I love the possibilities that each new year brings. I love parties. I love gifts. I love birthday attention. It seems almost every awkward icebreaker I’ve participated in at networking events asks “What’s your favourite holiday?” As self-centred as it may seem, “May 10th” is always my answer. Lol. What can I say? I LOVE my birthday!

So, what makes this birthday such a standout in my mind?

Well, it’s the last year in a decade, and I’ll be saying goodbye to my twenties soon. Farewell to drunken nights, summer flings, reckless shopping, and livin’ la vida YOLO – hello to home ownership, sensible vehicle choices, and slowed metabolism. Or something like that. 29 is a great age to look back at the journey thus far, and get ready for the next part of the ride. My 9th and 19th years were amazing, so I’m predicting more of the same with 29.

As much as I love the “me me me!” attention I acquire on my birthday, I know I’m not the only person born on May 10th. Two very important people in my life, my cousins Marc and Michael, were also born on the same day, same year, and I can’t think of better people to share my special day with. I’ve talked about my cousins before, especially Michael and the impact he left on me when he passed away in November. Today is the first birthday without him, so the bittersweet taste of the day has been lingering in my heart and mind since I started my annual Bee-Day countdown. Every time I excitedly referenced my upcoming birthday in conversation, I’d feel a pang of sadness – a reminder that he wouldn’t be here for birthday texts, cake, and jokes about me being their honourary triplet sister. In texts back and forth with Marc today, he reminded me that Mike was still here with us today – and he’s so right. So, happy birthday, Mike! 

On Twitter and Facebook, I’ve been alluding to the fact that I would be ringing in Bee-Day #29 in a way that I never have before. What I meant by that requires a separate post of its own (which is coming!), but I’ll share a bit with you now. Bright and early on my birthday morning, I opened a few gifts (hello NARS blush! hello silver bracelet!), then headed downtown to a local hospital and had surgery. Not the usual birthday celebration, huh? I’ve referenced my cancer scare before, but that wasn’t the end of the story. I was diagnosed with a pre-cancerous cervical lesion last month, and as my doctor wanted to expedite my treatment, surgery was scheduled right away – with the lucky date landing on my birthday. People asked me why I wouldn’t just speak up and ask the doctor to change the date. The thought crossed my mind, but I kept the scheduled day for two reasons. One being that as soon as I know something is wrong, and as soon as there is a plan in place to take care of it, I don’t like to delay. Especially anything related to cancer. Secondly, I’m a strangely symbolic person – so having this procedure done on my birthday even further strengthens the meme of ‘new beginnings’. I still have some treatment to go through, but after this surgery, I’m even more motivated to live a healthier life. This diagnosis (which came almost a year to the day from Michael’s leukemia diagnosis) has changed my mentality indefinitely. What a way to bring in 29!

So, what’s next? Here I am, standing at the doorway of my 29th year, about to step over the threshold and into a new, exciting, and positive journey. 28 wasn’t the greatest – though the highlight was my wedding and all the good things that brought, overall last year was stressful and sad. I’m hoping 29 rectifies that – wait. I know 29 is not only going to rectify that, but it’s going to bring awesome and amazing things! All gold and sparkly and happy everything this year!

Are you a birthday fiend like me? What has been your favourite birthday thus far? 

If you’re in Toronto, don’t forget to hit up Dazzling Lounge tonight for Fashionably Late’s Timeline party! I’ll still be shakin’ a leg, but I might have to leave the table dancing to next year…I’ve been taking doctor’s orders to rest up, but best believe I’m not gonna miss my Bee-Day celebrations!  Come on out to watch me do the best subdued two-step you’ve ever seen!

 

May 4, 2012 

FRIDAY FUN: Fashionably Late Fridays @ Dazzling Lounge

Last summer, a few ambitious folks got together and thought, “What is the Toronto nightlife scene missing?” Events that are not full of posed-up “industry” folks, parties that aren’t geared to the “I stole my 21-year-old cousin’s ID” crowd, jams that don’t end with hotheads scrapping over perceived disrespect…kinda hard to come by in general, but seem to be few and far between in Toronto. I’ve lived here for 5 years, and some say I’ve missed the golden era of Toronto nightlife – but I have to say, the good parties I’ve been to in the city have been GOOD PARTIES. Thanks to those ambitious folks I mentioned (the good people of R Flavour, This Is Your Conscience, and Goddess Intellect), Toronto has another good party series to coincide with the return of the good weather – Fashionably Late!

Summer 2011 found me at Dazzling Lounge nearly every Friday. Dope Asian fusion cuisine, yummy drinks, good company and hype music (shout out to main DJ Kold Fusion) – I had quite the time. I ran into old friends, met new ones, danced to Poison with Robin Givens and got holla’d at by Clifton Powell (aka Pinky from the Friday movies). Let’s just say, every Friday night was an experience.

Starting tonight (yes – TONIGHT!), Fashionably Late will regain it’s position as the Friday night place to be for a cool, sexy, and fun affair. Dazzling Lounge has just revamped its patio space, so I’m excited to do some patio photo shoots with the Toronto skyline as my backdrop! The Fashionably Late team has a ton of tricks up their sleeve to add to your party experience. It’s not just about a drink and a two-step – Fashionably Late plans to fully entertain you with special nights and pre-party happy hour events.

Speaking of special nights – the 2nd Friday of each month will be the Timeline party. DJ Kold Fusion will take you on a musical journey with an old school groove, taking us from current time to the mid 80′s in hip hop, RnB, reggae, soca, house, and anything else he comes up with (people have broken heels to Nirvana thanks to DJ Kold Fusion, so wear your good shoes, ladies!). Next Friday, May 11th, will be the first Timeline jam, and it’ll also be my birthday party! I’m calling it my Bee-Day Party, and I want you (yes, YOU!) there!  My actual birthday is May 10th, but I’ll be ringing in my new year at Fashionably Late on the 11th. If you want to come sip a drink or dance on a table top with me, shoot me an email! Hit me up on Facebook! Tweet me on Twitter! You know how to reach me :) I may be doing my own little event at an upcoming Fashionably Late, so I’ll keep y’all posted on that too…

Catch up with the Fashionably Late news via their Facebook page and Twitter – come shake a leg!

March 12, 2012 

Bee Rips The Runway: World MasterCard Fashion Week Toronto Style

Photo source

Well, it’s been a pretty eventful week in my world. I spread the news via the ’83 To Infinity Facebook page, but in case you didn’t know, yours truly will be modeling in Toronto Fashion Week! Yes, yes, just like Caribana, TFW has undergone an official name change (from LG Fashion Week to World MasterCard Fashion Week Toronto), but I ain’t sayin’ all that. Caribana and Toronto Fashion Week. I keeps it simple.

Anyways – I was told of a casting call for a line called VAWKKIN, and thought, “What the hell? Let’s see what’ll happen…” I submitted my photos, and a few days later was happy to receive an email that I was invited to the official casting call. I busted out my favourite heels, perfected my walk all up and through my apartment hallway, and headed downtown for the casting. 5 minutes after I arrived, I was finished – all that was left was to see if I was lucky enough to get a follow up email. When I checked my inbox just before bed, I saw the “Congratulations Bee…” and I went OFF. I was going to be in Toronto Fashion Week!

It’s been a whirlwind since then. Meetings, rehearsals, fittings…all for what will end up being a 15 minute show AND the experience of a lifetime. The other models are AWESOME. The model coaches are AMAZING. And the designer? Chiiiiiile…Sunny Fong, winner of Project Runway Canada’s 2nd season, creator of the gorgeous line VAWK and now its sister line VAWKKIN – he’s an artistic genius, hilarious, and forward thinking. He’s entrusted the launch of his newest line to a bunch of model newbies (and a diverse group at that), and we’re all ready to make him proud!

I’m a total introvert, but sometimes magic happens when you get me on a stage with a spotlight. That inner Sasha Fierce comes out, and I’m ready to do my THING! We’ll see how much fierceness I bring to the show – and if you want to check it out for yourself, I’ll tell you how you can!

To get you fashionistas in the mood, check out the Toronto Fashion Week teaser:

YouTube Preview Image

 

Subscribe to the Toronto Fashion Week Youtube channel, and you’ll be able to watch all of the runway shows, plus enjoy other fashion world tidbits!

If you’re lookin’ for ya girl, you can catch me on the runway for the VAWK/VAWKKIN show on Wednesday, March 14th at 4pm EST! I’ll be documenting as the day goes on, and I’ll give you guys a backstage pass after the show!

January 12, 2012 

Keepin’ It Fresh: Upcoming Events In The T-Dot

Looking for something to do in the city that won’t cost you an arm and a leg? Lately, my email inbox has been filling up with some interesting upcoming events, so Bee’s got you covered:

Photo via Harbourfrontcentre.com

Kuumba @ Harbourfront

As per Harbourfront’s site, “Join Harbourfront Centre for an exploration of African roots through a 21st-century perspective. This year’s festival also highlights the incredible role women have played in shaping the history of black culture and pushing it to new frontiers.” The waterside arts centre will be putting on a number of events (most of them FREE!) from Feb. 3rd – 5th.

Hit up the Honey Jam reunion and catch talent like Saidah Baba Talibah, Kim Davis, Eternia and DJ MelBoogie! Get on bad at the DJ Skate Night, soca style, featuring Dr. Jay! Preview some fresh Toronto talent at The Known (Un)known w/ Tika Simone featuring two of my favourite vocalists right now, Rochelle Jordan and Shi Wisdom! Short films, drumming exhibits, dance workshops and more – check out Kuumba for more details.

Photo via pommeisfrenchforapple.com

Pomme Is French For Apple

A two-woman show put on by Bahia Watson and Liza Paul, Pomme is “a fresh, funny, irreverent look at womanhood in all its glory: its perils, its pleasures, and all kinda madness in between.” I’ve been hearing great reviews from previous runs of this show, so I’ll definitely be making my way to the Tranzac (22 Brunswick Ave, Toronto) sometime between Feb. 13th – 18th. Check the official Pomme site and their Facebook page for more deets!

Photo via newcaribbeancinema.wordpress.com

 

 

Better Mus’ Come

A love story embedded in the framework of political turmoil in 1970s Jamaica, Better Mus’ Come is coming to the TIFF Bell Lightbox on Feb. 5th! I became obsessed with Jamaican politics in the 1970s and ’80s after watching a documentary that aired on MuchMusic wayyyyy back in the day (so far back that it was the days I used to tape X-Tendamix - co-starring Roxie – on VHS), so I’m pretty intrigued by this film, directed by Jamaica’s own Storm Saulter. Check the official site, and go here for more ticket details.

Photo via IFreeCan.com

IFreeCan: Relaunch feat. Warsan Shire

So, I’ve been following this amazing poet on Twitter named Warsan Shire. If you’re not familiar with this Kenyan-born, Somali-Brit, you need to catch up. She’ll be in Toronto on Jan. 14th for the relaunch of the IFreeCan initiative, which “is a platform that welcomes anyone that wants the alternative of the society’s expectations.” This event (being held at the Centre for Social Innovation – 720 Bathurst Ave.) looks to be a great night featuring music by DJ Jake d’ Snake, poetry from Warsan Shire, Keisha Monique and more, and photography from Kassandra T, Allen Agostino, and others. They’ve posted videos on Facebook from A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, and Kardinal Offishall to get us in the mood for the event, so I’m hooked. Official site here.

Don’t say I never gave y’all nothing! Hit me up if you’ll be attending any of these events…maybe we’ll meet up!

November 30, 2011 

Do You “Heart Your Hair”? Well, Here’s An Event For You!

Hair lovers, unite! An event is just around the corner for us to meet, greet, and more!

I Heart My Hair is a fabulous new site geared towards encouraging women and girls to love their hair, based right here in Toronto! Founded by the lovely Añya Grant, the site has recently relaunched, and to celebrate will be holding a FREE event on December 8th at 5:30-8pm, at 200 Consumers Road (Victoria Park and 401 area).

I’m looking forward to meeting up with Añya again (I was the winner of one of her gift baskets at the Afrobella event a while back) and congratulating her on the relaunch – the site is AMAZING! Make sure you check it out!

Want to meet other naturals in the city? Are you transitioning or thinking about transitioning? Need to swap a product that doesn’t knock your socks off for one that hopefully does? Do you like winning things? Then this is the event for you!

Be sure to grab you one of the fabulous “I ♥ My Hair” T-shirts:

It’s pretty ironic that I’m wearing mine while I write this post!

See you on December 8th! Don’t forget to RSVP to Trecia[@]iheartmyhair.com!

September 13, 2011 

Afrobella Hits Toronto!

Flyer: Afrobella

One of my favourite bloggers (which seems like an unfair title because she’s gone on to do so much more) is hitting our fair city this weekend.

None other than the fab Afrobella herself (gubmint name: Patrice Yursik) will be in Toronto on Saturday, September 17th for two (count ‘em, TWO!) special events:

Event #1: Brunch & Beauty With Afrobella
Date: September 17th, 2011
Place: The Trane Studio – 964 Bathurst Street Toronto, ON M5R 3G5
Time: 11:30am – 3:00pm
Pricing: Early Bird tickets: $20 (Until August 15th)
Advanced Tickets: $25
Door: $30
- Enjoy a networking event, Q&A, interview, giveaways and brunch!

Event #2: Dinner Delights With Afrobella
Date: September 17th, 2011
Place: The Trane Studio – 964 Bathurst Street Toronto, ON M5R 3G5
Time: 7:00pm – 11 pm
Pricing: Early Bird Tickets: $30 (Until August 15th)
Advanced Tickets: $35
Door: $40
- Enjoy a networking event, Q&A, interview, giveaways, dinner and after party with DJ Sean Sax!

I’ve been following Afrobella’s site for at least 2 years now, and she’s an amazingly positive, intelligent, and empowering woman.  If you’re looking for everything from personal motivation to the scoop on the latest beauty products, you need to find your way to her site – you can thank me later.

I’m glad this event will be held at the Trane Studio. It’s always a good look to support our local Black-owned businesses – click here for a quick article from Sway on Frank Francis, the owner of the Trane Studio.

Anyways, I need to get my fly outfit, cute hairstyle, business cards and pen and notepad together, because I know I’ll be learning a TON while networking with Afrobella and other lovely Toronto folks. I’ve already hit up Soulafrodisiac for my tickets – click here to get yours while they’re still available!

See you on the 17th!