2015 B*tch

Some people refer to 2014 as being a spectacular year, and others like to refer to it as a place they'd like to place behind. I am indifferent on this. I'd like to think as every month, year, or decade as an added sequence in my life that sometimes much resembles a movie (let's hope it's not a made for TV movie). Ha! I've accepted the fact that I make bad jokes, enter with caution.

Although I will admit 2014 was one of the most life changing-altering years for me. It didn't necessarily change my life for the better in those instances but I know for a fact that I am better for it in the long run. 

As they say, a door closes and a new one opens. Abso-fucking-lutely. 

I am incredibly thankful to my close friends who stuck by me all these years, but for this year among the rest-for giving me their unconditional love when I needed it the most, and in moments that I'm sure I wasn't very loveable. They never gave up on me. 
To those of you, you are the gems in my heart that I will forever hold dear.

I'm sure most people think I'm too much, too extreme, or too passionate. Or at least so I've been told over the years. When I work, I work hard, when I play, I play hard, when I love, I love even harder. I'm an open book and what I present myself to be is really what I am. Those who know me, will tell you I wear my heart on my sleeve. In most cases I realize that I'm not everyone's cup of tea. Oh and if you know me, you know how much I love tea! (again, insert bad joke here). Cheeeese. 

With that being said I have had some great memories and experiences from this past year, new friendships-relationships along the way. The kind that make you think the world isn't such a bad place after all, and for that I am grateful. 

I personally think that the quality of relationships we hold in our life will be some of our biggest accomplishments in our lifetime. Some people tend to disagree with me on this matter; please allow me to explain; If you were the only person on earth (let's reference, I Am Legend) what meaning or purpose would you have left? It would be a big empty world out there filled with a whole lot' of nothing. That should change perspective on things. I mean yes, it's nice to have nice things, to look pretty, however it should not be the main reason to our very existence. Most people do lose sight in that, regardless if they want to admit it or not. 

I have this tendency to always blab-on about life philosophies, what our bigger purpose is, how we can help others or make the earth a better place. Let's save the planet, one animal at a time <----- that's me. I'm a hippie at heart, minus the dreadlocks. Although most people will disagree with my views or decisions, I can tell you I do hold the best intentions at heart. 

As per usual, I have gone so far off the grid I have no clue as to where my two feet have landed, and if you have read this far, I highly command you. 

I can only hope that in my next post, I can write about something exhilarating or of great importance. Rather than it sounding like I just typed in another entry To; Dear diary.

For shame. 

Now for the moral of this story (I must make it quick, as my cat is asking for my undivided attention) I am in much contentment of where my life currently is, I have no idea where the future will take me but I am looking forward to sharing it with others along the way! As Forrest Gump once said "That's all I have to say about that".

I bid thee farewell until next time! - Happy New Year & Welcome 2015!

Sabrina 

To lose balance in love is part of living balanced life

One of my all time favourite quotes from Eat Pray Love. Yes, now I sound like your typical 'girl' quoting this movie. 

While I'm at it I'll just throw in there that I love The Notebook too, that's the only Nicholas Sparks film you'll ever hear me admitting to liking. Gush. Moving along...

What defines love? Or what gives you the right to use that word? 

There are many kinds of love. That of a friend, a lover, a mother, a father, a son, a daughter, a family member, and lets not forget a beloved furry little animal ;-). 

I think the simplest way I can describe that word is to have the utmost purest intentions towards someone. You care about their happiness, you try to think of little things that would please them or put a smile on their face. When they are happy, the world around you shines. The same goes for when they are hurt, your heart hurts for them and you wish for nothing more than to take away their pain. They are on your mind on a regular basis and you hurt the moment you are distant or apart from one another. You believe in their dreams as much as they do, and you want them to strive in everything that they do. You love them for doing the 'right' things and you still love them even when do the 'wrong' things, especially when those wrong things are incredibly annoying, you still wouldn't have it any other way. Their good qualities make up for all of the flaws because you realize no one is perfect but even their imperfections are in fact perfect. Relationships take time, effort, work, and a commitment to one another to last longevity. If you can accomplish those tasks then you're half way there. 

Love is patient, love is pure, love is kind. 

True love never ends. 

Wide Set Eyes

I decided I'm going to dedicate a post entirely to wide set eyes. As a kid, I always knew I looked 'different' from the other girls. I noticed that my face was considerably very round in comparison to most people, my eyes had a large gap (space) or what have you in between them, seemingly a lot further than most people's eyes... Last but not least, why is my face seemingly flat?! I hated how I looked growing up, I always thought I looked ugly compared to the other little girls with long faces and eyes that sat closer in together. Alas, you have to embrace what you've been given! 

I've come a long way since those days and realize my wide set eyes make me unique ;-)

What are wide set eyes? Strangely abnormal space between the average person's eyes for starters, most people don't think much of it but it is in fact a physical deformity. It runs in my family, my grandmother, my mother, my aunt, including myself all have wide set eyes. Most likely when I have children, they too will carry this physical trait. The medical term known for this is ' Hypertelorism' and in some very extreme cases can be quite scary to look at. I suggest for most people not to search this on google. However, lots of factors and abnormalities in the genetic line are a cause of wide set eyes or better known as Hypertelorism. This is where I'd like to use the popular cliche that "Imperfection is beauty" and yes it is. Lets roll with it people! 

If you noticed, all people with wide set eyes actually resemble one another (or in my opinion they do) . They all have a very similar look to them, including round faces, large space between the eyes (of course), and a flat appearing face over all.

These are some well known Celebrities with wide set eyes.

Kate Moss

Miranda Kerr

Amanda Seyfried

Cameron Diaz

Michelle Pfiffer

Shania Twain 

Katherine Zeta Jones

  Hayden Panettiere

Leann Rimes

Julia Stiles

Lindsay Lohan

Nina Dobrev

Victoria Justice 

Lily Cole

I saved a photo of myself for last for comparison of wide set eyes. 

Food: Resisting the Temptation

Healthy eating & nutrition is something I am most passionate about.

I, like many others was very ignorant about something that should be so simple in our society today but it's not. We should have the access & common knowledge to knowing what's acceptable to take into our bodies versus what's harmful for us in the long run. This is why I'm referring to this blog as resisting temptation, all those little voices you hear in your head before eating something you probably shouldn't be eating in the first place are surely there for a reason.

White Carbohydrates & Processed Foods
Are the enemy. First of all, most white carbohydrates that you purchase in any store is just pure sugar. You may as well be eating a large cake (and I'll get to that) if you think you are getting your daily intake of whole grains you are not in check. Same goes for the companies that like to release "whole grain" products for consumers to actually believe they are buying something that is healthy when in fact it's just another processed food item with a different label on it. It's pretty scary that people actually feed this stuff to their kids! I'm a firm believer in home made foods from scratch (if time permits of course) nothing will be more fresh or clean for your system than what you cook for yourself. Therefore I stay away from as many store bought foods as possible since the majority of them are all processed.

Some people don't believe in organic foods but let me tell you there is a huge difference and I'm not just speaking of the cost. If you eat whole grains from specific brand companies that specialize in producing organic products you will see a difference in quality. They are not processed foods that are made to last 6 months for a shelf life in your cupboards, they will go bad fast because they are freshly made foods. Most people in this day in age either have some sort of a gluten, or wheat intolerance, which is why a lot of people with a number of health issues resort to these kinds of foods. I am no different, I have had a number of health issues over the years and the amount of time's I have gotten sick have lessened over a course of time strictly due to my change of diet. That being said being a vegetarian I'm sure has had a lot to do with that.

Weight Loss
Has everything to do with the daily foods you are eating. Going to the gym after you inhaled a Big Mac with fries will do absolutely nothing for you other than sweating your ass off. Yes, working out is great but not if you can only justify it by eating bad foods every time AND I know a lot of people like that. The fat has to be stored somewhere, and will continue to over time as well as take it's toll on your health. I always liked to think of our bodies being similar to a water filter, whatever we consume will sweep right through us or stick to us. Seeing as we are only given one body, I would like to think I gave myself the best "gas" possible to run my system. I have only begun my quest to living healthier about 3 years ago and in that time I went from weighing 130lbs for my height at 5'5" to now weighing 110lbs..... simply because I stopped eating fatty foods.

Dieting
I don't believe in that term. It's not about dieting or eating a specific way for a time period to get that body you've always dreamed of. It's about making a commitment to yourself to wanting to be a healthier YOU. I won't lie it's not easy, the progress will be gradual, and you will see results over time. However they are the best results you will ever have, and you will be astonished to how amazing you can physically feel by cutting out all the crap foods.

Moderation
I still eat desserts and I still indulge in foods that I love. We cannot deprive our bodies of what we naturally crave, there is no reason to and it would be absolutely hell if we tried. It is all about moderation (mind you I don't eat any fast food) my guilty pleasures are for sweet treats. I probably eat two or so every week, and I still survive ;-) Oh yeah and it's a lot nicer when I get to enjoy that chocolate in my size 2 skirt, eating well can be very rewarding if you just stick to it!

My Daily Food Intake
It's funny because it seems everywhere I go I somehow get into a conversation about nutrition, people always ask me for different suggestions or advice I can give them whether it be to lose weight or just trying to be healthy.

GREENS: Lots of veggies on a daily basis. It's practically all I eat.

FRUITS: If I want something sweet I create lots of healthy alternatives with sweet fruits.

DAIRY: Very minimal on dairy. Dairy has been proven to cause a lot of  major health problems which I am somewhat borderline vegan for. I substitute milk for almond milk, soy is bad for the thyroid.

PROTEIN: I eat lots of lentils, beans & nuts. I may as well be a squirrel! I also still do consume fish, as my only "meat" option.

WHOLE GRAINS: Strictly all natural whole grains when I can from the health food store, even when I've be in situations where there are no other options I try to avoid as best as I can. Quinoa is great, oatmeal (not all brands are good for you), whole wheat pasta, spelt bread, etc. The list goes on!

Didn't really get into many details about specific foods since that would take me a lifetime but thought of sharing the basics of it :-)

That's all for now folks!

New Years Revalation

First post of the new year! More importantly, my first post in the longest of times!

I initially started this blog two years ago because I love to write, and I'm constantly questioning life's philosophies.... but somehow, somewhere in between I've gotten lost in this crazy fast paced world that we live in.

I feel like I'm at quite a pivotel point in my life, many circumstances have taken place in the last year or so that have ultimately taken me to where I am today. I should say I'm really starting to embrace the person I am growing into. I'd like to think of the many people I have met along the way (whom I  frequently think of fondly) have been in some ways or another; a teacher to me.
I've been privileged to meet these individuals that have not only inspiried my perspective on things (i.e. life) but have also inspired my very being, and for that I can't thank them enough.

Self discovery is almost as big an adventure as any other, I look forward to each and every day that is in my journey to come. There will always be bad days but there will also be good. The difference is holding on to the good and being capable of letting go of all the bad. Having someone there to hold your hand on those "bad days" is what makes it all worth while in the end.

Naturally we are our own biggest critics. Although, lord knows I have enough people behind me doing that for me. Therefore more the reason I need to start by being my own biggest supporter because reality is if I don`t.... no one else is going to do it for me. It is so important to surround yourself with people who believe in you, who want what`s best for you and those who want to strive with you.

Self image has a huge dominating power over women, how they carry themselves and their overall self esteem. It can stem down to the level of education or as far down the line to their physical appearance. The fact of the matter is, as women we seek approval in all senses. For those women who say they never cared; they are lying. For the rest of you, you know exactly what I`m talking about.
The difference that men don`t understand is, that some women are better at conveying this more than other women. Some women come across without a care in the world, while others spill over the milk. We all have those moments. None of us will ever be perfect, so why keep trying to be? I`m guilty of it.

One of the things I have promised myself is to try to stop pleasing others and to finally start pleasing myself. Happiness is a state of mind. One of my goals this year is to try to create a meditative state for myself at all times. I would love to start practicing yoga. A huge inspiration for me (for most who know me) is living an extremely healthy lifestyle. I`ve been a vegetarian for nearly 3 years now and it`s by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. My only wish is that I did it sooner.
One of my favourite quotes is by Albert Einstein - "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances of survival for life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet."
With that being said, we can consume all the healthy foods we want but if we are not attempting to achieve a better mental health it will do nothing. Being able to release stress is just as important, those minor details that people take so much time & energy getting upset over actually shortens your life span. Yes, it has been proven. I sound redundant BUT learning to appreciate the little things and accepting the things we cannot change is probably more beneficial towards you health wise than any other choice you make.
 
So grateful for the opportunities I have gotten to experience over the years, my work has given me the chance to travel to beautiful places and meet some amazing people that I will hold a lifetime of friendships with. These are some of the things that make me smile, and memories I will cherish forever.

Life is by far the biggest school of all.

Staying in this Friday night, sitting back and enjoying some savoury chocolate. I honestly wouldn`t have it any other way.


S

Strutting it!

So much has happened over the course of the last few months and I just felt the dire need to write a blog today *insert nerd glasses here*

Filmed for Dragons Den back in April, still waiting for which episode it will be airing in. Cannot wait to capture those screen shots!

In May, I was apart of the Lou Lou Magazine Fashion Show. As seen here below :-)

I also had the pleasure of working at the Toronto launch/movie premiere of The Dark Knight Rises.

 

Snap shot of myself & fellow model Shannon being body painted a few weeks back. So fun!

More later, thats all for now ;-)

BCC Fashion Show

Haven't had much to say really. I know, that's a first! Been keeping busy with work. I love doing events, that seems to be the only thing I talk about these days.

We coordinated an event last week with the BCC & Denise Boutique. Candids of myself and the other models below. Will be featured in SNAP newspaper next month.

Year of The Dragon

Life's busy happening when you're making other plans. Where does the time go, I have no idea... Although I am quite happy to say this is the year of the Dragon which means a possibility of a series of good luck & fortune. And, I happen to be a Dragon in the chinese zodiac. Insert nerd glasses here please. Shall be a good year I predict!

May I add getting older is not particularly fun, I've reached my 23rd year of being on this earth in late December. The clock to my life is starting to tick faster and faster. Not liking the overwhelming situation. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up ;-)


Just saw the photo selected for the Royal Canadian Mint Ad that we shot last August. Very nice! Patriotic to Canada for sure.

Celebrated a very GOLDEN NEW YEARS! Try and spot which one is me..... Sometimes work can be really fun! Who doesn't want to be spray painted gold? Seriously?!

Series of shots I did for a photo shoot back in December

I believe that is all to report for now. Hmmmm..... I want chocolate.

Eddy's Food Angels

I had the pleasure of helping coordinate last night's event which was the first official appearance of Eddy's food angels & followed by many more to come..... ;-)

 I am so pleased with the turn out of the event! All you ladies looked beautiful.

The man responsible for creating such a remarkable event!

                                                          Kisses from the angels!

Honey Bunny's Lingerie Shoot 2011

                       Sneak peek from the Honey Bunny's Lingerie Shoot below

Niagara Falls

           Worked an event last week in Niagara Falls. Loved the wine display.

Myself & the ladies below at dinner

Hallow's Eve

Spending the night indoors. Perhaps with a little bit of luck there will be a version of Ichabod Crane's story on television.

                                              From a previous night being sinful

Didn't get to carve my pumpkins, maybe next year. I had a good design in mind too. Damn.

Hershey Centre & Promotion with Z103,5

Last night I was one of the ring girls for a boxing match at the Hershey Centre

Earlier this month we covered an event with Tony Monaco and Z103.5

SNAP

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow canuck-a-ducks!

I'm considering getting more into the fall spirit by carving pumpkins and immersing myself into other fun fall festivities. If I do, I'll be more than happy to share on here. XOXO

                          Newest addition to my portfolio courtesy of Dat Salon

Feature in Snap Newspaper this month for Kids Show & Shine Event in the downtown Toronto issue.

End of the Summer

Autumn is by far my favourite season of all so I am ready to start a pleasent new chapter. Including those new fall boots in my closet ;-)

Approx two weeks back we covered the Rally for Kids Show & Shine event!

The day before yesterday I just returned home from covering an event in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Myself and the other ladies who graciously covered this event. Not to mention my Haute Couture dress. *cough cough*

Can't wait to see what the fall has in store! Soak up all it's beauty and enjoy life's simplicity.

Agence Rouge

Working Girl

Loving life right now.....

Two weeks back or so I did a music video for a group called the "meet brothers" it was filmed over at a private airport. Very fun experience! Here are some of my candids from the video shoot.

Did a lot of fun events in the past month! Had a couple of great shoots, still waiting on new photos from my agency with photographer Richard Sibbald.

Found accidently this video on youtube a while back of the UFC pre-party with the launch of MAXIM Canada. Check me out as one of the Maxim girls ;-)