Been here for a while, and I've always loved this space but it was time to grow up and move into my personal / professional blog space. Since the last time I was here I created ChristinePantazis.com.

I won't be posting here anymore and will slowly wind this blog down. I hope to see you and your comments at ChristinePantazis.com !

Have an awesome day!

Fairy Crash Godmother.

Tonight I wanted to head out somewhere for a coffee where I wouldn't see the usual suspects and would be able to walk sumo and do some reflecting.

The rest of this post may be a mess. I am feeling kind of emotional.

I stayed close to home and went to a Tim Horton's near by.

When I pulled into the parking lot a group of motorcycles caught my attention (I miss riding still to this day, and I am working with a new client that sells an aftermarket item that is great for bikes). I thought this would be a great opportunity to approach these guys and promote the company I am working for.

Long story short, there was a young woman in a wheelchair talking to the group. I had one of the riders introduce me to her. Her name is Lisa and she was T-Boned in an intersection by a drunk driver... Her situation was touch and go. Broken bones, head injury, cuts, bruises, nerve damage and a severed artery but, now she is sitting before me. I am in awe! I love how we were able to understand each other. This is truly the first time that I have ever met anyone who understood what I went through. 

Her spirit is strong, her passion for riding is reminiscent of what mine was during my recovery period. She looked at the bikes with longing as I did.

I feel like we're kindred spirits and I want to be her Fairy Crash Godmother! You know? Things like help her through the hard spots - be there for her when no one else gets what's going through her head. She's going to have some crazy bouts with anger and depression and the physical recovery! All things I am (way) familiar with. 

 

After talking to Lisa for a while it seems like she is going to be an inspiration to people who meet her for years to come. 

It was an honour to meet you Lisa, and it would be totally awesome if we became friends. 

Lisa, cheers to you, your passion and your recovery. If we never meet again, I would wish the world for you. 

I Almost Forgot How Much I LOVE Being a Speaker

Friday morning I had the pleasure of presenting to a small class at Trebas institute in Toronto. The Students are studying to become event coordinators and managers and were in need of basic help regarding the use of social media.
I feel honoured to have been asked to speak to such a great group.  There is no better satisfaction than sharing important and useful information with people who really are interested in what you have to say. I felt like they were hanging off every word!
It was awesome. 
Here are some of the points I shared today at #CrashTrebas (Clever aren't I?) 




Good Examples of Social Media Use: (Local Toronto Companies and accounts I follow)
@AcuraSherway
@LeDolci

With Screen Shots

Both of these local companies have been able to build a strong following and fan base through sharing good content. Content that is both relevant to their industries and relevant to their audience (Not the same thing). Both brands exhibit a sense of interest when engaging with members of their audience on social media platforms like twitter. Through their efforts @AcuraSherway and @LeDolci have gained the trust of their audience - fan base and followers.

Some Social Media Facts…
-Twitter users welcome 2012 with 16,000 tweets-per-second, more than doubling last year's record. (Source: MediaBistro) 
-3% of adults say they get news and information about local businesses from social media, while38% claim to use Internet search engines. (Source: Pew Internet) 

Other brief points shared:

-There are many Social Media tools and platforms, there will always be new tools – Social Media and it’s use is "Ever Changing and Growing"

-It can make a good product/service better or a bad one worse

-Share good and diverse content across a variety of platforms “Cross Pollination”  

-The number of online users will grow exponentially year to year

-Experts speculate Mobile devices will be the number one connector to the internet in the very near future

-Don’t feed the trollz – Be classy

-It's ok to post lol catz from time to time (the humourous portion of the presentation)

-Using the right voice for your audience and brand are paramount

-Differences in LinkedIn Facebook and Twitter and other platforms regarding what kind of content should be posted

I don't want to bore you guys with too many details, this is my personal blog after all.

Do you like Public Speaking? Share some of your experiences.

#Love4LexiTO: Let's Lend Lexi a Helping Hand.

As you all know I love lending a hand to individuals and charities. Today I would like to share with you the opportunity to help a little girl. Her name is Lexi and she could use our support. Let’s help Lexi. #luv4LexiTO Lexi is a stunningly gorgeous 15-year-old ballerina from Calgary who loves nothing more than to spread her wings on stage. She has been diagnosed with a bone tumour in her skull, an even more rare nerve dystrophy and is believed to have an undiagnosed genetic mutation. In excruciating pain, unable to eat and her internal organs at risk of shutting down, Lexi remains in Alberta’s Children’s Hospital. Lexi urgently needs to be transferred to Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital. The family’s monthly medical bills are soaring and the family can no longer afford to pay the thousands of dollars every month needed for medication. The costs to get her to Toronto accompanied by medics are incredulous. Lexi and her family need our help. A Toronto-based group of Twitter friends have come together to organize #luv4lexiTO to raise funds to help Lexi and her family cover the costs of mounting debts and save Lexi’s life. Here’s how you can help: Chocolate Cherry Pink Pearls of Hope for Lexi. Purchase pink chocolate pearls and ChocolaChocola will generously donate 100% to #luv4lexi. $15 for 200 grams. **Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery Make a donation. For every $10 donation made on behalf of #luv4lexi, we will give you a raffle ticket to win a special gift basket donated by ChocolaChocola. The draw will be held on Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. Donations can be made through paypal, sending an email money transfer to karensnider@hotmail.com, or send a cheque payable to Karen Snider to 112-50 Merchant Lane, Toronto, M6P4J6. Who wouldn’t want chocolate for a year? Anyone who donates more than $1000 will receive the special gift of “Chocolate of the month” from ChocolaChocola. Donations can be made through paypal, sending an email money transfer to karensnider@hotmail.com, or send a cheque payable to Karen Snider to 112-50 Merchant Lane, Toronto, M6P4J6. Get fit and help Lexi! On Jan. 28, we will be hosting a yoga class and a pilates class at Yoga Yoga East. Each class costs a $25 donation. To RSVP, please reserve your ticket on paypal. You must pay in advance in order to secure your spot in the class. Lexi’s Story In 2011, Lexi was diagnosed with a rare bone tumor in her skull that has caused an even more rare nerve dystrophy in her head called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD) Usually found in the arm or leg CRPS causes excruciating debilitating pain that is untouched by narcotics. There is no treatment for CRPS of the cranial nerves. Lexi has multi system issues. She is believed to have an undiagnosed mutation of the cryopyrin gene that has left her allergic to her internal organs. She becomes covered in painful rashes and struggles to take breaths. Her body spasms and her jaw locks. Her skin splits and bleeds. Her hearing is so sensitive breathing around her makes her cry. Every movement or trauma causes more pain. She can no longer eat and is currently being tube fed in the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Lexi is currently awaiting transfer to Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital to meet with specialists and genetic immunologists who may be able to save her life. Lexi’s mother, Jessica Taylor, has had to stop working in order to care for Lexi and stay with her in the hospital. The family has exhausted their savings in order to pay for thousands of dollars in medications for Lexi that insurance will not cover. In addition, the family is struggling to find a way to transfer Lexi to Toronto and may be required to pay for a commercial flight and the cost of accompanying medics and medical supplies. It is critical that Lexi remain under medical care because her heart rate and overall condition are extremely vulnerable.  Please lend a hand, even $10.00 can help Lexi and her family.  Ways you can support Lexi:

$10 Donation $10.00 CAD $20 Donation $20.00 CAD $50 Donation $50.00 CAD $100 Donation $100.00 CAD Chocola Pearls of Hope $10.00 CAD Pilates (jan.28) $25.00 CAD Yoga (jan.28) $25.00 CAD Chocolate for a year! $1,000.00 CAD

Contest: WagJag is giving away an Apple Prize Pack! Enter to Win.

WagJag is giving a way an Apple prize pack to celebrate the launch of their Holiday Shoppe! (click on the image below to enter for your chance to win)

Insert Drumroll Here: And the #CrashBucks Winners Are:

... Before announcing the winners I'd like to thank @TwtrTwtrChknDnr for helping select the winners and @StarbucksCanada for allowing me to have some fun with this.

Winner #1 is @IAmJazzy!
Winner #2 is @ginnynotweasley!
Winner #3 is @leoraheilbronn!

Congratulations ladies! I will be sending you a DM with the store location!
Yay!

Starbucks Reserve Coffee Tasting: Wanna come?

If you know me, even if only a little bit - you know how much I love my coffee. Most of all how much I love Starbucks.
Thanks to @VickiLazlo and @StarbucksCanada for giving me the opportunity to have a special private tasting of their reserve coffees on December 8th at one of their awesome locations.
Also, because this isn't something I get to do every day, I'm going to raffle off the 3 spots I have available for friends to my twitter followers.

What you have to do to win:
1) Follow @Wedding_crasher
2) In 140 characters describe why you would like to win a spot at the @StarbucksCanada Reserve Tasting (include the hashtag #CrashBucks)
3) GoodLuck! I'll be using @TwtrTwtrChknDnr to pick my winners on Wednesday December 7 at 6pm
4) check back here to see if your a winner! (I'll be dm'ing the event location to the winners)

Good luck!

#AngelosOnKing Winner Announced:

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest by RT'ing and following @AngelosOnKing!

Also I would like to thank @TwtrTwtrChknDnr for helping us choose a random winner for @AngelosOnKing 's contest!

Without further adieu, Congratulations goes to ..... Insert drumroll here:



Craig Silva aka @BigDaddyKreativ!!!! Please Dm @AngelosOnKing your info!

Keep checking in, because there will be a very special Starbucks contest coming up!

Angelo's On King

I've recently had the pleasure of getting to know @AngelosOnKing via Twitter. Angelo is a very enthusiastic guy who likes to cook and according to @Shes_So_Savvy he's pretty good at it.

I thought it would be nice to have a little get together to try out some of his authentic Italian cuisine on Thursday November 17th. After setting all of this up, Angelo and I got to talking and he'd like to give away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky person on twitter to use at his restaurant. How super awesome of him!

To take part in the twitter contest all you have to do is Tweet: "Follow @AngelosOnKing and RT to win a $50 gift certificate to AngelosOnKing. We'll be announcing the winner Sunday on thecrashdiaries.com". It's so easy. Good Luck and hope to see you at #ItalianoTO

Add caption

OrphanageTO

Toronto- Pikto Gallery, 55 Mill Street October 27th 2011, Nzirambi Education Fundraiser.

Event night came and it was an absolute success. The venue was packed, people were bidding on the silent auction items, raffle tickets were sold and we even had a spontaneous bidding war over a last minute donation from Arlene Dickinson!
The social media community really pulled together to locate and have items donated for the silent auction, then again to spread the word about the event and online ticket purchases. It was pretty amazing to see SoMe (Social Media) peeps band together for the SoGood (Social Good)!

I had the opportunity to meet and work with the other volunteers and they are all amazing in their own way. The event wouldn't have been such a success with out them. I felt honoured to be granted the opportunity to participate. I wish I could have done more but, as it turns out the volunteers involved brought their "A-Game" and it made all the difference!

Not only was it a wonderful night out but, the Event raised $10,500.00 that evening. How awesome is that?

Organizers of the event have posted a "Thank-you" blog post for the participants of #OrphanageTO
You can feel the emotion - they joy the organizers feel regarding the success of the event.

#OrphanageTO - you rock! Hope to be a part of #OrphanageTO2 next year ;)
I've created a list of Organizers, sponsors, volunteers and attendees on twitter. Follow the list or individuals, so many great people and brands.

Special thanks to the organizers: Sandra Brunner (@wallabina), Sylvie Labosse (@sylvieintoronto), Monica Kahindo (@monicakahindo) and Karen Snider (@karensnider)

The photos below we're taken and provided by Ardean Peters (@photosbyardean)

Pikto Art Gallery the evening of the event.

Arto Yuzbasiyan's Limited Edition Watercolour Print:  Queen Street

Tweet this event: #OrphanageTO

That's me selling raffle tickets :D Sue and I sold $1000 worth. Good Job Sue!

This is Brian Pieters. He is the photographer who traveled to Uganda to take the wonderful photos of the children in the Nzirambi Orphans Talent Development Centre. Thank you Brian.

Nzirambi Photo Exhibition Fundraiser

Everyone has a friend that is just an inherently good person. A friend that through their actions makes you strive to be a better person. @KarenSnider is that friend for me.
She recently began an educational fund for orphans in Nzirambi, Affrica and will be holding a Photo exhibition / fundraiser for the education of the orphans. When she asked if I would like to help out, I didn't hesitate.

Thank you Karen for inviting me to assist with your project and event!

About The Event

EventBrite Ticket Information
Tickets cost $20.00
Silent auction including a Limited Edition Print by local artist Arto Yuzbasiyan
Photo exhibition by Brian Pieters
The event will be held at the Pikto Gallery in the Distillery District.

We need all the support we can get! It's a great cause and you should be there! Join us!


To follow (on Twitter) the people involved and attendees (list is updated weekly) just check out my list.

Thinking about Crashaversary

Last night I was reminiscing about a party I had a while back.  Crashaversary was a tweetup of sorts. I organized it around a difficult time in my life, and rather than let the dark feelings win over my true light hearted and happy nature... (Is that sarcasm? It might be. You decide.) I wanted to celebrate the fact that I am still here and able to be sarcastic and silly.

I was touched by the amount of people who joined me in my (more like our) celebration of life. Everyone's been through something. I believe that everyone has personal victories and we should celebrate them. Having a Crashaversary was a great way to commemorate everyone's strength and passion for life.

The event was held at @e11evenToronto, and did we ever enjoy the venue the service and food. The social media engagement specialist (yes, I made that title up) Sam, was wonderful and gave out vouchers for our next visit. The sommelier @JonnyDrinks also took the time out to visit with us. Truly a wonderful experience and we were all happy to meet the people behind the twitter handles and restaurant. We've been there a few times since and plan to go back again. 

I can't thank the people who attended enough. I think of all of you, and appreciate you for just... well being you. I hope that we will have many more opportunities to celebrate life and milestones and life victories (large or small) together.   

One of my "tweeps" @DoomzTO even wrote his own blog post about our little gathering. *Thanks Casey.

If you 'd like to check out the people who joined us (I suggest you follow them on twitter) check out the list.

The Colours of Me

I just thought this was a really cute representation of me. So I'm sharing :)

On TweetUps

Some quick definitions before we begin:

TweetUp - An event organized by and for Tweeps.
Tweeps / Tweeple - Peeps / People on Twitter.

What is a TweetUp?

I'm sure if you haven't attended a tweet up you are wondering what it is and what it's all about; TweetUps are organized and hosted by a twitter user (anyone can do this), occasionally the organizer uses web based apps to keep track of RSVPs and to help promote their event (twtvite.com seems to be quite popular and it's what I use).

Why do people host or organize these events?

There could be a bevy of reasons including:
- Celebrations
- Network Building Events
- Educational
- Venue Promotion

I'm sure that there are many more reasons for tweeps to organize these events but, I just don't have the time to go into all of them and I'm sure you don't care that much.

Why do I attend?

My favourite reason to host or attend a TweetUp is to just "break bread" with like minded individuals in an intimate setting. I really enjoy being able to talk to everyone attending and swap great stories about life, love and work. Some of the the attendees are people I've met before and some are completely new. It's incredible when you realize that you have things in common and that you may also be able to learn something from the person sitting across from you.

It starts with sharing stories and before you know it you're sharing desert!

Last month I hosted a tweet up (#Crashaversary), I had hoped to get a group of people together who would want to celebrate life and the positive things that happen. It was wonderful because not too many people made it out and, as some took their leave - others arrived. There was a constant flow of good energy and people. I considered it a success.

Last night I made it out to an Italian Resto TweetUp, and I had the opportunity to meet new people, and see some old friends. - 10 people in total made it to the event, each one of them was interesting and had great things to share. We talked about blogs, work, food, wine and pets - before we knew it we shared tiramisu and chocolate cake.

So what are you waiting for?

It's a really great way to meet new people, broaden your network, try new things and share a desert ;)

Here is a list of people that attended this past tweet up - they are all pretty awesome!

Yours,
@Wedding_crasher

My Day of Opulence

Although my morning started off in a medical examination / circus freak way - it soon turned into a glamourous fun filled afternoon with friends.
I was invited to join some wonderful ladies (@SassyGirlCanada, @AyznGurl, @KimberlyHughes, @Zokai and @LisaMcPhee) for High Tea at The Windsor Arms.

I arrived a touch late and was escorted into what can only be described as the Red Room (actually named the Russian Tea Room). The walls were painted a rich red and accented with gold. It felt as if I took a huge step back in time. Although beautiful, it lacked ventilation and I felt as if I was thrusted into menopause! I think I may have preferred to have enjoyed my tea and company in the modern and better ventilated tea room.

Our server left something to be desired but, the scones, tiny rolled sandwiches, preserves, petits fours and tea came in above expectation! We were stuffed silly! The scones were fluffy, the tea had the loveliest hint of chocolate and the sweets, well - I needed a cigarette after cramming them ever so lady-like (not) down my throat.

We laughed, we talked about boys, we scowled at our server and had a wonderful time. When it was time to part ways, I thought it might be fun to stop into my most favourite place... Tiffany & Co.

I felt like a movie star today! It was wonderful! Thank you Sandy, Lisa, Kimberly, Natasha, and Shoreh for a wonderful and glamourous day! Xoxoxoxoxo

Ps. Do you think I walked out of Tiffany & Co. empty handed? HELZ NO! Happy Crashaversary to me.

Brunch Babes

Roughly a month ago (I know this took way too long to post), a few friends and I had brunch at fabulous new French resto - La Societe (Bloor St. East of Avenue Rd.). I have no idea where to start!

The decor is incredible! Dark wood, stained glass domes, marble tables and a 2 lovely patios. (I think the patio on the street level is for those who want to be seen.)

The girls and I started with mimosas (now our staple drink for brunch) and some great conversation. Our server had perfect timing and a wonderful knowledge of the menu.

I had noticed that on their brunch menu (all menus are available on their website) was this awesome sounding French toast with sautéed bananas. I knew I HAD to order it. I haven't had French toast with bananas since I was in Atlantic city, and I just had this feeling La Societe wouldn't let me down.

The meal was great, the company was awesome and the service was incredible! This was one of the best restaurants I've had the pleasure of having brunch at. I highly recommend it.

I should take Bobby... Nah! It just going to be our little secret.

Some Pictures

It's been a while since I've last posted. I'm working on getting some interesting life content up, and it won't likely be ready for a while. In the place of a blog post I'd like to share some pictures.
Enjoy.

How To: Make a Peppermint Mocha At Home

I've been spending a ridiculous amount of money at Starbucks as of late. I should be a shareholder at this rate. It's all due to a very special drink: Peppermint mocha!
I had to find away to save my money and still get my fix. I unfortunately only have a Tassimo Coffee machine at home, how on earth was I going to create a mocha?
I'll tell you how; I purchased some espresso disks, a bottle of peppermint syrup (I purchased the Starbucks syrup, you may prefer the Torani brand) Starbucks mocha powder mix for the syrup and milk!
I do not like the dairy disks available from Tassimo for cappuccinos and lattes. I find it has a gross after-taste.

Now here's how you make your peppermint mocha:
2 squirts of peppermint syrup in your cup
2 squirts of mocha syrup in your cup
Make your Tassimo espresso
Add hot milk (amount may vary according to personal taste, I like at least 8oz)

Stir and TADA!!!! Peppermint mocha at a fraction of the cost!
I'm drinking one right now!

(the image below is a mocha from the DarkHorse on Queen, delish!)

The Best Afternoon Evar :)

Spring cleaning, sunshine, balcony, family and a BBQ! These are the lovely things that I got to enjoy today.
Bobby and I have cleaned the balcony, and the patio furniture, we put up our solar powered patio lights, and we even got to enjoy them for a while!
We cleaned the house and then went to my parents home for a BBQ, really could this day get any better? Well yes it could. Our solar powered lights are working! How awesome!

I love days like today, although there was a lot of work, the pay off was above and beyond my expectations. Just need to be thankful. :)

Woot!

I Hate Shopping

1. I hate shopping.
2. I hate shopping.
3. I hate shopping!!!!!

Since the accident I have been putting on weight. It's been really hard with my injuries to be active enough to loose weight. I'm not sure what size I've expanded to but but it's not one of the good ones.
Before the accident I was a size 4-6, now I guess I would be a 14-16. That puts me right in between regular sizes and plus sizes... Well not really.
In today's world most clotting manufacturers cut small, which does put me into plus sizes.
This means that i can't purchase clothing from my favorite brands, they don't make my size, it's heart breaking. Plus size clothing doesn't make me happy and there's no in between.
On a good day I leave the mall depressed, on bad day.... Tears.
I'm lucky that I was able to find a couple of nice things to wear today, but I did't get my True Religion jeans, or a pair of dress pants, or even a dress shirt that I liked.
I'm having a difficult time accepting me as I am, and an even harder time accepting clothing manufacturers sizing,
I'm sad, angry and really disappointed. What's worse is I'm sure people think I'm lazy and eat too much and that's why I'm fat. I can see it in sales peoples eyes. They don't even want to help me when I walk into a store.
Femme de Carrier was one of the worst offenders today. Sales people looked at me like I was nuts, I almost had to beg in order to get their attention. Turns out the didn't want to waste their time as the largest size they carry is a 12.

I don't even walk into stores like Costa Blanca, Guess, and the like. I just figured Femme de Carrier is a mature brand and would have sizes for professional women, I guess women my size have to dress like slobs :(

I hate shopping!
/end rant.