This post has been in the works for FAR too long. It’s been months since I was last home and on that visit my cousin Sherie and I took an afternoon to capture her art studio. You see, my cousin is an incredible artist and finally has a space to call her own where she can be creative without the confines of keeping a ‘tidy’ workspace back home. I was so excited to hear that there would be a space opening for all types of artists to rent in The Soo (Sault Ste. Marie, ON for those that don’t know what ‘The Soo’ is).

Her space is incredible!! It’s completely her with all the little touches that make her who she is. Growing up she and I were pretty much inseparable. We alternated weekend sleepovers at each others house and majority of the time there was some type of craft or art project in the works. We were constantly playing off of each others creativity and my childhood wouldn’t have been the same without her.

Sherie creates the most amazing artwork. Take a look at some of her stuff that was in progress at the time …

I just love her illustrations. She’s working on a series of deer right now and I just LOVE them! (Available for purchase on her ETSY shop)
 

If you’re interested in seeing more of her work please visit her WEBSITE, FACEBOOK PAGE and ETSY PAGE.

Here are some pictures of my beautiful cousin :)

Love your guts chickie! :) So proud of you for continuing to do what you love.

This year I did a lot of research on new and unusual media in marketing. One of the new and exciting forms of marketing and shopping is the use of mobile scanning.

Commuting to and from work/school etc. is one of the most time consuming parts of our lives, especially for those in larger cities. Now imagine if while waiting for your bus, subway, train etc. you could do your grocery shopping? But you don’t want to have to carry all those groceries on your commute … not to worry, there actually isn’t any product to take with you. How it works, you scan what you need from the provided billboard and it shows up on your door step the very next day.

Amazing!

The future of shopping is upon us. As we slowly become a cashless society this is just the next step in ‘store less’ shopping.

Well my placement is over and many of you may be asking yourself if this was really a marketing placement or a vacation :) Well let me tell you it was most certainly a placement and though majority of my work and hours were completed before I arrived in Laguna, there were still many things I completed and learned while there.

I was able to work one on one with Natasha and Jonathon who are currently working through building their client base of American Gothic Social. It was amazing having some time to see them work together, with clients and networking at events. I’m confident they are going to be a huge success in a very short time.

Staying at The Retreat in Laguna I was able to experience all the amenities and partnerships they have to offer, hence the Health in Balance treatment, Yoga, meals, stand up paddling and whale watching. At each I was able to take photos, blog about my experience and meet their owners.

I participated in marketing meetings both with and without Natasha, and saw the value in how social media is changing the way we marketers approach what we do.

It’s a new era, it’s no longer about marketers and advertisers creating an ad or commercial, putting it out there and making huge sales. It’s no longer a one sided relationship, customers have more power than ever before in the success of businesses and it’s all because of social media. It’s modern marketing.

Everyone has a voice, and businesses need to recognize how to utilize their customers to improve their brand awareness and overall their sales. Doesn’t matter if you’re a product or service business you need to be listening to your customers and engaging them. Those that are, have seen immense return on investment.

It’s about knowing who your target audience is, where they’re communicating and reaching out and engaging them. I’m really looking forward to getting back to school this September to complete my final year at SLC. I’ll always be a life long learner (as 3 college diplomas has shown haha) but I’m really looking forward to seeing where this placement experience and all I’ve learned about myself and about marketing will take me.

I’ve found my passion and it’s exciting and scary all jumbled into one.

Thank you to those who followed along in my journey this past week. Your comments and feedback were extremely appreciated.

Onto the next adventure. More to come.

My last and final day in Laguna Beach came much too quickly. It was one of my favourites though. In the morning Natasha and I walked over to Costa Azul, a Laguna Beach surf shop just around the corner from The Retreat in Laguna and met with the owner Rod Greenup. He had stand up paddle boards all ready for us down on the beach.

I have to be honest, I’m not a big water person. Not unless I’m in a boat that I can control or it’s a big fresh water lake where the biggest thing that could nibble my toes is a trout.  The idea of going out into the ocean to STAND on a board and paddle around made me quite uneasy.

Rod was fantastic! He could sense my apprehension and walked me through how to get on the board and the proper way to paddle. There was a lot of surf so timing was extremely important to get into the water without heading straight into a giant wave. Rod helped me into the water and with a little push (mentally and physically) I was on my way.

It took me a while to get comfortable standing on the board … in the ocean … with who knows what swimming below me … ok so maybe I wasn’t truly ever 100% comfortable but that was only due to my own lack of confidence in my swimming abilities if I were to fall in. (I didn’t fall in) Once my legs stopped quivering I actually had a really great time out there. It was so peaceful and a really good work out trying to continually keep your balance out in the open ocean.

Getting back on shore was interesting. It was just Natasha and I out there so we watched the waves and continuously looked behind us as we paddled into shore to make sure it was safe to do so. Timing was perfect and we made it in without any problems. Phewf!

Once on solid ground I was so happy I went out of my comfort zone and tried it. It was an amazing experience. Rod was so encouraging and came to congratulate us. I’d definitely try it again.

After paddling we changed quickly and headed to Dana Point Harbor to jump on the Dana Wharf Whale Watching cruise. The captain advised us that this time of year most of the Gray Whales have already migrated and that we’d most likely see some dolphins only. Well we were pleasantly surprised to find a momma whale with her baby nursing near Dana Point.

I was shocked to see how close they were to shore. I’m glad we did this AFTER paddling this morning otherwise I don’t think I’d have gotten in the water. We also saw dolphins and some sea lions. It was an amazing day.

For my last dinner in Laguna we went to Savannah Chophouse and enjoyed another absolutely delicious meal. It was the perfect ending to an incredible placement.

More to come

More yoga? Sure, why not! I was able to take part in another session with Dava Schatz this time it was a group session and Natasha joined me. Little did I know beforehand that this was a 90 minute session and was a level 2 to 3 … I’m a level 0 at best haha, but I made it through. It was a great workout and I can’t wait to continue practicing back in Kingston.

After yoga Natasha and I drove out to her house and got lunch at Wahoo’s a taco place. So good!

The rest of the day I spent at The Retreat working on completing my placement tasks. Yes everyone I DID do work too! It wasn’t all yoga and cocktails. :) I’ve been working on multiple blog posts for The Retreat, a media kit and some other side projects for a few new clients.

I’ve LOVED my time here in Laguna Beach and will be sad to leave, but looking forward to getting back home too. I start my new job at the college on Thursday and it’s going to be a busy summer ahead working roughly 50-55 hrs a week.

Natasha and I have a lot in common and both aspire to have our own businesses where we have the freedom to make our own hours and bring in a decent income. She’s already well on her way and I’m just beginning. You never know what the future will hold but I’m excited for what’s to come. Maybe move down to Laguna one day? It’s absolutely fantastic down here. I’ve learned so much during this placement it’s been invaluable to my career goals.

So here’s to a great summer and on to the next challenge. Today I’ll be stand up paddling, whale watching and another delicious meal, perfect way to spend my last day here.

More to come

I’m down to one last full day here in Laguna and my mind is a blur from all the amazing things I’ve been able to experience and do while down here. It’s been the best placement I’ve ever had. Next year’s is going to have to be on the moon in order to top this.

Saturday morning we drove down to the Laguna Beach market to pick up some fruit and flowers. It was amazing to see all the fresh fruits and veggies all readily available. While I was walking around snapping some pictures a gentleman came up to me and pointed out the goats that were on the hillside. They place goats on the hillsides to eat the vegetation and prevent forest fires.

I spent the remainder of the morning working on placement tasks out on The Retreat patio. It was so relaxing to listen to the crash of the waves and watch the surfers play. I got a bit carried away on what I was working on and wasn’t paying attention to how long I was out in the sun…. not good. I should know better and should have put on sunscreen before I even left the villa but I thought I’d only be a little while and my casper skin needed a bit of colour. Well lobster wasn’t quite what I was going for. Woopsie!

After a quick bite to eat that I picked up from The Deck. They were packed with customers so I got some dip and sliders to go. I had another voucher from The Retreat for a free app and beverage so took advantage of the free cocktail while I waited for my food. A little nap later Natasha picked me up and we headed to South Laguna to get something to eat at Starfish, then on to Aliso Beach to celebrate the ‘Super Moon’ with a drum circle we found out about.

Cocktails and apps were delicious! Natasha never fails to know the perfect thing on the menu to order. I haven’t had a bad meal here yet. And the bar tender made me a great little martini. Again, like at French 75 I left it up to the expert with a request for something that was raspberry and lemon flavoured.

The beach that the drum circle took place at was a few blocks away but instead of walking along the roadside we decided to test our luck at walking along the beach …

as the tide was coming in … we got almost all the way there and boom, the beach ended at a GIANT creek with what looked like no hope in being able to cross over. Had it not been for a guy and his mini pooch showing us a way to make it across without getting soaked we probably would have turned around and had to risk the tide being even closer to shore.

(I upped the exposure so you can see it a bit better, but not great photos)

The drum circle was actually pretty neat. I wasn’t sure what to expect and though there were the typical people you’d expect to see at a ‘super moon drum circle’, there were also young families and people of all ages enjoying the drums and fire dancers.

It was a great way to enjoy the big moon.

more to come

Finally able to get some sun today, maybe a bit too much sun … woopsie! Was working away on some placement tasks out on The Retreats patio and didn’t notice how long I’d been sitting out there. I was partially shaded but the sun found it’s way to turn me quite rosy. Thank goodness for aloe.

I’m about two days behind now in posting so here’s a quick catch up for Friday.

Friday, as part of my time here at The Retreat I was able to take part in a private yoga session with Dava Schatz at Ritual yoga studio. The studio is located just a quick walk down the street from The Retreat and is not only a yoga studio but also an art gallery. Each studio space has multiple paintings and/or sculptures. It’s such a great idea to integrate the two into the same space. As part of the Art Walk from the previous night we had visited the space so it was interesting to see it as a bustling gallery and then a quiet intimate yoga space.

The session was fantastic. I don’t know why I haven’t focused more time in pursuing the practice of yoga. I’ve tried it before and have enjoyed but didn’t feel the passion to continue. After working with Dava I’m very encouraged to pursue the practice on a more regular basis. I have many friends who have always raved about it, and have become teachers themselves. I felt fantastic after my session with Dava, he was so encouraging and has such a passion for Yoga.

Friday night Natasha and I drove out to Newport Beach to have dinner and drinks with some of her friends. What an amazing group of women, I had a blast hanging out with them for a night. Reminded me a lot of my cousin and her friend, (you know who you are JuJu’s).

After dinner we attended a theatre performance called “Pool, No Water”. I had no idea what to expect and walking into an intimate theatre room with seating for about 80 was a bit intimidating. The performance was really good, there was a bit of nudity which was the only thing I had been warned of. The performance was about a group of artists looking for their next big project and finding it at the cost of their friends accident.

More to come

Apparently I’ve brought the rain with me on my trip down to California. Yesterday it rained all morning and I woke up to some more this morning. I was quite glad I’d packed my rain coat because walking to Health in Balance in the morning I would have gotten really wet.

After my amazing RAD Circuit at Health in Balance I was able to spend some time walking around the streets of Laguna. There are so many amazing local shops and art galleries.

The afternoon was spent catching up on research/blogging and then last night was Art Walk. Here in Laguna the first Thursday of every month is ‘Art Walk’ night and locals/tourists get together, the galleries are open late, and you are able to explore all the amazing local/international art exhibits. There were quite a few ‘pop up’ galleries and many places offered free wine and snacks (not to shabby).

We stopped in at Townley owned and directed by Shane Townley a very talented artist. We met with Shane (far right in photo below) himself and their marketing director Bill. Always interesting to talk marketing with other industry professionals.

Art walk was a lot of fun. One of the galleries has original Dr. Seuss paintings and sculptures!! If I had a extra few thousand dollars I would have purchased some.

Natasha graduated from the college program which I’m currently attending and during Art Walk we ran into a gentleman who looked VERY similar to one our professors. To my fellow classmates can you guess who he looks like?

Following Art Walk they took me to a sushi restaurant for dinner at San Shi Go. Natasha insisted we wait for one of the chefs, is that what you call a sushi maker? Chef? Either way we waited for her favourite sushi making genius name Yoshi. I am forever ruined for Kingston Sushi now. This place was INCREDIBLE and Yoshi is the king of sushi.

The above are two of my favourites that Yoshi prepared for us. The top is peppers wrapped in some kind of raw fish. The far left ones with the red fish were so delicious. I want more! And the below picture is scallop topped rolls with I think crab and some veggies and truffle oil, a special spice and i don’t even know what else but it was so delicious. Like I said I’m forever ruined for Kingston sushi as I won’t be able to find anything like this again. I’ll just have to come back :) … soon!

After Sushi it was getting a bit late so we skipped the magazine party and headed straight to “Dirty Bird” the local name for a bar called the “Sandpiper”. The nickname ‘dirty bird’ is much more fitting. This place was full of the most random assortment of people I’ve ever seen under one roof. I wish I’d taken some photos but I was too busy enjoying the reggae band that was playing. The wife of the lead singer is a good friend of Natasha’s so she came and danced the night away with us. She was so sweet and gave Natasha a CD of their music to give to me. Can’t wait to show Fraser he’s going to LOVE this band.

Todays agenda is pretty low key. Yoga, food, work, work, dinner, and a theatre performance.

More to come

After last nights dinner/drinks I was definitely in need of a little ‘detoxifying’ if you catch my drift. As part of my stay here at The Retreat in Laguna I had the amazing opportunity to take part in the Health in Balance R.A.D. Circuit.

Health in Balance is the leading innovator in natural healthcare and wellness in Orange County. They provide thorough diagnostics and comprehensive care with measurable results so you can live longer, look younger and feel great. They offer multiple services including chiropractic, physiotherapy, stress management and rejuvenation & detoxification. The latter of which I was able to take part in this morning.

The R.A.D. Circuit is an innovative and comprehensive therapy utilizing anti-oxidant water, whole body vibration, a detox foot bath, an infrared sauna, and dry hydrotherapy to detoxify and rejuvenate the body at a cellular level. It is one of their newest programs, and a growing favorite among their clients.

There are 6 stations and each has a specific purpose and order in which you do them. It was such an inviting atmosphere and the staff were very friendly. I’ll be taping a video testimonial for them hopefully later today if not tomorrow and will share it here once complete.

Turbosonic Machine

My favourite of the 6 stations was the full body vibration. They have you stand on a Turbosonic machine, while various sound waves vibrate the body’s cells. It is said to “enhance circulation, metabolic rate, strength, toning, firming, immunity and vitality by changing strong rotating energy into vibrating energy to improv lymphatic drainage.”

Basically, the vibrations adjusted and you can feel the change in different parts of your body. They had a pamphlet on the wall that described, based on the strength of the vibration, which area of the body it was targeting. It was really interesting to feel the different areas of the body it was targeting; shoulders, thighs, calves etc.

Dr. Gary Arthur has spent a lot of time revolutionizing this circuit of detoxifying treatments, it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area. After completing the circuit I left feeling simply awesome. I was able to speak with Dr. Gary for a few minutes after completing my session and the passion he has for what he’s created at Health in Balance was palpable.

After an extremely stressful past year and busy work/school/freelance/social life it was nice to have that time to myself and just relax, detoxify and afterwards I was left feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. Good thing too because the remainder of the week is packed full of exciting placement tasks and events.

More to come

As I wallow and digest my incredible meal from French 75 tonight, I’ll try and get my thoughts straight on todays events.

As hard as I tried to sleep in a bit this morning I was wide awake at 6am, didn’t help that it was also garbage day, and a random dog decided he wasn’t happy with his outside arrangement and barked for 40 min. :) But that’s ok just gave me a chance to catch up on some Marie Forleo videos and some research for tomorrow’s meetings.

Being up so early gave me a great excuse to walk over to The Beach House and catch their breakfast specials. I looked at their website before I left and IMMEDIATELY knew what I was going to get. French toast! My breakfast of choice, (I may or may not have that as my menu item at my friends restaurant in Kingston.) This was no regular french toast though, this was bread covered in granola and cooked to perfection, topped with berries and drizzled with syrup (I should be a food blogger ;) ). It was A-Maze-ing!

Not only was the food incredible the view was spectacular! I walked into a cute little garden oasis complete with fountains and ferns. Through there I entered the dining hall that over looked the ocean. To top off this amazing breakfast experience I saw a WHALE! It was surfacing and spraying water just off shore, everyone in the restaurant was glued to the window.

(Not the best of photos, but you get the idea)

After breakfast I took a walk along the waterfront. It was a bit overcast today but it was still warm and the sound of the waves was so relaxing.

The rest of the day was spent researching for tomorrows client (more on that later) and working on the new media kit for The Retreat in Laguna. I’ve been working on it back home and today I finished up the final details. Came together quite nicely. Still some edits to be made but hopefully the owner likes it.

The door to my villa is split in half so I took advantage of the view, smells and sounds while working away. Natasha also stopped by with a ‘fish taco’ for lunch. When she first suggested a fish taco I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but it was made with Tilapia and mango salsa and was the perfect afternoon snack. I’ll try anything once and I’m glad I did because this was really yummy.

Jonathon also came by and the three of us worked away from the Villa for a few hours. It was great to see how they work together and how they interact with their clients. I can definitely learn a lot from these two on their client relations and networking skills.

Dinner was at French 75 tonight, one of the restaurants that Jonathon works for. We were seated in a large booth, the atmosphere was amazing with a live jazz performer playing the classics and also some newer tunes. We started off with a few cocktails, I let Forest, our bartender, choose for me. One thing I’ve learned over the years is bartenders always know best, just tell them the type of drink (I was in the mood for something fruity tonight) and they will make you the best drink!

It was definitely the royal treatment, servers were extremely attentive and Forest provided the most amazing drinks. It was quite dark (perfect dinner atmosphere), so wasn’t the best for photos but here’s a snapshot of the starters and main course. I tried Escargot for the first time, so good!

Endive salad, Escargot, and Tuna starters with Salmon and risotto for main dish

If you know me well, you know I can’t have a meal without dessert, so when Jonathon suggested we try a few things I was completely up for it despite my ever expanding stomach. We ordered a lemon tart, soufflé and deep fried ice cream. Forest (bartender) advised us to hold off on the ice cream as he had a surprise for us. I couldn’t resist a bite or two and he caught me red handed. Literally got a hand slap for that one. :)

Forest made us a ‘deconstructed banana split’ with 3 cocktails as chasers to our ice cream treat. Delicious! Not a huge fan of banana, but the chocolate strawberry won me over.

Tomorrow is going to be a BUSY day. Not sure if I’ll be able to blog tomorrow night, possibly in the afternoon but we’ll see how the day goes. The itinerary is packed with client meetings and events. Possibly a detoxifying spa treatment in the morning? haha only in California. (And by possibly I mean I have an apt. at 9:00am) Details later.

Tomorrow night is the local ‘Art Walk‘ that happens the first Thursday of every month. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the local artisans pieces.

More tomorrow (hopefully).