Behind the Scenes at THE SOCIAL on CTV

Behind-the-scenes interview with Cynthia Loyst
Behind-the-scenes interview with Melissa Grelo
Behind-the-scenes interview with Traci Melchor
Behind-the-scenes interview with Lainey Lui

The first season of CTV's new talk show THE SOCIAL has been a hit. Launched last September and hosted by Melissa Grelo, Cynthia Loyst, Lainey Lui and Traci Melchor, the series was touted as "what feels like a can't miss lunch date with friends", and I would have to agree (although I PVR the 1 p.m. episodes and watch them in the evenings, providing me with treadmill motivation, rather than a lunch date).

While most of us immediately assumed that this would just be a Canadian version of THE VIEW (there's no denying the similar format: four women discussing hot topics around a table, followed by lifestyle segments) we were told that it wouldn't be that simple, and THE SOCIAL has proven itself to be distinctive, especially with a high rate of viewer interaction through social media.

As they gear up for a second season which will kick off this September, I was thrilled to have the chance to hang out with the team and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into a day at THE SOCIAL.

First, of course, was my personal preparation, starting with the mani and pedi, even though I already knew I would be wearing closed-toe shoes. Carefully chosen ones, since they had a big conversation on the show one day about judging people by their footwear. I was especially worried about Lainey's opinion, but she did qualify on air that she holds the highest standards to those who are supposed to be fashion experts, not just the everywoman on the subway. I in no way identify myself as a fashion expert, so I was fairly confident I would be safe.

I also made time to get my brows done pre-SOCIAL, and in one panicked moment even thought "bikini wax!" before reassuring myself that it was most likely unnecessary for this event. I mean, they may have discussed "pelvage" on the show, but I'm pretty sure they don't require visitors to bare their own. 

After arriving downtown early, I hung out at the Starbucks across the street from the studio on Queen Street West, so as not to appear too eager and uncool. I enjoyed a slice of cinnamon loaf and went over my notes, which included questions for each of the co-hosts. I was hoping to get a chance to chat with the ladies one-on-one, but there were no promises due to the tight timelines of a live TV show. 

As I waited in the lobby a short time later, I watched a portion of the live taping of THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW until Tanya, the publicist for THE SOCIAL, greeted me and we began our whirlwind day. 

First stop: wardrobe. There we ran into Traci Melchor, who was warm and welcoming despite her pressing task at hand, which was getting dressed to go and interview her crush (or, as she put it, her "next husband"), Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who was at the Ritz-Carlton. She even found time to look me up and down, point at my outfit and say "This is nice. I like it." If the compliment was a ploy to get on the good side of a writer, then I would like the funny and charming Traci to know this: it worked.

Next, we were headed to the office where the four ladies have work stations. Cynthia greeted me with a big hug, and although we've only ever communicated on the phone and through email, she already feels like a friend. A producer was just finishing up a quick meeting, and then the co-hosts were hard at work on their computers, researching the discussion topics for that day's show. They have to be on top of what's trending each day in news, pop culture and lifestyle topics, and make sure their conversations will be supported by facts. The show floats different topics out to viewers through social media early in the day to get responses which are often shared on air, either verbally by the co-hosts or shown at the bottom of the screen. 

At that time they were looking into the fact that Brody Jenner, who skipped his stepsister Kim Kardashian's wedding, had just attended the wedding of her ex, Reggie Bush, leading into a discussion on the tricky etiquette of wedding attendance.

As you can see in the photo below, the hairstylist was doing her thing right there in the office as the co-hosts prepped.

I was then invited down to the makeup room with Melissa, and not a moment was wasted as a producer worked with her to run through the comments she might make about the day's hot topics (reminding her that one point would require the disclaimer of "allegedly" tacked on to it. That's what producers are for.)

As I listened, it was clear that some of the funny comments Melissa threw in were never meant to be shared on air, and though I was never once asked during the day to keep anything off the record, I don't think her ex really wants all of you to know what was said. What's discussed in the makeup room stays in the makeup room. 

Nice collection, right?

It was also important for the co-hosts to let staff know what photos they may need to have ready for topics of discussion. Those who work behind the camera don't have time in a split second to react to a mention and search out a picture (e.g. Jessica Simpson in her infamous "mom jeans"); they need to have them ready beforehand just in case.

One thing that surprised me was how the co-hosts seemed to be moving in all directions, with different times in wardrobe and makeup, and differing schedules before and after the show, especially because Lainey and Traci also work for eTalk. When I took a look at a week-at-a-glance that was posted for the ladies it absolutely boggled my mind. 

I also couldn't believe what a maze the place was, though I shouldn't have been surprised, knowing that several CTV shows are housed there. Up this elevator, down this hall, past a bunch of doors, up these stairs, around a corner...oh, hey Ben Mulroney over there on the set of eTalk. I felt a bit guilty taking up the publicist's day as she so generously escorted me around, but really I would have been lost without her.

Once the ladies are prepped for segments 1 and 2 (the hot topics), they head down to the studio and rehearse for segments 3 and 4 of the show, when guests come visit to cover topics ranging from travel to relationships to hair (my favourites) to food and fitness (not so much). Segment 5 is when they wrap things up with a quick chat on the couch.

The day I was there, Jess Allen was in the studio for a segment called The Social Chapter, where the ladies give their ratings out of five for their latest book club selection, and their casting call - who they would choose to play the lead roles from the story.  You can see them with a producer and the floor director in the photo below rehearsing for this part. While the "Talent" (i.e. the co-hosts) is fantastic, there's a whole lot of unsung "talent" behind the scenes as well. There were people bustling about everywhere and I couldn't even keep up with their names and titles, and they all work together like a well-oiled machine to get this live show out to the world every day.

I was happy to have a quick chat with Jess, where she shared that staff from THE SOCIAL actually came to her and offered her this role, impressed with her work writing for Maclean's and her blog Foodie and the Beast, as well as videos she made covering the Toronto International Film Festival.

In person, Jess comes across just as she does on TV (smart and earnest with a bumbling, self-deprecating sense of humour). She's thrilled with what she's doing now for THE SOCIAL: writing The Jess Files blog for the show's website, doing location shoots (for example at a farmer's market), and joining them on air for The Social Chapter (or whenever they need her).

Next the co-hosts ran through the segment on herbs which would take place near the end of the program (sometimes only two co-hosts do these segments, but this time it was all four of them), and made a few jokes about a couple of tools the guest brought with her. Let's say one looked particularly phallic, and the other looked like another part of the anatomy which, when combined, give a male his reproductive system (hey, Lainey's the one who put the two together!) Lots of laughter on the set for sure.

Behind-the-scenes note: the teleprompter shown below is prepped with scripts (especially for Melissa, the moderator, who does the opening and transitions) but a lot of the conversations really are off-the-cuff. 

The photo below was part of my audition to be a future guest co-host. 

No, not really, but you never know who's reading this post, right? 

Throughout the day, there was certainly no diva-ish behaviour in my eyesight or earshot from the ladies, who were extremely accommodating of me and friendly with each other.

When Sarah, the talent coordinator, offered to get the co-hosts sushi, Lainey declined as she had a big breakfast, and Melissa proudly waved her packed lunch. (You can see the cute little black bag on the table below.) "We eat well here, but I have food at home that needs to be eaten," she explained. She's also open about trying to make good choices as she works to lose the baby weight - though she looks amazing considering little Marquesa is only four months old!

Not a shocker to anyone who knows Melissa (especially viewers of THE SOCIAL), she spent lots of time on her smartphone! Since she was favoriting and retweeting some of my tweets, I certainly didn't mind!

As viewers are aware, fashion plays a big role on this show. "Our amazing stylist Alisa knows us so well, and tries to push us just past our comfort zone," says Cynthia, who's rockin' the outfit shown below as she gets a pre-show touch-up from a makeup artist. "One of the best parts of the job is playing dress-up like this every day!"

As I was whisked backstage for a quick group photo before the show, Cynthia commented: "You look like you're ready to join us out there today!", which I took as an ultimate compliment. And she didn't even see me sitting at the table! Uh, in her chair...

The co-hosts are working right through the summer, and the first week of August they'll be busy doing photo shoots and a new opening sequence for the second season - these need to be updated, especially considering Traci's major haircut and Melissa's major addition to her family! Season 2 kicks off in September, and I know my PVR will be set. 

If you haven't already, make sure to join the conversation:

The Social on Facebook
The Social on Twitter

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting about each of the co-hosts, sharing my impressions and tidbits from the little chats we managed to squeeze in during the day. Some teasers: Melissa and I talked about the backlash she took for her decision to return early from mat leave, Cynthia shared why she thinks The Social is not like The View, and Lainey (with whom I disagree fundamentally about the importance of sleep) gave me the inside scoop on my favourite celebrity. Stay tuned!

And in case you missed them, catch up on the two hottest posts on my blog so far in 2014:

My Momterview with Cynthia Loyst
My recap of Lainey's most recent Smut Soiree

That Day We Cuddled Lion Cubs: Family Fun at The Bowmanville Zoo - Plus Discount!

So, it was just a totally normal weekend for us. Do some laundry, run some errands, cuddle some lion cubs. Wait, what???

Yep - we were invited to a very special blogger event at the Bowmanville Zoo, and I'm going to skip right to the highlight: the opportunity to play with, cuddle and get photos taken with the five-week-old lion cubs, up close and personal!

Maggie didn't want to get quite as close!

They're just starting to teethe, so there was a lot of finger-nibbling going on!  

I was interested to learn the Zoo's plan to hand-train two of the three cubs to prepare them to be released into the wild (training that their domesticated mother could not provide). Apparently it's a tough task, but they've done it before, and it works.

Photos with the cubs are now available each day for $10. Photos will be taken by the tent outside of the Splash Pad and the schedule will be posted at the gate each morning. They're also running a "name the cubs" contest on their Facebook page.

The adults got an additional photo op with Robbie the tiger, who was rescued from (of all places) a strip club in Toronto.

Animal keeper and trainer Robert offered lots of educational information for the parents and kids, encouraging those who want to protect species in the wild to donate to organizations that really make a difference in terms of conservation, rather than activist groups which may not actually be doing anything to help.

He also reminded anyone who visits countries overseas not to bring back any products made with tiger parts, and here in Canada not to purchase items containing imported palm oil (as its use has a impact on animals' habitats). Instead look for products with oils like canola or vegetable that can be found in Canada. 

When it comes to animals in general, my interest is probably below average (no pets growing up, had a dog for a few years as an adult but felt guilty we couldn't spend more time with it, no pets now) but I do really enjoy zoos, and the opportunity to see wildlife from around the world that I can't see next door (literally) at the farm. This zoo delivers, and is condensed enough that even little ones can handle walking around the whole property.

As always, lunch is a big event for the kids...

...and the animals!

Getting close to the giraffe

Enjoying one of the little rides in Funland

All in all, it was a pretty fantastic day which none of us will forget soon!

Interested in checking out the Bowmanville Zoo yourself? 

***They're offering a special discount for This Mom Loves readers - just print the coupon below, which doesn't expire for the rest of the 2014 season, and receive adult or child admission for only $10!***

Facts about the Bowmanville Zoo:

• It's North America's oldest operating private zoo, running since 1919
• It spans 42 acres
• The Zoo also has a Splash Bash and Funland 
• There are several cafés and a gift shop
• Animal shows are offered several times a day in the Animatheatre
• Camel rides are available for an additional fee

Disclosure: We were provided with zoo admission, lunch and the lion cub encounter for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own. If I didn't think holding a baby lion was supercool, I would have said so. But that would have been crazy.

Sarah Richardson + Hallmark = Stylish New Collection

My momterview with Canadian interior designer Sarah Richardson was my first post to "go viral" (ish). After she shared it on social media, I watched one night as my stats absolutely skyrocketed. She's that big.

Now, she has partnered with Hallmark to design an exclusive collection featuring greeting cards, stationery and gift wrap (with accessible prices ranging from $1.99 to $29.99). There are 16 individual greeting card designs for everyday occasions including birthday, wedding, baby, congratulations, friendship and blank cards along with boxed note card sets, sheet wrap, gift bags, tissue paper and journals.  Sarah's fans will also notice that two of her elegant design themes from her collection with Kravet fabrics have also carried over into the collection and are featured on two stationery box sets. 

What does Sarah have to say about the new collection?

"As a designer, I'm focused on the importance of the tactile experiences we have in our day-to-day life, so 'touch and feel' plays a huge role in everything I design. In the world of email and text messages, sending a hand written note is a thoughtful way to connect with someone - it's also a reflection of personal style and expression.   I'm excited to partner with Hallmark to bring my signature approach to print, pattern and design to a collection of paper products that can be embraced by everyone."

Here's a peek at the samples I was sent. I would say that I can't wait to use them...but in fact, I have this instinct that I should save them. But no, I will enjoy these gorgeous goodies darn it...and spread the beauty! 

My absolute favourite item is the marbled paper-design notebook (top middle in my photo). Blank notebooks are so full of promise, aren't they? Sarah actually shared a cute photo on Facebook of the notebook in use just the other day: 

Post by Sarah Richardson.

First Sarah Jessica Parker, now Sarah Richardson...which of my idols will work with Hallmark next?

Disclosure: I was provided with the samples shown above for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.

Varicose Veins - Pregnancy and Beyond

I have to admit that I had fairly smooth pregnancies. Morning sickness was horrible (drugs were helpful) but I had it much easier than many moms-to-be. No matter what I tried though, I could not escape the common pregnancy issue of varicose veins.

They appeared a bit on my calves at the beginning of my first pregnancy, but quickly the real issue became my inner thigh (singular - just the left one. I don't know why.) When writing about this topic for Today's Parent, my go-to OB/GYN source, Dr. Jillian Coolen, made a point of stressing that these veins often go even higher than the inner thighs. I of course have no personal knowledge of such a sensitive subject to share with you here, but I have this, uh, friend who says she did experience varicose veins that continued past any area that could be correctly identified as "leg". Don't picture it.

A hereditary condition, I've been told that varicose veins are very common in women on my father's side (and some on my mother's) and my late grandmother underwent surgery at one point to ease the discomfort and improve appearance.

In most women, varicose veins improve significantly after pregnancy, which mine did, but even now - more than six years post-partum - every time I pull on a bathing suit I remind myself that I really should look into having something done about them. But then I remind myself not to be vain, and the weather gets cooler and they're pretty much forgotten for another year.

For the full story on varicose veins (what causes them, why they're worse when expecting, what you can do yourself to prevent them and ease symptoms during pregnancy, and the professional treatment options available afterwards) please check out my article from the July issue of Today's Parent: http://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/varicose-veins-pregnancy-symptoms-treatment/.

If you'd like to share photos of your own varicose veins below, you will be entered in a contest to win...totally kidding, I couldn't even get through that sentence!

Important Note and Summer Screen Time Rules: What Are Yours?

Exciting note almost totally unrelated to this post:

In the next few weeks, I'm going to have the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at two of my (and maybe your) favourite TV shows. I'll be posting here after the fact, but I'll be live-tweeting and Facebooking while I'm there, and I don't want you to miss any pics or tidbits of information! If you're not already, pretty-please:

*Like me on Facebook here
*Follow me on Twitter here 

and I encourage (since "beg" is a bit strong) you to reply/retweet, like/comment, etc. to share the fun with me!

Thanks, everyone!

*******************

And now for our regularly scheduled program...so to speak...

One beautiful weekend in June, I decided to implement a random rule about summer TV-watching for my daughters. They get:

• An hour when they wake up (and I attempt to sleep in - they've even started toasting their own waffles and pouring their own cereal!)
• An hour at bedtime (when I like to put the house in order and start winding down myself)

I told them that if they ask in between those hours, they will lose the next time they've been allotted. (I gave one reminder about this, and they haven't asked again. Granted we've only put in one week of holidays.) The girls know which channels are always safe, and hit the "info" button on the remote to double-check a program if unsure (8-PG is the most sophisticated rating they are permitted without one of us actively watching along with them.)

I know one family that unplugs the television altogether for the summer months, but I would honestly cry (and I mean now, as an adult) if someone took my television away...ever.

That said, we live out in the country with a swimming pool, playset and nice safe yard, and we have the luxury of spending most of the summer home with our kids (other than the two weeks they attend performing arts day camp). There's no way that they "need" television during the day to entertain them. They also have so much stuff it blows my mind (which you'll read more about when I share their bedroom renos with you!)

When we're indoors, they still spend a bit of time on our computer or tablet (or Frannie on her iPod - which is another blog post in the making) as long as they're doing some sort of interactive game (not just watching videos, thereby sneaking around the no-TV rule). I especially like when they play a computer game together. In 2014, is there really a lot of difference between bonding over a tech game or a board game with your sister?

I've actually been proud of myself for sticking to the rule. After a only a few days at home, I've been tempted a few times to say "Just go watch TV!" (i.e. "Just sit somewhere out of my way, stop fighting and be quiet!") but I have resisted thus far.

They've been in the pool daily, they're playing with their toys lots as well as doing crafts, and they've even taken to listening to the radio through our satellite dish (Maggie loves the classical station, which always seems to inspire her to ballet dance around the house, and her father will never let her live down the ballerina moment when she stood on the living room bench and called out "Catch me, boy!" as she jumped into her sister's arms.) 

That's my house...how about yours? Do you set special screen time rules during the summer? Or just in general? I'd love to hear what other parents are doing...and how it's going!

Vacation (or Staycation) In Beautiful Peterborough, Ontario

As many of you know, I grew up out in the country, a 20 minute drive east of Peterborough, which we always referred to as "town". Then when I started teaching, I lived right in the heart of the city (Charlotte Towers to be exact) for three years, before building a house out in the country in the other direction, 30 minutes west of Peterborough.

Whether hanging out in this city is a staycation for you, as it is for us, or whether you're planning on visiting from afar (it's worth the trip!), today I'm sharing tons of ideas for things to do in the beautiful city of Peterborough. Some are from my own personal experience, while others come from a social media roundup where locals and frequent visitors shared their suggestions with me for this post.

Where To Eat

My personal faves:

• Berc's Steakhouse (we recently took my parents there for their 40th anniversary)
• The Olde Stone Brewing Company (a downtown pub)

Image: http://oldestone.ca/gallery/?a=gallery

• Gerti's (another great downtown pub, one of many on Hunter Street - most have patios and many have kids' menus)
• Rare Grill House (for special occasions)

Recommended by others:

• The Night Kitchen (made-from-scratch pizza, and they deliver)* 
• Planet Bakery* (this one had several nominations)
• The Food Forest*
• Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream
• Brick House Craft Burger - just down the street from the movie theatre, burger and movie deals available
• St. Veronus
• Hot Belly Mama's (a few recos, and one said "Best authentic Cajun good around. Excellent quality. Superb staff. Great ambiance. Best value.") 
• Ashburnham Ale House
• Silver Bean Café (open from May to October, this one's on the water downtown in Millennium Park)
• Riley's (with kids' menu)
• Ariyana Middle Eastern Food

* These three received a special recommendation for vegan families

Peterborough also offers a huge variety of the chain restaurants and fast-food joints that you know and love (heavily concentrated on Lansdowne Street and Chemong Road), and what may very well be the highest ratio of Tim Hortons per capita in the country.

Where To Shop

Growing up, we would often head out of town to shop for holidays or special occasions. With Peterborough's growth, it's now rarely necessary to venture elsewhere. (I'm not a Costco gal myself, but this addition to the city was monumental for many shoppers!)

When it comes to "the mall", Lansdowne Place offers a large array of stores and services, with enough to please most discerning teenagers (which is the real test).

Downtown shopping is a different story entirely, and you can find many independent and unique shops while strolling the city streets.

Several locals on Twitter recommended farmers' markets like the Peterborough Farmers' Market, which is open year round and offers local, fresh produce, meats, dairy, cooking and crafts. This is a must-see for an authentic Peterborough experience.

What To Do With Kids:

There is no shortage of family fun in Peterborough, and much of it is free!

• Riverview Park and Zoo: A favourite destination for families (and class trips), this zoo is FREE to visit (though you really should spring for the $2 miniature train ride). It's not just about animals: kids can spend hours on the splashpad and huge playground as well.

Image: http://www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo

• Canadian Canoe Museum (reasonable admission, children under 5 are free and there's no charge on Thursday nights)

Image: http://www.canoemuseum.ca/

• Peterborough Museum and Archives
• Play Street Indoor Playground (there's a fee, but may be worth it on a rainy day. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the birthday party she attended here)  (Now closed)
• Galaxy Cinemas (we're a real movie-loving household and we visit this Cineplex theatre often, with kids and without. For those who enjoy the big-screen experience - even for an old movie - they offer "Family Favourites" presentations on Saturday mornings for $2.50)
• Peterborough Musicfest (free outdoor concerts in a range of genres on Wednesday and Saturday nights all summer at Del Crary Park)
• Wild Water and Wheels (go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, etc. Every time we drive by the girls ask when they can go. "Someday!")

More free, outdoor adventures recommended by the locals: 

• Jackson Park  (walks, bike rides, popular wedding photo spot)
• Beavermead Park (with beach and camping available)
• For winter fun: Skating at the Lift Locks or tobogganing on Armour Hill. (In high school, the purpose of driving up Armour Hill with your sweetheart was not for tobogganing. Or so I was told.)  
• Rogers Cove in the East City area of Peterborough (one local remarks "beautiful with playground, lake and splashpad all in one spot!"

Since I live in the area, I don't have much expertise when it comes to accommodations, though I know the Holiday Inn downtown is in a very central spot, and backs right onto the lake. On our wedding night, we had a beautiful suite at the Best Western Otonabee Inn, but I really have no relevant details from that stay that I wish to share with you here today.

So...for all of those familiar with Peterborough, what have I missed that you would recommend? Leave a comment below to share your expertise!

If you're planning a visit, please feel free to contact me with any questions, and be sure to check out the Peterborough and Kawarthas tourism site for more info!

The Happiness Project: July (Buy Some Happiness...can you?)

For the month of July, author Gretchen Rubin focused her Happiness Project on "Money (buy some happiness)."

Specifically, her goals were:

• Indulge in a modest splurge
• Buy needful things
• Spend out
• Give something up

*Please note that this was one of twelve months devoted to an exploration of happiness, and in my mind not at all one of the most important. But it's an interesting topic to reflect on, if only for a short period of time.*

I'd like to think I have a pretty good relationship with money. That might be because I've never had to worry about it excessively (which is absolutely not to say that I haven't worked for it.). I actually drafted most of this post as my financial history, from childhood to date, but then realized I was getting a bit off track...so I'll save it for another day!

Long story short, I think you can live on a very low income and be a happy person. I also think you can be a miserable millionaire. But I agree with Rubin that money can, to some degree, buy a bit of happiness.

Making charitable donations certainly gives me a high. Surprising a departing colleague with an item that she had been coveting definitely lifted my mood. Taking my parents to dinner for their 40th anniversary was very special. Spending on experiences (trips, concert tickets, restaurants) can not only bring some joy in the moment, but also some lasting memories. And, I will admit, some material purchases bring happiness too.

Recent example: my husband took me shopping on the weekend to pick out my birthday gifts (we both like this deal). First we stopped to purchase some accessories for the bathroom we're renovating. Now that is a MAJOR expenditure, but it's already bringing me happiness, and all I can see at the moment is the new paint colour. I know the novelty will fade away, but I will always be pleased to have a beautiful, updated bathroom.

Next was Chapters, where several of my students pre-purchased me some happiness with their end-of-year gift cards (I'm usually all about the library, so this was especially fun). I bought the books shown below, and have already finished Sharp Objects (great book!) Again, these books will be read and passed along within weeks, but I believe that the momentary happiness of reading by the pool is extended because those characters and stories remain with me.

I am not ashamed to admit that for my birthday, I also wanted some "stuff". Two new tops, some accessories (all from cheap stores) and a brand new bag. While this is one of the few areas where I like to splurge (my Louis Vuitton and Coach bags, for example) I've been wanting something colourful for summer, and this Ricki's purse (regularly $39.95 but with 40% off when we were there) fit the bill just fine. I've only been using it for two days (yes, it was supposed to be a birthday gift but I couldn't wait) and I know I smile every time I go to pick it up.

Coincidentally, as I was writing this post on the treadmill (there's no way to measure the health/happiness that big purchase has brought me) Frannie walked by and remarked "I love my iPod. I'm so glad I bought it." That was the most expensive item she's ever purchased, but already she's had so much fun with it, and was also able to stay connected to her best friend after a surgery at Sick Kids and several weeks of recovery at home.

Money also buys happiness in the sense that it can buy me time. During the school year, we have a cleaning lady come for two hours a week to tackle the main jobs. Of course I still clean my house (if you know me, you know that once a week doesn't really cut it) but unless there are any big spills, I don't scrub my floors while I'm teaching. That's happiness, not because I desperately hate floor scrubbing, but because it gives me more time for other to-do's (or want to-do's).

I totally believe experiences make people happy. Of course there are many things you can do that don't cost a cent, but Jamaica (for example) is not one of them. I have a few great blog experiences happening this month - two for the family that aren't costing us money, but usually would, and two that I'm doing on my own that don't cost anything except gas for my vehicle. I fully expect that these events will be highlights of July...but along with celebrating my birthday with family and friends (I'm referring to the time together, not the gifts), hanging around the pool with my girls, and sleeping in just a little bit...all of which are free, and priceless.

Do you think money makes you happy? What expenditure has brought you the most happiness? (Comments make me very happy, and they're free too!)

Inside Lainey Gossip's SMUT Soiree 2014!

Last night was my first trip to Lainey Lui's annual SMUT Soiree, held in Toronto at The Evergreen Brickworks, and it was a blast!

When my friend @sarahnewk from Sleeping is for Losers - whoops, I mean Sarah, she has a real name - invited me to go, I jumped at the chance...even though it was on a school night! (Here is Sarah's take on the event.)

I quickly glammed up after school in our not-so-glam staff washroom (I went with a short dress and heels, since photos from previous years looked pretty dressy).

We arrived just a few minutes after the 6 pm start time, which was a good move...there was still lots of parking available, and the line to get in was short. The line to have your photo taken in front of the backdrop for the chance to be chosen "most stylish" and win a shopping spree was long, but we decided to remove ourselves from the competition, you know, in order to give someone else a chance.

The perimeter of the room held various sponsor booths, like Rimmel (giving free manis), TRESemmé (hair touchups), and Unilever (with a self-serve swag line for samples, shown below). Note: if you have your heart set on something, you need to get in the line right away or you'll be waiting a while! I'm looking forward to trying out the dry shampoo, a product I've never used but hear so many people recommend.

The $54 ticket price also included "open bar" (there was a beer booth and a Grey Goose martini bar) and hors d'oeuvres like a hot dogs (served from an authentic hot dog truck) salmon sliders, something seafood-y, cheese breadsticks, popcorn and Skinny Cow treats. I was on a total sugar rush by the time Lainey took the stage!

Folding chairs were set up in rows for the actual "smut session", and when we noticed other ladies saving their seats, we followed suit and dropped our sweater/jacket somewhere in the ninth row so we could be close to the action. Bonus: there was a Paulette's chocolate donut waiting on each seat! (Like I said, sugar rush!)

We unknowingly managed to photobomb a shot of Lainey that she shared on Twitter - can you spot us?

Let's Be Frank made me a special sausage for #thesmutsoiree. Had to put it in my mouth. pic.twitter.com/3nPD3OUDlH
— Elaine L. (@LaineyGossip) June 23, 2014

And was she trying to take a picture of us here? Nope - it was her mom (and subject of her recent book) the Squawking Chicken, who was in attendance along with her father and husband Jacek.

Host Teri Hart and Lainey got the gossip going right at 8:00...and did they dish the dirt. Not only do they both have years of experience interviewing the stars, Lainey has all sorts of (seemingly reliable) sources filling her in on Hollywood (and New York and Toronto) goings-on, both the conscious uncoupling and the very random coupling. I'm not going to go into details here (out of respect for Lainey's process and those who paid for their tickets) but I am almost convinced that there isn't a fully straight man left in Hollywood.

Lainey confirmed the identities of many celebrities she's written about in blind items on her site, LaineyGossip
sometimes directly, and sometimes with hints like "Pretty in Pink" or "he got a perm for his last movie role". You don't even want to know what tidbit she was confirming with that last clue.

What I will tell you: Jennifer Lawrence is supposedly as nice and funny and self-deprecating as she appears in interviews. One of America's sweethearts is not. (Which disappointed me.)

A huge chunk of the talk was devoted to "question and answer", with microphones set up at three points in the middle aisle where attendees could ask their burning gossip questions.

After a full hour of chatting, the session wrapped up and we were back in the car by 9:15 (just perfect for this early-to-bed gal, since that didn't get me to bed until 11:15!)

On the way out, we were handed a little swag bag (contents shown below):

I would definitely attend again, and go in feeling even more confident next time as I know what to expect. Well done, Lainey...see you next year! Actually, I'll see you next month (squee!), but that's a whole other blog post.

Yep, I just said "squee". You know it's going to be big.