Here is my latest piece for Blogger Babes.
ELENA:)
You know when you shop too much when you have your favourite go-to sales associates in your contact list.
Amy Gilson, a luxury lingerie connoisseur and writer/blogger has sold me a pair of knickers (or maybe a few) and she’s definitely changed the way I see something as basic as underwear – as well as writing. Her blog posts are raw/honest and I enjoy the candid nature of her storytelling. Overall, I’m super excited, as Amy is the first writer that I have ever interviewed and her work will be featured in an online magazine soon (details to follow). Yay!
Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the fun and creative Amy Gilson:
1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?
I will have been in Vancouver 3 years August 1st. I am always flipping back and forth between feeling like a “city girl” and like I just moved here and still get lost on the bus.
2) What is your favorite thing about writing?
My favorite thing about writing is all the places it can take you. I typically post a lot of rant-like material and strong opinions so I love writing because it gives me this avenue to express myself in a calm and thought out way rather than screaming at strangers on the bus.
I also write fiction and I think that is a really great release because you can create something that is an escape from the real world. You can explore thoughts or themes that maybe your real life isn’t going to create for you. I am a pretty big homebody so writing is in a lot of ways how I get “out”.
3) What is your single best piece advice for aspiring writers?
Read! Write! Repeat!
I am not the most talented writer, however I do it constantly and can only hope that will help me improve. I read every single day and I wish I could push that habit on everyone around me.
4) What is your favorite piece of lingerie and why?
I love a good high-waist knicker. I have one pair that is fairly simple, black power-mesh with a silk panel at the center front and the waistband is above my belly button. I have been told specifically that it is a man-repellent number but it is my favorite because I do not wear it to be attractive I wear it because it makes me happy.
5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?
1- Timing: I personally have no interest in finding a partner currently so anyone who would work out needs to be in that place as well. I would not want to meet someone who may be otherwise “perfect” for me only to have them express a desire to be married within the next year.
2- Communication & Passion : These two go together as one for me because though I would want someone who can communicate with me on all things I need someone who is going to not only have strong opinions but who is willing to talk about them. If I cannot have a lively debate with someone I tend to not even do well attempting friendships let alone a romantic path. Indifferent individuals do not tend to last long in my life.
3- Must Love Dogs (and not want children) : I often say that this is actually my only requirement in a future partner. I have never been overly picky when it comes to physical appearance, I have dated everyone from uptight engineers to stoner-types who spend more time skateboarding than actually working (and yes as adults), and I do not require my partner to think like me simply to think. My big deal breakers revolve around dogs and children. . I have small dogs and whenever a guy says they “only like big dogs” I see a giant red X floating above their head. Whenever someone says they want children a similar effect happens except with slightly less resentment. If a man feels the need to tell me I will change my mind about children the red X is accompanied with flashing lights and a siren.
I feel when it comes to finding a partner for myself it isn’t so much what I am looking for in a partner as what I am looking for in my life and what kind of person could fit inside that life. The concept of a “perfect man” is so dehumanizing and puts the concept of a partner on a pedestal. I would want someone to share my life with not someone to be my life.
With that said I fairly recently wrote about how I do not want a partner at this point and genuinely mean that so I may be the worst person to ask haha.
ELENA:)
One fun Saturday night in NYC, I found myself at (le) Poisson Rouge dancing away to an 80’s cover band music. In between songs, my friend introduced me to Ruben Perez. Ruben has been an events coordinator extraordinaire for over ten years. Born and raised in the Bronx, he has a vast appreciation of music and a passionate eye for street art.
Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the multi-facteted Ruben Perez.
1) How long have you lived in New York?
All my life. I was born and raised in The Bronx.
2) What is your favorite thing about working in nightlife?
That it’s not a desk job. Whenever work starts to feel stressful I just remind myself that I could be working a 9-to-5 in a cubicle somewhere and I immediately feel great about what I do again.
3) If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?
“The Boss” by James Brown. A little James Brown swagger has served me well in life.
4) Where is the best place to grab food in NYC at 3 am?
Before 2:30am, Lucky Strike has been my go-to for well over 10 years. By 3am I get less picky. There are a bunch of great places to choose from but I’ll take an egg breakfast at a diner and be content.
5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?
Funny – what is life without laughter?
Adventurous – I’ve had a lot of fun in my life but almost all of it has been in New York. I’m craving adventure and a desire to take risks in my life now more than ever and I need someone who shares that.
A good communicator – I couldn’t imagine feeling emotionally connected to someone who I couldn’t have honest and open communication with.
ELENA:)