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Las Vegas

Hotspot: Canada’s Wonderland

Hot On The Street - Canada's Wonderland - Backlot Stunt Coaster - Sarah Prince

 
I covered most of Toronto’s tourist attractions while growing up in the city, but it’s fun to return to your favourite spots with a new perspective as an adult. I recently went to Canada’s Wonderland to experience the thrill of riding roller coasters and escape city life for the day.
 
My favourite ride is definitely The Fly. It’s slower than the Backlot Stunt Coaster, which I also liked, but fast enough to feel like a mini adventure. Thunder Run comes at a close second, while the wooden ride Wild Beast was too shaky for me. Next time, I’d love to ride in a log on Timberwolf Falls.

Hot On The Street - Canada's Wonderland - Drop Tower - Sarah Prince
 
The highlight of my day at Wonderland was crossing something off my bucket list: riding Drop Tower, formerly known as Drop Zone. The short line didn’t give me much time to think about what I was about to do. I went on it with an open mind. When we got to the top, I had a few seconds to enjoy an incredible view of the park and the surrounding area in Vaughan. After that, we quickly plunged back to the bottom and then it was over. I did it! And I was proud of conquering my fear.
 
Beyond the rides, I noticed how many food franchises have opened at Wonderland since my last visit. In addition to Pizza Pizza, they now have SUBWAY, Starbucks and Manchu Wok to name a few. Thankfully their website clearly lists peanut-free dining options so I knew where I could safely eat upon arrival.
 
Hot On The Street - Canada's Wonderland - The Rage - Sarah Prince
 
Going to Wonderland was a lot of fun, but I don’t think I’ll necessarily return next summer. Now that I’ve been to Las Vegas a few times, I prefer the thrill of gambling. It’s a different kind of risk with a different kind of reward, but if you’re smart with your bets then you can make your money last for awhile.
 
That said, Wonderland is an awesome place to take kids and I had a lot of fun when I used to have a season pass. If nothing else, Wonderland is a great place to enjoy Toronto’s summer weather where you can be free to channel your inner child. No matter how hard they try though, they can never compete with Disney World.
September 4, 2015 by

Let’s Look For A Watch

Throughout high school, I worse a reversible red/navy leather Tommy Hilfiger watch. It was skinny and lightweight—the kind of watch that you forget is on your wrist. Eventually it wore out and I switched to a silver metallic watch, but after a few months, the silver started rubbing off. You know it’s time to stop wearing a watch when the band has nearly fifty shades of grey, but started out with only one.

Apparently I’m kind of picky when it comes to selecting a timepiece. I wanted a silver or stainless steel watch with a leather strap and markings for all 12 hours, without Roman numerals or crystals. Unfortunately rose gold has become all the rage, leaving less room in the display cases for watches I like.

During my trip to New York, I fell in love with Kate Spade’s Metro watch. I left it in the store because I didn’t want to impulsively buy something I would change my mind about later, but I thought about it for the next six months. Lord & Taylor wouldn’t ship it to Canada, so I brainstormed ways to import it.

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November 20, 2013 by

Kardashian Khaos in Las Vegas

Kris Jenner

There’s a chance you’ll see me in the background of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, so I might as well admit I went to see Kris Jenner at Kardashian Khaos. The reality TV family’s celebrity lifestyle boutique is located at The Mirage, my home away home on the Strip.

The excitement following Kanye West’s grand proposal hasn’t worn off yet. Kris looked positively radiant and I don’t think it’s just because some eager viewers paid $150 for a photograph with her. Las Vegas is the perfect place to experiment with bold prints and Kris fit in seamlessly.

Klassic Kris

While the series transitions from documenting Kim’s pregnancy to her momager’s separation, it will be interesting to see which side of Kris surfaces the most. Though she seemed friendly from afar, Kris can come across as stubborn and impatient. As an executive producer, Kris has an enormous opportunity to choose how she presents her personality and I’m intrigued as to how the Kardashians and their team will support her mission to garner more attention.

Publicist Jonathan Cheban’s surprise appearance was a treat for tourists like myself who planned to see only one TV personality on Saturday. He was very relaxed and wore the Royal Triumph python leather pocket black t-shirt he posted a photo of on Instagram. It looked like partying at Kim’s birthday bash at TAO took a toll on Jonathan because he looked tired, but that did not stop him from enthusiastically engaging with fans. Minutes after he escaped the crowd, Jonathan called someone and I’ve been curious who was on the other end ever since.

Jonathan Cheban

Keeping Up With The Kardashians airs Sunday nights on E!

October 27, 2013 by

Behind the Brand: Lenovo

It’s one thing to like an electronics brand on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

It’s quite another to learn about technology trends for the new year.

Name: John Swinimer (@jswinimer)

Position: PR & Communications Manager

Employer: Lenovo

Education: English, York University

Professional role model: John B. Challinor – Director of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé

Describe your favourite part of your job in 140 characters or less:

I’m a tech geek – what’s new and exciting for consumers. I enjoy communicating new ideas and stories. I value relationships with journalists.

How does Lenovo maintain top-of-mind awareness for Canadian consumers?

Lenovo works closely with top computer and electronics retailers to spread the news for consumers. Lenovo also has strong relationships with tech journalists who speak about Lenovo products to educate consumers about their purchases.

Favourite memory of attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas:

My favourite memory of CES is rekindling friendships with journalists and making new friends along the way. Bumping into Felicia Day was also pretty cool.

What is the most buzz-worthy product that debuted at CES 2013?

Not to sound too pretentious, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon table top PC received a lot of attention from journalists and critics at CES, and it won many awards.

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January 31, 2013 by

Urban Outfitters’ Grand Opening in London

After Blockbuster closed its doors, Urban Outfitters seized the opportunity to open its first London, Ontario location. Transforming the former video rental store into an urban shopping paradise required over eight months of construction followed by final touches done by the chain’s visual display team.

Their extensive preparations certainly paid off and district manager Sarah Leising is more than pleased with how the 8,000 square foot space looks now. Eager to see London’s students visit and shop with friends and family, she’s confident that the store’s uniquely “eccentric” environment will make it a hot spot on Richmond Row.

Although Urban Outfitters has grown to become an international chain, Sarah emphasized that they make an ongoing effort to be “culturally relevant,” such as through collaborations with local designers and organizations.

To connect with London’s music lovers, the store is hosting a grand opening party on Thursday February 7. The Elwins, Eternal Summers and Richie Blackz will perform on the second level from 6-8 PM. Get there early!

Sales associate and MIT classmate Stephanie Edwards is excited to work there, knowing that she can be herself and have fun on the job. Her co-worker Monique told me she’s equally jazzed about her part-time job because she likes the store’s alternative vibe and the flexible dress code for employees.

I’ve shopped at Urban Outfitters in Washington, Las Vegas, New York, Montreal and Toronto, so I can attest that Urban Outfitters has a great selection and I’m excited to monitor new arrivals at their London store.

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January 30, 2013 by