Gary Lamkin, age 28, did his first stand up set at the age of 16 in “The Great Canadian Laugh Off” and he’s been going ever since. Now based in Toronto, Gary continues to make audiences laugh with his effective blend of material and improvisational crowd work. He was featured for the first time on television when he was 18; on the show “Comedy In The City” and has headlined and toured in various parts of Canada. He has also completed 2 years of training at Humber’s “Comedy Writing and Performance”’program. He hosts his own podcast “The Hump Day Podcast” which is available on iTunes/Spotify.
As hosts of these Humpday Wednesday YYZ events, Matt and I try to step it up with a little #casualcosplay as a nod to each film we’ve chosen to screen.
I got a chance to reuse part of my nun costume worn for the sound of music cosplay a few years ago. Just paired my homemade-sewed-by-moi nun’s habit with a black short sleeved frock from Shein…the delicate eyelit hem just gives this simple dress oomph!
Your Hosts of The Comedy Cinema: Luchador Announcer Matt Duffy and Sister Mary Irene
We still have tons more funny flicks lined up next week and beyond for the rest of the year – hope you’ll come join us for one, some or ALL of our Humpday Wednesday fun with the.ComedyCinema! Get your tickets now!
What I Wore: This lace and mesh duster overtop of an Ashley Gram slip-dress with little brown bootiesCheckout my Popcorn 🍿 earrings!
Super fun time coming up with Casual Cosplay for this classic funny flick
We still have tons more funny flicks lined up next week and beyond for the rest of the year – hope you’ll come join us for one, some or ALL of our Humpday Wednesday fun with the.ComedyCinema! Get your tickets now!
If you’re anything like me – you live for dressing up for a good THEME!
I’m not talking about a “Rose Garden Party” or typical “White Party” on a boat… (although I’d totally love rocking an outfit for either of those themes as well **wink**). What we were thinking was more accessible, everyday cosplay. More like the idea of “cosplay-lite” for a theme party. And since such events are few in Toronto, my partner Matty Duffy and I decided to host some ourselves.
Casual Cosplay at The Comedy Cinema X Comedians … alliteration for the win!
Our first screening will be the Mel Brook’s classic: Robin Hood Men In Tights!
Introducing THE COMEDY CINEMA x COMEDIANS …Every Wednesday beginning August 31st at 8pm at The Cameron House (408 Queen St. West) we will be screening a funny movie from our personal collection with a local comedian who will base their entire set on the movie!
Themed outfit inspirations and Costumes are strongly encouraged.
Popcorn and candy will be provided. Trivia and Prizes too!
Positive vibes, laughter and good times are certain!
HUMPDAY WEDNESDAYS just got a heck of a lot better, am I right? 🙂
Young people laugh at comedy movie in cinema theatre. Young people laughing at cinema watching amusing comedy. Cheerful people watching comedy film in slow motion
Here’s the movie screening line-up starting August 31st until the end of the year. Hope you can join us for one, some of ALL of these fun themed parties at The Cameron House’s Backroom!
I’ve been doing my best to shop my own closet before buying anything new. But sometimes, no matter how full your closet is, you still can’t find anything to wear. This is where Poshmark can help.
But sometimes, no matter how full your closet is, you still can’t find anything to wear.
Ever wish you could shop your friend’s closet? Now, you can. Poshmark connects you to people whose style you adore, allowing you to easily shop closets and boutiques. With over 80 million community members across the U.S., Canada, and Australia and 200 million items for sale, we know you’ll find something you love.
Have items just hanging in your closet? Home decor or new beauty items that you’d like to sell? We know the feeling. List items for sale on Poshmark in less than 60 seconds. Sell what you have in your closet so that you can shop for what you really love today!
Dino Purse, Dress and Duster… All found via Poshmark.
You really can’t ever dress properly to keep it cute and combat the weather you’ve got to endure in The6ix these days. A few weeks ago I was invited to a birthday party — a Joggers Soca Winter Boat Cruise upon the Empress of Canada.
The boat wasn’t as um, Empress-like as its name implied… but the event did have 2 floors of dancing DJ’d fun to be had… AND apparently everyone’s ticket came with food (which they ran out of before our birthday loving toop could get any)
Um, looks like this empress needs a wash and paint job.
Those ominous clouds above held off for the most part … buuuut there was a sudden 7-min storm that totally wrecked some parts of the city. Including the party guests on the top deck of the boat…like US!
Once that was behind us, it was lit on the top deck as we floated around the lake catching views and busting moves!
Below are the many looks that took place as the weather and dancing lead to removal of layers and drowned-wet-rat hair. 😀
There were surprisingly a ton of people on this boat that were “blasts from my past” … gotta love those unexpected catch-ups of faces you haven’t seen in more than 10-15 years!
The day was pretty great dancing, drinking and floating with the birthday girl and the team that love her.
Me and the Birthday Girl as the sunsets on Toronto
Now that you know what I did, curious about what I wore to this Soca Joggers Winter Boat Cruise?
What I Wore
Y’all know I’m the biggest sports fan … and dressing “sporty” is a piece of cake for me. (**written dripping in sarcasm** ) #gosports
I really didn’t want to have to be worried about a jacket while on this boat. So layers was the name of the game for outfit strategy!
I found this cropped TFC sweatshirt from Winners a few days AFTER having attended my very first soccer game. So I was thrilled to have an excuse to wear this top somewhere where I’d stand out more than among crowded stands of similarly dressed fans.
Photo credit: Joel Colbourne
I wore a simple ribbed black tank underneath a plain white tee to give me warmth layers.
My bottoms are my very first pair of jeaggings (jean leggings) … in black…rolled up cuz I’m short. With my wedge high-top black kicks and red mini-crossbody that’s just large enough for my cellphone, money, sunnies and lipgloss. Keeping me free to ‘jump up’ for all the soca fete ‘big chune’ goodness. **insert loud horn noise here**
When you’re trying to take pictures for the blog…and swarm of handsome men come photobomb you. 🙂
How I Got The Look: TFC cropped hoodie, Winners; Round sunnies, Public Butter; Thin Cross-body purse, Necessities; Jeggings, Penningtons; High-top kicks, NineWest (layers of black tank and white tee both from Old Navy)
Photo credit: Joel Colbourne
Would you take a Winter Boat Cruise around the Toronto Harbour?
What did you think of my outfit strategy for this event?
Use the comment section below and tell me your thoughts!
As a proud Torontonian, I am a bit embarrassed to say that I haven’t been to a TFC game in nearly 10-years.
So when the opportunity arose to go to a game and sit in the designated cheering-section with a boy you’re newly dating, how can a girl say no. 😉
Now, you may not know this, but I’m not exactly a sports fan. But, I’m all about dressing up appropriately for any kind of event. So I did a bit of research and asked a few questions and discovered that TFC colours were: RED, BLACK and WHITE.
Basic colour staples in any girls wardrobe – especially in mine. But instead of wearing something I already had, I chose to go the DIY route and get crafty!
TA-DAH!!! Here you see a custom, one of a kind, Irene creation. This tank top was on sale at Eddie Bauer for $10. Perfect TFC colour combos as the white fades into red.
The morning of the game, I had the bright idea to cut out felt letters and affix them on to the shirt, creating the be-all-and-end-all outfit requirements for any and all sporting event invitations in my life: GO SPORTS!
WHAT I WORE: Tank top, Eddie Bauer; Leggings with mesh calves, JoeFresh; R2D2 socks from Torrid; Sneakers (not seen here) and Lettering by moi 🙂
With unpredictable weather, I wrote a white checkered fleece zip-up (Old Navy), just in case and wore my gold-studded cross-body bag (Aldo) so that nothing would have to be place on the ground of a crowded and likely beer-covered floors of BMO Field’s stadium.
See that gifted scarf around my neck…completing my sporty-fan-girl outfit? That’s the 10th anniversary TFC scarf.
The soccer scarf phenomenon began in the early 1900s. This trend originated in the United Kingdom where fans needed a way to stay warm without sacrificing their team spirit. It was here that the idea of ‘team scarves’ was born.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that one of the fringe on each side of this scarf is made of blue wool. That’s meant to be a nod to the pre-Toronto FC history of soccer in the city. Specifically it was part of the colours worn by the Toronto Blizzards and Toronto Metros Croatia, who were both teams in North American Soccer League. See the things you learn when you date a soccer dude :p
Today, the team itself has simply been called “TFC” and “the Reds” by the media and the club.
Have you ever been to a TFC game? Here are some things you can do to participate:
Visually.
Wear Red. Black. White. Or a combination of the three.
People don’t really make banners or anything. But if you wanna make one and if you got TFC swag like a flag or scarf… bring them and wave them proudly. 🙂
Verbally.
There were SOOOOO many chants you can participate in. Sadly, I was too into it myself during the game, that I didn’t record any myself from the enthusiastic fans around me calling themselves THE U-SECTORS (fans sitting in the U section of BMO Field, I was told later). THE U-Sector vocally leads the entire south stand, and has also contributed to the highly visual nature of TFC support.
But here’s a clip of what goes down among these chanting fans:
There were many more creative chants sung to the tune of many well known songs. One of my personal favourites was done to the Jesus Christ Superstartune:
T-O-R…. O-N-T …Oooooooh….. T-F-C! ❤
IF you’re the type that needs to know the lyrics before confidently yelling them to a tune among a stadium full of day-drinking fans…here’s one for you along with its YouTube vid so you can study up 🙂
Just Cant Get Enough (this one is usually sung after a goal)
When I see Toronto, I go out of my head
I just can’t get enough, I just can’t get enough
All the things you do to me and all the things you said
I just can’t get enough, I just cant get enough
We slip and slide when we fall in love
and I just can’t seem to get enough of…
(Repeat with Doo’s and jumping)
Ok team, I’ve been dealing with some feelings. I hadn’t planned to be writing about them, but I can’t seem to write about anything else right now.
So here it is: 9 years ago today I got married. Yup! August 9, 2008… I fell in love and married a great, weird, handsome guy. And today we would have been celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary.
But we’re not. We’re not because we’re divorced. After 8 years together, 4 of those years being married to each other, as we grew up and changed as people, we were no longer serving as positive sources of energy for the other.
Moi – 2008 as a young bride
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In our early 20s among our different friend groups, we were the first couple to get engaged. The first couple in buy a house. The first to host dinner parties, themed parties, and BBQs. The first to throw a wedding. And the first to get divorced.
It’s been 5 years since we divided up our assets and dissolved our marriage. And in that time, everyone among the friend circle I kept around me have now ALL paired off, moving far far away into their first homes and becoming pregnant with their first (or second) child. While were all in our thirties, I feel like this weird alien among friends who I no longer recognize.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Canada Long Weekend was spent on my balcony watching fireworks and drinking with this couple-friend of ours who got married exactly one month before we did. They’re still together, happily supportive of each other and are proud parents to a gorgeous little boy. Funnily enough, this couple started as a work friend of my ex’s. But it turns out they’ve only kept in touch with me regularly all this time. ❤
As happenstance would have it, one of them bumped into my ex on the streets of Toronto a few days before our hang out…so you know they spilt all the tea with me!
Last summer, I heard through the grapevine that he’d gotten himself remarried. The big news uncovered for Canada150 was that he and his new wife are expecting their SECOND CHILD!!! 😮
This news was a shock. But I wasn’t sad or mad at finding out. I felt genuinely at peace knowing he’s been able to find someone to give him what he wanted in this life. The same feeling I have when I’m sitting as an attendee to a friend’s wedding or baby shower. I’m happy for them. Sincerely.
But then … later like this morning, waking up remembering its not-my-wedding-anniversary … there’s pangs of something that comes over me. Me… comparing their achievements with my own (or lack there of), taking away from what I’ve got going on in my life. 😦
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This long weekend was an oddly busy one for me. It was filled with friend groups on a wide spectrum:
Friday night with a unique Caribanna event specifically for the sex positive, open-minded Cis-Trans-Poly crowd of friends of friends for dancing, performances and late night eating.
Saturday I had brunch with 3 fellow “September Babies” who once were my go-to-hanging-out-and-shooting-the-shit-with peoples, but this year they’ve all found partners and hangouts of “just us” are few and far between.
Sunday I travelled all the way to Oakville to an annual backyard BBQ that has always been known for as boozy-palooza where things get weird….buuuuuut this year she’s preggers and the backyard was filled with more kids than adults.
I feel like this weird alien among friends who I no longer recognize.
It’s hard coming up with gratitude for all the good in your life when chronic pain and leg spasms cloud everything – my life these days. 😦 But I know I’m blessed.
I’m blessed to be able to spend all my disposable income on myself, the pup and the kids I’m a ‘courtesy aunty’ to. I’m blessed to have such diverse groups of people in my life – people I likely wouldn’t have found had I remained a married woman. I’m blessed to own a bit of real estate in the city. I’m blessed that I have been able to travel to cool destinations and write about them. I’m blessed to be able to foster and rescue dogs. I’m blessed to have a job where my employer supports short-term leave with pay. I’m blessed to have everything I need and more at my doorstep: groceries, restaurants, green spaces, beaches, transit, dance friends, live music and bars.
In these 5 years of not being married, it’s given me the room to have a variety of different experiences, to become comfortable with who I am as a person, and has helped me figure out what I want AND don’t want in a life partner. At the same time, I’ve come to the uncomfortable realization that I may not find myself a life partner, and that’s ok too. I’m still working on being ok with this last part. 🙂
Any one else able to relate to what I’ve been trying to say in the word vomit above? Gawd…I hope so. 🙂 Let me know what you think in the comment section…
Stay tuned every Monday and Wednesday for new content, plus throwback posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
It’s August long weekend in Canada!!! What prefect timing to post about a little project I’ve been working on called Operation: Balcony Summer Ready!
I’ve lived in my condo in downtown Toronto coming on to 5 years now…and in all that time, I’ve never really used my balcony.
Sad but true. It’s main purpose all these years has been to house demoted furniture that I’m not ready to part with – staying true to my South Asian roots. 😛
Oh yes, that is a LaZboy armchair out there within a weather resistant cover. Huge Transformation “before” vs. “after” riiiight!? 🙂
I spent hours on Pinterest looking at what design worthy people did to their wee outdoor spaces and had some faves pinned, in hopes to recreate something similar myself.
Now, my first attempt alone in trying to get this balcony pretty and useable was… um, pitiful!!! 😦
Enlisting the help of a tall, handy and clever friend made all the difference to this space. Thanks Five Seventeen!!! ❤
What did we do & use to transform this space?
4 panels of curtains that I already had in storage – winning! I bought a curtain rod from Ikea (cheap). The rod was hung via zap-straps (already had those in my toolbox), which means I’m not technically breaking any condo rules. 😉
Then a string of outdoor bulb lights I bought a while back from a cross-boarder shopping trip.
The only major purchase to get the space to this point was a large lavender plant (who’s still alive and well – FYI) from COSTCO $10.
Simply re-adjusting the location of some of my existing demoted furniture already out there, was key to getting the space to this level!
Oh yah…I repurposed that Jug of Beer into a vase. Those faux flowers were $8 a stem (I think) from Ikea.The best part of Operation: Balcony Summer Ready is that this new-found space has added about 30+ sq feet to my living space!!! That may not sound like much…but that’s kinda of a big deal for us downtown-dwellers living in shoebox-sized condos!!!
There’s been a lot of rain this summer, yet I’ve been totally dry and comfortable in my brick-enclosed cozy balcony space. ❤ Don’t believe me, check the video to see what I mean:
With a little imagination and perhaps a space heater… maybe I can make this outdoor space useable ALL-YEAR round!!! 😀
Oh! You may remember that last scene with an out-of-place LaZboy armchair that totally not giving off ‘balcony vibes’, right?
Solution: Flamingo fabric tablecloth. Boom!
It pays to shop all-the-time. How else would I have come across this perfect flamingo tablecloth at Winners! ❤Since I’ve been off work and home for a little bit this summer… most of my time has been spent out here on the balcony, enjoying my new-to-me outdoor space with my two favourite things for company … 😉
I’ve even used this space to dry laundry – saving me $$ and avoiding being a strain on the grid. #morewinning
Plus, it was THE perfect venue for being barefoot with takeout and wine while hosting friends for Canada Day 150! Yay!!!
THIS was the view from my balcony!!!! Click photo for fireworks in full action 🙂I’m just so thrilled with what this new-found space has allowed me to do these past months. ❤ ❤ ❤
But I think my most favourite activity is sitting out there solo, late-late night with string lights aglow, with a lil’ medical J ***inhales deeply, exhale slowly*** in my Zen Zone!
Those are my crossed legs…relaxing in the evening hours in The Zen Zone ❤
Now, it’s not exactly “Martha Stewart” sophisticated and beautiful… It’ll do for this now. I’m pretty happy with it. 🙂
I’ve managed to update the insides of my place too. It’s been a long time coming… but Operation: Apartment Refresh is has made some significant gains over the year. Stay tuned!
Then stay tuned every Monday and Wednesday for new content, plus throwback posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Heyyyyyyy… it’s me! I know I’ve been hella quite with zero original content on my blog for a minute.
2017 began and I seemly fell off the face of the earth…according to this space.
Thanks for still remaining a PPMeow! follower, reader, fan, and friend….and for those kind emails sent asking about why such a long absence from writing for this blog. ❤ ❤ ❤
The first half of 2017 has been filled with adventure and struggle. And I’ve been trying to figure out how much of myself I’m comfortable sharing so publicly, on what started out as a fun-fashion-focused forum.
The first half of 2017 has been filled with adventures and struggles…
I don’t really deem myself a “fashion guru” or someone who’s opinions on clothes, shoes and the like, really matters. I like what I like. And write about it. That’s all. 🙂 Because of this, it just left me feeling a bit like a fraud running a fashion and lifestyle blog with the recent events of my life taking up so much brain space.
Since my last post … here’s a listing of all the the major things that have happened in the life & times of moi:
Got restructured out of a great team and job after 7-years of being with the company. Yup. Just like that.
Became a beach-bum in L.A., California.
Started a new job with a new company, and re-adjusting to cubical life.
Dealing with undiagnosable chronic pains in the tops of both my feet and legs.
Battled (can continue to struggle with) something called “walking depression”.
Cleaned out my closet (finally!) and donated a bunch of things to charity.
Got a new iPhone 7s with a fabulous camera.
Started a series called “Shameless Bathroom Selfies” on my Instagram channel 😉
Travelled and explored a whole bunch of places in New Mexico.
Flirted with, dated and sexxx’d some boys. 😉
Made major gains with Operation: Apartment Refresh.
Got MRI results that showed a large disc herniation of my spine, and finally given proper meds to manage the pain.
Sold MANY of my beloved heels in exchange for wine was the wise thing to do.
Took a short-term leave of absence from work (doctor’s orders) to really focus on healing and dealing with my spine issues.
Embraced the importance of wellness, rest and self-care…which in my case means regular spending on Physiotherapy & RMT.
Made NEW friends and visited them in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.
Discovered a new product and the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur.
Did various yoga classes for 30-days in June.
Saw NKOTB – BoyzIIMen – Paula Abdul in concert!!!
Attended the Garden Gatsby Party and got caught on camera, in daytime 20s garb, lindyhopping poorly.
Got summoned for jury duty for the first time ever.
Became a fur-mom again to a senior dog named Max…and ever since I’ve been filling up my social media channels with pictures and videos of him. #sorrynotsorry
Had a neuro consult with some uncomfortable real talk.
Phew!!! 😮 That’s a lot of news in one recap blogpost.
So, in addition to the fashion forward fun, what I did and what I wore, shopping hauls, kitchen mis/adventures, product reviews, etc, that you’ve all come to know and love of Petite Plus, Meow! … I’m thinking of trying something new with this blog space and write about some of the above personal experiences … IF there is any interest/appetite out there of hearing it.
I would love to know what YOU want me to tackle first from this list??? Tell me in the comment section below or send me a personal message 🙂
Then stay tuned every Monday and Wednesday for new content, plus throwback posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a comedy and musical, telling the story about sweethearts Janet and Brad, who stumble upon Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s bizarre abode.
This was a flick that my parents never allowed me to see. Maybe that’s why I love it so much!!! ❤
Sexual explicitness! Fresh & different songs! Susan Sarandon! Tim Curry! The outrageous hair + makeup +outfits!
Audience participation!!
For all these reasons, R.H.P.S. has always been a favourite of mine.
I’ve yet to go to a screening of this flick in full costume — so, when I heard this 1975 cult classic was recently remade by FOX and aired on TV last week. A screening party was in order.
Naturally I was ready to cringe, hiss and boo at the screen … but one thing was clear: it HAD to be watched, and in full dress-up too!
What I Wore
It was agreed that dress-up needed, but to exclude nips and be longer than one’s vajayjay 😛
I found this $10 tee from Black Market Vintage the day before … and worked my outfit magic by shopping my closet to make this look work:
$10 tee found at Black Market Vintage, WQW
Sorry for the indoor shots – but it was raining and I didn’t wanna get on my balcony.
Pretty tame for R.H.P.S…. I know…but still dope I think. Plus, I’m wearing fish net stockings. You can’t really tell from these photos, but I promise they’re there! 🙂
How I Got The Look:
Tuxedo jacket, HBCJessica Simpson (click here for other looks); Graphic R.H.P.S. tank, Black Market Vintage; Wine skirt, Reitmans; Mini top hat fascinator, BIGDeal consignment sale (click here for that); Fish nets stockings (old); Mary Jane shoes, Payless
And then of course excessive hair and make up was required 😉
I’m rubbish at big hair and eye shadow application … so this was as good as it was going to get for both!
My pitiful attempt at “big hair” trying to harness my inner Magenta
PPMeow! 