Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin was an English comic actor and film director of the silent film era. He became of the best known film stars in the world. Chaplin used mime, slapstick and other visual comedy routines and was considered one of the most creative and influential personalities of the silent-film era. He is by far one of my inspirations when creating work and an extraordinary talent to watch.  A few of my favorite quotes that I live by. – Christina xo

“Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool out of yourself”

“A day without laughter is a day wasted”

“I had no idea of the character. But the moment I was dressed, the clothes and the make-up made me feel the person he was. I began to know him,and by the time I walked onto the stage he was fully born.”

“In the end, everything is a gag”

– Charlie Chaplin

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To Pee or not to Pee

If you didn’t see last years hit web series, The Staff Room written and directed by the very talented and funny Jason Bryden, please do. A dear friend of mine, Jason directed and wrote this years “The Acting Class” in which I spent the entire weekend amongst a lineup of very talented, funny actors (and dear friends) creating a lot of comedy gold in this 12 part webisode. I haven’t busted a gut (from laughing) in a while and this past weekend and I quote, “Was the perfect example of loving what I do and getting to work with a bunch of extraordinary talented peeps who make me pee my pants!” – (Christina Sicoli on Facebook).  It’s a pretty special thing when you simply gel with everyone on set and have absolutely no inhibitions about just givin er all you got. I was inspired on so many levels. From the material, crew, cast, special guest directors such as Kimani Ray Smith and Aaron Au and actors such as John Cassini (who played by husband) to the amount of magic we shot in 2 days. Stay tuned for more on set stills and news. For now a little sneak peek behind the scenes.

Matty Finnochio and Moi.

“Don’t mess with me” look.

Prepping Shakespeare’s “Speak the Speech”

David Milchard a.k.a Milky D and Jane Stanton running lines.

Geoff Gustafson and Shaker Paleja gearing up!

One legged stretch with the help of Miss Melissa Robertson.

Wide legged stretch. YEOWZA!

It’s a good thing I’m flexible. Took me many years to get the “Over the shoulder leg stretch”.

Padre Fincholdonks.

Padre Milk Bags.

“Pearl” and “Mama”.

Janey strutting her stuff.

Confession.

Immersed with Lady Gaga.

Nap time between scenes.

“Patrick” and “Demi”.

The two Italians.

Hot Shotz.

“Copy” – A List Irene.

lily + jae

Last night I had a blast at the launch of the lily + jae POP UP SHOP! at one of my all time favorite Gastown boutique, One Of A Few. Owned and operated by the lovely and very adorable Michelle Rizzardo who joined together with Vancouver designer Jude Feller of lily + jae. A favorite local designer of mine, lily +  jae offers feminine and masculine styles to create a flirtatious line of contemporary women’s wear. CONFESSION: I almost got hit by a car running across the street as I tried to contain my excitement for the clothing and accessory festivities. Luckily I’m a fast runner because I made it in the nick of time….Although I did miss a goodie bag. Sigh. I was pleasantly welcomed into a pact store where I found myself bombarded by racks of clothing, hungry fashionista’s,  Dj sincerely Hana cranking tunes, photographers snapping pictures and cupcakes and wine! Oh My! Oh My!  YUMMMMMY. I bought a few amazing pieces from their Vintage Rack from deals as low as  $5. HEAVEN! GUILT FREE shopping. WOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO. Stay tuned on a post from One Of A Few and Michelle Rizzardo!- Christina xo

This was the scrumptious invite:

LILY+JAE and ONE OF A FEW would like to invite you to join the launch of the lily+jae POP UP SHOP!! Sample Rack-lily+jae samples from the past 6 seasons. Vintage Rack-See what inspires the designer and take it home. Deals Rack-A fantastic selection of sale items starting as low as$9.99 New Arrivals-Be the first to see the all new Autumn 2010 collection. All ONE OF A FEW merchandise 25% off and TWO OF A FEW footwear 20% off for one evening only! SURPRISE BAGS for the first 30 guests! COMPLIMENTARY wine and cupcakes while you shop. Your very favourite golden girl: Dj SINCERELY HANA! Pro nails by CHRISTINA DARLING!

A Horse Is A Horse Of Course A Horse

Last week I went to the Hastings Race Track for a birthday gathering and it was tres fun! I’ve never been to the horse races at night.  In fact, I never even knew the horses raced at night.  I admit I’m not much of a gambler but I am huge on people watching. I love it! I am fascinated by people’s characteristics, with what people wear to certain events, who goes to these events etc…etc…I felt like I was at a carnival. There was a Dj spinning Michael Jackson tunes and characters of all types roaming the grounds. And I mean all types. I got my groove on….I must admit I had to pull out a few dance moves while watching those horses gallop! Yee Haa!  – Christina xo

And their off!

Hey Mr. Dj from behind.

From the front.

Not too sure about this fashion faux pas. What’s wrong with this picture?

Are we going clubbing?

My fortune from the noodle house. I stuck to vegetable soup and could not eat it. It smelled of my old dog Terry. I’m not lying. It’s true. But I enjoyed the message.

“Luck is on your side this month”.  Sweeet!

Lost In Yonkers

One of my all time favorite playwright’s is Neil Simon.  Whether it be a leisurely read, or a scene or monologue to prepare I always default to Neil Simon. He has been freeing his audiences of their anxieties, fears, and worries by making them laugh at their own shortcomings. His portrayals of individual angst and dysfunctional family relations (and we all have them), while exaggerated, manage to hit a bone ever time. Yes people the funny bone. I own VOLUME 1 and 2 of The Collected Plays of Neil Simon and admit to being a bit of a theatre nerd when it comes to him. Here is a quote I came across while reading up on this charmingly witty playwright.

“Don’t listen to those who say, you taking too big a chance. Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor, and it would surely be rubbed out by today. Most important, don’t listen when the little voice of fear inside you rears its ugly head and says. they all smarter than you out there. They’re more talented, they’re taller, blonder, prettier, luckier, and they have connections. I firmly believe that if you follow a path that interests you, not to the exclusion of love, sensitivity, and cooperation with others, but with the strength of conviction that you can move others by your own efforts, and do not make success or failure the criteria by which you live, the chances are you’ll be a person worthy of your own respects.”

-Neil Simon

Thanks Neil!

I own these two brilliant Volumes. One monologue book and purchasing the rest of the volumes in due time.

Absolutely Fabulous

Otherwise known as AB FAB. This clever and very witty British comedy was written by Jennifer Saunders. The typical plot: Edina Monsoon (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy Stone (Jennifer Lumley) are two immature, chain-smoking, alcoholic, prosperous but preposterous substance-abusing fashion and fad-obsessed Londoners who value fame and style over substance. Saffron (Julia Sawalha), Edina’s disapproving adolescent daughter, provides the persistently dour voice of Edina and Patsy’s super-ego. Edina and Saffy live in Holland Park. (although most describe it as Shepherds Bush much to Eddy’s annoyance), with Patsy spending most of her time there. Saffy acts as a caretaker to Eddy, who appears incapable of any domestic tasks. The programme circles around Eddy’s ongoing struggle to achieve success and a slender figure amidst the disapproval of her daughter and presence of her increasingly senile mother. Throughout, Patsy is at her side encouraging the behaviours that are constantly causing her conflict. Edina and Patsy’s frequent intoxicated behaviour provides much of the comedy. The mutual loathing between Saffy and Patsy, as each tries to guide Edina’s behaviour, also makes for many comic situations. This is by far my absolute favorite comedy where you actually see women play broad, physical characters who aren’t afraid to look ugly, fat, over the top or stupid! Move over CW cause I am sick and tired of seeing the same old cookie cutter gal. If you haven’t seen it it’s a must buy. I swear you will be addicted and never get off your couch until all the episodes are finished. The entire box set makes for a perfect stocking stuffer. HINT HINT mom and dad! I hope you are reading this – Christina xo

Bonkers for Betsy

For those who know me, I am a huge fan of New York designer Betsy Johnson And for those who don’t know me….I’m a huge Betsy Johnson fan. I have various pieces of her collections, from vintage to new. Ask me how I can afford them? I’ve scouted them out in Vintage stores or have lucked out on her amazing sales. When I walk into a Betsy Johnson store I get so overwhelmed and excited! Again, I feel like a kid in a candy shop. The smell, the pink decor, the colorful clothing make me feel Playful, Sexy, Quirky and Giddy!  How can a gal say NO to her!!!!!! Many of her designs are considered “over the top”and decorative. But hey, a little over the top ain’t so bad! She is also known to do a cart-wheel at the end of her shows. We have a lot in common. I was cleaning out my closet and came across my abundance of purses. Does a girl need so many purses??  YES. I took out my sea foam Betsy Johnson doctors bag that I purchased  last year on sale. I love this bag! I can fit so much in it. I still keep it in its original silk Betsy Johnson silk bag for protection and when I take it out it smells brand new. I like the smell of leather. This purse makes me smile. I know…it doesn’t take much for me to go bonkers for a Betsy.

And this just in! Betsey Johnson poses for a portrait inside the Eloise Suite at the Plaza hotel in New York July 29, 2010. Designed by Johnson the elaborate $995 a night room, based on the fictional character Eloise, on the 18th floor features zebra-print carpet, pink striped walls, a king-size bed with plenty of pillows –in case a pillow fight strikes your fancy– and even a tiny kitchenette stocked with candy and pink glasses. (Toronto Sun)

Who wants to whisk me away to NYC to check this out! It would be real real fun. And I love a good pillow fight! – Christina xo

Cutest bathroom ever!

Talking With Talula – “Tight White Jeans”

She’s back! Listen to Talula Rose and Gary Shandling discuss the topic of Tight White Jeans and if  men should wear them.

CLICK BELOW

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Are You Trying To Seduce Me?

“This is Benjamin, He’s a little worried about his future”. I just finished watching the film, “The Graduate” directed by Mike Nichols, staring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft. God I love this movie. I think everyone should own a copy of this classic. Even me. So if anyone out there would like to buy it for me for my birthday that would be fine and dandy! Kidding…I was going to buy it this week anyways. But I do love presents.

The film tells the story of Benjamin Braddock (played by Dustin Hoffman), a recent university graduate with no well-defined aim in life, who is seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), and then proceeds to fall in love with her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross). HOT DAMN Mrs. Robinson! YIKES.

A few facts:

In 1996, The Graduate was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. It ranked as the seventh greatest film of all time on AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movies.

Adjusted for inflation, the film is #19 on the list of highest-grossing films in the United States and Canada.

The Original Trailer

Bachelorette Babes

About a week ago I was waiting at the stop light and couldn’t help but snap this picture off. A slew of young gals parading their way on the sidewalk en route to a bachelorette party. CLUE: The veil. Otherwise I would have thought they were all heading to Earls for the dinner shift. Gosh, I love the look on the older gentleman’s face (Man with the white hair and  baby blue shirt). These girls just made his evening. He don’t care that it’s raining out! Hell no! He don’t care that the mini mart sold out of his usual pack of Freedent gum. What he cares about is his grandson’s well-being. Which bachelorette can he introduce to his grandson. I just love a good picture analyses. Am I right? What do you think grandpa’s thinking? OR Do we not want to know? – CS xo