Brands, Logos, Ads and Products, O My!

My blog is going to change a bit. I'll be focusing more on consumer products and brands. In each post I'll be examining a new product or brand. I will also be posting about my internship journey this term-which also deals with consumer practice and goods

With so many products out there, it gets a bit crazy to decide which one to pick. Today a lot of money is placed in product branding and marketing. And for the most part we all fall for it- don't deny it. Although there is a lot of great brand out there, that have earned our loyalty over the years and produce quality products, there are a lot of copy cats and "flawed" products.

The world of marketing and adverting is crazy and exciting. Brand development is extremely interesting and can make or break a product. This is what I want to find out; what makes a brand and a product great versus being a marketing scheme.

I'll review companies, brands and their product (gluten-free ones anyways) and sort the good, the bad and the ugly.

I welcome any suggestions of products I should examine and review each week.

The opinions in this blog are my own and do not reflect those of the actual brands'. My reviews will be honest and respectful towards the brands and companies.

I'll try to post videos and photos to go along with each of my reviews.

Stay tune,

Emilia

The end is near...of the semester that is

With just a week to go, my post-secondary education is coming to a warp. And with just the four month internship coming up, I'll officially have completed the Humber Public Relations programs.

It really is bitter-sweet knowing that after next week I'll no longer have to spend time in a classroom (however I am sure my internship and and first years on a job will feel like my new "classroom"). Although there is still a lot for me to learn, I am feeling ready to "go out there" and try my hand at PR.

If I were to be asked, what am I taking away from my three years at Humber?

My answer would be new friends and learning how important it is to edit edit edit. It's true what they say (I am not too sure who "they" are, but I've heard "them" say this before) that you'll meet some of the most amazing people when you're in your post-secondary years of education. It makes you wonder whose friendships will remain after the program and how many of those people you may come across in your careers and personal life. Since the PR world is something small, and there is a lot of networking, it is safe to say that a good half of my class will be a big part of my career down the road.

Another weird thing about finishing the program for me is the fact this will be the first time that I won't be enrolled in school. Since SK back in 96/97, I have just kept going and going-til the end which appears to be now, at least for the next few years. I swear this day was never going to come, at least not so soon.

So my game plan? Well at the moment I plan to enjoy this video and I suggest you do the same

Recap of the last two weeks

As I mentioned in my last blog I went to see The KOOKS! They were just as great as I expected them to be. Their set included a good mix of new and old. They of course finished with Naive = just perfect.

The past week I've been trying to get all my final assignments done (two more weeks of classes and I am off on internship!) So it has been crazy. I figured out it is best to keep myself at school in the lab until really late to work on stuff, that way I am actually getting stuff done and not just sitting in my comfy bed with a bag of ketchup chips.

This past Saturday I hosted a very small fundraising party to raise funds among my friends and family. We raised $120 dollars, and I am still hoping to get a few more donations from my family. For those of you not familiar with Movemeber , check it out.

And this would sum up the happenings of the past weeks...and now I leave you with a new fave band of mine..Walk the Moon

..Umm this is a tad Awkward..

To state the obvious; my blog has become non-existent..O BOY.

Trying to restart this blog almost feels like running into an old ex after a few years and awkwardly saying hi to them when you find you are standing next to each other in the same line to grab a morning coffee...or maybe not. But the point is it can be awkward and you are unsure of what to say, in my case to write.

So what is happening in the life of a third-year PR student? Well for starters my internship starts in January. So the pressure is on to find a good placement. Through this process I have learned the ups and downs. So for any future internshipees these are some of my tips/advice:

1. Make a list of your dream companies/agencies
2. Don't be afraid to apply to the biggest companies and agencies out there
3. Stay positive
4. Don't give up if the first few places don't reply/set up an interview with you
5. Be patient- the right internship will come up
6. Above all, enjoy it!

What Else is New?

Recently I been fortunate enough to go to a whole bunch of concerts.

The last two were AWOLNATION and Death From Above 1979

Both were exciting and full of energy and a mosh pits. AWOLNATION was a real wild card concert for me. They proved to be a great band with a flawless set. They have an up-coming date in Toronto with the USS at the Sound Academy. Check out Rotate This for ticket info

This week I get to see one of my old time faveourite band; The Kooks

Although I am still in love listening to their previous albums and songs, looking forward to their new album. They still have the same sound, but with one listen you can hear how much the band has matured and entered and new stage in their lives as a band.

Photos from the concert will follow.

Keep tuned in for my next post!

It was a PARTY!

Been a slow month in terms of my blogging; however, it has been really jam packed with work and running around the city and getting Docket Theatre off its' feet.

Docket Theatre is a new and emerging theatre of young, Toronto based, actors. A lot of the company members I have gone to high school with at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts. And they are all very talented, so its's a lot of fun to work with them again.

This year they are putting on a play titled "The One Man Show" written by EvanO'Donnell and directed by Llyandra Jones. The show happens sometime in July (dates are yet to be confirmed).

A few Fridays ago we held our first fundraiser night, and this is how it went.....

We are just putting our website together, and I'll post a link as soon as that gets done. So if you are interested stay tune for updates and "LIKE" our page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Docket-Theatre/116058878476046?ref=ts)

Monday Music Video # 8

MINI EGGS

This Easter I have gotten about 4 bags of mini eggs and a ton of chocolates from my boyfriend and his family.

I have slowly been eating them these past two days and I am sad to say I am starting to run out of mini eggs :( but thankfully they sell them now all year around. I found this commercial from the 1983 and thought it was pretty funny.

Now who doesn't love mini eggs?!

Bucket List Item Number One: Book List

The first thing on my Summer Bucket list is to complete a reading list. I am not the fastest reader, as I like to read and reread some of the parts and think about the ideas behind it. I think that 15 books in 4 months is do able and hopefully a few more.

This is the list thus far, so any suggestion will be welcomed : )

Summer Break is Here

Minus the sunshine and long nights, summer break has come. For this summer I do not have any traveling plans as I have had in the previous years, so I have decided to focus on working at H&M and volunteering. However working and no play will result in boring summer.

To ensure my summer break doesn't just pass away I have decided to create a bucket list and hope to cross out most of it off.

This is the list thus far:

1. Complete Reading List (15 books)

2. Visit the Toronto Zoo

3. Go to a cottage

4. Road Trip to another City in Ontario for the day

5. Go Camping for the First Time

6. Bike Across the City

7. Attend some live performances

8. Complete my "Top 101 Movies to Watch" list with my boyfriend

9. Get my G1

10. Finish Reno in my Room and Bathroom

11. Attend five Concerts, both local and big name artist/bands

12. Start/ Learn a New Hobby(not sure what this quite yet)

13. Play a Game of Volleyball on an actual Beach

14. Picnic on Toronto Island

15. Re-Watch all the Seasons of Buffy

If anyone else has any good ideas, let me know! Also any books recommend?

Here is the Monday Music Video:

Bring back the Sundae ( Where is Spring?)

You CAUGHT ME! I have been slacking on my commit to this blog, but can you blame a girl who is juggling finals and a new job?? Well I guess you can.

Topic on my mind: Spring, so far it has been a let down, anyone else feeling that way in Toronto?? Today it was raining with snow and sleet...why?? This is a clear sign that climate change is real, so is it too late to change our ways? People need to start caring more and making a change in their ways!

Thinking back to last year this time, I was wearing skirts and my jean jacket with a tank top, today I had to wear my warm leather jacket, boots and jeans with a warm sweater under it. I miss Spring time and would like it back!

Other then the lack of nice weather life has been good. Working at H&M has been awesome, and I hate to say it, but I am glad I didn't stay at ZARA. Though I did learn a lot from my wonderful manager there, and it probably helped me get the job at H&M, but ZARA was just so much stress, where now I enjoy coming to work and don't mind staying the extra minute here and there.

H&M have just launched their new collection "Conscious", which is more eco-friendly, with using environmentally friendly, raw materials and recycled materials. This goes in hand with what they have promised on their CSR report, and I am really glad that they are doing what they have set out to do.

This is the dress I bought for the upcoming Humber Gala

The video for this Monday is an old fave of mine, it brings back memories of Spring and sunny days.

Photos courtesy of H&M and Google

Monday Music Video # 7

Finally feels nice and warm outside...go and enjoy it!

Blow My Speakers Up

KE$HA, I got six words for you....

WOW, SICK, GLITTER, CRAZY, LOUD AND AWESOME

those are the words I use to sum up last night's show.

Ke$ha was in town and threw quite the show at the Kool Haus. My friend got me the ticket as a Christmas surprise and we been waiting for about 4 months now to go see her.

The opening act was a bit random but in Ke$ha's taste, though I don't think t he crowd liked him too much. It was Beardo..the Trailer Park Hero...

It was packed, and being an all age show there were a lot of tiny boppers and their parents. It was kind of funny to see them all freak out being in the front when the big push came from behind (the push that happens when the artist hits the stage and everyone wants to get to the front). But this allowed for my friend Mel and I to get ourselves to the front (which we succeeded in 3 and a half songs :D ). So a lot of the photos aren't zoomed in, we were actually that close!

beforeafter

After a few more moments of waiting Ke$ha appeared!

She sang all her hits from her first album and some singles. The show ended with an encore of 'We R Who We R' and 'Fight for your right to party'- The Beastie Boys

*Photo credit goes to my friend Melissa

The show overall was good, it was just a good time and I didn't expect anything more or anything less from her. Though she is a lot more prettier looking in person and comes off as being a sweetheart.

Monday Music Video # 6

<3 Katy

Taste the Rainbow

Monday Music Video # 5

After the Juno's last night, I realized I haven't listened to Tokyo Police Club in awhile..so here they are...

And just because this band did a nice job of cleaning up at the awards this season..here is an oldie ( a fave of mine) from The Arcade Fire

Sucker Punch

I now understand what the difference is between a regular IMax movie and AVX...,okay not really, but it was nice to pick the seats I wanted to sit in and not worry I won't get a good spot (though the new leather seats weren't all that comfortable).

Opinion: the movie is pretty great, but don't expect much from the plot; the movie is more focused on the visual and sound aspects. The movie doesn't contain that much of an intriguing plot; however, the visuals and sound track make the movie worthwhile seeing. The visuals are really capturing and intense (fail to find a better word to describe it). The soundtrack was pretty well chosen for the movie and added a lot to it.

It is action packed with twists and turns. It as if you are watching a high definition video game, where the action doesn't stop until the end.

As the plot goes on, the viewer may not really follow right away, but just as any movie does, the plot is all explained at the end. You just kind of have to go with it, and believe in what is happening. Trying to make sense of it all will just ruin the concept of the movie

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything"

I would recommend checking it out, but if you are not into action, epic fight scenes, good music, cute girls in Japanese's amine styled school girl outfits...then don't go. But I would go and see it again for sure.

Snow in Spring

Only in Canada would there be a snow storm the first week of spring. Close to 15 cm of snow fell out over the city of Toronto.

This was an unpleasant surprise, though talks of snow fall happening this week was mentioned a while back, but still.

So to keep me out of the blue mood I decided to take a nice long bath, with a bowl of soup afterwards and lots and lots of music. Hope the snow clears soon and stays away for good!

For now I'll be enjoying my new playlist:

Monday Music Video # 4

For this Monday's Music Video I found this to be one of the coolest idea I seen in a while.

The Symphony Orchestra invited musicians around the world to submit videos on YouTube and be one of the four chosen to be flied down to Sidney Australia and play with them, and this is what happened....

Catch the full the show on YouTube as well as videos on the making of.

"Getting Down on Friday...it's Fun Fun Fun" Rebecca Black's Music Video

The topic of conversation for today was focused on Rebecca Black's music video on YouTube. This is why parents should't give their children video equipment..cause this happens.

I am so glad that I now know Thursday comes before Friday, followed by Saturday. This video has gone pretty viral since last Thursday (strange it wasn't a Friday), but I am pretty sure it isn't for the intentions Rebbecca had.

I am pretty sure the video is promoting underage partying/ drinking, as well as on unsafe driving

Anyone else catch the Usher look-a-like cameo ?? How does this even fit into the song?? This guy is getting so much street cred after this video....

Check out the rap remix

According to YouTube you can now get the ringtone as well!

Monday Music Video # 3

This Monday's music video goes to the always good time dancing LMFAO - they seemed to have disappeared for a little while but is this their comeback??....All i can think about is...SUMMER TIME!

HAPPY MONDAY

Recreating UP!

In light of all the news on the recent and serious earthquake. tsunami in Japan, here is an upbeat story of how a few engineers decided to recreate the balloon house in the Disney movie UP

CSR Reports: love 'em or hate 'em

So, what is CSR report I speak of . CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility...and what is that? It is the what and how a company is engaging in social responsibility. Be it community outreach, going green incentives...the list can go on.

By definition of PricewaterhouseCooper: A company's commitment to operating in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner, while recognizing the interests of its stakeholders.

But the key in these incentives is not just what the company is doing but how they are communicating them to the public...in comes the CSR Report. Usually 50+ pages of information, history, stats, data, visuals...you name it!

Most companies have their reports posted online, some which include interactive components to help make it easier for the readers to understand.

CSR reports are mainly done for the shareholders and to make the company look good; however, they have valid information if someone is looking to see what his or her favorite company is doing, if your the type of person that cares as to what you buy, it can help you find out where your money is going.

Some of the reports that I have looked into are:

H & M - I enjoyed reading about its' incentives and have seen how the company has followed through on its; promises and strengthening its' partnerships.

McDonald's- Really interactive and provides a lot of visuals and videos.

Ford -Has a lot of information, which shows the customer that they are being honest

As tedious as it may be reading these 70 plus pages, it is interesting to see how coporations have changed over the last few years, and how it is almost impossible to find a company that isn't doing something to help out. You might learn a few new things about your favorite company and what they are doing.

Creepy or Cool?

I am amazed how creative and brilliant humans can be at times;however, this whole robot business is a bit on the scary side...have they not seen the countless movies where robots turn bad and start to kill humans?!

Still pretty cool, and I wonder how many people would be able to tell the difference right away

Click here to read the whole article

Hitting the Wall; What to do!

It seems that almost everyone I talk to lately, have said they have hit the wall. A case of the "blah" mood is going around, so watch out!

It seems to happen every time just before spring. Which is understandable, because March is such a weird month of in-betweens; with the weather being cold and warm and then cold again; school being almost done but not really; the days are kind of longer but not really; and then there is that whole funny business of day light savings and us losing an hour of sleep -.-

.....bottom line March is a drag. And being in a funky moods just makes us all less motivated, and causes us to just wait for things to be over with -- kind of like waiting at the doctors, in can be long and drawn out, but you know you need to see the doctor and have no choice but to wait it out (something like that).

So instead of being dragged into this pit of "despair" , I have decided to beat the March blues and keep my spirits high for when the real Spring comes around. Here are some things that can brighten up the mood:

1.Cook something new: cooking a new dish will help change things up and allow you do something new without having to go out of your way too much. Recipes can be found online easily.

2. Add some new tunes: if you are not a person who finds new music on a daily basis now is the time to sit down with your iTunes and look for some new songs-- light and happy tunes will help remind you that warm days are ahead!

3. Dance around your room/home: silly as it may sound, just a burst of spontaneous, random dancing can really help bring up your energy levels and help reduce some of the stress.

4. Don't count down, count up: everyone has a countdown until some event or occasion, but this can just depress you even more. Instead count up to the event, and plan what you can be doing, and what you can do to prepare yourself for Spring and Summer time--this may even help you achieve somethings. Make a list of what you would like to do before a certain date and work on them.

5.Start a blog/journal: having a place to write down some thoughts is great. Blogs or journals are useful tool for that. If you a type of person that would like to have others read what you are thinking and comment on it, then a blog will work for you. But for the more private people, an old school journal is great. It will also remind you of your childhood if you ever had to keep a journal for school or just for personal record. You can brainstorm you thoughts, and you might be surprised by what you write down.

6. Start a new activity: Even if you are busy with school and work, and just life in general, it is always a good idea to pick up a new activity. It doesn't even have to involve you leaving your house. It can even be something you use to do and have dropped. Such as knitting, reading, collecting, yoga, DYI's, etc. This will help keep you busy while doing something that is for yourself, so you aren't just laying in bed watch countless hours of television to kill time before starting to study/do an assignment.

7.Family time: being with family can almost cheer up anyone. Usually we take family for granted and forget we need to make time for them. Even a family dinner will provide quality time. Family in many ways can help you reduce stress and even suggest new ideas and view points.

8. Baths: take the time for yourself. Taking a bath is a great way to slow down and just allow yourself to think . It will let you focus on things while relaxing in a nice warm, frizzed bath bomb bath!

9.Go to bed early: we always hear how we need to get enough sleep. Well with the time change coming up, get into the habit of going to bed early, that way you won't be thrown off by when we lose an hour of sleep. Though it can be a challenge for students, whom spend the nights typing away on essays, it is important to get rest so the brain can refresh and the body can recharge. The key to this is scheduling the rest of your day so you can get things done on time.

10.Breathe: keep in mind it will soon all be over, and if you put effort into whatever it may be, you are going to feel happy and accomplishment for your hard work. Remember, there is always going to be something else coming up and we just need to keep going and not give up!

So remember... Don't Worry Be Happy

Monday Video: # 2

My Monday video comes from the lovely Karen Elson.

I just love the visuals of the video and her voice.

Are you Typical?

I enjoy watching this 2- 3 minute long videos. Latest one comes fr0m National Geographic Magazine.

Is anyone really surprised by the findings? I know I am not

It's Friday

Enjoy your weekend!

It's the "K to the dollar sign HA"

What a better way to start the week off but with a bit of Ke$ha, a.k.a " K to the dollar sign HA!"

But what on earth is going on in this video? Hello Dawson's Creek, where has he been hiding? (hear he has a new show coming up , the 'B*tch on the floor", next door or something rather...?)

So these are the following questions I want answers for: 1. Why is Ke$ha talking to Unicorn people? 2. Why is she pulling a shoe out of her dress, why is the Dawson's Creek guy pulling gout a bra? 3. And why does the ending have to be so awkward?

Well with only a month (April 6th) away from her show at the Kool Haus, it is time to get my Ke$ha on

All Good Things Come to an End

Officially Reading Week has ended an hour and 27 minutes ago, but not until I am back in the writing lab first thing in the morning well it end for me.

With that said, I just started to study for my mid term tomorrow..whoops! I am not sure where this lack of focus is coming from. I been quite busy and productive this past week (minus the countless hours trying to beat Donkey Kong).

This past week I have applied for various jobs online and received one call back from the wonderful H&M (as much as I've enjoyed working at Zara, H&M has always been my favorite shops). This Thursday I'll get to practice my interview skills-- I am quite excited, I've missed working, and the having money is always good.

I have also so found a listing for a great apartment downtown Toronto; however, it sounds too good to be true and it might all be a money scam, so my friend a.k.a future roommate and I are being apprehensive about it. Not sure how normal it is to wire half of the rent money before getting any documents from the owner. We'll see how this all plays out.

Well media relation's midterm studying is calling me back-- just find a lot of the material to be so common sense that my brain can't absorb as actually facts.

Wisdom from a 5 year old

This video just made my night. I wish all woman thought this...marriage isn't everything and a guy is just a guy-sorry for the less than positive outlook, but hey if a five year old feels that way then what does it say about you?

OM NOM NOM: A Day of Eating

Another day of Reading Week has come and gone...sigh..and what were my big accomplishments?

Well I ate a lot of food today. I managed to get my self out of bed and dressed by 10 a.m. and out the door to catch the bus to go get some breakfast/brunch with Michael ( the boyfriend-- this may the first time I have referred to him by his name).

After almost a year of having opened up various restaurant locations around Toronto, I decide it was time to try Eggsmart.......the verdict: MEH, it was the same price as Sunset Grill; however, not close in taste. By no means was it awful, it just wasn't as good.

I got the triple cheese omelette (I am usually the 3 eggs pouched with bacon and home fries, hold the toast, kind of gal), but i decide to change it up a little bit. Not sure if was just the omelette or the restaurant it self. Though it is a Canadian chain, so I don't mind supporting it..I guess I'll go back again, but if there is a Sunset Grill near by I'll be there instead.

With a 5 hour break in-between, we proceeded onto Sneaky Dee's for some dinner and drinks.

For the first time I decided to get something that wasn't just nachos (btw if you haven't heard, they got some of the best ones around town!) I tried the chicken enchiladas dish: it was pretty good, I am not the biggest fan of Mexican food, but it was tasty and different to what I usually eat when I go out.

Sneaky Dee's is really good place to hang out and relax. Also the prices aren't that crazy on food. And the fact that the waiting staff knows and understands what gluten free means makes me enjoy the food and the restaurant even more.

So what does tomorrow have in store for me?? Perhaps some studying and homework, that be a nice change : )