15 Nov 2013
Ladies and gents- you may not realize this, but tonight the clock strikes twelve and there will be ninety days left for me to find love. Will my Prince Charming come riding in on a white horse and reach for my hand, so we can trot off into the sunset together before my year is up?
I doubt it. But seriously, was that really the mission of the 365 days? I realized months ago, the journey was really more about finding Cheryl.
TGIF and I have been invite to a dinner dance party, at the home of a new friend. When the bells ring at midnight, I plan on being in the middle of a crowded dance floor, celebrating my life and all the people in it.
The difference between Cinderella and I? I will be driving myself there in my ‘61 red caddy, my fairy godmother is Marnie of LOVE Marnie, who designed a new love signature piece for the soiree and I will not dare leave behind one of my dancing shoes- gotta love and covet those Louboutins!
The best part of the night? The hostess will be on the arm of a gentleman she met at a #365love Get Connected events I hosted a few weeks ago!
Could there be a fairy tale ending?
XO
14 Nov 2013
I have lived my whole life in the same city, been very social for most of it and believed that I knew EVERYONE.
When I am asked why I don't seem to date in my home town, my answer is "seems to incestuous to me, as it probably means I would be dating a friend’s ex-husband, boyfriend, brother, uncle or gulp...father!" It is also not true that I don't date here- I just try to keep under the radar, which given I am writing daily, is a contradiction in itself and amusing all at the same time.
The fact is, I don't know everyone- which became very apparent last weekend as I stepped out into "my own backyard" and fell upon a whole new universe.
Giving advice to people, I often suggest trying a new activity or changing the time we attend programs, as it could bring a new community to our social circle.
That was my experience as I entered a Moksha yoga class, which is not more than five blocks from my home. Forty individuals laying on mats, as I entered the soothing warm studio and not ONE familiar face, other than my friend who invited me to join her.
At the end of class, I made a comment to my friend about how shocked I was to be so close to home, yet in unfamiliar territory- meeting so many new people!
No sooner had I uttered those words, we entered the elevator along with a nice man who started up a conversation. To me, it was obvious he was taken with my companion and mentioned noticing her laying beside him at the beginning of the session.
A couple days later I got a call from my girlfriend that she went to class and the elevator guy happened to be there again. Talk about a HOT date!
Could this be the beginning of a steamy romance for these two yogis?
Is our future romance closer than we think? We will only know if we are out and about, and stay open to the world around us.
Namaste
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
13 Nov 2013
“It’s probably not just by chance that I’m alone. It would be very hard for a man to live with me, unless he’s terribly strong. And if he’s stronger than I, I’m the one who can’t live with him. … I’m neither smart nor stupid, but I don’t think I’m a run-of-the-mill person. I’ve been in business without being a businesswoman, I’ve loved without being a woman made only for love. The two men I’ve loved, I think, will remember me, on earth or in heaven, because men always remember a woman who caused them concern and uneasiness. I’ve done my best, in regard to people and to life, without precepts, but with a taste for justice.”
- Coco Chanel
I am wondering how many women out there can identify with some or all of what Coco Chanel believed to be true.
I know that it will take a man of strong character and confidence to share my life with me, but I believe he is out there and he will find me.
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
12 Nov 2013
Recently, a member of #365 Get Connected wrote to me for advice on how chose a matchmaker and inquired about Patty Shapiro and her agency PS I Love You. I had not yet met Patty, but knew of her unparalleled reputation for executive placement in the fashion world. I could only imagine the same would hold true when it came to love. Leaving nothing to chance, I did my research, sent out a few inquires and it was a unanimous thumbs up.
The one word that seemed synonymous with Patty, her lifestyle and her work ethics- "passionate".
I knew I had to meet this woman…Let the love fest begin!
Here is what Patty had to say about how to chose a matchmaker.
"Before you buy into the “dream” make sure your matchmaker’s morals and values are aligned with yours. I know I do, and that is why my agency is not for everyone."
I asked what clients should know about Patty Shapiro "the matchmaker" before we connect with her?
“I believe one’s altitude is determined by their attitude,
I believe you have to stand for something or you will fall for anything,
I believe in paying it forward everyday,
I believe a partner is something you want, not need
And most of all I believe in love"
"I do not believe opposites attract,
I do not believe in long distance relationships,
I do not believe in dwelling on past relationships,
I do not believe it is the job of the man to take all the initiative"
When I asked why she started playing cupid her response was, " I am a connector and good at it, why not do it for love? It makes me happy."
My sentiments exactly! It’s why I love this journey and writing about how we can connect with each other.
Are you ready to find love the old fashioned way and maybe consider calling a matchmaker today?
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
11 Nov 2013
This was week 38 of my journey to find love and it was the most rewarding and emotional adventure I have experienced in recent years!
I spent 3 days with an incredible group of fellow "solos"- baking muffins and cupcakes, that were then delivered fresh from the ovens to organizations like Head and Hands, The NDG Food Bank and the NDG Community Council.
The recipe here was simple.
1 large industrial kitchen that The Wave graciously leant to us for the week
2 parents with heaping spoonfuls of love for a son
3 volunteers daily- one third part from Beth Care blending the mix
4 main ingredient for baking donated by Dad's Bagel
5 steps a day- prep, mix, bake, box and deliver
And a bushel of sous chefs of course! All with various handicaps, but with a common will to succeed at a new challenge as a team and ROLL it forward to their community.
The combination of SUGAR and spice and everything NICE and the will to do something new and meaningful, produced dozens of delicious baked goods made with LOVE.
Next week the group will learn from a pro when Master French Chef Didier Leroy, in town consulting for Ink Entertainment, will come and help us in the kitchen. He will have them all "eating up" every word of advice...gotta love the accent- I know I do!
Roll in, Roll out & Roll it forward!
WE only hope to keep it ROLLING!
Have you checked out Billy Bob Pop-Up Bakery?
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
7 Nov 2013
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I have always boasted to foreigners about the culinary delights and diversity Montreal has to offer.
I have attended cooking schools in Italy, taken private courses with various chefs like Jonathan from Appetite for Books and often host cooking classes in my home, where friends come to learn signature dishes from the likes of Steve Leslie of Tavern on the Square.
I have always been proud of my cooking skills and the ability to create a beautiful presentation plate- but baking on the other hand, has always been my nemesis!
I figured it was time to add to my cooking repertoire, so what challenge do you figure was next on my agenda?
You got it! A school with a "Passion Pastry Club", referring not only to the love of baking- but to finding love itself!
Welcome to Maison Christian Faure, in the heart of the old port. The institute, named after the chef owner Christian Faure, combines the art of pastry making and of dating and mating. Talk about whipped cream with a cherry on top! (Get your mind out of the gutter- this is 365 days to find love- not 9 ½ weeks!)
Each month the House of Faure hosts’ evenings with a proven recipe for perfection- where solos can meet, network and maybe find their "sweet hearts" over a cup of confection sugar.
So I say let us all eat cake!!!
Will you be joining me at the next Christian Faure cooking session on November 16th at 7:30pm?
Register on line and bring an apron, I have been known to start food fights…
See you there?
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
6 Nov 2013
I take each day with a grain of salt and a heaping cup of sugar.
I like it sweet and with no artificial substitutes!
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
30 Oct 2013
“Everything worth having costs something, and the price of true love is self-knowledge"- Anonymous
I think sometimes we have to dig deep into our pockets to find change
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl
29 Oct 2013
I invite all of you to join me in sharing our stories with each other. Please fill out this survey and maybe you will be next week’s Talk To Me Tuesdays featured love story! Share your thoughts at Love Quest Survey.
Meet Paul. A man in his 50s from Dorval. Here are his Love Quest Survey Answers (you can always tell by the length of the answers whether it’s a man or woman talking about love- LOL!)
1. Do you believe in love at first sight?
YES
2. Would you/have you ever used an online dating site?
YES
3. Would you/have you ever used a matchmaking service?
YES
4. Do you kiss and tell?
YES
5. Do you believe in soulmates, i.e. that there is only one person out there for you?
YES
1. What’s the worst opening line that’s ever been thrown your way?
Have we met before.
2. If you had to plan your perfect date, what would you do?
I would go for coffee & talk & see if we have anything in common & if there is, we will arrange a second date to go for dinner or a movie or a romantic walk.
3. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you on a date?
Well I was recently at a dance & I forgot to take off the size label stuck on my pants when I was dancing.
4. Under what circumstances would you say it is permissible to date a friend’s ex-spouse (if any)?
I haven't had this kind of experience so far in my life so I can't comment about this issue.
5. What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for someone else?
When I was dating my wife I had brought her red roses as a surprise.
Have we met before? Seriously guys and girls- there has to be a better pick up line than this!
Share your best/worst pick up lines and be featured on next week’s Talk To Me Tuesdays!
XO
Cheryl
28 Oct 2013
French brasserie, French champagne, seafood towers as only the French can prepare and an ambience that transports you to the streets of Paris. What can be better?
That was the question I asked myself while attending the Le Clicq- a Veuve Clicquot Champagne 5 a 7 that recently took place at La Societe restaurant on Mountagne Street in the heart of Montreal.
This fabulous new hot spot, owned by Charles Khabouth, is Montreal’s newest addition to the ever-growing world of INK Entertainment and, is in my humble opinion, the perfect place for any romantic "rencontre".
I arrived that night with a dear old friend that I asked to be my "wing man", as I was feeling a bit insecure about attending alone. He was only available for the first hour, but I figured by then I would be ready spread my wings and fly.
We mingled, wined and dined a la Francais and when it was time for my companion to leave, I gave him a bisoux au revoir at the door, turned around to go back inside.
Back to the question of "what can be better" than all that La Societe and Veuve Clicquot had to offer that night?
Nothing- except meeting "Le Chef", the talented, handsome and single Didier Leroy, who is consulting in the kitchen and Mlle PR herself Melissa Leshem- both in town temporarily for INK.
He had me at bonjour and their famous pain perdu for dessert!
Melissa had me with her savvy spirit and passion for the business, that she is so devoted to.
Merci to Cindy Levy of Veuve Clicquot, as she personally handed me that first glass of bubbly perfection and the many more that followed.
Voila! Another evening being social and never knowing who you may meet.
Are you interested in being part of the #365love Get Connected society who will meet next time at La Societe?
XO
Cheryl
Cheryl