With so many people to interact with on the Internet, I’m so glad I stumbled upon Amanda Lee. Amanda is a woman on the move and a writer that’s worth the follow. Between her day-job, her two children, and her freelance writing, she proves that you can have it all, and that’s just Darling.
I am originally from a small town in Australia and have lived in Toronto for close to 15 years. I’m lucky enough to work in communications at the Royal Ontario Museum by day and cram in as much freelance writing as I can by night – when not responsible for my two redhead children. I love to travel and will chose the unknown (especially Thailand!) over an all-inclusive. I write about travel, parenting and culture and have contributed to Toronto Star, Toronto Standard, Travel + Escape, up!magazine, The Grid and Today’s Parent.
I am wearing: A navy and brown print dress (with hot pink stitching) from Anthropologie, my Clarks wedge shoes (I realize wedges have had their day—and then some—but they are so comfortable), and an Alex and Ani bracelet with my initial on it.
The most versatile item in my closet: My denim skirt. Being in the arts, I can get away with wearing it to work as well as on the weekend.
Beauty must-haves… A good night’s sleep, a decent moisturizer, MAC tinted foundation, mascara and lip gloss. Good to go.
One thing every girl should have: a passport and a sense of adventure.
What are you listening to right now: Anytime my six-year-old daughter is in the car, she’ll ask, “Mummy, can you put on 99.9 Vir-chin radio?” If Katy Perry is on, I’m instructed to crank it up. I am a prisoner to my children’s tastes.
The one thing I can’t leave the house without: I’d say my keys, but I have left home without them. And had to call the landlord.
Favorite place to eat in the city: The Red Tea Box, Queen Street West near Trinity Bellwoods. It feels like stepping into Alice in Wonderland. Nab a seat in the coach house tucked at the back, or on the patio if it’s sunny. Their bento tea boxes are sublime.
Ideal Friday night plans: A night in with my beau. Thai food, Singha beer, and a great movie – he has a talent for finding quirky movies we’ll both love. We just watched Good Vibrations, a film about the punk scene in Northern Ireland.
All time favorite book/movie: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend is a modern classic. One of my favorite movies is Muriel’s Wedding with Toni Collette. It’s quintessentially Australian. I’ve been cornered by the photocopier at work before by a coworker asking me to say, “You’re terrible, Muriel.”