Sometimes, dreams come true. When they do, it is often unexpectedly....long after you had given up on the idea. For me, that happened late in November. It was an ordinary day like most others. Until I checked my email and found that I had won a meet and greet for Hanson. My favourite band. (Not just my favourite band, but my favourite band since the age of ten.) I was ecstatic to say the least! Then a few days later, I received another email. The reporter for the show was unable to attend and they were offering me the spot. That meant not only would I get to meet my favourite band but I would get to interview them as well. Cue freak out.

I was in a panic, unsure of whether or not I would actually be able to complete the task. I mean, properly meeting Hanson had been on the top of my bucket list for decades. Would I pass out? Would I cry? Would I even be able to speak? I was full of doubt but was thankfully able to pull it together with support from loved ones and lots of positive thoughts. As the reporter, my interview was recorded (and is currently posted on hanson.net) and I was asked to write a full review of my experience for the website. Today, I wanted to share the latter with you all.

I was mad....really mad. My solution? Work out and push myself harder than usual. But when my workout was over, I discovered it still wasn't enough. I found myself endlessly searching YouTube - angry workout, workouts for anger, workouts to get rid of anger, etc.

....enter QuickieChick, Laurel House. 

A video titled "Stop Being So Angry: Quickie Workout in Bed with Laurel House" caught my eye. I watched the video and did the quickie workout...twice. Afterward, I felt like myself again. All of that anger had melted away!

I wasn't done yet though. I proceeded to go through dozens and dozens of Laurel's videos. Over the next few days, I went through even more, devouring her Quickie workout videos, and relationship and lifestyle advice. Finally, it felt like someone understood my life - the things I want and the things I need help with.

 So, who is Laurel House? 

Laurel House (aka "QuickieChick") is an uber successful author, columnist, and lifestyle expert. Her YouTube videos have over 9 million views and she has published her (amazing!) book: "QuickieChick's Cheat Sheet to Life, Love, Food, Fitness, Fashion and Finance on a Less than Fabulous Budget." If that wasn't enough, Laurel has a ton of weekly video columns, including one for Giuliana Rancic’s FabFitFun.com. She has also been featured on or written for just about every website and magazine you can possibly imagine!

Phew!

With so much on her plate, it is no doubt that her "Quickie" lifestyle tips come in handy. Being a "QuickieChick" is all about changing and embracing your life - now!


After I discovered Laurel's YouTube channel and website, I got myself to the nearest bookstore to pick up her book. Reading it has made me feel more motivated, focused, and in control of my life. She really speaks to the difficulties of trying to carve out your own place in the world...and kicks your butt into gear to make it happen.

In "QuickieChick's Cheat Sheet to Life, Love, Food, Fitness, Fashion and Finance on a Less than Fabulous Budget," Laurel asks you to think about whose career you admire. My answer? Hers. She's smart, sassy, and successful. As an aspiring writer myself, I can't help but admire her talent, tenacity, and drive.


I felt so inspired by Laurel's work, I knew that I wanted to profile her on my blog! Amazingly enough, Laurel was kind enough to answer some of my questions.

So, without further ado, here is my interview with "QuickieChick" Laurel House!

How did you decide what topics to include in your book?
I wanted QuickieChick's Cheat Sheet to really be the manual for everything a 20-something chick needs in life. Really, everything that every chick, woman or girl needs in life - but quickly. It's kind of like the cliff notes version to life. Now that the handbook is out, I'm honing in on specific topics that fans have particularly responded to, asked for, and commented on, and I'm really digging into them.

What kind of videos do you enjoy filming the most - Quickie Workouts In Bed, or advice and lifestyle videos? 
Lately I have been loving shooting the dating videos. Probably because it's top of mind. I sort of go through phases - sometimes I am all about "Quickie Workouts in Bed," other times I am loving shooting "Daily100s," and then I go through the "Quickies in the Kitchen" obsession. That's one of the things that's so great about covering various different lifestyle topics - I am able to move from one topic to another based on my mood and what's on my mind. As a whole, I LOVE fitness, food and dating. Right now I am working on several books - one on Daily100s, a dating book, and a novel (which I am super excited about!).

 

What is the best advice you have ever received? What is the best advice you have ever given?
The best advice I have ever been given, and now give is "Ask, the worst they can say is 'no."

Sexiest thing about a guy?
I love a confident guy, a smart guy, a guy with that "wow" factor. Someone who is energetically powerful, commands attention, has experienced life and has endless stories to tell and lessons to teach about it. A guy who is externally very complicated and passionate, but privately very simple and soulful and deep.

Best place to meet a guy?
Best place to meet a guy- doing something you love. I met my boyfriend at a food event. But really, when it comes to dating - diversify. Be open to set-ups, talk to that guy that catches your eye at the grocery store, go online! Lately I'm loving a new online dating site called Checkhimout.com because it's all about women taking charge or their love life and being the one to outreach to guys (guys aren't allowed to make the first contact). A confident woman is a sexy woman.

 
Most effective workout move?
Most effective workout move- Plank. It is my all time favorite, absolute go-to. I amp it up with a Daily100- Knee to Nose. It's the ultimate ab-zipper and total body toner.

Best way to get motivated to workout?
The best way to motivate for a workout depends on what motivates you as an individual. It might be a goal, a person, a health concern... but really think about this - When was the last time you regret working out? When was the last time you regret not working out? Same goes for eating unnecessary foods - When was the last time you regret eating that extra piece of cake or pizza? When was the last time you regret NOT eating that extra piece of cake or pizza? No regrets...


Amazing advice from an incredibly talented woman. I just want to thank Laurel again for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions. I am so thankful that I stumbled across her YouTube page - the power of the Internet!

If you're anything like me, you are going to love Laurel House. Be sure to check out her website, YouTube channel, or book! You won't be disappointed.

xo Shannon

As a beauty blogger, I am inspired by many talented people. One of my biggest inspirations, is Jessica Blantonh from Makeup By Saz. If you don't know her - you should!

This Irish Beauty Therapist is super talented and is gaining fans from all over the world. She has her own Blog and YouTube Channel where she posts tutorials, outfits of the day, and more!

Recently, I was lucky enough to ask Jessica Blantonh some questions. I am such a big fan of her work, and I am really excited to share the interview with you!

Thus far, my week has been full of so many exciting things, and it's only Wednesday! One of these exciting things, was being able to interview the amazing July Bresser from Lischen! Her blog is all about fashion, nail art, and food - what more do you need?

“I think I know who you are.”

It was unfathomable…he was talking to me.

“I figured it out right before the call, so you’re stuck,” the voice on the other end of the phone chuckled warmly.

Twitter was my downfall. Or maybe it was Facebook that had given me away. Or perhaps it came down to those Christmas cards I sent. However it happened, my favourite singer knew who I was.

On the cusp of evening, I sat at my dining room table, clutching the telephone with a shaking hand. I was speaking to American Idol season eight finalist, Scott MacIntyre.

A long-time fan of the show, Scott redefined my obsession. Almost immediately, he became an integral part of my life. Idol concert dates, Tweets, and excessive Last.fm play counts have defined the last three years of my life.

This week marks the release of Scott’s inspirational biography, By Faith, Not By Sight. The book follows Scott’s life story, tackling a number of subjects, such as growing up with a visual impairment, his early foray in music, his impressive educational accomplishments, going through kidney failure and a successful kidney transplant, as well as his life during, and post-American Idol.

Earlier this week, I had the honour of speaking with Scott about the release of By Faith, Not By Sight, his music, and living his dreams.

Sometimes there are moments you know you will remember for the rest of your life - significant memories that stand out, long after they have happened.

Today I had one of those moments.

I had the absolute privilege of interviewing American Idol Season 8 Finalist, Scott MacIntyre. Without question, it was the most incredible experience of my life. Being able to talk to him about his life and career was an honour I cannot fully express.

I cannot wait to share the interview with you all.