Stevie Jewel

Markets of Monaco

We stumbled into this market just before leaving Monte Carlo, and I was so excited because I love the fruit markets of Europe, especially France, Italy, and now Monaco!

The experience of holding fresh produce typically from a local farm is such a contrast from buying fruit or vegetables in the grocery store.  It also allows you to pay for it right then and walk around the market taking in the rest of the wares while indulging in nature’s candy!

We sampled some raspberries that were packed full of flavor, minus a lot of the pesticides that are banned in Europe but permitted in North America.  Have you been to a produce market abroad or at home, and if so, what did you think?

Break Through

A recent experience made me realize that I’ve never talked about setbacks in a post before, and because that can be such a big part of the entertainment industry, it’s something I feel has to be addressed.  We’ve all seen the videos of successful people receiving awards encouraging others to persevere and not to give up just because the going gets tough, but it’s a different experience entirely when you’re standing face to face with someone telling you, “sorry, your songs not good enough” or “we’ve decided to go in a different direction”, “you’re just not the right fit”, or some other variation of a let down.  Some are more cruel than this, a la Simon Cowell, and some are more constructive, but it doesn’t get easier to hear.  Sometimes it’s merely a project that doesn’t work out because the partnership isn’t a good fit.  Other times it’s a crushing disappointment and makes you wonder how you can keep going…and then you realize it’s sheer will and a love for what you’re doing that is the light at the end of the tunnel.  It’s the feeling of joy you get for pursuing your passion, for trying to make what you love a career, for every second you get to stand in your glory and feel that overwhelming feeling of “rightness” that you feel when you’re living your truth.  So, after a setback here’s what you’ve got to do:

  1. Remind yourself that it’s just one opinion
  2. Take time to make yourself better, so that the next time you cross paths with that person you won’t care what they say because you’ve grown as an artist
  3. Remember that art is subjective and that no one has a final say
  4. There are a million other opportunities out there, this was just one of them
  5. Success is tasted by those who don’t give up, the only way to succeed is to not quit.

On Air in London

Last year I went to visit the BX93 office with my first single to country radio.  They had me play in the office and get to know some of the great people at the station.  This year they had me come and play for an audience of listeners while broadcasting our interview live on air!  It was such a great experience getting to play Bad Habit and an unreleased song for the crowd.  Afterwards we had a meet and greet with some fans and got to snap a few pictures, I’ll be sharing that post later this week.  It was one of my favorite ways to spend any day!

Sunday Best

On my last day in London Ontario, I went for brunch with a friend and then had time to stroll around a bit before my final radio show and interview.  I opted for my favorite black high waisted Topshop jeans again and paired them with a sheer sparkly top with a peter pan collar.  This look really captures my day-to-day style; I love feminine yet edgy looks and outfits that can transition.  I was able to go from brunch, to strolling the streets, and then to a radio station visit and show!  What is a key piece from your closet that allows you to transition looks?

Leather and Lace

I love the look of leather, but mostly I try and opt for a faux leather when possible, because while I love the edgy look, I don’t necessarily love the idea of wear real leather comes from.  I also love lace and this dress combined the best of both worlds!  I’ve had this dress on hold for a while because I saw it and loved it, but I didn’t have the right event to wear it for, but when the CCMAs came up, this dress immediately came to mind! I love the elegant structure and shape, partnered with the leather lace, because it’s so unique! I wore this to another after party during the weekend and had so much fun wearing it, it truly makes a statement! Is there a certain material or style that you really love?

Convent Garden Market

I read before venturing out into London Ontario that this spot was a must visit, so I found my way to the Covent Garden Market and it lived up to the description! There was fresh fruit, great little restaurants, sweet treats, and my favorite, the Tea Haus!  We had an excellent salad at The Salad Bowl, and then a Green Tea Chai shake from Taylor Sue’s Cups and Cones.  As someone who loves tea, the Tea Haus was the real treat because of the many varieties and flavors and the fact that it was all natural ingredients!  Even just wandering through the market was a great way to spend an hour, it’s small but packed with interesting treasures. What interesting markets, indoor or outdoor, have you visited?

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