Now that our #HTSummerStoryWin contest is in full swing it’s time to announce our first four semi finalists! Congratulations go out to four amazing ladies – Cory, Kayla, Marissa and Sarah – who impressed us with their inspiring and ambitious summer plans.
Cory grew up in Mississauga but now lives in Toronto. Same lake, different sides of the CN Tower!
SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?
C: I’m in a “work transition” right now with a background in events, project management & administration. For fun I crochet, I blog & I like to find new events, places to go, and things to experiment with to experience and share with others.
SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?
C: My dream and goal right now would be to get my strength back up to surf this summer. I fell in love with the feeling you get as you rush above the waves back in the Summer of 2012 and would love to relive that again, this time in the place where it’s best known. The problem is, I’ve been struggling with arthritic pains in my hands and have been working hard to get my strength back to normal ever since. Even so, it’s been a dream of mine to go to the beaches of Hawaii. I want to hike and explore the trails and waterfalls, snorkel & walk along the beaches, and eat beautiful tropical foods.
SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?
C: On a hot summer’s day you’ll find me walking along the boardwalk or wandering around different markets, festivals & local shops with friends. There’s so much to do in the city in the summertime & my favourite part is having that variety.
SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is….
C: I love a coral lip! Nothing says summer like finding the perfect golden sunset coral hue for sun kissed lips.
SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?
C: I love mixing prints! I’m always drawn to florals & plaids but I want to be brave enough to mix all my prints together this summer.
Kayla Baker is from a sleepy town in Saskatchewan called Lloydminster. (If you are wondering what its like… think, the total opposite of Toronto.)
SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?
K: I work along with the great people at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. My main loves are photography and music, and I managed to mix the two into the best hobby ever – concert photography! I shoot photos for a music blog when I’m not at work or hanging with my best friends.
SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?
K: I have a coffee table travel book that constantly reminds me of my dream destinations. If I won, I would take Iceland Air (adding a stopover in Iceland of course!!!) to London, England, as I have two friends who could tour me around to all their favorite local places, then I would hop on a train and go to Dublin, Ireland to drink beers with the locals and EXPLORE!
SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?
K: On a patio, sharing a pitcher and laughs with my best friends!
SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…
K: I have learned over the years that I MUST have a non-greasy, awesome smelling, HIGH SPF sun-screen. For me that is Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen lotion, at least SPF 30! (Not just sucking up here.. for real!)
SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?
K: Bold, printed, and wrinkle free dresses for those really hot days when you aren’t able to just stay at home and lay pants-less beside your air conditioner.
Marissa Sellmer lives in Vancouver BC.
SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?
M: I am a student! For fun I love spending time with my aunt and grandma, we always find quality time for each other during the week. We like to go shopping and try different restaurants!
SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?
M: I would book a once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland. I want to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, have breakfast with the characters, and watch the fireworks and parades. I went once as a little girl and had the time of my life, I think no matter what age you are you will always have fun in Disneyland!
SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?
M: Lounging at the pool with my girlfriends! We like to have picnics there and just soak up the sun.
SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…
M: White or nude nail polish. It looks so great on tanned skin!
SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?
M: I have yet to own a pair of high waisted denim shorts! They look super flattering and I would love to try and find some comfortable ones.
Sarah Smart is based in beautiful downtown Toronto!
SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?
S: I’m a data clerk for the city. When I’m not plugging away at the computer I love to check out fun concerts and festivals, stay active with my girlfriends (we love our bootcamp!), try new foods and travel as far as my wallet and vacation days can take me!
SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?
S: I would be beside myself! Travel is so important to me and has taught me a lot about myself and to be thankful for things I can take for granted that not everyone else in the world has access to. I’ve never travelled alone before and have been quite envious when I hear about my girlfriends venturing out on their own and getting out of their comfort zone. I have always wanted to visit Australia, the landscapes are stunning and I’m a huge animal lover so I would love to see some Aussie animals up close and personal! I would book a group tour alone and make some friends along the way! I’m excited just day dreaming about it now!
SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?
S: Walking my pooch Murphy down to the beach or grabbing a pitcher (or two) of sangria with my girlfriends on a shady patio.
SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…
S: Bright lip gloss with SPF! So important to protect your lips from the sun!
SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?
S: I’m really loving shirt dresses right now. I think they are so simple but so chic, they can be dressed down and dressed up so easily! Also, light and airy for hot summer days.
Haven’t entered yet? Get on it, girl! All you gotta do is share your summer plans with us on Twitter by posting a pic and tagging @Shedoesthecity and @HTropic_CA with hashtag #HTSummerStoryWin.
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