Gala-vanting

I can't resist a good party...particularly if it's labeled "Gala of the Year" and "Best Dressed" from the National Post. I was thrilled to recently attend the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario’s (POGO) Gala After Party at the Liberty Grand. POGO works to ensure Ontario's children have access to state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment. 
This year's theme was "Inspire" and I was certainly inspired by the incredible designer dresses and Christian Louboutin's I spotted on attendees. 
More importantly, $600,000 was raised! 

Aryka's Advice: Go DJ, that's my DJ. Contests are a fantastic networking opportunity! Whether it's Toronto glitterati, fashion bloggers or the DJ your friend has her eyes on....

Hola!

I have to admit, I haven't fully utilized the call-in radio contests. But when I heard that Q107 was having a promotion on Thursdays of giving away a trip EVERY HOUR, I knew I had to get in on this. It was an instant win for a trip for 2 to an all-inclusive 5-star resort in Manzanillo, Mexico. You just had to be caller 1007. Easy, right? It actually was. I won on the first day of the promotion! Better still, the departure date I ended up choosing was actually an 8-night trip. Wonderful.

Aryka's Advice: Make a list of times that all of your local radio stations are having giveaways. Redial. Redial. Redial.

I'm Gonna Be A Supermodel

In creeping the internet in search of Toronto Fashion Week tickets, I came across an open casting call for Sunny Fong's new line VAWKKIN which targets the young fashion forward female. Sunny was a former winner of Project Runway Canada and had previously launched his VAWK line.

I submitted a picture and wrote how I personified a VAWKKIN woman. After demonstrating my "walk" in person I was selected! I attended 2 runway boot camps with Canada's top plus-size model Liis Windischmann and Ben Barry of the Ben Barry Agency.

On the day of the show, I received the full model treatment with professional hair, make-up and even a personal dresser! Fortunately, I did not have a Carrie Bradshaw moment. Although I still don't know how to smile with me eyes.

The full video can be seen here: VAWK - MASTERCARD FASHION WEEK FALL 2012 COLLECTIONS

Aryka's Advice: In life, there is a reason you are presented with opportunities. Go outside of your comfort zone and OWN it!

Spread the Joy!

As my contesting has gained more notoriety with my friends and family, they too have dabbled in entering! By this I mean they ask me where to find contests posted, enter for a week and then stop. However, my mom was fortunate to have a big win courtesy of NEWSTALK 1010. 
The prize consisted of a stay at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, dinner for 2 at Il Fornello, limo transportation, 2 VIP tickets to the Gala Performance of War Horse and 2 tickets to the exclusive Gala Party after the show. 

If you ever have an opportunity to attend a party hosted by the Mirvish family, say yes! It's outstanding!

Aryka's Advice: Encourage others to enter contests. If they win, they might take you!

The Lonely Hearts Club

I had already set myself up for Valentine's Day and was double-booked with Raptors tickets and an advanced screening of Titantic 3D (contest wins of course). When I heard about the Lonely Hearts Club on the John Tory radio show, I was intrigued. I wrote a lil story and didn't think much about it.

John Tory and some very excited ladies!

One day, I saw my phone ringing during a meeting and just knew it had to be regarding a contest. It was John Tory, live and on-air, inviting me to the dinner. He also just happened to be summarizing part of my submission. Thankfully, I'm not the typical listening demographic and I'm quite certain no one in my social media world heard it.

I ended up attending and it was a lovely evening! I met a diverse group of women including a lawyer, dentist, chef, doctor and real estate agent.
I brought the youthful hip factor.

Aryka's Advice:  Even negative experiences can be turned into contest wins!

Prize Box!

Have you invited me to a birthday? Bridal shower? Baby shower? Wedding?  

Well, sorry to tell you but chances are that I've won your gift. 

I'm not a hoarder but I won A LOT of stuff in 2011. 

Do I need Justin Bieber's cd? Yes, maybe I kept that one. 

However, I certainly don't require 15 bottles of OPI Kardashian Kolors nail polish 

(great win by the way).

The prize box is constantly being replenished and is just another example of how contests can save you money! 

Aryka's Advice: If there is still an item in your prize box after 6 months, donate it! 

The Sporting Life

Leafs. Raptors. Blue Jays. Argos. Buffalo Bills. UFC Fan Expo. Indy. Memorial Cup. Tennis. Soccer.
Is this an episode of SportsCentre?
No, these are just some of the events I've won tickets to.

I have an open mind when it comes to contests. Since this is free entertainment, it has exposed me to events that I otherwise would never have attended.

Girls: Not only will this increase your own sporting knowledge, but all of the guys at work will be extra nice to you when you hook them up with tickets!

Aryka's Advice: Who needs online dating? If you're searching for that special someone enter some contests because you never know who you'll end up meeting!