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Keynote Speaker

Nicole Ballantyne-Choo

Contributing Editor
Articles
1,011
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8,062,000
Location
Toronto
Member Since
Jun 2013
I'm a short (5'2 if I'm being generous), half-Chinese half-Irish contributing editor at Trend Hunter with a degree in Media Information and Technoculture from the University of Western Ontario.

I love the color pink and my favorite animal is the elephant.

In my spare time I love to work out (I'm training for Tough Mudder 2014!), hang out with my friends and watch great TV shows like The Bachelor.

Traveling and writing are two of my biggest passions; my dream is to travel the world and write about my adventures :)







What is unique that's not in your bio?
Something unique that's not in my bio is that I can speak Spanish - I studied Spanish for 3 years in University and then went on a class trip to Cuba. This trip was so amazing because it challenged me and my peers to speak Spanish the whole time since we spent all our time with locals. We worked with them and would hang out with them in our spare time.
What's your favorite accomplishment?
My favorite accomplishment is participating in Tough Mudder in May with my friends. It was so cold but getting through the obstacles as a team made it so much fun. I also learned that if you challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and face things outside your comfort zone you'd be surprised and just how much you're capable of.
How do you define cool?
I don't have one definition for cool; I think it's all relative. When you see people walking the streets of Toronto or you're browsing the Internet you see things that might make you say "what is that...?" but someone else might say "wow that's awesome!"
What is your secret to uncovering trends?
My secret to uncovering trends would be to keep an open mind. You never know what you'll stumble on and with an open mind you'll find so many interesting things you might have looked past before.
What do you enjoy most about Trend Hunter?
At Trend Hunter, I absolutely love how supportive and creative everyone is. During my first week everyone was so encouraging and made me instantly feel like part of the Trend Hunter family.
What are your tips for writing a juicy post?
My tip for writing a juicy post would be to find everything you can that makes it unique and innovative, and really focus on making those aspects even more amazing with just your words, which is your secret weapon!
How do you reset to be creative?
I take a break from technology and drink a lot of coffee.
What inspires or excites you?
Carrie Bradshaw inspires me :) Meeting new people excites me!
Predict something awesome for 2020?
Something awesome for 2020? Hmm...I think it would be pretty awesome if Mcdonald's delivered!! hahaha
Adorable Critter Socks
Adorable Critter Socks
Animal Slipper Socks Will Instantly Up the Cute Factor of an Outfit
A pair of animal slipper socks will keep your tot’s feet warm and make their already cute outfit even cuter. These socks are perfect for the winter season and are great for your kid to wear... MORE
Food-Inspired Planters
Food-Inspired Planters
The Hamburger Planter Adds Quirk and Charm to a New Home
This hamburger planter is perfect for someone who loves both hamburgers and the environment. While most people choose to put their plants in cute baskets and pots, one that resembles a burger is... MORE
Picture-Taking Totes
Picture-Taking Totes
You'll Never Have to Carry a Camera Around Again with a Lulu Guinness Handbag
If you’re an avid photographer or just like taking lots of pictures for your social media platforms, you’ll want to check out this Lulu Guinness handbag. This purse takes technology to... MORE
Break-Up Shot Glasses
Break-Up Shot Glasses
The Ex-Boyfriend Shot Glass Will Help You Get Over Your Relationship
If you’ve recently gone through a breakup, an ex-boyfriend shot glass is a fun and playful way to help you start the healing process. This shot glass is perfect for you to use when your... MORE
DIY Stud-Adorned Shoes
DIY Stud-Adorned Shoes
A Pair of DIY Studded Sandals Will Instantly Transform Your Summer Footwear
Making a pair of DIY studded sandals is the perfect start to your spring cleaning. When it comes to getting your wardrobe ready for warmer weather, you may feel ready for some serious upgrades.... MORE
Car-Inspired Clutches
Car-Inspired Clutches
The Charlotte Olympia Purse is Perfect for a Girly-Girl Who Loves Cars
With the Charlotte Olympia purse that is shaped like a tire, you can mix your fashionable instincts with your love of cars. This clutch proves that whoever said a fashionista can’t enjoy cars... MORE
Stealth Storage Sunscreen
Stealth Storage Sunscreen
Secret Compartment Sunscreen Keeps Your Belongings Safe on the Beach
For those who love swimming at the beach or at a hotel pool, this secret compartment sunscreen will give you peace of mind as you ride the waves. When you’re ready for a dip in the water,... MORE
Golden Champion Stilettos
Golden Champion Stilettos
Charlotte Olympia Podium Heels are Shoes for Winners
This pair of Charlotte Olympia podium heels is perfect for ladies who love to make a statement. Now that the seasons are changing and the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to put the... MORE
Violent Paper Towel Holders
Violent Paper Towel Holders
An Assault Paper Towel Stand May Freak Out First Time Guests
The assault paper towel stand is a great way to make a statement in your kitchen. While a paper towel holder is usually an overlooked item in the kitchen, you can bring attention back to it by... MORE
Beer-Labeled Spice Shakers
Beer-Labeled Spice Shakers
Mix Your Love of Beer and Spice with Salt and Pepper Corona Shakers
For those looking to spice up their kitchen table in a funny way, a set of salt and pepper Corona shakers will do the trick. If you have a friend who loves beer and is known for loading their... MORE
DIY Hidden Note Bouquets
DIY Hidden Note Bouquets
Note Wrapped Flowers are a Simple Way to Add a Personal Touch to a Gift
If you’re looking for a gift that will truly stand out from the rest, you should try making note wrapped flowers. While this DIY project is simple to make, it’ll show the receiver how... MORE
Unconventional Candy Corsages
Unconventional Candy Corsages
A Lollipop Wrist Corsage Will Add a Touch of Whimsy to a Prom Outfit
If all your friends are sporting big, beautiful flowers on their wrists for prom, stand out with a lollipop wrist corsage from EdibleWeddings on Etsy. Instead of a flower, this band is accented... MORE
DIY Rhinestone Cuffs
DIY Rhinestone Cuffs
These DIY Gem Embellished Cuffs Add Character to a Spring Outfit
If you’re looking for new accessories to dress up your spring wardrobe, try making your own DIY gem embellished cuffs to add some unique pieces to your collection. While the idea of making your... MORE
BFF Snack Necklaces
BFF Snack Necklaces
Show Off Your Friendship with a Set of Milk and Cookie Necklaces
If you’re looking for a way to let your best friend know you two make a perfect pair, a set of milk and cookie necklaces is a cute birthday gift. This set of two is designed by IncredInedible on... MORE
Chic Shoe-Carrying Totes
Chic Shoe-Carrying Totes
This Charlotte Olympia Shoe Bag Lets You Easily Transport Your Heels
For the ladies who love wearing sky-high heels, you’ll want and need the Charlotte Olympia shoe bag to carry your flats in tow. This bag features one of the designer’s stunning red... MORE
Vintage Music Player Purses
Vintage Music Player Purses
This Jukebox Clutch Adds a Blast From the Past to Your Outfit
A jukebox clutch from Charlotte Olympia will add a vintage appeal to your spring wardrobe. This stunning gold purse resembles an old music player you only really see now in movies or old school... MORE
USB-Powered Sewing Machines
USB-Powered Sewing Machines
This Handheld Sewing Machine Lets You Sew Wherever You Please
The handheld sewing machine is an on-the-go life-saver. While you may be intimidated by the thought of sewing, this mini device is easy to use and convenient to carry around. It changes the idea... MORE
Ferocious Safari Swimwear
Ferocious Safari Swimwear
This Tiger Print Swimsuit Will Show Off Your Fierce Attitude
This summer, wearing a tiger print swimsuit will set you apart from the pack. With the swimsuit shopping season fast approaching, finding a suit that’s unlike anyone elses becomes a top... MORE
Heat-Activated Mugs
Heat-Activated Mugs
The Wake Up Cup Goes From Tired to Awake When Filled with a Hot Beverage
The wake up cup is the perfect gift for a friend who needs a large mug of coffee before starting their day. When you first get the mug out of your cupboard, the eyeballs will look tired and droopy.... MORE
Board Game Dinner Plates
Board Game Dinner Plates
The Dinner Winner Kids Plate Gets Kids to Eat Everything on Their Plate
If you have a fussy eater in your home, the dinner winner kids plate is a motivating way to get them to eat their entire meal. The colorful plate is designed to look like a winding board game and... MORE
Romantic Mail-Inspired Clutches
Romantic Mail-Inspired Clutches
A Postcard Wallet is a Cute and Sweet Way to Hold Your Belongings
While sending letters in the mail isn’t very common, this cute postcard wallet is a sweet and simple way to bring back the times of waiting for a letter in the mail. The wallet is designed to... MORE
Playful Feline Paperclips
Playful Feline Paperclips
Cat Photo Clips are a Cute Way to Pin Up Pictures Around Your Room
Using cat photo clips is a great way to hang pictures around your room in a more creative way than just sticking them to your walls using tape. While uploading photos to various social media... MORE
Wine-Inspired Soothers
Wine-Inspired Soothers
Using a Cork Pacifier is a Humorous Way to Get Your Kid to Stop Crying
While there are thousands of adorable soothers you could choose from for your newborn, a cork pacifier will appease your child and give you a good laugh. This pacifier is designed to look like a... MORE
Celeb Tongue Printed Shirts
Celeb Tongue Printed Shirts
The Miley Tongue Twerk Tee is for True Fans of the Songstress
If you’re a fan of Miley Cyrus, the Miley tongue twerk tee belongs in your closet. This tee is covered with pictures of the celebrity’s mouth and the majority of the images are with... MORE
Plush Toy Seat Belts
Plush Toy Seat Belts
The Penguin Seat Belt Cover Ensures Your Kid Has a Comfortable Ride
If your family loves going on long-distance car rides, the penguin seat belt cover will make sure your child is comfortable being stuck in his seat for hours at a time. This cover is made with... MORE
Social Media Coffee Stencils
Social Media Coffee Stencils
The Cappuccino Stencil Set Lets You Embrace Your Love of Social Media
If you believe you fall under the category of being addicted to both coffee and social media, this cappuccino stencil set is for you. Instead of having a boring cup of joe like the rest of your co-... MORE
Aquatic Fishtail Pumps
Aquatic Fishtail Pumps
These Charlotte Olympia Fish Heels Will Reveal Your Love for the Ocean
A pair of Charlotte Olympia fish heels proves that a pair of pumps can be anything but boring. If you’re looking for a way to really stand out in the city, a pair of shoes that resemble fish... MORE
Foldable Cooler Camping Loungers
Foldable Cooler Camping Loungers
The Backpack Cooler Chair Makes Camping Trips
If you’re an avid camper, you need to bring the backpack cooler chair on your next getaway. This contraption is part chair, part cooler, part backpack and fully amazing and functional. When it&... MORE
Playful Pokemon Soaps
Playful Pokemon Soaps
Add Some Fun to your Kid's Bath Time with Pokeball Bath Bombs
If you have a kid who hates taking a bath, a set of pokeball bath bombs from FizzyFairyApothecary on Etsy will entice them to want to get clean after a day of play. These balls of soap come in... MORE
DIY Rhinestone Purses
DIY Rhinestone Purses
Try Your Hand at Handmade Accessories Making a DIY Jewel Clutch
A DIY jewel clutch is a cute and simple way to get your DIY hobby started. If a new purse is a must-have on your summer wardrobe list, taking an old one and sprucing it up will give you a stunning... MORE
Feline Printed Hosiery
Feline Printed Hosiery
Show Off Your Playful Side with a Pair of These Cute Cat Socks
If you’re looking to play up your wardrobe with some statement items, a pair of knee high cat socks will definitely do the trick. This set of hosiery are perfect for anyone who loves cats,... MORE
Golden Seashell Clutches
Golden Seashell Clutches
Party in Style with This Glamorous Charlotte Olympia Shell Shocked Purse
For the ladies who love being the best dressed, you should complete your outfit with the Charlotte Olympia shell shocked clutch on your next night out. This stunning gold purse is shaped like a... MORE
Cartoon Popcorn-Printed Swimwear
Cartoon Popcorn-Printed Swimwear
Make a Statement on the Beach with This Popcorn Print Swimsuit
For the people who can’t resist delicious popcorn to snack on while they watch a movie, this popcorn print swimsuit should be your go-to suit for summer. While the weather is still a bit on... MORE
Galatic Universe Curtains
Galatic Universe Curtains
Pretend You Live in Outer Space with an Earth Tapestry
If you love astronomy and everything to do with space, this Earth tapestry belongs in your room. Since we live on Earth and can’t explore what the Earth would look like through a telescope as... MORE
Chic DIY Studded Keychains
Chic DIY Studded Keychains
Add Personality to Your Key with a Handmade Studded Leather Key Ring
If you’re constantly losing your keys or grabbing the wrong set, making a personalized studded leather key ring may be the perfect solution to your problems. Making your own key chain is easy... MORE
Artistic Aquatic Wedges
Artistic Aquatic Wedges
The Charlotte Olympia Maiden Voyage Embodies a Seaside Atmosphere
If you work in the city and are longing for a vacation on the beach, sailing the waters, these Charlotte Olympia maiden voyage wedges belong in your closet. These towering six inch wedges are... MORE

Featured Ideas

Galactic Empire Apparel
Galactic Empire Apparel
Star Wars Fans Will Love Sporting the Storm Trooper Jacket
While there’s a lot of accessories, masks and toys associated with Star Wars, the storm trooper jacket is one that will make a tough fashion statement. This white leather jacket is ideal for... MORE
Cuddly Smartphone Speakers
Cuddly Smartphone Speakers
The Koala Portable Speaker is a Cute and Cozy Way to Listen to Music
Whether you live in Australia or not, the koala portable speaker will make you believe you have a little bit of the country with you wherever you go. This adorable plush device is known as the Hi-... MORE
Fortune-Telling Throw Cushions
Fortune-Telling Throw Cushions
The Palmistry Pillow is a Fun Way to Figure Out Your Fate
If you’re really into fortune-telling or are at least curious about the art, the palmistry pillow will peak your interest even further. This square pillow is minimalist in design as it’... MORE
Search Engine Printers
Search Engine Printers
Hands on Search is a 3D Printer for the Visually Impaired
Yahoo! and a creative agency in Tokyo called Hakuhodo Kettle collaborated to make the amazing ‘Hands on Search.’ This device is truly a positive step forward in technology. As 3D printing... MORE
Geeky Gaming Lawn Decor
Geeky Gaming Lawn Decor
These Plants Vs Zombie Lawn Ornaments are Perfect for Gamers
If you’ve fallen victim to computer game addiction, it’s time to adorn your property with Plants Vs Zombies lawn ornaments. The decorations are inspired by the character from the popular... MORE
Sophisticated Webbed Jewelry
Sophisticated Webbed Jewelry
These Spider Web Earrings are Perfect Halloween Accessories
Whether you’re totally into spiders or are looking for Halloween-themed accessories, these spider web earrings by Charlotte Olympia are sweet adornments to play up your outfit. These pieces are... MORE
High-Heeled High-Tops
High-Heeled High-Tops
These Platform Sneakers are Fashionably Sporty
Platform sneakers are a fun way to dress up while still embodying your tomboy personality. These shoes are definitely for the girls who love running shoes, as apart from the super high heel, they... MORE
Athletic Badminton Lights
Athletic Badminton Lights
Sport Addicts Will Love Using the Birdie Light
Whether you’re an avid badminton player or can’t play the sport at all, this birdie light is a cute way to brighten up a room. This lamp was designed by Kiel Mead and it’s... MORE
Vigilante-Inspired Heels
Vigilante-Inspired Heels
Embrace Ferocity With These Bedazzled Batman Pumps
Unleash your inner superhero and strut around town in a pair of bedazzled Batman pumps. These showstoppers are not just for anyone; to pull these bad girls off you have to be tough enough to kick it... MORE
$20,000 Face Creams
$20,000 Face Creams
The Creme de la Mer is for the Rich and Famous
If you have expensive taste and really want to wow your significant other, you should consider saving up for Creme de la Mer. While a bottle of this face cream is usually already $168.00, the brand... MORE
Festive Light-Up Hairbands
Festive Light-Up Hairbands
Fully Embrace the Holiday Season with a Christmas Tree Headband
If wearing an ugly Christmas sweater isn’t enough for you when attending a holiday party, play up your outfit even more with a Christmas tree headband. Once you put this hairband on your head,... MORE
Compact Timepiece Survival Kits
Compact Timepiece Survival Kits
Keep Hiking Essentials in One Spot with the CRKT Survival Bracelet
The CRKT survival bracelet is a must-have for avid hikers. While exploring new woods and trails is fun and exhilarating, having to carry a bag filled with everything you need is not only annoying,... MORE
Cylindrical Chip Scoopers
Cylindrical Chip Scoopers
This Chips Dispenser is Perfect for Pringles Containers
If you’re an avid Pringles eater, you’ll be overjoyed to hear there’s now a chips dispenser that makes eating your favorite snack a lot easier. This handy tool was designed by a... MORE
Gigantic Board Game Dice
Gigantic Board Game Dice
These Wood Yard Dice are Perfect for Outdoor Summer Games
These giant wood yard dice are great for some outdoor BBQ fun. Forget what you know about your typical board games, and get your guests playing giant versions of your favorites in the backyard.... MORE