Not Just For 10 Year Olds

Last weekend I found myself in a terrifying situation. I was alone, it was dark, and I was about to be killed.

No, I wasn't in the Entertainment District - I was playing laser tag.


My friend Kathleen had her birthday party at Laser Quest. I hadn't played laser tag since I celebrated my 10th birthday, so I was pretty excited to try it again.

ShellBell Sets Lasers to "Stun"

After giving myself the pseudonym "ShellBell" and strapping on my target vest complete with laser gun, I set out into the multi-level maze. The maze was huge. It was lit with black lights and filled with mirrors and half walls so you could try and hide. Hiding was tricky though because of the different levels. As soon as you found an awesome hiding spot, someone would shoot you from above or shoot you through a grate from below.

This is what led to the fear. I found myself, many times, running through the maze with no one in sight and not a sound of anyone in the pathways ahead. The longer I went without seeing someone else, the more the suspense grew. At any moment I might turn a corner and be shot. Later, I teamed up with the birthday girl and we formed an alliance that dominated.

You Should Play Laser Tag Too!

Playing laser tag for the evening was really fun and different. We got a group rate at $24 per person for three games. The Laser Quest arena is located at 1980 Eglinton Ave. E in Scarborough. A little far, but totally worth it.

I'd definitely recommend giving laser tag a try if you're looking for something new to do. If anything, you get an amazing work out and the opportunity to compete with your friends - complete with scorecards.

Biggest tip: Stretch before playing - I was sore for days after playing because I didn't warm up!

If you haven't played laser tag before, check out the video below to get a sense of what it's like:



I Didn't Win, but I Came Close

In case you were wondering, I came in 16th and 17th in the first two rounds, but in the third round:



I came in FOURTH!!

That's all for now,
Shelley x x

Country Music? Really?

Remember back in the 90's and the early years of the new millennium when everyone seemed to despise country music? Not everyone will agree with this, but I distinctly remember being in middle school and the standard answer to the question: "What's your favourite kind of music?" was overwhelmingly "Anything but country."

I always found this is kind of boring and, for the most part, pretty inaccurate (are you really telling me that you couldn't stand a little Johnny Cash but you would be ALL FOR some smooth polka tunes? debatable). That's why I've been really enjoying the more recent popularity of alt-country and country music.

But where-o-where can you find a place to dance it up to these twangy, honky-tonk tunes? Look no further than the Dakota Tavern at Dundas and Ossington. The unpretentious vibe makes for good times all around.


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I was there on Sunday and enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere. The Beauties played a great set that had people dancing. You could also just stand and enjoy or even sit and chat - anything goes. The place feels like you're in a 1970's finished basement with wood paneled walls and country-style knick knacks which only add to its charm.

Anything goes for what you wear too. People were in plaid, dresses, jeans and t-shirts. There's no reason to be intimidated or think you won't fit in. A lack of cowboy boots in your wardrobe should not prevent you from giving it a try.

I recommend going out to the Dakota if you're looking to dance and have a good time but you're not into the Entertainment District - or if you just want to try something new. Sundays are a great night there. Good crowd, good music, good times.

That's all for now,
Shelley x x

What does 'Toronto Under 30' even mean?

A little bit about me: I'm Shelley and this is my blog. I'm studying at Humber College and attempting to get a certificate in Public Relations.... but that's not what this blog is about.

I moved to Toronto over a year and a half ago from Ottawa. I'm loving it here in Toronto. It has great energy and so much to do. Almost TOO much to do.

When I first got here, I was completely overwhelmed. Toronto is HUGE! Where do you start? How do you choose from the hundreds of restaurants, bars and events? Where do you go to shop? What are all these neighbourhoods?

I'm hoping that this blog can help. I want to pass on stories of things that I've done around the city that are good times, good eats and good buys.

I'm 24 and in a kind of in-between stage. I don't want to go to places that cater strictly to undergrads but I also feel too young to be hitting up the places where the young professionals go. I try to find a balance between the two. You don't have to be under 30 to enjoy these things, just young at heart!

Disclaimer: I'm not claiming that these places aren't already well-known by Torontonians or that I'm the first person to recommend them. A lot of the places I'm going to suggest might seem obvious for some people. That's okay. I just want to share some of the places I like with people who are looking for ideas about where to go.

I'd love to hear your ideas, too, if you have somewhere to recommend. I think it's fun to trade success stories and I just want to record these stories so they might be useful to others.

That's all for now,
Shelley x x