Twenty York Street Loves... Natalie Fraser

She holds a Masters degree in International Affairs, a challenging career, she's a writer, an analyst and a multi-talented woman. She has an intensive training schedule and still finds the time to help her friends and family with their own charitable work. These and more are what makes Natalie Fraser one truly amazing daughter, girlfriend and friend to me and so many others.

Motivated by a friend’s son diagnosed with Leukemia, she’ll be running her first marathon in 2012 for him and has set the goal of fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. 

To learn more about her training or to donate, check out her blog: www.nataliedoes42k.com. Be sure to follow Natalie on Twitter – @frasermnatalie.

Now, without further ado, let me introduce you to the woman behind Twenty York Street's The Busy Neighbour - one of my top favourite people in the whole world (and I'm sure THANN too, thanks to all  her great reviews and valuable support), meet a force to be reckon with…

Natalie Fraser

Natalie and her better half, Brett. A very talented musician,

Follow him at www.reverbnation.com/brettmaclean.

On Style and Fashion...

What and who influences your style?

My friends, fashion bloggers and magazines. I am guilty of spending hours online checking out blogs for inspiration.

What's your favourite outfit you've ever worn?

Hhrmm..last year as an anniversary gift, my better half got me a dress and accessories for a wedding we were going to that I was MC’ing and he was doing the music for. I loved! It fit perfect, was flattering and I think it will live forever.

Gotta ask this just for fun, fashion pet peeves?

Nice weather in Ottawa means the return of the sandals + shorts + socks trifecta! I am not a fan of the look.

Follow Natalie in Twitter: @frasermnatalie

Trench Coat - Zara

On Blogging and Passion…

Why and When did you started Blogging?

I started blogging only a few months ago! I have been reading blogs for years, but never really thought I had a “thing” to talk about.

Last year a friend’s son was diagnosed with Leukemia and I decided to join Team in Training to run my first marathon with them, with the goal of fundraising $5000! I figured starting a blog (www.nataliedoes42k.com) would be a fun way for my friends and family to stay up to date on my training and fundraising.

Natalie nearing the end of her first half-marathon. Still standing and smiling. 

(Note the thumbs up)

What are you most passionate about?

I have always loved doing things to help other people and if I had unlimited money I would start my own not-for-profit.

I will be spending most of 2012 working on my fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ($5000 isn’t going to happen over night!) and training for my first marathon. People can get some cool things by donating – their name on my shirt, me coming to their house and cooking them a meal, and even a personal two hour house concert! Details: www.nataliedoes42k.com/donate

Since last year I have been a volunteer guide to a blind runner and I’m training her for her first 10k. In the past, I spent three years as a volunteer on a crisis line, helped new refugees get settled in Canada, worked with kids that have HIV/AIDS, and helped women and girls in trouble with the law, just to name a few things!

When I lived in Botswana I developed a deep and special appreciation for life and the importance of giving back to the community. I have had a lot of people do really wonderful things for me, big and small, and I feel like I need to pay it forward while I can.

I'm nosy, what do you really do for a living? Would you blog full-time?

I work for the government full time. Sadly I am saddled with student loans, so the regular pay cheque is necessary. I think social media and blogging is changing the way we live and communicate and more people are having successful online careers. Starting my first blog and being involved in this changing world is exciting.

Read more about Natalie at www.nataliedoes42k.com

On Lovin' Life…

What 3 things do you wish someone had told you when you were younger?

1. Life over 25 years old is awesome and will keep getting better.

2. Your love for your parents gets deeper the older you get.

3. You may not end up in your dream job, pay it will pay the bills to let you to do what you love after 9-5, and that is okay.

What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

In 2005 a friend convinced me to spend a full day white-water rafting the Zambezi River…and I don’t know how to swim! (This might also fall under the category of stupidest things I’ve ever done).

ML and Natalie taken in front of Banana Republic, Rideau Centre, Ottawa, Canada

What/Who inspires you in life?

So many people! My parents have had some tough times in the last year and they manage to keep going forward with an incredible spirit of we’ll get through this, enjoy what you have and don’t worry about what you can’t control.

Besides that, my better half is an amazing musician and his creativity always inspires me (www.reverbnation.com/brettmaclean).

I have friends, like you, who give constantly to others while working to achieve their own dreams. It always astounds and humbles me what some of my friends are doing with their lives.

3 Things I can't live without:

1. Laughter

2. Music

3. My friends and family

(My bib from a marathon relay I did with some friends in -40 weather!)



Fill in the blanks…

spend time on the Internet/daydream/fantasize about crazy life adventures.
Don't tell my boyfriend but I love stealing his big, wool socks (the clean ones!).
This year, I want to run my first marathon!
If I had superpowers, it would be to turn rocks into money.
I wished Twenty York Street asked me about how much I love food.