When you were a little girl, did you dream of becoming a television host?
My husband reminded me this week that when we met eight years ago and he asked me what I wanted to do in the field of journalism I answered, “I'd like to host a show.” Lo and behold this amazing opportunity has arisen and I'm just honoured to have been chosen.
What do you hope to bring to CityLine as the new host?
Every host brings something distinct to the table. I'm a new mom and having this child has been a game-changer for me. I've never felt so NOT on top of my game. That sounds bad, I know, but it's the truth, and I think the humility as well as the perspective that comes along with being a parent really allows me to relate with a lot of our viewers. There are a lot of people starting new families, renovating their homes, looking for reasonably-priced clothing (hello, no one loves a bargain more than me!), and I'm also doing all those things so I can try to ask the questions people want asked.
Before you guest-hosted on CityLine was there a show that you tuned into religiously (Around the House, Home Day, Fashion Friday, etc.)? Why?
I'm not even going to lie—I am all about Fashion Friday. The first fashion special I hosted I spent a half-hour before the show salivating over the shoes and accessories. The best thing about Fashion Fridays is that you can actually find the clothes the models are wearing and buy it regardless of where you live in the country. If the store isn't in your area you can always buy online.
What's the funniest moment you've had so far working on CityLine?
I liked when Ramsin Khachi crashed one of my cooking segments and cut through a baked zucchini with a power tool. That Ramsin! It's what I love about the show though—totally spontaneous. And I also like every show I've done where I've been able to snatch babies from audience members. Too cute!
What's your most embarrassing, albeit funny, moment working on live TV?
I've been working on Breakfast Television for the past three years and it's the sort of show where you NEVER know what'll be thrown at you in a live hit. So once I was way outside the city covering a story on a brand new Wal-Mart opening and what it would mean for the mom and pop competitors and Kevin Frankish (our news anchor) asked me where I was...and I (gulp) didn't know! You see, as a reporter I was busy doing research on the way to the story and the camera person was driving so...okay, whose kidding who, I was FAST ASLEEP on the ride up and clueless. Anyway, my ignorance became the promo for the show that day.
How do you approach working in front of a camera and live studio audience?
There is nothing like working in front of a live studio audience. There's an energy there that you just don't get without lots of people sitting a few feet away from you while you work. I like to hang out about a half-hour before the show and chitchat with the audience. They tell me if I have lipstick on my teeth or my shirt is buttoned wrong and they fix me. It's like a little girlfriend get-together before the show. I love that. Guys, please don't let this stop you from coming down to the show! I can also talk power tools and cars (well, not really, but I can try).
What's the most unusual fan mail that you've received?
There's a person who emails me once a month asking me where I'm from and what brand of cigarette I smoke. Firstly, I'm from Toronto and secondly, I'm not a smoker. I've never answered him but if you're reading this now, fan, there you go!
Is there a celebrity you've met who left a lasting impression? Why?
The only celebs I've really been beholden to are my parents. To me they're rock stars!
What is one of your most treasured possessions?
I've been a journal writer since Grade 3. Back then I was writing about scoring a Cabbage Patch Kid for Christmas. I still write a lot of my thoughts down in a journal (the good and the very, very bad) to this day. I always tell my husband that if I ever exit the planet it must be burned. No questions asked. No one needs that much info about what's going on inside my head.
Do you enjoy cooking or do you have a list of take-out restaurant numbers programmed into your BlackBerry?
Sorry, I'm a take-out girl. My husband's the cook. You may notice this in the cooking segments (gulp).
How would you describe your decorating style?
I love big and bold. We have a chocolate brown bedroom and huge plants around the house. I love big pieces that say a lot.
Are you a weekend warrior or do you don a tool belt and get in touch with your inner handywoman on Saturday mornings?
Saturday mornings are all about working out for me. Since I had Sidney (my six- month-old) I incorporate him into my workout by taking him to the park with me. I lunge, he laughs. I jump rope, he stares. I do push-ups, he babbles. It's a good time.
Are you a green thumb or are you all thumbs in the garden?
Once again, my husband is the garden king. You're probably wondering at this point, what exactly DO you do, Tracy? Well...I like to eat whatever my husband Lio cooks, and I sure do like to look at the flowers he plants.
What do you enjoy most about motherhood?
Any mother will tell you there are good days and bad days but the best thing for me is seeing the best of me and my husband reflected in this tiny baby. Also, his giggles are a heart-melter.
Do you consider yourself a fashionista or fashion-challenged?
Fashionista, baby! My mom is vertically-challenged and has been wearing heels forever. So I grew up playing dress up...in her stilettos. I love fashion—but the affordable kind. I can't pull off the stuff you see coming down the runway so I'm all about making fashion accessible.
What's been your biggest fashion faux pas that would make Lynn Spence cringe?
Sometimes I go overboard with the matchy-matchy outfits. I think Lynn would shoot me if she saw how many of my handbags match my shoes. Sorry Lynn...I'm trying to switch it up!
Can you divulge any secrets you've learned about some of the CityLine guest experts?
Does anyone else know that Lisa Rogers shows up in Converse sneakers and jeans and then magically transforms into her glamorous self seconds before we go on air? If you are stuck in a bar for 15 hours, you want to be sitting beside Joe Rich because he has enough stories to keep you entertained (and in stitches) for hours. Oh...and Lynn Spence often graces our presence in hair rollers (sorry again, Lynn!).
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