Have you entered our #HTSummerStoryWin contest? The winner will receive a $2,500 travel gift card to spend on the vacay of her dreams AND a feature on the site! Every week, we’re picking four semi finalists whose summer plans have touched us, inspired us or made us LOL.

amandaAmanda Fahey from Toronto

SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?

A: I’m a TV writer on a lifelong journey to create the next great Pinterest fail.

SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?

A: In 1948, my grandmother was working as a switchboard operator at Chrysler and she bet a co-worker that she could drive from Canada to Mexico and back in 2 weeks. Her friend Dot went along for the ride and kept a journal of their entire adventure. They drove 4820 miles and won the $50 bet. It has always been a dream of mine to recreate their road trip.

SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?

A: I take take the expression “dog days of summer” literally and I make my way to one of Toronto’s dog-friendly beaches. It’s less weird now that I have a dog.

SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…..

A: Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 45. I can’t live without it because I’m Irish on both sides and if I don’t wear sunscreen, I will burst into flames. The trick is finding one that feels like moisturizer, but works like a hazmat suit.

SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?

A: I’m saving up for a Taessa Chorny jumpsuit. I’m obsessed with the flamingo patterned one because it’s both comfy and playful, and that’s what summer is all about — that and sangria. Plus, it’s great to support local designers!

lauraLaura Palmer from Toronto

SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?

L: I freelance graphic design. For extra fun I love concerts and listening to music really loud- usually the same songs over and over until I can’t bear it.

SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?

L: I have a honeymoon coming up but zero plans! I’m dreaming of the Caribbean and doing something crazy like bungee jumping. Why not? Putting too much thought into things takes the fun out.

SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?

L: Laying out and recharging like a lizard- I need the sun to survive!

SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…

L: False eyelashes! Year round! I know people try and lighten up their makeup routine in the summer, but nope- sorry. False eyelashes always. Maybe add some blotting papers into the routine.

SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?
Cute braids in my hair, sparkly nail polish, and oh so subtle sunglasses where the frames are heart shapes. Can’t wait!

hollyHolly Macie from North Bay

SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?

H: I am currently a busser at a local restaurant. For fun I like to paint, draw, play soccer, and play with my hedgehog, Barry.

SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?

H: If I won the gift card I would travel to British Columbia to see my family out there. I also love the scenery and would like to check out universities. I feel like British Columbia is where I need to be.

SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?

H: I’d head to the beach to cool off and then eat my weight in ice cream!

SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…

H: My hair elastic. There’s nothing worse than having my long brown hair stick to the back of my neck when it’s hot out.

SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?

H: Definitely a short sundress! Nothing better than being able to have something cute to quickly pull over my bathing suit after a swim.

vanessaVanessa Stott from Toronto

SDTC: What do you do for work? For fun?

V: For work I am essentially a slave to the legal world. I practice property tax and assessment law but avoid it at all costs in my spare time. For fun, I am usually cooking, doing some unrealistic DIY project at home and of course lounging with my dog, Stoli! (Mama loves you!)

SDTC: If you won the grand prize (a $2,500 travel gift card!!!), where would you go and why?

V: I recently read an article on affordable but exotic AirBnB Rentals around the world. If I won the $2,500 I would rent an isolated location in the tropics and bring all my friends and family!

SDTC: What’s your favourite way to spend a scorching summer day?

V: I am fortunate enough to have an amazing rooftop with a pool and hot tub in downtown Toronto. On scorching summer days you can usually find me reading a good book while working on my tan or BBQing with friends!

SDTC: One summer beauty essential you can’t live without is…

V: Sunscreen WITH bronzer. Not only can I protect my skin but I can get bronzed at the same time! Win!

SDTC: What trend are you most looking forward to rocking this summer?

V: The harem jumpsuit! Is it a dress or is it a jumpsuit? Love keeping them on their toes!

Haven’t entered yet? Get on it, girl! All you gotta do is share your summer plans with us on Twitter by posting a pic and tagging @Shedoesthecity and @HTropic_CA with hashtag #HTSummerStoryWin.

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