I am a photographer, Graphic Designer and a stay-at-home-mom who enjoys blogging and writing reviews. Photography and cars are my passion. I post about various topics including health & beauty, events, automotive, music, film, travel, food, and sometimes giveaway contests.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Photo of the Day: Peek of the Fairmont Jasper Lodge
In this photograph, here we see a peek of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge at a distance across Lac Beauvert. See more landscape photos in my Facebook Gallery.
Landscape Workflows That Will Help Photographers Save Time Editing
I've recently updated my old version Adobe Lightroom to the latest Lightroom 6. It's much faster and I'm really happy with it. I realized this license only allowed LR installed on 2 computers max. All of my presets were automatically transferred from the upgrade so I didn't need to reinstall them.
I was recently introduced to Sleeklens' Lightroom landscape workflows. They sell professional workflows that help photographers save time with photo editing and get better results. I'm so glad I was able to try it out and share this with you all and my photographer friends. The results are great! Now this is what I'm looking for.
Photo of the trail near Rearguard Falls in BC:
BEFORE
AFTER
The original (shown above) was actually taken early morning, but I decided to have fun and turned it into a sunset photo using the "Calm Sunset" preset in the collection.
Photo of Pyramid Lake near Jasper, Alberta:
BEFORE
AFTER
For this one, I used two of the presets and the cloudy sky definition brush to make the sky pop.
WHERE TO BUY? You can get the Landscape Workflows through Sleeklens.com website. They are available for both Photoshop users as PS Actions and Lightroom as LR Presets.
Disclosure: I received Sleeklens Landscape Lightroom Presets at no charge in exchange for my honest review in this post. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. No other compensation was given.
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Thursday, September 22, 2016
What Does Fall/Autumn Mean to You?
Today (September 22, 2016) marks the first day of Fall/Autumn. The weather is still nice, but after a couple more weeks, it will become cooler (especially in the early mornings). Many plants will become dormant, leaves change color and will fall from the trees. What comes to your mind when you think of Fall? When I think of Fall, I think of orange and yellow tones. Let me know what Fall/Autumn means to you.
Below are images of Fall/Autumn you might enjoy and tell us your favorite:
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Wednesday, September 21, 2016
The Yoga Expo is Coming to Vancouver, BC on Oct.1-2
The 2016 Yoga Expo is making its debut in Vancouver at the Vancouver Convention Center on Saturday, Oct. 1st-2nd. Master teachers from around the globe will join Vancouvers’s top local teachers and studios to give participants an opportunity to connect, reflect and learn about the joys and benefits of yoga. Attendees will have access to unlimited yoga and meditation, programs, live music, local and sustainable food samples, a unique 50,000 square foot yoga-themed marketplace and more.
The Yoga Expo launched in January 2016 and hosts events throughout the U.S. and Canada to educate and empower participants to enact social change through their daily choices. Founder Kyle Michaud says “I started the Yoga Expo because I wanted to create a community where students and teachers have the opportunity to connect. Students take classes with local and international teachers, explore our yoga-themed marketplace and enjoy a day of mindfulness.”
Highlights at The Yoga Expo Vancouver include:
■ Tantra Fitness Vancouver’s premier dance and aerial yoga fitness studio
■ Hannon Cluff Teacher at Dharma Movement Company, specializing in Hatha, Candlelight Yin, and Dharma Karma Flow.
■ Shivaji Wells of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy
■ Rachel Scott Director of Teachers College & Development at YYoga
■ Lori & Jeremy Lowell Vancouver locals specializing in live music and vinyasa flow experience- Drishti Beats
■ Rebecca Hall Founder of the Hoopurbia Festival
■ Chrystal Pearl Vancouver local hot yoga instructor from West Coast Hot Yoga & Oxygen Yaltetown
■ Carly Hayden Founder of Catalyst Yoga LLC
■ Amara Blue Jewelry
■ Meditation Classes
■ Yoga and Essential Oils Classes
■ Mindfulness Classes
■ Yoga Classes with Live Music
■ Local and Sustainable Food
■ 50,000 square foot marketplace featuring unique vendors, yoga and fitness apparel, and related accessories.
Tickets are $35 for one day, or $60 for a weekend pass. Ticket holders are entitled to all events all day, including an array of over 85 classes. Tickets can be purchased at www.theyogaexpo.com
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Photo of the Day: View of Red Deer River From Star Mine Suspension Bridge
View of the Red Deer River from the Star Mine Suspension Bridge in Drumheller, Alberta. See more landscape photos in my Facebook Gallery.
Dr. Kally Papantoniou, a NYC board certified dermatologist explains that, “Crepey skin occurs with age and the process is accelerated by photo-aging (frequent sun exposure without protection) which leads to the break down of collagen and elastin fibers, causing skin to lose its elasticity and become thinner.” For those of us who already dabble in Botox, filler, and facials, what can be done about this additional “evil?”
Prevention for crepey skin.
Dr. Papantoniou says that, “The most important way to prevent creepiness is to protect skin from sun exposure, the UVA and UVB rays are the leading cause for crepey skin, thus daily photo-protection is key in preventing creepiness.”
Which over-the-counter products and solutions does Dr. Papantoniou recommend to specifically treat crepey skin?
For face- SkinCeuticals A.G.E. interrupter For eyes- Revision makes a cream – DEJ repair, for the delicate area around the eyes to address crepiness. For neck- Revision Nectifirm For chest- SkinCeuticals Neck, Chest & Hand Repair For arms- SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate For legs- Excipial 10% lotion, or Amlactin
What is the ideal way to apply products?
For best results it is recommended that you make sure to cleanse the affected area prior to applying creams to treat skin. Applying the creams twice daily will provide the best results.
What can you expect from a crepey skin cream? Temporary or long-term?
Depending on the types of creams being used, in the short-term you can expect, reduction of the appearance of crepey skin. The long-term benefits from keeping skin hydrated and applying certain ingredients to heal and repair skin, may induce new growth.
What ingredients make these products work?
Dr. Papantoniou explains that, “Creams often will contain proteins called peptides such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 which act on the cellular level to help prevent the degradation of collagen, and can help promote synthesis. Hyaluronic acid will help plump and hydrate skin, which improves the immediate appearance of crepey skin. The addition of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E have the effect of reducing oxidative stress and damage to skin and can stimulate new collagen growth. Certain plant extracts can also be found as ingredients in tightening creams for their natural properties. Using a retinol containing product can also have great effect on rebuilding collagen and rejuvenating skin.”
Dr. Papantoniou warns to steer clear of creams that don't contain any active ingredients, and are essentially just moisturizers. These are just gimmicks and won’t help with crepey skin.
Is there any evidence that higher-priced products are better?
Dr. Papantoniou says that, “I would not base the effectiveness on the price tag of a product. Research instead what ingredients it contains and read reviews, this can help guide your selection.”
Are all over the counter products limited in what they can achieve?
Over the counter products can actually be very helpful in this instance, the only prescription medication that will perform better is retinoic acid, but retinol can still be very effective is used regularly.
What are Dr. Papantoniou’s in-office treatments for crepey skin?
Her favorite treatments for crepey skin are the Thermismooth 250, which feels like a hot stone massage, it can be used under the eyes, neck area, and almost anywhere on the body. Thermismooth 250 works by stimulating skin to produce collagen and rejuvenate. It tightens and can even help the appearance of cellulite. The Ulthera is also a powerful energy based machine, using ultrasound energy to stimulate tightening and new collagen as well. “Ulthera is great for the face, neck and chest area especially. For even more of a lift there is the ThermiTight, which is a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency energy is placed under the surface of the skin, and stimulates skin remodeling with results that are very impressive,” says Dr. Papantoniou.
About Dr. Kally Papantoniou Dr. Kally Papantoniou is a Cosmetic Dermatologist, Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology. She specializes in Injectables, Lasers, Body Contouring, Surgical and Medical Dermatology. Dr. Papantoniou is also a clinical professor at Mount Sinai Health Center in New York City. She applies expert techniques and the newest technologies to treat her patients. Dr. Papantoniou focuses on providing her patients with the highest level of care, with special interests in natural and healthy alternatives to treatments and disease prevention. Connect with Dr. Papantoniou via twitter @DrPapantoniou or her website www.DrPapantoniou.com
SEPTEMBER:
Monday, September 26, 2016 Dallas, TX House of Blues
Tuesday, September 27, 2016 San Antonio, TX The Aztec Theater
Thursday, September 29, 2016 Houston, TX House of Blues
Friday, September 30, 2016 New Orleans, LA Orpheum Theatre
OCTOBER:
Saturday, October 01, 2016 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
Monday, October 03, 2016 Orlando, FL House of Blues
Tuesday, October 04, 2016 Miami Beach, FL The Fillmore
Thursday, October 06, 2016 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore
Friday, October 07, 2016 Raleigh, NC The Ritz
Sunday, October 09, 2016 New York, NY Beacon Theatre
Monday, October 10, 2016 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 Boston, MA House of Blues
Thursday, October 13, 2016 Toms River, NJ Pine Belt Arena
Saturday, October 15, 2016 Westbury, NY Theatre at Westbury
Sunday, October 16, 2016 Montreal, QC Metropolis
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 Toronto, ON Danforth Music Hall
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
Sunday, October 23, 2016 Nashville, TN Ryman Theatre
Monday, October 24, 2016 St Louis, MO The Pageant
Tuesday, October 25, 2016 Madison, WI Orpheum Theatre
Thursday, October 27, 2016 Tulsa, OK Brady Theatre
Friday, October 28, 2016 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre
Sunday, October 30, 2016 Denver, CO The Fillmore Auditorium
NOVEMBER:
Tuesday, November 01, 2016 Salt Lake City, UT The Complex
Wednesday, November 02, 2016 Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom
Friday, November 04, 2016 Vancouver, BC Vogue Theatre
Saturday, November 05, 2016 Seattle, WA The Showbox SoDo
Monday, November 07, 2016 San Jose, CA City National Civic
Tuesday, November 08, 2016 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
Charlie Puth’s debut album Nine Track Mind is available at http://smarturl.it/NineTrackMind
Contest is open to US only, 18+ (ends October 15th, 2016 at 11:59pm EST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional. Please enter the giveaway form below. The winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck! Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!
Disclosure: Bloggers in this giveaway were not compensated and are not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. You are not eligible if you have won a prize from any of the sponsors in the last 12 month. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
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Disney's Moana New Trailer Released
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new feature film “Moana” is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people. The brand new trailer for Walt Disney Animation Studios' “Moana" is now available!
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘i, “Moana” sails into theatres on Nov. 23, 2016.
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Thursday, September 15, 2016
#NYFW Hair How To: Zang Toi SS17
It's nearly the end of NYFW! If you were in the area and had the chance to attend, hope you enjoyed it.
Zang Toi captivated audiences this evening with a stunning Spring/Summer 2017 collection inspired by a “Glorious Giverny Garden.” Using Macadamia Professional products, lead stylist Eiji Yamane created the “The Perfectly Parisian” hairstyle with an elegantly executed double chignon bun.
Lead Stylists for Macadamia Professional: Eiji Yamane Look: The Perfectly Parisian
Step-by-Step:
1. Evenly distribute Macadamia Professional Blow Dry Lotion, section hair and blow dry.
2. Part hair over the left eye moving diagonally to the right side of the head, stopping at the crown.
3. Pull back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck – pulling tightly to ensure the top of the head is smooth and sleek. Using a curling iron, curl the entire ponytail at once to give slight softness and movement.
4. Separate ponytail into two sections. Take the left section and curling up; create a large hiding the curls of the newly defined loose bun. Secure with bobby pins and spray with Macadamia Professional Style Lock Strong Hold Hairspray to lock in place.
5. Repeat step 4 with the right section of the ponytail, to create a loose, chic double chignon.
6. Using a comb, gently smooth out all hair that is pulled back one last time and apply Macadamia Professional Whipped Detailing Cream to tame any flyaways.
The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today {DVD Giveaway}
The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today is out on DVD from Sony Home Entertainment! In the brand new original animated film, Princess Alise is training to be the perfect royal but in her heart all she wants to do is sail the seven seas as a swashbuckling pirate! After setting sail, Princess Alise is shipwrecked and washes ashore on an island where she meets Lucas, a young boy who has been living there by herself. They have to work together to survive and get back to civilization!
Do you have a favorite classic Swan Princess movie?
{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS } Prize: ONE (1) lucky reader will receive their very own copy of The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today!
Contest is open to US & Canada, 18+ (ends September 25th, 2016 at 12am PST). All entries unless otherwise noted are optional. Please enter the giveaway form below. The winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!
Are you fit for a storybook fairy tale or a swashbuckling high seas adventure? Take the quiz to find out and unlock a GIF!
Take the quiz below. I'm curious to know what your result is! Continue to the Rafflecopter form below to enter for your chance to win the DVD for your family.
Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!
Disclosure: Sony Home Video provided me with some of the materials I used in this Blog Post/Giveaway. This blog is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. All opinion are my own. No other compensation was given.
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Monday, September 12, 2016
Huge Promotion on GearBest and Deals to Take Advantage of
We're into the second week of September now. It's back to school for many of us and if you're looking for gadgets or accessories, check out GearBest.com. They are currently having a huge promotion starting today (September 12, 2016) where you can find deals up to 70% off on selected items! Hurry, because it is only for a limited time ends in a couple of days. I am definitely going to take advantage of the deals (and even pick up some early Christmas gifts).
After being introduced to GearBest, I browsed the website for quite a while. There are a lot of variety of items available, from home and garden supplies, smart phones and watches, electronics, pet supplies to beauty products and more.
I had the opportunity to work with GearBest and was given the choice to review one of the Smart Watches, but unfortunately the post office had messed up with their tracking and we have no idea where the item is at this point. All I know is that the delivery location on the tracking says in a different city than my address city. I'll keep you all posted about the status and hopefully get a review on this Bluetooth Wristband Smart Watch or similar soon.
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Friday, September 9, 2016
All Time Low Release Bonus Track "Take Cover"
All Time Low dropped a never before released bonus track "Take Cover" along with a new video! The song and video footage is taken from their upcoming release of "Straight To DVD II: Past, Present, and Future Hearts".
All Time Low has some of the most dedicated fans in music and that is because the band has always given them a look behind the curtain. They have nothing to hide and this time around is no different. All Time Lowis inviting fans back for an in depth look into their world with the release of 'Straight To DVD II: Past, Present and Future Hearts'. The documentary, directed by Rafa Alcantara (Twentyfourcore Productions), picks up right where 2010's 'Straight To DVD' ends, diving deep into the past six years with Alex, Jack, Zack and Rian leading up to the band's sixth studio album, Future Hearts. The album debuted #1 in the US and UK and gave All Time Low the highest charting and biggest selling week of their careers.
Along with the journey of the documentary, Directed & Edited by Rafa Alcantara for TWENTYFOURCORE (Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed), the release includes the live performance from the sold out Wembley Arena show, directed by Tim Mattia, in its entirety giving fans who missed the epic night in London the opportunity to feel side stage, and for fans that were there, the chance to relive the night over and over again. Additionally, two never before released B-sides tracks from Future Hearts are also included.
Watch the New Official Trailer
'Straight To DVD II: Past, Present and Future Hearts' will be officially released on September 9th, 2016 through Hopeless Records and is now available for physical and digital pre-order.
When pre-ordered digitally, fans will receive "Take Cover" as an instant grat track!
In addition to the standard CD/DVD, a special deluxe version of STD II will also be available to pre-order. It includes 2 CDs + DVD with 4 Exclusive Fan-Favorite Tracks + 12" x 12" Limited Edition Photo Art Book featuring 72 pages of exclusive live and behind the scenes photos. Only 5,000 are available worldwide.
Deluxe Track Listing:
CD 1
1. Intro
2. A Love Like War
3. Lost In Stereo
4. Heroes
5. Somewhere In Neverland
6. The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver
7. Weightless
8. Remembering Sunday (feat. Cassadee Pope)
9. Therapy
10. Kids In The Dark
11. Guts
12. Outlines (feat. Josh Franceschi)
13. Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don't)
14. Forget About It
15. Backseat Serenade
16. Time Bomb
17. Something's Gotta Give
18. The Reckless and the Brave
19. Dear Maria, Count Me In
CD 2
1. Six Feet Under The Stars
2. Stella
3. Jasey Rae
4. Take Cover (B-Sides)
5. Caroline (B-Sides)
DVD
Past, Present, and Future Hearts Documentary
Live At Wembley Arena
Outtakes
Standard Track Listing: CD
1. Intro
2. A Love Like War
3. Lost In Stereo
4. Heroes
5. Somewhere In Neverland
6. The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver
7. Weightless
8. Remembering Sunday (feat. Cassadee Pope)
9. Therapy
10. Kids In The Dark
11. Guts
12. Outlines (feat. Josh Franceschi)
13. Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don't)
14. Forget About It
15. Backseat Serenade
16. Time Bomb
17. Something's Gotta Give
18. The Reckless and the Brave
19. Dear Maria, Count Me In
20. Take Cover (B-Sides)
21. Caroline (B-Sides)
DVD
Past, Present, and Future Hearts Documentary
Live At Wembley Arena
Outtakes
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New Neighbourhood Small Grants Funds Available for Canada's 150th in East Vancouver
Help us celebrate Canada's 150th Birthday!
I am happy to announce that our Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) area has received a small pot of additional funding through the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a collaboration between the Vancouver Foundation, the Government of Canada, and extraordinary leaders from coast to coast to coast.
These funds will be distributed by Cedar Cottage, Kiwassa and Frog Hollow Neighbourhood Houses and local volunteers to neighbourhood-based projects that "build vibrant and healthy communities, encourage participation in community activities to mark Canada’s 150th, and inspire a deeper understanding about the people, places and events that shape our communities and our country."
We have enough funding to support 13 projects in our NSG area (the catchment areas of Kiwassa, Frog Hollow and Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood Houses (see map below) at $500 each. The guidelines for approving grants will be similar to our regular Neighbourhood Small Grants funding. Please see www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca for more information.
In particular we are looking for creative, unique projects that focus on building community in our neighbourhoods. We will place priority on funding projects that are organized by and engage youth, seniors, Aboriginal communities, new immigrants and refugees. We are happy to have current NSG Project Leaders apply, but ask that your application tell us how this project will be different than your past ones and build new connections.
Applications are now open and the deadline is Monday September 26th! Funded projects must take place between October 15, 2016 and January 15, 2017.
You can apply online at www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca. (Click on "I'd like to Apply", then scroll down to "Neighbourhood Small Grants - Apply", then scroll down to "Apply/Login").
If you are receiving this email and do not live within the boundaries of the East Vancouver Neighbourhood Small Grants area, please check if you are eligible to apply in your neighbourhood at www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca
Please note: Businesses and registered organizations cannot apply for funding. If you are receiving this in your role within an organization, we would love your help to spread the word among your staff, volunteers and program participants and encourage them to apply. Residents who receive a grant will need to hold their projects separately from regular program times and activities and with minimal support from staff. This is so that new connections can be made and that the projects funded are truly resident-led.
In this photograph, here we see a peek of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge at a distance across Lac Beauvert. See more landscape photos in my Facebook Gallery.
I've recently updated my old version Adobe Lightroom to the latest Lightroom 6. It's much faster and I'm really happy with it. I realized this license only allowed LR installed on 2 computers max. All of my presets were automatically transferred from the upgrade so I didn't need to reinstall them. 
Today (September 22, 2016) marks the first day of Fall/Autumn. The weather is still nice, but after a couple more weeks, it will become cooler (especially in the early mornings). Many plants will become dormant, leaves change color and will fall from the trees. What comes to your mind when you think of Fall? When I think of Fall, I think of orange and yellow tones. Let me know what Fall/Autumn means to you.
View of the Red Deer River from the Star Mine Suspension Bridge in Drumheller, Alberta. See more landscape photos in my Facebook Gallery.
The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today is out on DVD from Sony Home Entertainment! In the brand new original animated film, Princess Alise is training to be the perfect royal but in her heart all she wants to do is sail the seven seas as a swashbuckling pirate! After setting sail, Princess Alise is shipwrecked and washes ashore on an island where she meets Lucas, a young boy who has been living there by herself. They have to work together to survive and get back to civilization!
We're into the second week of September now. It's back to school for many of us and if you're looking for gadgets or accessories, check out GearBest.com. They are currently having a huge promotion starting today (September 12, 2016) where you can find deals up to 70% off on selected items! Hurry, because it is only for a limited time ends in a couple of days. I am definitely going to take advantage of the deals (and even pick up some early Christmas gifts). 
All Time Low dropped a never before released bonus track "Take Cover" along with a new video! The song and video footage is taken from their upcoming release of "Straight To DVD II: Past, Present, and Future Hearts". 
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