The Airborne Toxic Event

The Airborne Toxic Event is one band I can't get enough of and I just found out that they will be performing an hour outside of Vancouver. I would definitely drive to see and hear them play a live show again. Squamish here I come, August 26th!

I've got thousands of songs spread out among several iPods and computers but I think this song is one of my absolute favourites...

Venice Backstage

Vivaldi - Spring

I have always wanted to visit the romantic city of Venice. One day, I hope I will be able to walk through the winding narrow alleys and next to the canals. Although it would be nice to go when it is not too busy, I hope for a trip during the Carnivale celebrations! Some of the masks and costumes are absolutely jaw-dropping!

(Costume photo/design: Tanja Schulz-Hess, World of Costumes)

Carnivale designs aside, ever wonder the how's, why's and what's of Venice? Well, then you will love this very informative short film about the enchanting, floating city of Italy.

Venice Backstage. How does Venice work? from Insula spa on Vimeo.

It's You... Vancouver, Canada

As much as I love to travel and dream about living in and exploring new cities, there's no place like home. If you have never visited Vancouver, I highly recommend it! Summer is a great time to visit but then again, come in winter and you'll have just as much fun.
Here's a video to give you a quick peak at this city. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't always rain here :P


Interesting tidbit: This morning I read that Vancouver has been newly crowned the most expensive North American city to live in, surpassing even New York City and Los Angeles! I don't know how I feel about that yet...But I suppose this sort of thing can happen to any city that has plenty to offer, right?

Hey Ocean - Big Blue Wave

Ahhh. I am cheerfully writing my first paper of my last semester. I'm pretty sure I won't miss the last minute paper writing when I leave my undergrad behind. So why am I so cheerful? Hey Ocean has some of the best "lift your spirits" songs and I'm practically dancing while writing about the 19th century play, Uncle Tom's Cabin.I'm loving their latest song, Big Blue Wave (click for a free download at the band's Facebook page). Trust me, it's completely worth it!
Back to writing...

2012 Oscar Nominations

I love award season in Hollywood: the fashions, the costumes, the spectacle of it all! And what a spectacle it is. One day, it would be very cool to actually go an award show, especially the Oscars. I can dream can't I? The closest I've ever been to going to the Oscars is personally knowing someone who attended last year's ceremony! I'll see it in person one day...Positive thinking! Hahaha!

2012 List of Nominees

I'm off to look at the nominated costume designers and their work. I'll leave you with the PS22 Chorus' performance at last year's Academy Awards. Until tomorrow!

Snow!

Yay! First day of snow this season! Last night, it began to 'wet snow' and in some places of Vancouver, it was actually snowing. But at my home it was just raining (how disappointing). But this morning I was greeted with one fabulous surprise: a light dusting of snow! Today is going to be a good day. I can feel it. There's snow and one of our local mountains is open for the ski/board season! Have you seen the film White Christmas (1954) with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye? Well, here's one of my favourite songs from that film. Enjoy and Happy Friday!

Glee's New York Colours

Hello everyone! While organizing my new purchases (school supplies for theatre design!), I realized that the season 2 finale of Glee was playing in the background. I loved the costumes and the colours. And the tunes were pretty fun too. What do you think?It would be fun to see Manhattan like Glee! Touring Broadway, dining out, exploring the city with a group of close friends! By the way, if you are planning a trip to Manhattan and wish to see a Broadway show, you have a very good chance of getting a cheaper ticket by going straight to the theatre box office shortly before show time.

How I got my ticket to Catch Me If You Can:
20 mins to showtime, I went straight to the box office and asked if there were any tickets left. There were! Instead of paying $120, I got a centre orchestra seat for only $79! So close to showtime, I think they are happy to fill the seats.
Okay. I love Rachel's outfits but I don't know if I could ever pull off a striped coat like this one!
Breakfast at Tiffany's anyone?

Duque Hotel Boutique & Spa, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Gotan Project - Santa Maria

The Spirit of Tango III, Buenos Aires - Christopher Pillitz

Today's travel wish: Buenos Aires. Actually, I just really want to visit South America! I've never been further south than Mexico in the Western Hemisphere. In fact, I think I've never been further south than the Philippines.
The Duque Hotel Boutique & Spa looks like it would be a lovely place to stay at in Buenos Aires. Located in the heart of the popular and trendy, Palermo Soho, Duque is a perfect mix of classic and contemporary, old and new. It looks like it has so much charm. I want to go!Fabulous chair!
And that is a great logo! Very charming...
I want a hat like that!
Have a great weekend everyone! I'll be dreaming of Argentina and South America...

Vintage Photos

Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual

It's funny how short he looked in this photo, when really he was quite tall!
Love these old shots of my maternal grandparents. So much style and so little effort. My grandpa used to love Tom Jones!

Condé Nast Traveller: September Visionaries Issue

Lebo M. - Busa

I was so inspired by this video. At first the beautiful photographs caught my eye and then I watched this video. I'm not one of those crazy "I love you Drew Barrymore" Drew Barrymore fans, but she seems like a cool person. Condé Nast Traveller thinks so too!This September is the Visionaries issue, featuring trailblazers like Drew, who is a World Food Programme ambassador by the way. Apologies for the ads at the beginning of the video clip but I promise they are worth sitting through. Cheers!

Photo Shoot with MUAHjwn & Dominic de Sequera

Stéphane Pompougnac ft. Madonna - What It Feels Like for a Girl (remix)

Well, I gave you a sneak peak of the photo shoot with MUAHJwn's Jessica W. N. and now I've got the final shots from photographer (and cousin) Dominic de Sequera. These were taken at Granville Island, Vancouver. Enjoy!And a few behind-the-scenes shots with a little peek at my small role in the shoot!If it tickles your fancy to use any of these shots, please credit the photographer and attach a link. Thank you! Until next time!

A Vancouver Summer Weekend

Sergio Mendes - Magalenha

I just had one of the most multicultural weekends! Vancouver had a nickname: "no fun Vancouver," but I think that's changed! If ever you come to visit Vancouver, I guarantee there will be lots for you to do here. Because I haven't posted in a while, I'll make this a juicy one!This past Saturday was the Brazilian festival in downtown. One of the main streets closed to allow tourists and locals alike to enjoy the Brazilian food, colours and beats. I didn't get a chance to take good pictures (I didn't want to carry my huge camera in the crowds you'll see in a second), but I do have some coming from a friend.The stage featured some great acts, but I think the most entertaining were Sambata and Ache Brasil.
Difficult to see thanks to my short legs but there is a group all in white playing drums in the middle of that crowd! The festival was on one of the main streets in downtown Vancouver.

Following the Brazilfest, we walked with the crowds to English Bay, and patiently waited to enjoy Canada's display of fireworks for the Celebration of Light 2011 and what a show! I unfortunately missed the day when Red Bull's aerobatic pilot, Pete McLeod, gave the crowd a show!This year, the competitors were recent champions: China, Spain, and Canada. They had amazing fireworks that would fall to the water and then come shooting out again! At least that's what it looked like!We finished off our Saturday night by heading to the Ouisi Bistro for a drink. It's a small spot in South Granville with a great list of international beers. I ordered the Alhambra beer from Spain. Yum! Love the green bottle...Sunday was a busy day of driving all over the place: brunch and cupcakes in North Van, half hour drive to drop off a friend, another half hour back to pickup friends and then another half hour to Empire Field to watch the Vancouver Whitecaps FC play against Chicago!The firework pictures are from the Celebration of Light website and the Ouisi Bistro and first two Brazilfest pictures I found floating around the internet.

Wicked

Wicked - The Wizard and I

Yesterday I watched WICKED! And it was amazing! I see now why people rave about this show. Have you seen Wicked? Easily some of the most incredible sets and costumes I've ever seen on stage (along with the Lion King). And I got to sit in Row 8! Unforgettable... If you ever plan to come to New York City, I highly recommend seeing at least one show. Here are some shots I found floating around the internet...Even the Gershwin Theatre lobby has been swankified!

Go left to Shiz University...
Or right to pass Munchkinland and meander to the Emerald City...
And as you leave...Isn't that the sad truth?! Majority of photos from HERE and more of my New York adventures to come :)