GET CAPTIVATED BY PATRICK WILLEM'S FANTASY WORLD OF FASHION ILLUSTRATION


When looking at Patrick Willem’s artwork, it reminded me of two well-known artists: Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo. The longer I looked at his diverse photomontages, the more I seemed to dive into a world of fashion and fantasy. Pop art, colors, shadows and a meticulous mixture of nature and human faces make his work stand out as an avant-garde artist. 


            The young illustrator from Belgium completed his degree in creative advertising at the Academy of Beaux Arts in Belgium and pretty soon after that pursued his passion for fashion illustration as a freelancer. “I have always been passionate about fashion and very soon realized that my strongest talent laid in illustration. Combining these two passions of mine felt very natural to me”, he says.

            Inspired by Andy Warhol and famous photographers such as Nick Knight and Paolo Roversi, Willem describes his process of brain storming ideas like this: “My surroundings influence my way of thinking. I have a distinct image flashing through my mind and I have a vision of the end product, before I start working on it, using thumbnails or croquis. I won’t stop fine-tuning, until I am completely satisfied with the aesthetics of every image.”

           
Collaborating with other artists, such as infamous make-up artist Yasmin Heinz, gave him the opportunity to appear in her beauty book and a number of fashion magazines in the United States. He has been very active in the textile print industry and as a fashion-illustrating instructor, collaborating with agencies in New York, Washington, Hawaii, India and Berlin.

            As for future plans, he is working on projects for magazines and small businesses, while continuing to promote his personal work on his social media platforms and his website. “I am hoping to be able to contribute to and influence trends trough my artistic work and inspire fellow artists to follow suit”, says the humble artist. His talents and capabilities are sublime and his creations are easily recognizable – I am sure we will hear a lot more of Patrick Willem soon.

            If you want to know more about the Belgian illustrator, check out his website and the following links:
           

My sincere ThankYou to Patrick for creating this piece of art for me:-)



UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AT APT22 IN CALGARY!



Many of us get tired of big shopping malls - and for me one of the most important thing when I shop is great customer services and leaving the store with positive experience!
If you live in Calgary and haven't had a chance to visit APT22  - you have to make a trip there!

 APT22 is a quaint women’s clothing boutique located on the west side of Calgary. Owner Kim Stern and her fashion-conscious staff provide their clientele with style consultation in a gracious, non-judgmental way. By creating a relationships based on honesty and trust, the staff at APT22 treat each and every client with a hands-on shopping experience, complete with styling tips and cutting edge fashion know-how.







The ambience of the store is laid back and fun -  clients often say that they feel like they are walking into their girlfriend’s closet. With new, carefully hand-picked pieces coming in each week, there is no shortage of beautiful clothing in the store. You will find great selection of good brands, such as Free People, DL1961 (award winning denim), Wildfox, Love Heals, Peace Love World, Chaser, Lovers&Friends, Gentlefawn.
What I really like is the fact - that their clientele present such a vast variety when it comes to age - both mother and daughter will find something for themselves.
There is something for everyone - for sure!

If you would like to learn more about the store - you can check their website at 


 Apt22 Owner - Kimberlie Stern


MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION WITH BABOR BEAUTY SPA IN CALGARY!!!



Mother's Day at BABOR
Give her something as beautiful as she is...

... So she can unwind...
Mother's Day Treatment Feature
Receive a COMPLIMENTARY Sensational Eye Kur (A $50 Value) with ANY facial.

*Excludes Fluid Performance Facial. Valid on appointments scheduled up until May 31st, 2015.
For gifting purposes, Facial + Sensational Eye Kur can be placed on a BABOR Gift Card.


... So she can glow...
NEW! ReVersive Anti-Aging Collection
To restore youthful radiance and luminosity. Leaves the skin visibly
firmer and smoother - resulting in a beautifully even skin tone.




... So she can explore...
Signature $200 BABOR Gift Card

FREE delivery. Beautifully wrapped and accompanied by samples.
Calgary deliveries received within 1-2 business days.

... So she can captivate...
Face Design Collection Spring/Summer 2015
"This trend collection was inspired by a summer sunset! The warm light and the soft glow it brings makes every woman look beautiful.
Nude and earthy shades combined with soft peach and pink create a fresh and youthful element. Let it glow - as if you've been kissed by the sun!"
- Face Design Collection Creator, Peter Schmidinger

___________
... Because she is a beauty like no other.
Make this Mother's Day extra special with BABOR







CELEBRATE ANY OCCASION WITH BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS FROM BLOOMEX CANADA!!



Many of us choose flowers to say "thank you", to express gratitude, to celebrate special occasion..There is always a reason to give flowers..
I am very particular when it comes to floral arrangements and just recently I was looking for a vendor that would help me creating couple of special "Thank You" bouquets in Montreal..
I couldn't find a better company than Bloomex Canada..

Bloomex is Canada’s largest florist, proudly serving  since 2005 with fast delivery coast to coast.
Bloomex began as a small flower shop in downtown Toronto, but developed a unique online business model that saw it expand year after year. Bloomex provides beautiful flowers for all occasions, as well as gourmet gift baskets, spa gift baskets, gourmet treats, and so much more. They also offer corporate gift baskets and they are always pleased to meet your custom needs. With a direct-from-grower model Bloomex lets you send the freshest flowers and gifts right across Canada, at low prices that are 35-50% less than you find at a traditional retail florist.
With one of eight national production centres located right in downtown Calgary, Bloomex provides you with reliable same day service all around the city. You can order conveniently online, through live chat, or speak with one of their friendly, professional customer service consultants who are always pleased to assist you!!






CINCO2015 PRESENTED BY SHAW COMMUNICATIONS&CONTEMPORARY CALGARY




CINCO2015, Presented by Shaw Communications + Contemporary Calgary
May 2, 2015, 7:00 pm
Tickets $125

Estamos teniendo una fiesta. (We are having a party.) 

LOOK2014 was the reveal. CINCO 2015 is the celebration. 
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with three hundred of your closest friends, and more than a few luchadores, as we bid farewell to Stephen Avenue with one final blowout party before beginning the parade to the Planetarium. CINCO2015, presented by Contemporary Calgary, will be the most stylishly wild Cinco de Mayo event north of the Mexican border.

Una fiesta de proporciones contemporáneas!  
(A fiesta of contemporary proportions!)

Enjoy the flavours of Mexico with hand-crafted cocktails and small bites as you explore the space as you’ve never seen it before, re-envisioned by local artists inspired by the bold colours of contemporary Mexican art and architecture.
What to expect: Let’s just say it will be a party fueled by tequila and surprises. Eat first, bring great friends, wear comfortable (and fabulous) shoes – you’re going to need them.
CINCO2015 will be the most fun you have at a fundraiser this year, so dress boldly, come thirsty, and help us raise funds and awareness for Contemporary Calgary’s biggest year yet.

For more information, please visit the link below:



NORDSTROM BEAUTY TREND EVENT AT CHINOOK CENTRE/CALGARY!!!





Enjoy complimentary makeup, skincare&fragrance consultation
Find out about latest beauty trends&receive exclusive beauty gift 
Only at Nordstrom Calgary!
April 24th & 25th, 2015
Chinook Centre



EXPERIENCE "THE WINE" AT KELOWNA'S VIBRANT VINE !!


Just last weekend - on Easter Sunday - we've had a chance to visit one of Kelowna's wineries - The Vibrant Vine.
Although I am wine lover and visited few wineries there already - for some reason I haven't had a chance to hear about that place-well, until last week (thanks to the power of social media!)
And as to be honest - it was one wonderful experience and learn more about The Vibrant Vine.

Entrance to The Vibrant Vine


The Vibrant Vine is BC's Most Artfully Entertaining Winery & home to "The Best White Wine in the World" awarded at the 2013 World Wine Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. If you want to discover ART | WINE | MUSIC at one place - this is THE place for sure!
The Vibrant Vine is home to the world's only 3D-art tasting room and our winery experience is truly like no other. 

Amazing art wall...



Tasting time:-)



“Experience it LIVE at The Vibrant Vine!” -it's the motto of the winery as
 you’ll discover award-winning wines, VIBES at The Vine Music Fest (summer weekends concert series), special cultural events at The Villa, art workshops, award-winning gardens, gourmet pizza, very vibrant people and so much more! 
The vineyards surrounding the winery are planted with Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. 
For more information about The Vibrant Vine and their wines - check their website at:
http://www.thevibrantvine.com/


Beautiful scenery at the winery


Posing with Nora - thank you for great experience!


 With my 2.5 months love - baby Olivier





GETTING READY FOR SPRING WITH SKIN THERAPY AT BABOR BEAUTY SPA IN CALGARY!!!



With the Spring season approaching - I am always trying to get ready when it comes to my skin.
I noticed, that many women - especially in dry Calgary - forget that it is that time of a year (we have March now) to pay more attention to the proper skincare. After each Winter it is recommended to get rid of that thick layer of dry skin - and prepare it for beautiful Spring and Summer season!


Just this past week - I had a pleasure to try one from the list of face treatments at one of my favourite SPA's in Alberta - Babor Beauty Spa located in beautiful Mission area, in Calgary.
After consultation with one of the aestheticians who works there - we've decided that the best facial for me would be Vital Detox Therapy from Doctor Babor treatments.

Babor Beauty Spa waiting (and relaxing) area

As many of you know, skin detoxification is essential for cellular regeneration. This blend of potent vitamins and minerals treats the skin and neutralize harmful substances that induce aging from the inside out. The resulting detoxification allows nutrient revitalization which is vital for maintaining youthful skin.
Because my skin really needed deep cleansing as well - we've started the procedure with 30% peel that helped get rid of the dead skin cells and also helped deeper penetration of the ingredients from the products applied into the skin followed by the regular steps of Vital Detox Therapy treatment!
This facial takes about 50 min - but if you add peel and manual cleansing - you should reserve about 1.5 hour of your time - to make sure you will relax and won't be rushed (like I was a little bit because of my baby!).
My skin felt amazing right after the treatment - it was definitely more brighter and had beautiful glow - which I really need - especially now when I wake up few times at night to feed my baby:-)
If you would like to maintaing the results at home - you can think of getting certain skincare products from recommended Babor line!!
Special Thank You to Helene and her team for making my time at Babor Beauty Spa always a remarkable experience!!
Stay tuned - as I will be featuring different skincare treatment each season!!

Special Gift I've received from Babor Beauty Spa!
Cant wait to test them!



MY POSTNATAL JUICE THERAPY WITH THE JUICE SHOP/CALGARY !!!



Those of you, who were following my prenatal journey know, that I've tried to stay healthy during my whole pregnancy. I've learned that education is a key and information can change our perspective on different things.

After having my first beautiful baby boy Olivier (that was just 7 weeks ago) I knew I would really like to get back in shape as soon as I can. For me though it is a bigger picture - it is about inside and out!
Beside started going to the gym and hot yoga again - I also wanted to make sure that I nourish my body properly.And here comes The Juice Shop !

Few weeks ago, I've had a chance to connect with the store owner - Paola Correa - and together we've brainstorm an idea of featuring my juicing journey!
So, last week I've received my first set of juices that I have been drinking every day and...good surprise for those of you who think you wouldn't like them - they taste amazing. Of course, depending on what kind of juice you choose - you will get different flavours - but they are fresh, energizing and definitely - boosting your mood ( and this is exactly what I need right now with my hormonal changes:-)

I was truly inspired after meeting with the store owner - Paola - who shared with me her story with juices and how they saved life of her loved ones ( her uncle had fight with prostate cancer, metastasis in the bones and he won the battle!).

"At The Juice Shop, we believe strongly in the age-old adage of: “WE ARE WHAT WE EAT”. I began making cold-press juice for myself and my family as a positive lifestyle change, and I started seeing the benefits on all those around me. I then wanted to share these great benefits, which inspired me to create The Juice Shop, a place to provide people a delicious, organic, raw, cold-pressed juice, and contribute to helping one live a "green" and health-conscious lifestyle", says Paola.



The Juice Shop offers selection of cold-pressed, organic juices. Depending on your preferences & purpose of your juicing - in the menu you would find 13 different juices, 2 Warrior Milks, The Waters (Master Cleanse & Chlorophyll H2O) and Shots Elixir! 
Each juice provides different vitamins and plays unique role! One of my favourite is definitely "Unbeetable" - made from beets, carrots, apple, celery, cilantro, parsley and lemon. It is store's signature cocktail that promotes detoxification, beets and carrots are great for liver detoxification, parsley purifies the blood, aids with digestion and helps you detoxify.



Many of us ask question "Why juicing?" -well, it is a part of a lifestyle, it is a healthy way to get all your vitamins and minerals that your body needs for the day, the benefits of juicing are the keys to giving you a radiant, energetic life, and truly optimal health. Juice provides an excellent way for us to absorb vitamins and minerals, which is even superior to eating whole vegetables, because juicing releases theses nutrients in a highly absordable form and these nutrients both protect us from disease and boost our health and vitality.
At the end - you will experience increased energy, stamina, and mental clarity!!



 What is great about the store - juices are freshly made every day from Monday through Thursday - and you can get your juice either at the store or you can order online!!!
(for more information about delivery&shipping - you can check here).


Follow me on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)-as I am sharing my juicing experience every day, featuring different juices!!
Stay tuned to see the results of my therapy!!