Archive for 三月 2016

Go Swimming: Vancouver’s Outdoor Pools Open Saturday, May 18

Published on 21:34:00 By Steampunk

Kitsilano Pool. Photo: albategenius

Summer is soon here. Opening day for Vancouver’s outdoor pools heralds the coming sunshine. Kitsilano Pool , Second Beach Pool , New Brighton Pool and Hillcrest Pool open for public swimming on Saturday May, 18– just in time for the Victoria Day Long Weekend.

How do you pick a pool?

Well, if it’s about more than proximity, each pool has its own set of alluring features.

My personal favourite is Kitsilano Pool. Here’s why: “ Kits Pool” is a beachfront beauty and the longest pool in Canada. It’s also the only salt-water pool in Vancouver so you feel as though you’re in the adjacent ocean. For those who are visiting Kits, it’s located along the beach at Cornwall and Vine. There’s a cafe and a three water slides. Thanks to the pristine waters and jumbo-sized tanning chairs, the pool often boasts more visitors than the nearby beach. There’s also a kids’ area with a water fountain that squirts jets. Stay long enough and you can hit up Appy Hour with a beach/sunset view at the nearby Boathouse Restaurant .

A close second is Second Beach Pool located in Stanley Park at the junction of Stanley Park Drive and North Lagoon Drive. Second Beach Pool is also a waterfront pool. It’s heated, which you’ll appreciate in the spring to summer transition. It’s also easy to make a day of it by adding a hike or bike in Stanley Park and barbequing at nearby Ceperley Meadow.

In East Van, you can swim outdoors at New Brighton Pool : a is a heated, outdoor pool in New Brighton Park north of the Pacific National Exhibition on Windermere St. While the ocean access isn’t as full-on as the first two options, you’ve still got stunning mountain scenery.

Hillcrest Aquatic Centre —near Queen Elizabeth Park—is your best bet for young kids. In addition to the indoor pools and “lazy river”, the outfoor pool has the good stuff: water jets, bubble sprays and a kid-operated water cannon.

Want more updates on Vancouver fun? Follow me on Twitter @TJerven

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Kwik Tek Airhead Hotdog Review

Outdoor

Published on 20:31:00 By Steampunk

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By Don Jurries

For several days now, I’ve been “product testing” Kwik Tek’s Airhead 3 person towable called the Hot Dog (also known as the “water weenie”) with my four nieces and nephews. I suspect they wanted me along because at 6’3” and 220 lbs, I could add an extra amount of thrill by bouncing the Hot Dog higher over the wake and waves.

What surprised me was how well the Hot Dog took the beating. At 8 ½ feet long and 44” wide, it was far more stable on the water than I had expected. The first towable I ever rode (back in the late 1960s) was nothing like it. My father had rigged up a spare door from our house to a tow rope. You had to lean back to keep the top of the door out of the water. And when you fell off, the door nose-dived straight to the bottom and was a struggle to get back up. We eventually graduated to inner tubes off truck tires.

Today’s towables are so vastly different and so much more advanced. Sitting on the back of the Hot Dog, I could twist and turn the towable a little in my attempts to dislodge the other riders, but this water weenie has been designed with three 30-gauge vinyl air chambers encased by a double stitched 840-denier nylon cover that keeps it incredibly true and straight.

The Airhead Hot Dog also has deluxe nylon-wrapped handles with neoprene knuckle guards that are strong and easy to grip, and three neoprene seat pads that help you stay on top. Rope hook-ups are made easy with the heavy-duty Kwik-Connect system. All Airhead towables are equipped with an Airhead Multi-Valve for the ultimate in inflating and deflating convenience. The only difficulty I had was actually getting onto the towable from the water given my size without first putting my nieces and nephews on top to weigh it down.

The Hot Dog is part of a series of towables by Airhead that includes the 2 person Double Dog and 4 person Jumbo Dog. Airhead also makes other towables in just about every shape and size.

While I’m a slalom skier generally, it’s an individual sport. Products like the Airhead Hot Dog towable let the family have fun together and no-one has to wait their turn.

The Kwik Tek Airhead Hot Dog retails for $199.99.

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Best Time to Travel the Coromandel

Outside

Published on 18:47:00 By Steampunk

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I’m currently enjoying an explore of the beautiful Coromandel Region in the North Island and there’s no better month to be here than in Spring. It really is ‘teashirt’ weather.

The New Zealand Spring season begins from mid-September through to November. The further north you go in New Zealand the warmer it gets. So visiting the Coromandel Peninsula in Spring or Autumn means you can unpack your swimming gear. Seriously!

I will never understand why most international travellers still visit New Zealand during the busiest months between December and February (during the peak New Zealand summer season). In my opinon the most glorious travel months are in spring and the beginning of the autumn season (March, April, May). Why? In Spring there’s a beautiful energy in the air but more importantly, accommodations are not continually booked out

Just look at this photo shot today at ‘Hot Water Beach’ and ‘Hahei Beach’… where are the crowds?

My advice? Plan a New Zealand holiday outside the peak summer holiday months. Travel in spring or autumn instead! This is especially the best time to travel the Coromandel Peninsula. You’ll get to lay your towel out on an empty golden beach and…sorry, gotta go and unpack the speedos!

Happy travelling!
Michael

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New Swimming Pool Project Proposed for Coal Harbour

Outside

Published on 18:21:00 By Steampunk

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New Swimming Pool Project Proposed for Coal Harbour

Image courtesy of HCMA Architecture + Design

Would you go swimming in Coal Harbour if you had the chance? A Vancouver architecture design firm is proposing the development of a new “Harbour Deck”, which would allow the city to re-engage with the waterfront along the upscale Coal Harbour waterfront neighbourhood.

The design proposal is similar to a the harbour baths in Copenhagen, which are extremely popular for tourists and locals alike, who can go down to the harbour for a quick dip in the ocean. Could that be an option in Vancouver’s near future?

The Vancouver-based HCMA Architecture + Design firm is behind the initial design proposal. The firm is not new to the public pool scene and is responsible for a number of Vancouver’s aquatic centre facilities, including the West Vancouver Public Pool and the Killarney Community Pool.

Now, HCMA wants to turn Vancouver’s largest harbour into a dedicated swimming area and unique gathering space. The proposed design for Harbour Deck includes an oval wooden boardwalk, wind-shielded seating, swim lanes and wading areas, water hammocks, a raised bridge, and a four-metre high platform for jumping off into the water.

Image courtesy of HCMA Architecture + Design

There are no immediate plans to start building this public pool, but the team behind the pitch is hoping that the public will get excited about the idea, encouraging the city to help make it happen. (Remember the huge success of last year’s giant water slide ?)

The location of the Coal Harbour Pool would be at the foot of Bute Street in Coal Harbour, adjacent to the float plane terminal. For those who are concerned about cleanliness of the water, Coastal Health has confirmed that the water is safe for swimming.

In fact, bringing a public pool into the area would be a move to help improve the water as a public pool may encourage a consistent effort to improve the water quality to allow for swimming to take place.

The water temperature of Vancouver’s harbour is similar to that of Copenhagen, where residents swim year-round (in fact there are around 11,000 people in winter swim clubs). Darryl Condon, the firm’s managing partner, said the design has potential to create “healthy, delightful and sustainable environments” that strengthen the relationships of people who live the shoulder-to-shoulder city lifestyle.

Image courtesy of HCMA Architecture + Design

The design also features space for picnicking and live performances and festivals, with views of Stanley Park, the North Shore mountains and city skyline. Designs for the proposal, which would be North America’s first Harbour Deck, are on display at the Museum of Vancouver. The exhibition runs from Jan. 21 to May 15.

What do you think of a public pool in Coal Harbour? Let us know in the comment section below!

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3 Summer Music Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss

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Published on 18:02:00 By Steampunk

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Maybe you missed your chance to go to Coachella, again. Rather than getting bummed, choose from the other amazing festivals happening across the country, all summer long.

Wakarusa

Now in its 12th year, Wakarusa is four days of bliss on Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Arkansas. The festival is host to more than 150 acts and a thriving community based on friendship.

Be prepared for a range of temperatures in the Ozarks in June as it can go from chilly to balmy in a matter of hours. Pack sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting dirty (maybe a couple pairs), shorts and a few warmer items along with your sunscreen and normal essentials. If you’re feeling frisky, pack a costume to participate in the Friday night content and parade or to add to the performance element of the event.

Groups of three or more attending and camping together are designated as tribes. They may have their own flag or totem that allows them to find each other, or their camp, easily in the sea of people. Concerts and events are non-stop and scattered around the grounds on a number of stages, in the woods and in open areas. Make sure you grab a map so you don’t miss your favorite acts!

Pitchfork

Pitchfork Music Festival – held at Union Park in Chicago, Illinois – is a three-day adventure into the best new and emerging tunes. You can expect everything from hip-hop to experimental rock.

Once you’re in, you’re not leaving; absolutely no re-entry is allowed. Two unopened bottles of water are allowed upon entry, but all other food-stuff must be purchased inside the gates. Health junkies will be happy to know that gluten-free and vegan menus are offered by many vendors. Pack plenty of necessities like batteries, cameras (nothing professional or you’re not getting in), sunscreen and rain gear – the outdoor festival will continue, rain or shine.

Pitchfork has a maintained commitment to promoting local businesses and the Chicago arts community , hosting more than 50 local vendors. Specialty fairs include a craft fair, record fair and a showcase of the country’s best concert poster artists, so have cash on hand.

Burning Man

Since its somewhat accidental beginning in 1986, Burning Man continues to grow in size and population. This is not your average festival, it’s a festival city!

For one end-of-summer week every year, a city is built in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. This temporary metropolis becomes home to a participatory community that embraces radical art, self-reliance and honest self-expression in all its forms. Whether they contribute art, volunteer at the cities first-aid tent or help provide meals for their neighbors, each resident of Black Rock City has a part to play, something to offer and a way to share with their community.

Becoming a resident isn’t for the faint of heart or novice festival-goer. Single-day or two-day passes are not offered, and participants are encouraged to be present for the entire week. On the final day of the festival, The Man – a giant art installation in the form of a human effigy – is burned.

Grab your best festival gear and start planning the summer of a lifetime!

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Small Talk. Big Day: Wedding Advice Video Series

Ask Etta

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Today we have Wedding Paper Divas style & trend expert, Amber Harrison on the blog sharing a fun announcement with us! Amber Harrison is our resident authority on the latest wedding trends and etiquette guidelines. She combines tradition, personal style and the hottest trends to help each couple celebrate their unique love story on their big day.

You GUYS! I have been bursting to share this fun new project with you all and today is finally the day!

We have been hard at work for months to bring you our new video series, Small Talk. Big Day . We will be bringing you a new video every week on #WeddingWednesday covering a huge range of topics to help you tackle all your wedding planning tasks. The videos are only about a minute long, so you can totally watch them on the go (ahem, Starbucks line anyone?) and share them with friends and, of course, your wedding party.

As the style & trend expert for Wedding Paper Divas, I love nothing more than to help you tell your love story in a way that only you can. Whether it is offering inspiration, practical tips or helping to navigate a sticky situation, my goal is to take some of the pressure off and help you have fun preparing for the best day of your life!

I want to hear from you!

Post a comment to me below with your questions, conundrums and concerns and I may address your concerns (anonymously, of course!) in an upcoming episode.

Thank you all for trusting me and Wedding Paper Divas with your special day – I am honored to lend a hand!

xo
Amber

Don’t forget to follow along and show me all *your* favorite wedding inspiration. #SmallTalkBigDay

Follow on Instagram: @weddingpaperdivas OR @amberkharrison

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

Mailing Wedding Invitations – Tips & Advice
Look Your Best With These Wedding Picture Ideas
Wedding Thank You Notes Etiquette

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Vineyard Wedding Inspiration Board

Blog

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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For a warm weather vineyard wedding, play up the natural beauty of your surroundings with soft pastel hues and rustic touches.

L to R: Wedding Paper Divas Vinter Label invitation, Shoes , Tablescape , Champagne Glasses , Champagne Cake Pops , Wedding Sign

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

Eye Candy: Vineyard Wedding Romance
Back to Nature Wedding Inspiration Board
Blue and Gold Outdoor Wedding on a Winery

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DIY | Ribbon “Hinged” Wedding Signs

Blog

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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Having signs at your wedding is important, it’s not only a wonderful way to communicate with your guests but it’s a fabulous trend that makes for darling pictures. I personally would call on Dad to build me that custom sign I’d been dreaming about and he’d whip it out no problem, ok he’d make me do some of it too. But what if you don’t have access to saws or awesome lumber or maybe your dad or fiancé isn’t the handy type? No need to fret because I came up with a fabulous idea while taking a nap last week (that’s when my best ideas come to me) that you are going to love! It’s crazy easy, it’s cheap, and it has SO many uses, I introduce you to the DIY Ribbon “Hinged” Wedding Signs. You don’t need any special tools, just ribbon, craft store wood and a glue gun, because we are making hinges out of ribbon – amazing right? I kind of impressed myself with this one!

Want to learn how I did the lettering on all these signs? Visit yesterdays post!

SUPPLIES:

2 pieces of craft store wood in any size.
Hot glue gun
Pretty ribbon that’s at least 1.5″ wide
Scissors
If using lace, you’ll also need wax paper and a silicone stick (or something similar)

If you are going to paint your sign, you’ll need to do it before you assemble it. To learn how I painted these signs, visit this post !

Measure + Cut

First we are going to measure and cut the piece of ribbon that will hold the front and back of the sign together. Measure your ribbon across the top of your sign and leave an extra inch or so on each side. Then fold the ends up and hot glue them to the ribbon to add a finished edge to your “hinge”.

Glue The Hinge

hinge. noun. a movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, sign or lid swings as it opens and closes, or that connects linked objects.

Evenly space the top of your signs from each other on your workspace and carefully glue the ribbon evenly to both sides – creating a ribbon hinge! I worked in small sections to make sure the ribbon touched the hot glue while it was really hot – if not you can pull the ribbon right off the wood.

Prop The Wood Up To Reveal The Pretty Hinge

Now For The Stabilizer

You need to add another piece of ribbon on the bottom, between the two pieces of wood to stabilize your sign. Otherwise a guest could tap it and it might collapse.

The length of your stabilizing ribbon is up to you and how you want your sign to look. Measure the distance you like, add an inch to either side and cut a piece of ribbon that length.

Add The Stabilizer

This is easy, but adding the second ribbon end can get awkward. You basically just glue the ribbon on the inside of your sign… but here are a few tips. Glue the ribbon at the center of your sign and if you are a perfectionist you can even mark where the second end should go. To hold the top of the sign up you can prop something in between the pieces of wood. Hot glue cools fast, so work fast. If you don’t like how it’s sitting, rip the ribbon and old hot glue off and try again!

I Have Found The Hinge That My Creative Soul Loves

The Big Sign Next

Same steps as above… but we are adding LACE into the mix.

You can use pretty much any type of ribbon for this project, minus the stiff paper kind, including lace and burlap. However, both of those have a texture that hot glue likes to seep through. Which is terrific for the stability of your sign, but not for your fingers!

Measure your ribbon across the top of your sign and leave an extra inch or so on each side.

Glue The Ends

To finish the ends of the lace, I’m working on a piece of waxed paper because when I go to glue the lace together, glue is going to seep out from all the pretty holes in the lace. I’m using a silicone stick to press the lace into the glue to save my fingers from getting burned! Peel the ribbon hinge off the wax paper and discard it.

Make the Hinge

Same steps, carefully and evenly glue the lace across the tops of both pieces of wood. I’m still using my silicone stick to press the lace into the glue, because I’ll have hot glue all over my fingers if I don’t!

The Gap Size

I did 1/8″ to 1/4″ gap between these boards, but your gap is up to you. With a bigger gap you will see more of the ribbon, but if your gap is too big the sign will sit funny. I’d recommend not going over 1/2″.

Adding The Stabilizer

For this sign I used a 14″ piece of ribbon for the large sign stabilizer. Glue the ribbon evenly between the two pieces of wood. Like I said, this part can be a bit awkward, even to photograph so I hope my pictures make sense to you!

A Gorgeous, Cheap + Easy Sign!

This sign cost about $20 to make. $5 each for the wood pieces, $4 for the ribbon, $4 for the stain + tax… and I was finished in just a few hours, over two days including the staining and hand lettering!

Small Signs

This would make a darling reception table sign… I loved this pale blue lace I used!

Bar Signs

Whether it’s a funny sign or a drink menu sign, this would be perfect for your bar!

Who Knew Ribbon Would Make Such Wonderful Hinges?

As with all our DIY tutorials, if you create one of our projects please send us a picture – We Love Seeing Your Creativity! If you use Instagram or Twitter please use the hashtag #SomethingTurquoiseDIY and it will show up on our Get Social page. Happy Crafting!

DIY Tutorial Credits

Photography + DIY Tutorial: Jen Carreiro of Something Turquoise // All wood and ribbon: Michaels // Glue Gun: Amazon // To learn how to letter all these signs visit this post // Nail Polish: OPI – Withstands the Test of Thyme

Shop The Supplies:

Find the supplies you’ll need for this project from our affiliate links below:

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Betsan and Alex’s Colourful And Carefree Wedding By Paul Adams

Outdoor

Published on 17:00:00 By Steampunk

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We have a treat for your eyes today. This colourful and carefree wedding of Alex and Betsan is a corker. The smile that she has on her face all day shows what amazing time they had! Someone once said to me “If you could bottle the feeling you have after getting married, you would be a millionaire.” Well, it you see that her and her husband have that amazing feeling captured in these great photographs by Paul Adams.

What was your budget?

My husband tried to keep it as low as possible, I couldn’t help myself! It ended up being over £20k, to his dismay!

How would you describe your wedding theme?

Colourful, happy, carefree! We didn’t want any stuffy old wedding traditions, just a happy, relaxed party-vibe.

What was your favourite part of your wedding?

Seeing Alex at the altar and all us girls getting ready in the morning, drinking bucks fizz, wearing matching dressing gowns. I also loved seeing Alex’s face when he saw the pork pie wedding cake I got him as a surprise. The flowers were also a highlight for me. Beth Forbesfield did a fantastic job and when I saw the flowers arrive, I cried (one of the only times I cried!)

Tell us about your Wedding Dress

My wedding dress was my favourite part of the whole wedding process. I went to one wedding dress shop and hated every minute of it, then I went to Blue Bridal of Rhiwbina. Well, they made the whole process so wonderful. I loved every dress I tried on, but I fell in love with the Drew dress. They make every dress from scratch so going there every few months and seeing a new part of my dress made was utterly wonderful and exciting.

Who did you pick as your bridesmaids &/or best man and why?

Alex’s sisters and my best friends were my bridesmaids. I love them all to pieces, so it was an easy choice. Alex had 2 best men as they were his best friends from school. They all did a superb job.

Why did you choose your venue?

Llanerch Vineyard was the perfect venue for us. I had enquired if they do weddings about 3 years before Alex proposed and they told me they wouldn’t be doing weddings until 2015. I thought, ah, that should be enough time for him to propose to me! It was perfect timing and we were one of the first weddings there. They were so brilliant, they had the perfect marquee for us, plenty of wine and they were relaxed, friendly and utterly professional. The food was also a mega important part for us, and their food is utterly delicious. The grounds, lake, vines were all perfect or photographs. The bridal suite, the Cariad Suite, was also lovely. It’s near where I’m from too, and where we live now so perfect location. We used to go for food all the time before the wedding! St Mary’s Church, Whitchurch is in the village where we live, and getting to see the place where we got married everyday is very special indeed.

Tell us about your photographer

Paul Adams . We met him at a wedding fayre in the Village, he was so lovely, relaxed, informal. We didn’t want to be standing around for 3 hours having photographs taken for fear of missing our wedding and the canapés! He told us we would be 30 minutes max alone and then the rest of the time he would take candid shots. The shot of me coming down the aisle is my favourite photograph ever.

How did the proposal happen?

We were in Dubai on holiday and Alex, being frugal, thought, oh we can get more diamond for our money here so he proposed in Dubai with a Clogau gold Cariad ring and said we could go to the gold and diamond park and I could spend the whole day there choosing my ring, trying on as many as I liked. It was very special to see my engagement ring being set. We celebrated by going to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa and to the Burj Al Arab for a luxurious meal and lots of cocktails!

Any DIY stories/tutorials you’d like to share?

We made our own favours. They were Skittle vodkas. We had to soak the different coloured skittles in vodka and then filter them. It took a while, but they looked amazing in the demi-jars with brown labels which doubled up as name tags too.

What was your first dance & why?

The first dance was a surprise for me until it came on. I told Alex to choose it as he loves music. When it came on, I wasn’t disappointed. Jackie Wilson, Your Love Lifting Me Higher couldn’t have been the more perfect song. Upbeat, laid back, funky!

In hindsight, was there anything you would have done differently?

Nothing. We loved every minute of it.

Do you have any advice for future couples?

Relax, stay focused. At the end of the day, the ceremony is the important part and then it’s just a huge party! Enjoy the planning and don’t get too bogged down in what other people want or what you think you should do. Just enjoy!

What’s the best piece of marriage advice you received?

Never take each other for granted. Tell each other you love each other every day. Be spontaneous.

What was your favourite thing about planning a wedding?

Seeing my friends and family all the time, choosing the wedding cake (all those yummy tasters!), choosing the flowers, the coloured lanterns. Most of all, spending time with Alex and deciding between us what we wanted. I didn’t want to be the bridezilla-type who doesn’t let her other half have any say in the wedding. It was lovely doing it together.

The Suppliers

Photographer: Paul Adams
Ceremony Venue: St Mary’s Parish Church, Whitchurch, Cardiff
Reception Venue: Llanerch Vineyard
Bride’s Dress: Blue Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Etsy
Bride’s Headpiece: Laura May Bridal
Bride’s Jewellery: Oliver Laudus
Groom’s Outfit: Dyfed Menswear
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Two Birds
Bridesmaid’s Accessories: Etsy
Cake: Dragons and Daffodils
Flowers: Beth Forbesfield
Hair: Taryn Williams
Make Up: Charlotte Joy
Band: Dysfunktional
DJ: Tom Ireland, Wigan
Stationery: Richard Evans Wedding Stationery
Caterers: Llanerch Vineyard
Any Reception Decor/Props: The Hanging Lantern Company
Transport: Henrietta Hire
Other: Pork Pie Wedding Cake – Elm Tree Foods
Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls – Wigan.

The Wedding Album

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