To look at the negative side in life… like a deep, dark abyss Sliding down the wall As one attempts to Climb up Up and up But continue to slip Into the underground cave of no return…..
Too difficult to focus To look into the sides Of the cavern Finding glimmers of light Between the cracks Of crystal ore Revealing shards Of priceless diamonds Awaiting to be found. — CHOCOVIV
(Still slipping and sliding, but trying hard to search for diamonds in this chaotic and cruel world… Praying for a healthy recovery of my dad’s situation, for the darn interest rate to go down, and hoping Stray Kids will come to town, so I don’t have to spend extra time and money to travel!
Thank you,God, for giving me an emotional oasis from the pain of this cruel world!)
This year’s theme was inspired by The Garden of Time…
When you see the title, you assume it is about flowers and a garden. Actually, after reading the short story, it’s not. It’s about an aristocratic couple who attempts to slow down the steps of a raging riot, advancing to their beautiful villa, by plucking the crystal flowers in their garden of time. Each pluck slows them down a bit… but eventually, they pluck the last two blooms and become frozen together as statues in the garden. What a ending!
Summary
We can try to slow down time as much as we can, but eventually, it all ends the same is the theme. Therefore, we must value and enjoy what we have with who we love!
THE GARDEN OF TIME by J.G. Ballard 1962
Towards evening, when the great shadow of the Palladian villa filled the terrace, Count Axel left his library and walked down the wide marble steps among the time flowers. A tall, imperious figure in a black velvet jacket, a gold tie-pin glinting below his George V beard, cane held stiffly in a white-gloved hand, he surveyed the exquisite crystal flowers without emotion, listening to the sounds of his wife’s harpsichord, as she played a Mozart rondo in the music room, echo and vibrate through the translucent petals.
The garden of the villa extended for some two hundred yards below the terrace, sloping down to a miniature lake spanned by a white bridge, a slender pavilion on the opposite bank. Axel rarely ventured as far as the lake; most of the time flowers grew in a small grove just below the terrace, sheltered by the high wall which encircled the estate. From the terrace he could see over the wall to the plain beyond, a continuous expanse of open ground that rolled in great swells to the horizon, where it rose slightly before finally dipping from sight. The plain surrounded the house on all sides, its drab emptiness emphasizing the seclusion and mellowed magnificence of the villa. Here, in the garden, the air seemed brighter, the sun warmer, while the plain was always dull and remote.
As was his custom before beginning his evening stroll, Count Axel looked out across the plain to the final rise, where the horizon was illuminated like a distant stage by the fading sun. As the Mozart chimed delicately around him, flowing from his wife’s graceful hands, he saw that the advance column of an enormous army was moving slowly over the horizon. At first glance, the long ranks seemed to be progressing in orderly lines, but on closer inspection, it was apparent that, like the obscured detail of a Goya landscape, the army was composed of a vast throng of people, men and women, interspersed with a few soldiers in ragged uniforms, pressing forward in a disorganized tide. Some laboured under heavy loads suspended from crude yokes around their necks, others struggled with cumbersome wooden carts, their hands wrenching at the wheel spokes, a few trudged on alone, but all moved on at the same pace, bowed backs illuminated in the fleeting sun. The advancing throng was almost too far away to be visible, but even as Axel watched, his expression aloof yet observant, it came perceptibly nearer, the vanguard of an immense rabble appearing from below the horizon. At last, as the daylight began to fade, the front edge of the throng reached the crest of the first swell below the horizon, and Axel turned from the terrace and walked down among the time flowers.
The flowers grew to a height of about six feet, their slender stems, like rods of glass, bearing a dozen leaves, the once transparent fronds frosted by the fossilized veins. At the peak of each stem was the time flower, the size of a goblet, the opaque outer petals enclosing the crystal heart. Their diamond brilliance contained a thousand faces, the crystal seeming to drain the air of its light and motion. As the flowers swayed slightly in the evening air, they glowed like flame-tipped spears.
Many of the stems no longer bore flowers, and Axel examined them all carefully, a note of hope now and then crossing his eyes as he searched for any further buds. Finally he selected a large flower on the stem nearest the wall, removed his gloves and with his strong fingers snapped it off.
As he carried the flower back on to the terrace, it began to sparkle and deliquesce, the light trapped within the core at last released. Gradually the crystal dissolved, only the outer petals remaining intact, and the air around Axel became bright and vivid, charged with slanting rays that flared away into the waning sunlight. Strange shifts momentarily transformed the evening, subtly altering its dimensions of time and space. The darkened portico of the house, its patina of age stripped away, loomed with a curious spectral whiteness as if suddenly remembered in a dream.
Raising his head, Axel peered over the wall again. Only the farthest rim of the horizon was lit by the sun, and the great throng, which before had stretched almost a quarter of the way across the plain, had now receded to the horizon, the entire concourse abruptly flung back in a reversal of time, and appeared to be stationary.
The flower in Axel’s hand had shrunk to the size of a glass thimble, the petals contracting around the vanishing core. A faint sparkle flickered from the centre and extinguished itself, and Axel felt the flower melt like an ice-cold bead of dew in his hand.
Dusk closed across the house, sweeping its long shadows over the plain, the horizon merging into the sky. The harpsichord was silent, and the time flowers, no longer reflecting its music, stood motionlessly, like an embalmed forest.
For a few minutes Axel looked down at them, counting the flowers which remained, then greeted his wife as she crossed the terrace, her brocade evening dress rustling over the ornamental tiles.
‘What a beautiful evening, Axel.’ She spoke feelingly, as if she were thanking her husband personally for the great ornate shadow across the lawn and the dark brilliant air. Her face was serene and intelligent, her hair, swept back behind her head into a jewelled clasp, touched with silver. She wore her dress low across her breast, revealing a long slender neck and high chin. Axel surveyed her with fond pride. He gave her his arm and together they walked down the steps into the garden.
‘One of the longest evenings this summer,’ Axel confirmed, adding: ‘I picked a perfect flower, my dear, a jewel. With luck it should last us for several days.’ A frown touched his brow, and he glanced involuntarily at the wall. ‘Each time now they seem to come nearer.’
His wife smiled at him encouragingly and held his arm more tightly.
Both of them knew that the time garden was dying.
Three evenings later, as he had estimated (though sooner than he secretly hoped), Count Axel plucked another flower from the time garden.
When he first looked over the wall the approaching rabble filled the distant half of the plain, stretching across the horizon in an unbroken mass. He thought he could hear the low, fragmentary sounds of voices carried across the empty air, a sullen murmur punctuated by cries and shouts, but quickly told himself that he had imagined them. Luckily, his wife was at the harpsichord, and the rich contrapuntal patterns of a Bach fugue cascaded lightly across the terrace, masking any other noises.
Between the house and the horizon the plain was divided into four huge swells, the crest of each one clearly visible in the slanting light. Axel had promised himself that he would never count them, but the number was too small to remain unobserved, particularly when it so obviously marked the progress of the advancing army. By now the forward line had passed the first crest and was well on its way to the second; the main bulk of the throng pressed behind it, hiding the crest and the even vaster concourse spreading from the horizon. Looking to left and right of the central body, Axel could see the apparently limitless extent of the army. What had seemed at first to be the central mass was no more than a minor advance guard, one of many similar arms reaching across the plain. The true centre had not yet emerged, but from the rate of extension Axel estimated that when it finally reached the plain it would completely cover every foot of ground.
Axel searched for any large vehicles or machines, but all was amorphous and uncoordinated as ever. There were no banners or flags, no mascots or pike-bearers. Heads bowed, the multitude pressed on, unaware of the sky.
Suddenly, just before Axel turned away, the forward edge of the throng appeared on top of the second crest, and swarmed down across the plain. What astounded Axel was the incredible distance it had covered while out of sight. The figures were now twice the size, each one clearly within sight.
Quickly, Axel stepped from the terrace, selected a time flower from the garden and tore it from the stem. As it released its compacted light, he returned to the terrace. When the flower had shrunk to a frozen pearl in his palm he looked out at the plain, with relief saw that the army had retreated to the horizon again.
Then he realized that the horizon was much nearer than previously, and that what he assumed to be the horizon was the first crest.
* * *
When he joined the Countess on their evening walk he told her nothing of this, but she could see behind his casual unconcern and did what she could to dispel his worry.
Walking down the steps, she pointed to the time garden. ‘What a wonderful display, Axel. There are so many flowers still.’
Axel nodded, smiling to himself at his wife’s attempt to reassure him. Her use of ‘still’ had revealed her own unconscious anticipation of the end. In fact a mere dozen flowers remained of the many hundred that had grown in the garden, and several of these were little more than buds– only three or four were fully grown. As they walked down to the lake, the Countess’s dress rustling across the cool turf, he tried to decide whether to pick the larger flowers first or leave them to the end. Strictly, it would be better to give the smaller flowers additional time to grow and mature, and this advantage would be lost if he retained the larger flowers to the end, as he wished to do, for the final repulse. However, he realized that it mattered little either way; the garden would soon die and the smaller flowers required far longer than he could give them to accumulate their compressed cores of time. During his entire lifetime he had failed to notice a single evidence of growth among the flowers. The larger blooms had always been mature, and none of the buds had shown the slightest development.
Crossing the lake, he and his wife looked down at their reflections in the still black water. Shielded by the pavilion on one side and the high garden wall on the other, the villa in the distance, Axel felt composed and secure, the plain with its encroaching multitude a nightmare from which he had safely awakened. He put one arm around his wife’s smooth waist and pressed her affectionately to his shoulder, realizing that he had not embraced her for several years, though their lives together had been timeless and he could remember as if yesterday when he first brought her to live in the villa.
‘Axel,’ his wife asked with sudden seriousness, ‘before the garden dies . . .may I pick the last flower?’
Understanding her request, he nodded slowly.
One by one over the succeeding evenings, he picked the remaining flowers, leaving a single small bud which grew just below the terrace for his wife. He took the flowers at random, refusing to count or ration them, plucking two or three of the smaller buds at the same time when necessary. The approaching horde had now reached the second and third crests, a vast concourse of labouring humanity that blotted out the horizon. From the terrace Axel could see clearly the shuffling, straining ranks moving down into the hollow towards the final crest, and occasionally the sounds of their voices carried across to him, interspersed with cries of anger and the cracking of whips. The wooden carts lurched from side to side on tilting wheels, their drivers struggling to control them. As far as Axel could tell, not a single member of the throng was aware of its overall direction. Rather, each one blindly moved forward across the ground directly below the heels of the person in front of him, and the only unity was that of the cumulative compass. Pointlessly, Axel hoped that the true centre, far below the horizon, might be moving in a different direction, and that gradually the multitude would alter course, swing away from the villa and recede from the plain like a turning tide.
On the last evening but one, as he plucked the time flower, the forward edge of the rabble had reached the third crest, and was swarming past it. While he waited for the Countess, Axel looked at the two flowers left, both small buds which would carry them back through only a few minutes of the next evening. The glass stems of the dead flowers reared up stiffly into the air, but the whole garden had lost its bloom.
Axel passed the next morning quietly in his library, sealing the rarer of his manuscripts into the glass-topped cases between the galleries. He walked slowly down the portrait corridor, polishing each of the pictures carefully, then tidied his desk and locked the door behind him. During the afternoon he busied himself in the drawing rooms, unobtrusively assisting his wife as she cleaned their ornaments and straightened the vases and busts.
By evening, as the sun fell behind the house, they were both tired and dusty, and neither had spoken to the other all day. When his wife moved towards the music-room, Axel called her back.
‘Tonight we’ll pick the flowers together, my dear,’ he said to her evenly. ‘One for each of us.’
He peered only briefly over the wall. They could hear, less than half a mile away, the great dull roar of the ragged army, the ring of iron and lash, pressing on towards the house.
Quickly, Axel plucked his flower, a bud no bigger than a sapphire. As it flickered softly, the tumult outside momentarily receded, then began to gather again.
Shutting his ears to the clamour, Axel looked around at the villa, counting the six columns in the portico, then gazed out across the lawn at the silver disc of the lake, its bowl reflecting the last evening light, and at the shadows moving between the tall trees, lengthening across the crisp turf. He lingered over the bridge where he and his wife had stood arm in arm for so many summers –
‘Axel!’
The tumult outside roared into the air, a thousand voices bellowed only twenty or thirty yards away. A stone flew over the wall and landed among the time flowers, snapping several of the brittle stems. The Countess ran towards him as a further barrage rattled along the wall. Then a heavy tile whirled through the air over their heads and crashed into one of the conservatory windows.
‘Axel!’ He put his arms around her, straightening his silk cravat when her shoulder brushed it between his lapels.
‘Quickly, my dear, the last flower!’ He led her down the steps and through the garden. Taking the stem between her jewelled fingers, she snapped it cleanly, then cradled it within her palms.
For a moment the tumult lessened slightly and Axel collected himself. In the vivid light sparkling from the flower he saw his wife’s white, frightened eyes. ‘Hold it as long as you can, my dear, until the last grain dies.’
Together they stood on the terrace, the Countess clasping the brilliant dying jewel, the air closing in upon them as the voices outside mounted again. The mob was battering at the heavy iron gates, and the whole villa shook with the impact.
While the final glimmer of light sped away, the Countess raised her palms to the air, as if releasing an invisible bird, then in a final access of courage put her hands in her husband’s, her smile as radiant as the vanished flower.
‘Oh, Axel!’ she cried.
Like a sword, the darkness swooped down across them.
Heaving and swearing, the outer edges of the mob reached the kneehigh remains of the wall enclosing the ruined estate, hauled their carts over it and along the dry ruts of what once had been an ornate drive. The ruin, formerly a spacious villa, barely interrupted the ceaseless tide of humanity. The lake was empty, fallen trees rotting at its bottom, an old bridge rusting into it. Weeds flourished among the long grass in the lawn, overrunning the ornamental pathways and carved stone screens.
Much of the terrace had crumbled, and the main section of the mob cut straight across the lawn, by-passing the gutted villa, but one or two of the more curious climbed up and searched among the shell. The doors had rotted from their hinges and the floors had fallen through. In the music-room an ancient harpsichord had been chopped into firewood, but a few keys still lay among the dust. All the books had been toppled from the shelves in the library, the canvases had been slashed, and gilt frames littered the floor.
As the main body of the mob reached the house, it began to cross the wall at all points along its length. Jostled together, the people stumbled into the dry lake, swarmed over the terrace and pressed through the house towards the open doors on the north side.
One area alone withstood the endless wave. Just below the terrace, between the wrecked balcony and the wall, was a dense, six-foot-high growth of heavy thorn-bushes. The barbed foliage formed an impenetrable mass, and the people passing stepped around it carefully, noticing the belladonna entwined among the branches. Most of them were too busy finding their footing among the upturned flagstones to look up into the centre of the thornbushes, where two stone statues stood side by side, gazing out over the grounds from their protected vantage point. The larger of the figures was the effigy of a bearded man in a high-collared jacket, a cane under one arm. Beside him was a woman in an elaborate full-skirted dress, her slim, serene face unmarked by the wind and rain. In her left hand she lightly clasped a single rose, the delicately formed petals so thin as to be almost transparent.
As the sun died away behind the house a single ray of light glanced through a shattered cornice and struck the rose, reflected off the whorl of petals on to the statues, lighting up the grey stone so that for a fleeting moment it was indistinguishable from the long-vanished flesh of the statues’ originals.
Working daily to be stronger and better….HUGS HUGS HUGS!
I know I have imperfections and not perfect. Trying to improve myself one step at a time…
Losing 35+ pounds was brutal and still continuing is tough as heck…
Working hard doesn’t always means there’s a huge return… Unfortunately, appreciation and love may not pay the bills for now, but I believe in supporting our fellow humans in this cruel and negative world.
Again, I am not perfect and am a work in progress…. I apologize for that….
In this pediatric oncology ward, six families meet and connect with each other. As time passes, each family faces their own struggles, stresses and pockets of happiness.
Conclusion
This movie really moved me to tears and even occasionally, laughter too! Despite their struggles and tragedies, each family eventually learned to become stronger together. BIG, the title, actually had a deeper meaning— BEING IS GIFT. The director wants to spread the message that just being healthy was a gift and everything else was secondary in life.
This movie wanted to remind parents out there to rethink their expectations for their children. Parents often had very high expectations of their children and often forget that their greatest wealth in life was health.
Willy has a dream. To make the world’s best chocolate and to share it to the world. Maybe, just maybe, he will see his mom (who has passed away) again when he makes his chocolate.
Being overly trusting, lands him into a scam of an inn….But he has his special travelling chocolate factory, so he is going to make it work!
The Chocolate Cartel is not going to let him succeed. His chocolate is too good…. Competition must be eliminated at all cost!
What is Willy going to do?
Conclusion
This prequel to the original story surprised me. The storyline made sense and I enjoyed the little twists and turns. The music was great too. This movie was an excellent prequel!
Julie’s job was to attentive and be on the look for the most available single celebrities in the city. To set them up with her boss, the match making professional was her goal. Her own personal life was on a low point at her job and love life. Her family, especially her brother had always been worried about her as she was the younger one. So much so that her brother’s best friend was always there to babysit her even as a child. Julie absolutely hated it.
The worst part, he was her ultimate crush as a teenager. Even more horrible fact, he had become an extremely successful businessman in the city…. Now, all she had to do was to avoid him…. If only it was that easy….
Christmas was not going to as peaceful one…
Conclusion
Most people had crushes on others as a teenager so the protagonist’s situation was very relatable. To really be absolutely doe-eyed in that person’s presence and absolutely knowing nothing would never happen could be the most bewildering emotion.
Thank you, Stephanie Vincent, for sending me this super cute book!
Summary
It’s Christmas! The winter weather was causing a lot of problems for Santa as he was trying to deliver the presents. What can be done? There were so many presents to deliver and time was running out! What could Moose do?
Conclusion
This lively and lovely Christmas story about the importance of teamwork is an excellent gift idea for families with young children.
About the Author
Hello, I’m Stephanie, a nurse practitioner and mother of two from Thunder Bay, ON. I cherish the outdoors, adventures, and spending quality time with my children. I love entertaining kids and fostering their imaginations. I have a passion for art, drawing, and painting and I’m thrilled to bring my love for creativity and adventure to life through my books. Thank you for embarking on this incredible journey with me!
What a great beauty combination! There is a lash and brow serum, hydrating cuticle oil and serum by Nail Pretty By Lisa. Thank you for the gift!
Who is Nail Pretty by Lisa?
1) Why and when did you start your business?
In 2019, I started making my own products. My skin was having an allergic reaction to my regular drug store high end brands facial serums and creams. I found these big brands were changing their ingredients to cheaper ones. I had to stop wearing makeup and nail polish. After a bunch of trial and errors, I created my own recipe for cuticle oil and eye serum. Using only natural 100% Organic, non-GMO ingredients my cuticles oil helped my nails to become healthier and stronger. My eye serum made my skin so soft, and no more dry, irritated skin. I created my lash and brow serum in 2023. Because my eyelashes were white and short, years of wearing mascara caused breakage from drying them out. Now, my lashes became hydrated, and grew longer without breaking.
2) What was your background?
My background is a cost accountant in the manufacturing industry for almost 20 years.
3) What is special about your products?
I have been giving my cuticle oil to my friends and family since 2020. They pushed me to sell because it helped their nails as well.
I’m now sharing my Eye Serum and Lash & Brow Serum as well.
My Straykids Kpop lightstick finally has a home! Thank you, Emily!
Who is Emily 3D Print?
1) When and why did you start your business?
I started in January of 2023. I started because I wanted to make awesome merchandise for the Owl House fans, which eventually led me to making products for other groups!
2) What was your background?
It all started with 1 entry level 3d printer.
3) What is special about your products?
My k-pop light stick stand is versatile as it fits all light sticks. It comes with any sign for any artist you want, the sign is interchangeable. There’s a hidden drawer in the back to store your signs and the AAA batteries needed to power the light stick!
Introducing Meeshes Chili Oil, made with MCT oil! The name came from the owner, Michelle’s nickname, Meesh.
Thank you for your gift!
Who is Meeshes Chili Oil?
My love for spice begin as a kids visiting my family in Mexico! After travelling through thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia I fell in love with chili oils and all the beautiful balance of flavours, sweet, salty & sour. I began making chili oil 10 years ago and shared it with family and friends! During Covid my cleaning business slowed down and my friends and family encouraged me to take the leap and share my chili oil on the market, and that’s when MEESHE’S chili oil began.
I believe in eating clean, whole foods and I wanted nothing less for my customers. My ingredients are carefully selected using MCT OIL, an incredible energy boosting keto friendly oil. As well, I wanted it to be enjoyed by everyone and made it vegan, gluten free, msg free, preservative free, and low sodium.
My product is hand made in small batches by myself. It’s a labour of love and incorporates my love for flavours, cooking and sharing with others.
About five years ago when I finished university, I started working with a personal trainer because I felt a bit lost bout where to begin, couldn’t stay on track and ultimately kept failing to reach my fitness goals.
For a very long time, I always struggled with my weight. I found myself going through the same cycle – hyped for two weeks going to the gym and eating healthy, then the gym was never to see me again for months!
Overtime I realized that for me: It was quite lonely going to the gym on my own (though music helped!) AND I just never knew how to use any of the free weights or machines, so I’d end up only using cardio machines (treadmill, stair master, elliptical, bike). As the days went by I would get bored and going to the gym / working out all of a sudden felt like a chore.
It was only through my trainer I was able to experience and enjoy fitness in a way I didn’t think was possible. She not only created a safe space for me, but she helped me stay consistent and committed. She taught me technique, proper form and so much more. I started to drop weight, lose the back pain, gain confidence, release some stress. It was (and still is) AMAZING.
Ultimately THIS is exactly why I decided to become a personal trainer – I’ve gone through it and I know there’s a lot of women that are just like me.
CSNN Holistic Culinary Certificate Q3/4) I am ALWAYS looking to work with women in the community to show them just how strong they really are. The ones that might just be a little scared of their potential, that feel stuck, that need that extra push – I’ve been there.
It can be scary walking into a gym, sometimes you just need someone to walk you through it, show you the first steps in. Show you moves, techniques, what the best things are to help drop the weight and/or strengthen your body. Someone that can help you create that safe space, that one hour just for yourself without those intrusive thoughts or anything else going on in the outside world. An hour that you can give to yourself and you have someone there that can support and keep you accountable.
These are life long habit changes you’re making – and it’s not always easy. It’s a lot of sweat (and tears haha). With me, personal training is such a huge health investment – it’s not just about lifting weights up and down. There’s so much more that comes with it.
*AND with all that being said I always remind clients that I take into account and PERSONALIZE programs keeping in mind of your lifestyle, family life, and other commitments that keep our schedules busy. I take realistic approaches with my fitness and nutrition coaching – I’m trying to build you up with habits for longevity. (All while still giving you a badass & sweat worthy workout every time!)
I love the name, “Life Is Sweet”! What a great way to brighter your day, with sweet confections!
Who is Life Is Sweet?
1) Why and when did you start your business?
In the last three years I have fallen in love with creating chocolate bonbons. Creating fun flavours, that are all wrapped up in a thin chocolate shell, and painted like a piece of art. Last year, I decided making sweet treats was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Hence, the process of creating Life Is Sweet Confections began.
From a young age, I have loved spending time baking, making cakes, and cooking for others. For years I made hundreds of birthday, wedding, and event cakes, but I never wanted to bake as a career. Then, in 2020, I had the opportunity to temper chocolate for the first time and never looked back.
3) Some interesting facts about your product?
Inside each of my Life is Sweet bonbon boxes, and on other packaging you will find the phrase “Life is short, make it sweet”. This perfectly sums up my goals for this brand. In my short 22 years I learn that the most fulfilling way to live life, is living for today. I try to live every day to the fullest, take every opportunity offered to me, enjoy all the little successes, and not take anything for granted. These philosophies are the reason this brand was born. I realize that making sweets for others is my passion, and so no matter how daunting the idea of starting a business at 22 years old is, passing up this opportunity just does not feel right.
Life is Sweet Confections is my way of reminding others to enjoy life to the fullest. My goal with this brand is to create products that put a smile on your face and give you a moment of happiness, a moment of joy, a reminder to enjoy even the smallest things in life. I’m incredibly excited for you to try my products and share their joy with others.
Thank you, Van Love for the invite to try their dishes at their restaurant!
Who is Van Love?
When and why did you start your business? Our team is from Ukraine. We started our business in May, 2023, which it was our first step in Canada. Why sushi? Because in my opinion, there a strong sushi chain was missing, while sushi was one of the most popular foods for delivery.
What was your background? I ran a sushi restaurant in Ukraine more than 7 years ago. This is our sushi business in Ukraine. http://www.rnr.com.ua
What is special about your products? We create Ukrainian style of sushi, which is large in size, with a lot of cream cheese fresh ingredients in the sushi rolls. When we started, we only made Ukrainian rolls, but now we added more classic rolls.
What else would you like to share? We have the best Google score in downtown Vancouver (4.8). We are planning to make a chain of sushi restaurants like in Ukraine.
Look at these earrings! I absolutely love how light weight these are! Thank you, Lemon Cat Jewelry!
Who is Lemon Cat Jewelry?
1) When and why did you start business?
Lemon Cat was the rebirth of my jewelry brand that I launched this past summer.
For 3 years prior I had been creating mainly mermaid themed pieces for mermaids, yes, mermaids! I specialized in epoxy resin pendants and semi-precious stones. However, I developed an allergy to resin due to not using the proper PPE. (Please wear your respirator!)
I took a little break and discovered polymer clay. The rest is history!
2) What was your background?
I have always been a creative person. I was the kid who excelled in woodworking and was always covered in paint after art class in high school. I started working in a jewelry supply store in 2016, where I would repair existing jewelry and create new pieces for the store. That sparked my love of creating wearable art.
3) What is special about your products?
When I use polymer clay, that means every piece is handmade. I might have used a cutter, but I’ve shaped, sanded, and fussed over every piece.
Additionally, polymer clay is incredibly light. It’s the perfect medium for larger statement earrings and perfect solutions for those who want the wow without the weight.
While I do my best to keep my website updated, you’ll always have the best selection of my wares at markets. I’ll have my market dates pinned in my Instagram feed.
Halloween goodies are still available and Christmas earrings will start dropping shortly!
When and why did you start your business? We first started our journey in November of 2021 as a side project. We wanted to bring Asian desserts to the small community of White Rock, where Asian desserts/cuisines were very under-represented. However, it didn’t work out as we expected since we didn’t have the budget to sustain all the costs related to opening a physical store, so we decided to sell online first.
What was your background? We’re just a group of friends that grew up together and decided to start a business together. We all have a passion for food so that’s why we decided on a dessert business.
What is special about your products?We’re all group of vegetarians so all of our products are made vegetarian. It was a challenge to find an alternative to gelatin-based puddings and still have the same texture so it took us more than a year to fine-tune our recipes.
What else do you want to share? Sustainability and quality ingredients is at the top of our minds. That’s why we opted to use glass jars instead of plastic. And we’re proud of the fact that we only use whole food ingredients with zero chemicals in our products
Ever since this restaurant has opened, they have been adding new dishes to their menu!
Who is Ganh Vietnamese Restaurant?
This restaurant is a family business of brothers and sister. I own a chain of Vietnamese sandwich shops, called Ngon banh mi and Tea. (2228 Kingsway). It has been in business since 2018.
My other brother and sister also has a chain of restaurants in Vietnam. All our dishes incorporate a variety of fresh herbs, in order to enhance aromatic quality and complex flavours.
For example , our signature dish is the fish noodle, with different herbs , sweetness and sourness. We use fermented rice , fermented wine and tamarind to create a unique sourness . Our fish cake and fish sausage are house-made.
After a recent class, I asked our dance instructor what was the difference between dancing on tiempo versus contratiempo.
The Difference
Cuban music is rich in rhythms and often employs Tiempo and Contratiempo in a distinctive manner :
1. **Tiempo (Downbeat):** In Cuban music, “tiempo” refers to the main rhythm or the primary beat of a musical composition. In many Cuban genres such as son cubano, salsa, and rumba, this tiempo is clearly marked by instruments like the tumbadora (conga) or the bongó. Musicians and dancers often focus on this tiempo to maintain the rhythmic structure of the music.
2. **Contratiempo (Upbeat):** The “contratiempo” refers to secondary rhythms or accents that occur between the main beats. In Cuban music, contratiempo are crucial for the complexity and emotion of the music. These secondary rhythms are highlighted by instruments like claves, maracas, and the tres (a type of Cuban guitar). Musicians and dancers can also play with the contratiempo to add variety and expression to the music.
The combination of tiempo and contratiempo in Cuban music creates a sense of syncopation, which is a distinctive feature of many Cuban genres. This syncopation adds vitality and energy to the music, making it highly infectious and suitable for dancing. Cuban dancers often synchronize their movements with these rhythms, creatively accentuating the contratiempo to bring the dance to life.
In summary, Cuban music skillfully employs tiempo and contratiempo to create complex and exciting rhythms that form the basis of Cuban dance genres like salsa, son cubano, and rumba. This combination of rhythmic elements is what makes Cuban music so unique and appreciated worldwide.
I love cheese puffs! Thank you, Otimo for sending us some!
Who is Otimo Cheese Puffs?
S&B Gluten Free Inc was officially established in 2012 but the business idea and concept were a long time life dream.
The first company to make this type of snacks (using the traditional Brazilian recipe) in the West Coast (maybe in the entire Canada) using the majority of Canadian ingredients.
Otimo means “awesome” in Portuguese and everything started from a dream to share one of the most favorite Brazilian treats with the whole world.
Our product is made with all natural ingredients and no preservatives added, it is also gluten-friendly, yeast free and NO GMO.
Otimo – Brazilian Style Cheese Puffs is a line of naturally gluten free frozen products based on a traditional recipe from Brazil called “Pão de Queijo”(cheese bread or cheese rolls).
The baked products result on an unique dough which is soft and moist on inside and crusty on the outside which makes them a perfect snack for any occasion: breakfast, appetizer, afternoon, dinner, cocktails, parties, etc.
In Portuguese “Pão de Queijo” literally means cheese bread. But in the beginning, it was made without cheese, only the cassava flour. Years later the cheese was added to improve the recipe. It has become a part of everyday life in Brazil and is a must have at special events gatherings. This delicious treat brings people together and shared over breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Look at how cute this banana waffle is!!!!! Thank you for the invite!!
Who is Tea Thyme?
When did you start your business? We commenced operations on June 9, 2023.
What is your background? We are a team of individuals with years of experience in the baking and afternoon tea industry. All our staff members have graduated from specialized baking or hotel management college, making us highly knowledgeable about the hospitality sector.
What is special about your products?In addition to our signature offering, the three-tiered afternoon tea tower, we have also incorporated the latest dessert trend in the Asian region, Banana Shape Waffle, making us the first shop in the Vancouver area to offer this delicacy.
What else would you like to share? We accommodate various types of private party reservations, with a maximum capacity of 24 people. Additionally, we provide afternoon tea items for takeout, allowing you to enjoy our afternoon tea treats anytime, anywhere.
What are you using lately on your morning toast? You need to try Loki’s Spread! I love that they are KETO-FRIENDLY and VEGAN!
Thank you for the gift!
Who is Loki’s Spread?
LOKI’S is a family business. We are a small business it’s just my husband and I!
1) When did you start this business?
We started the business a year ago, it all started because of my son’s nickname, LOKI.
He has Autism and ADHD and he has food sensitivities. He is a huge fan of Nut Butters. Therefore, we started looking for healthy nut butter for him without compromising the taste since he is a sweet tooth and a picky eater! We started trying mixes at home using sugar alternatives for him and he was liking it. After a while our friends started liking it too and we decided to try and sell it.
2) What is special about your products?
Our products have unique flavours. Plus, they are completely natural, vegan, no added sugar, keto friendly, without compromising the taste.
We are very eager to encourage people to switch to healthier options and sugar alternatives.
This children’s book was about the adventures of this seal. Beautiful and whimsical drawings that were not overly stimulating to children. The story was written like a poem which helped with practicing rhythm.
This book used dyslexic-friendly font and was a very calming book to the reader. It focused on being empathetic to our environment.
“Every scene in this book is taken from real-life observations of the behaviours of seals in Semiahmoo Bay, British Columbia.”—-
Sherry McMillan, author
Conclusion
I enjoyed reading this to the younger children that were placed in my care. They found it very intriguing. Definitely a great book to add to your collection!
Tip: For educators, there is also a lesson plan too!
Ching was a famous forensics psychiatrist who was gifted with a special ability. One day, a police detective asked her for some advice in regards to a recent murder/suicide case of a social worker’s family. She became very suspicious of the social worker’s psychiatrist and his involvement….
However, the more she investigated, the more she discovered….
Conclusion
This psychological thriller has its gruesome moments and a bit supernatural feeling. It deals with the topic of the stigmatization of mental health in the society. In the movie, it mentions a few times that seeing a psychiatrist doesn’t always mean that the person is crazy. It is important to your feelings and thoughts too.
I immigrated from Hong Kong and have more than 13 craft instructor certificates.
“merrimade” has been established for a year, selling mainly handmade scented candles and scented plaster. I hope that these products are not just for decoration, but have different uses.
The formula of our aromatherapy skin care candles is all natural, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. The emollient absorbs in 15 minutes, suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin.
Pets are also one of our family members, so we also make paw balm for cats and dogs. Excellent for dogs who often go out, resulting in dry and inflamed paws. Our natural pet paw balm can help moisturize, and reduce inflammation.
Interest classes, workshops and other activities are in the future plans. I hope to inspire other people to create their own handmade creations.
Thank you House of Origins Apothecary for the gift!
Who is House Of Origins Apothecary?
1- When and why did you start your business?
We started our business around 2015. What began as a passion project turned into a whole wellness community. Maz and I began collaborating through a performance art collective, we were training together and studying natural health simultaneously. We mostly made medicine for fun and then it became clear that the community loved our creations and kept asking us for more formulas. We have always been passionate about nature and body consciousness and found that plants are the perfect bridge for the evolution of spirit and health
2 – What is your background?
Laura is a medical herbalist with a diploma of phytotherapy from pacific rim college. They specialize in hormone balance, digestion and mental health. Maz has an undergrad of anthropology and has spent time with herbalists learning in the field. She has also completed Sajah pop hams astroherbalism course
3 – Some interesting facts?
All of our products are made through a process of ritual. We use astrological timing as much as we can. All of our tinctures are made with organic cane alcohol. We are passionate about making medicine, although our mission is to educate and empower people to create their own medicinal preparations and form a connection with nature
4 – Anything else that you want to share?
Our business has evolved a lot over the years and we are now focusing more on group transformation programs and retreats.
After many years of wanting to perform on stage, Ruby finally got the chance to travel and perform as a part of the musical, The Sound of Music! Unfortunately, after she accidentally stumbled upon the murdered body of one of the cast members, the show was stopped.
So, Ruby decided to do some investigating of her own!
Conclusion
This was an entertaining read that I enjoyed during my daily commute on public transit. Definitely an easy and enjoyable read!
I am in love with their mascot! Well, I do love their desserts too! Thank you for the invite!
Who is Slothfuls?
Introduction: At Slothfuls, we believe that life is meant to be savored, and the key to true happiness lies in taking things slowly. Our story begins with a simple idea: to create a space where people can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, unwind, and enjoy life’s sweetest pleasures. Inspired by the peaceful and leisurely nature of sloths, we set out on a journey to bring the concept of “slow living” to life through our delectable ice cream and refreshing bubble tea.
The Slothful Philosophy: To us, sloths embody the art of relaxation and mindfulness. They teach us to find joy in the present moment and to appreciate life’s simple wonders. Just as sloths savor each leaf they eat, we want our customers to savor every scoop of ice cream and every sip of bubble tea. We invite you to join us in embracing the slothful lifestyle, where you can let go of the worries and stress, and indulge in a moment of pure tranquility.
Crafting the Perfect Treats: At Slothfuls, we take great care in crafting each and every treat we serve. Our ice cream is made from the finest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, and created with love and attention to detail. With a diverse range of flavors, from classic favorites to inventive combinations, there’s a treat to suit every taste bud.
Our bubble teas are no exception, brewed from premium tea leaves and blended with fresh fruits for an explosion of flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a creamy milk tea or a fruity infusion, our bubble teas are sure to quench your thirst and leave you feeling refreshed.
A Place of Serenity: Step into our Slothfuls store, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a haven of calmness. Our cozy and inviting ambiance, adorned with whimsical sloth-themed decor, welcomes you to take a break from the fast-paced world outside. It’s a place where you can slow down, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a moment of solitude with your favorite treat.
Community and Connection: Beyond serving delightful treats, Slothfuls aims to be a place where the community can come together and celebrate the joy of life. We host events that promote mental well-being, collaborate with local artists, and support environmental causes close to our hearts. We believe that by fostering a sense of connection and purpose, we can make a positive impact, one scoop at a time.
Conclusion: Slothfuls is more than just an ice cream and bubble tea store; it’s a mindset, and a celebration of life’s unhurried moments. Join us on this journey of taking things slowly, and let us be your companion.
Thank you, Roomco Lifestyle Shop for these lovely gifts! For more details of the other items, please see my Instagram post!
Who is Roomco?
1)Why and when did you start your business?
I started this business because I’ve always believed that even the smallest things in life can bring immense happiness. Witnessing how simple acts of self-care or discovering unique treasures can brighten someone’s day, I was inspired to create a platform where I could share these moments of joy with others. Thus, I started this lovely shop, aiming to provide each of my customers with the best shopping experience, filled with happiness and delight.
2) Interesting facts about your product?
Our products are carefully curated treasures that are seldom found elsewhere. From home decor pieces to personal care items, each product is thoughtfully selected to cater to your distinct lifestyle preferences. With utmost care, we ensure that every order is meticulously packed, so when you receive your package, it’s not just a product; it’s a momentof joy and excitement.
3)Anything else you would like to share?
Despite being a small business, we are committed to doing things the right way. Our social responsibility revolves around three core themes: nourishing customers, nourishing the community, and nourishing the environment.
Welcome to use my 15% off discount (Viv15gift)…….that’s a 15% off + gift on each order! Valid from today to August 31, 2023!
I love floral earrings! Thank you, Clani Clay Designs!
Who is Clani Clay Designs?
👉🏽My name is Lani, and came up with the name cLani from Lani and my wife’s name Claire combined.😄 I live in Vancouver, Canada with my wife, our son Jacob and our poodle, Puppy. Our beagle, Charlie, just recently passed away.
👉🏽I love to sing, cook and bake. I’ve been baking my son’s bday cake every year.
👉🏽 I was a dentist in the Philippines and used to work as a certified dental assistant, until I had to stop due to a back injury. I love to work out 💪and got hooked on it, hence the injury.
👉🏽I started my clay earring journey in September 2022. I’ve always been crafty and tried all sorts of stuff from crocheting, knitting, quilting, cross stitching, etc, but none that peeked my passion. It wasn’t until I came across an Instagram video of making earrings that sparked something inside me, which has lead me here.
My wife and my son are my biggest supporters. They helped me in everything from my markets to selling and promoting. They are my reason and my motivation to keep going.
Check out my Instagram account to see the full video! Check out my facial!
Who is Skin Studio MD by Senniyo?
1) Why and when did you start your business?
I started Skin Studio MD+ because I noticed a disparity between effective skincare solutions and their affordability. I wanted to bridge this gap as I believe that everyone deserves access to effective skincare and the confidence of putting their best face forward, without breaking the bank.
2) What was your background?
Beauty and aesthetics have been a part of my life since I was a child. My family’s brand, Senniyo Beauty, has been a part of the beauty and aesthetics industry in Vancouver for generations. Being surrounded by aesthetic treatments from a young age, I naturally developed a profound understanding and appreciation for this field. Witnessing the positive impact our services had on people’s lives inspired me to follow in my family’s footsteps and immerse myself in the world of skincare and aesthetics.
With the invaluable experience passed down through our family business, I felt ready to take on the challenge of bridging the gap between effective skincare treatments and affordable pricing. The creation of our signature Facial Membership Program was a culmination of these efforts, allowing us to offer our clients unparalleled flexibility and personalized care.
3) Interesting facts about your product?
Interesting facts about our Facial Membership Program:
Our signature product, the Facial Membership Program, is a unique concept that revolutionizes skincare routines. Drawing inspiration from gym memberships, we realized that just like working out, our skin requires regular maintenance to maintain its optimal condition.
With our Facial Membership Program, clients gain access to a selection of four facials, each targeting specific skin concerns. The beauty of this membership lies in its flexibility, allowing clients to choose a different facial every month based on their current skin condition. Whether their skin is feeling dry and in need of hydration or experiencing roughness, they can select the appropriate facial treatment to address their specific needs of the month.
4) Anything else you would like to share?
At the core of our business lies the principle of making beauty accessible to everyone. We strongly believe that great skin shouldn’t be a luxury but a right. Witnessing the positive transformations in our customers’ confidence and self-esteem motivates us to continually push the boundaries in the skincare industry. Our vision is to expand our reach, bringing effective skincare treatments and affordable pricing to even more people.
Thank you Bluefish Bohemian for my lovely wrap bracelet!
Who is Bluefish Bohemian?
Bluefish Bohemian came to be in 2014 ~ it’s almost time for a 10 year party, woo hoo! Originally I had been selling a popular fashion jewelry line, but was ready to move on to a more creative outlet, so I started making wrap bracelets. After about the 30th one, I was finally satisfied with my results, haha. Soon I ran out of wrists in my circle of friends, so I applied to my first Artisan Market.
Throughout my life I’ve worked in sales and marketing, and I love people. Growing up my mother supported and encouraged all creative efforts in arts and crafts. It felt like we did all the things… whatever the popular trend was at the time, plus MORE! One of my favourite things was to sew my Barbie clothes. I would design their outfits with scraps of material my mother had, and sew some pretty crazy outfits for them!
As a young adult I spent about 5 years learning wheel thrown and hand built pottery. I still have my wheel and kiln packed away, and plan to get back to pottery soon, as I just love playing with mud!
Sourcing materials is one of my favourite parts of the job. I find the stones, pearls, and crystals speak to me and tell me what they want to be. My happy place is spending many days at Gem Shows pouring over stones and materials. Wherever I travel, I always have to find the local gem shop for that next discovery!
Jewelry is such a happy, joyous product to make. It’s uplifting, carries meaning for many, and the crystals have amazing properties that make them spiritual in nature. No one ever feels sad that they don’t fit into their earrings anymore now, do they?
Aside from jewelry my favourite things are my family and my dog…not always in that order. I’m blessed to have three really great boys who are all grown up now who put up with all my sparkly things and are not interested in stealing any of my jewels. We share a common love of fishing which keeps our freezer and our bellies full! Despite a testosterone filled household, they embrace my girly-ness and most recently gifted me a purple fishing reel for my birthday!
What a cute name! Meet Alpaca Studio, who makes soaps and personal fragrances…Thank you for my gift!
Who is Alpaca Studio?
Why and when did you start your business?
We started our business out of a shared passion for unique and creative candles, soaps and perfumes. We wanted to bring joy and a sense of whimsy into people’s lives through our products. The journey began in 2021, and since then, we’ve been dedicated to crafting art that ignite the imagination.
What was your background?
Our background is deeply rooted in the world of design and craftsmanship. Both of us, my husband Leo and I, got the certificates in soap and candle design. With certified professional crafting knowledge and limitless creativity, we bring together our expertise in candle and soap making, and attention to detail. This combination allows us to create exquisite and one-of-a-kind products that stand out in the market.
Interesting facts about your products?
We have three main categories in our products: Soap art, Candle Art and Perfumes.
Soap Art: Our soap art is a stunning fusion of creativity and functionality. Each bar of soap is meticulously handcrafted, resulting in a unique piece of art that not only cleanses but also adds a touch of beauty to your daily routine. From vibrant colours to intricate designs, our soap art showcases my skill and creativity. We have created so many original designs which also combine with my pastel painting are very popular in the market, such as the Cat Garden Soap, Lion Rock Soap and Floating Sakura Soap.
Candle Art: Our candle art is a testament to the magic of light and fragrance. Each candle is thoughtfully designed and hand-poured, ensuring a high level of quality and attention to detail. We skilfully blend colours and textures to create captivating visual displays that enhance any space. We have created our own colour chart for our pillar candles which becomes our signature collection. From eye catching pillar candles to decorative container candles, our candle art transcends the ordinary and infuses your environment with warmth, beauty, and a mesmerising glow. Combined with carefully curated scents, our candles create an ambiance that soothes the senses and elevates your mood.
Perfumes: Solid Perfumes are our all time best selling products. We use simple and natural ingredients to make this nourishing, aromatic and travel friendly product. They are crafted with a passion for olfactory experiences and a dedication to fine ingredients. From fresh and floral to warm and woody, our perfumes encompass a diverse range of scents that cater to different preferences and moods. We believe that a well-crafted perfume has the power to evoke memories, enhance confidence, and leave a lasting impression.
Also, our Hair Perfume Oil is recently launched and immediately make a big hit among our collections. We will keep developing new and exciting products to create joy and excitements to our community.
Finally, anything else you would like to share?
Running a handcrafting business is tough as it requires super heavy workload and efforts in different area like production, marketing, packaging, customer service etc. I do not regret entering into this industry because the supports and appreciations that we have gotten are just uplifting and delightful. Every piece of our work is handmade with time, love and passion. We genuinely hope that our creations are cherished and adored just as passionately as we pour our love and dedication into making them.
Coffee is one item I indulge on almost everyday. Thank you, Red Raccoon for my bag of beans!
Who is Red Raccoon Coffee?
1) When and why did you start your business?
Started in 2021. Wanted to bring more people into specialty coffee.
2) What is your background?
My background is in food science.
3) What is special about your products?
For us, the most interesting products would be my infused coffee line. Brandy, whisky or rum infused coffee. It is normally done using a old barrel from a distillery. However, I make mine using my own method I created.
4) What else would you like to share?
The Raccoon is based in my cat. You’ll see my cat often on the IG stories.
This hidden gem of laser skincare was tucked in this little neighborhood. It was the the skincare specialist side of the esthetic lounge, ran by two sisters. What a dynamic pair! Thank you for my lovely facial! (See my Instagram post for more details!)
Who is Theory Laser Skincare?
1) Why and when did you start your business?
I have always been obsessed with beauty. Since I was a teenager, I would buy all sorts of beauty products to test out. I also worked on and off at spas and medical cosmetic clinics. It was my dream to have my own little beauty parlor.
Back in 2021, I have finally decided to make a change to make my dream come true, and I took a step up to start my own business. ( biggest risk I have taken in my life)!
2) Next, what was your background?
I got my esthetic license back in 2003 and my make-up diploma in 2005. In, 2006 I decided to go back to college and graduated from SFU in 2012. In between the years of being in university, I have also worked in the dental field doing administrative work and chair-side assisting. My passion in beauty never stopped and I went into doing medical Esthetics in 2020 .
3) Finally, any interesting facts about your products and services?
The skin care products that I carry are medical grade and affordable. Instead of using imitation brands, the devices that I have at the spa are authentic and gold-standards in the industry (Candela and HydraFacial).
My mission is to provide high standard services in my neighborhood spa with affordable prices. I am constantly learning about new products and techniques.
Barbieland, the alternate universe of the real world, coexisted in the same timeline in this movie. However, in Barbieland, the Barbies, were the ones who held all the powerful positions and made all the rules. The Kens, on the other hand, were only meant to be decorative dolls, hanging around the Barbies, and had no value.
One day, “Stereotypical Barbie”, woke up with thoughts of death…? Barbies only knew of eternal happiness and positivity!
Something was very wrong…..
Conclusion
When I first heard that there was going to be a Barbie movie, I had no expectations. Growing up, I didn’t play with Barbie much. People kept giving them to me. Therefore, I only played for a short period time when I was really bored.
I didn’t like that her body type was not relevant to mine. I couldn’t relate to her at all. But, I loved the idea that she had her own mansion, cars, and such an extensive wardrobe!
Throughout the movie, the word, patriarchy, was mentioned so many times! That was exactly why I had objected to having Barbies for my daughter. I didn’t want her to feel all those feelings of insecurity that I had and still do about my body type.
Ironically, she loved playing with her Barbies much more than me. However, I noticed that she was more into using the doll as vehicle for her imagination. So I let her be….
As I was watching the movie, I could relate to the mother, who worked as a receptionist at the MATTEL headquarters. I remembered those days when I would feel so disconnected with my own children and miss those long gone days….
The most emotional part was the truth behind how contradictory my life became as I got older….
It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.
You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass. You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean. You have to lead, but you can’t squash other people’s ideas. You’re supposed to love being a mother, but don’t talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman, but also always be looking out for other people. You have to answer for men’s bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining.
You’re supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you’re supposed to be a part of the sisterhood. But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful. You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It’s too hard! It’s too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.
I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don’t even know.
– America Ferrera as Gloria in ‘Barbie’ Courtesy of Capital Fm.
I love collecting antique coins and jewelry. Therefore, when I discovered, Lost Things Artisan Jewelry, it was meant to be! T
Thank you for my gift.
Who is Lost Things Artisan Jewelry?
When did you start your business and why? I started my business in 2017 when my grandfather passed away. He taught me the craft and it was my way of honoring his memory.
What was your background? My previous background was sales and bartending.
What is special about your pieces? My pieces are all handmade by me in my workshop in Victoria. I use old coins from all over the world.
What else would you like to share? I feel blessed every day when I wake up and get to indulge my passion for a living.
After moving to Vancouver in February 2020, Louise and Chris was in the midst of the pandemic and they missed their family tremendously. They tried to soothe those emotions with home cooked meals with family recipes. However, there was no chili oil that could satisfy their tastebuds! They were also looking for one that didn’t contain preservatives for a long, long shelf life. So they decided to create their own chili oil!
In the summer of 2021, Louise decided to share her grandmother’s chili oil recipe to the world. She remembered that during the days of very low income, duck fat was often thrown away, but her grandmother would use this duck fat to cook instead to save money to feed her large family.
According to WebMd, “Duck fat also included high levels of oleic acid, which was also found in olive oil. Preliminary research suggested that oleic acid might have a beneficial impact on inflammation and immune response.”
Therefore, duck fat would be great in moderate amounts in our food!
I recommend sprinkling their spice powder on some skewers and barbecue them!
Holy Duck Chili Oil
This is the original chili oil inspired by their grandmother’s recipe. They use 100% natural ingredients and Canadian duck fat.
Extra Ducking Spicy
This is the next level up! If you are looking for an even spicier level, this extra spicy chili oil is your choice! This is great for dipping during my hot pot sessions.
Chili Lava
The Chili Lava is their salted egg yolk chili sauce. This is excellent for stir frying my vegetables without adding extra oil. The salted egg yolk adds a delicious aroma without any meat added into the dish.
Zero Ducks
Finally, this is their newest addition, the VEGAN version. With the help of FORIJ Mushrooms, they are able to recreate the flavours and texture of the original chili oil, but without any ducks.
I am always on the look out for healthier alternatives to the daily foods that I eat. Thank you, True Nosh, for the gift!
Who Is True Nosh?
1) When and why did you start your business?
I started my business because I was so done working for another company and I wanted to be able to have my own creativity show through. With my passion in creating healthy food due to my father’s unhealthy habits causing him to pass away at a young age from heart disease and diabetes. True Nosh was a project to help families eat better without skimping on the taste.
2) What is your background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in biology from University of California San Diego, a master’s Degree in Clinical Nutritin from NYU. I’ve also studied business and have an MBA from Camden University affiliated in Hong Kong. I moved to Hong Kong after doing a short volunteering experience in Italy and France working in Organic farms to really get in touch with my roots. I worked in a Chinese Cooking School and was Operational Manager at a Frozen Yogurt Chain. I moved back to Vancouver 8 years ago to be closer to my widowed mother and to start my own company.
When I was going to school in New York I worked in many restaurants as a server as well as a cook.
I am a registered dietitian and I have also kept my license in Canada and currently Still practicing as an RD.
3) What is special about your products?
My products are all plant base and have no added sugars, only sweeten with fruits if necessary. They are also gluten free. I want to make a sustainable footprint in the food industry by creating products that are plant based but would make you not miss the seafood especially with my XO sauce. My granola has added cinnamon to help regulate blood sugar and to increase the perception of sweetness.
4) Anything that you would like to share?
We are currently working on building our own commissary kitchen in Vancouver and am much anticipated rebranding of our Asian sauces to become the new Ah Nui brand.
My ideal word is to hopefully increase people’s confidence in eating healthy so they can life longer and happier lives so they can spend more quality time and energy with their loved ones and do things they enjoy!— Renee Chan
This week’s lesson was about the days of the week and of the month. As an example, we looked at a festival poster. Slowly reading through the poster to explain what was going to happen at the festival was very satisfying, especially when I could actually figure some of the vocabulary!
I learned that certain numbers, like the number four, had different pronunciation depending on its usage. The fourth day of the fourth month was shi-gatsu (shee-gah-tsoo) (April) … yokka, the fourth!
In Cuba, a popular dance known as Casino was marketed abroad as Cuban-style salsa or Salsa Cubana to distinguish it from other salsa styles when the name was popularized in the 1970s. Wikipedia
Personally, I did not know that!
When compared to the other types of salsa, Salsa Cubana dancers often incorporated and improvised own movements into the choreography instead of just following the beat, according Wikipedia. That was what I observed today! There was one move that we noticed didn’t follow the music, but was incorporated into the choreography.
Most importantly, in the class that we do choreography to build each person freestyle. But when you dance on your own, you would follow the beat of the percussionist to catch all the beats with your torso or other parts of your body.—- Yula
Customized gifts are always welcomed. One can engrave any writing onto the item to make it more special. Thank you, Sachi Co. Gifts for helping me with my BBQ grill scraper!
Who is Sachi Co. Gifts?
1) When and why did you start your business?
We embarked on this incredible journey about 4 years ago (2019) driven by the passion to offer personalized products that spread joy.
2) What was your background?
With a background rooted in desktop publishing and experience in corporate sponsorship, we combine creative expertise with an understanding of customer needs.
3) What is special about your products?
Our products are truly special! Many products, like our Ontario Walnut Wood Grill Scraper, was created by a talented local artisan. Laser engraving is done in our Toronto studio.
4) What else would you like to share?
Our mission is to spread joy and happiness, ensuring that every purchase you make is something you’ll truly love. Your satisfaction is our top priority!
Join us on this exciting journey and let’s create personalized treasures that bring smiles to faces.
This past Father’s Day I ordered yellow roses from Flower Road for my uncles and Dad! Thank you!
Who is Flower Road, the App?
Who is Flower Road, the App?
1) Why and when did you start the business?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, as the world grappled with lockdowns and social distancing measures, my quest to find the perfect anniversary bouquet for my wife was met with disappointment. The flowers I ordered arrived wilted and fell short of the quality showcased on the website.
Frustrated by the inconvenience, I attempted to address the issue by calling the flower shop, only to find that the manager was unavailable, I couldn’t come in to pick new floral arrangements and little could be done to remedy the experience. Despite proceeding with our celebration, the lingering inconvenience of that experience stayed with me.
Recognizing the significance of convenient and online solutions, I seized the opportunity to leverage this growing reliance on digital services and create a platform that would offer a seamless and secure experience for ordering and delivering exceptional bouquets.
Collaborating with floral experts, I embarked on the creation of an innovative online platform that would provide customers with real-time images of each bouquet, ensuring they could make their selection with confidence, knowing the final product would match their expectations. By establishing direct relationships with renowned local florists and delivery services, we could eliminate the inconveniences of the past and bring joy and satisfaction back to the floral experience. My team and I began working on the App in March 2022 and officially launched in May, 2023.
2) What was your background?
I have a diverse international and multicultural background. I am so grateful for the experiences that have shaped my journey, including making my dream of Flower Road come to life. Through living in various countries, I have cultivated a deep appreciation for different cultures and gained fluency in multiple languages. Along the way, I have pursued diverse educational paths in nursing, engineering, business, and English language learning (ELL).
Drawing upon these varied disciplines, I had the opportunity to create FlowerRd, a platform that merges the world of flowers with technology, fostering connectivity and celebrating the beauty of diversity. I believe and acknowledge the contributions of my empathetic nursing background, problem-solving skills acquired in engineering, business acumen, and linguistic proficiency, that have played a part in the success of Flower Road.
3) What is special about your products?
Our Flower Road application is not only convenient, but also completely free for Android and Apple users. With a user-friendly interface, the app allows customers to order flowers effortlessly in just three simple steps: download, browse and select, and checkout. Its unique design enhances the overall user experience, making it a pleasure to explore and interact with.
One of the standout features of Flower Road is our commitment to freshness and quality, ensuring that each order is tailored to meet the specific preferences and needs of our valued clients. To provide further convenience, we offer flat-rate delivery at $15, reaching any location within the Lower Mainland (Lower Mainland includes areas in and around Vancouver, for instance: Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Surrey.)
With FlowerRd, the beauty of flowers is just a tap away! Check out the app by following this link: https://flowerrd.com/app
I love how these earrings sparkle under the light. Thank you, Riya and Rain Studio for them!
Image from Riya And Rain
Who is Riya and Rain Studio?
1) What was your background?
I had to take either an art, music or drama class in Grade 10. I decided to take art and didn’t think or expect much of it but I ended up doing really well. At the time, I thought maybe I’d end up going into English, and eventually become a teacher or a writer.
After that semester ended, my teacher caught me in the hall and insisted that I continue taking art classes. I’m not sure where I’d be now if I didn’t listen. In grade 11 I fell in love with art.
Around this same time, I also had a cousin in the Philippines who had a small jewellery business with beaded semi precious stones. She sent me a few necklaces and I loved them so much. One day I snapped one by accident and had to put it back together. That was the day I was inspired to make my own jewellery too.
I got into OCAD University for photography but when we had to choose our majors I decided that I really wanted to keep working with my hands so I chose to go into Jewellery and Metalsmithing. OCAD is an amazing place to grow as an artist. I learned how to solder, weld iron, build furniture, bind books, weave and print textiles, draw, paint, and throw pottery.
I won a few awards and scholarships for my art and jewellery, and after graduating, sold my jewellery in a few shops in Toronto and Hamilton. I taught jewellery and enamel classes at a jewellery studio and exhibited my sculptural work across Canada and at an international exhibit in Korea.
After a few years I chose to go back to school for Dental Technology and 2 years after I graduated I was asked to run the CAD/CAM department at a large dental lab. I’ve been working there for the past ten years.
2) Why and when did you start your business?
These past eleven months I have been on maternity leave with my first child Zakariya. Funnily enough, it was the first time in ten years where I felt like I had some actual free time again. After about 3 months into my maternity leave I started to get the itch to make jewellery again but this time I wanted to be able to work from home whenever my son was asleep.
I love the effects and how colourful and lightweight polymer clay is, so I’ve been learning and experimenting ever since.
3) Some interesting facts about your product?
Polymer clay is called “the great imitator.” It can look like precious stones, marble, rocks, metal, pearls, wood, rattan, and leather. It’s pretty amazing in that way. It’s also so light in weight that you don’t need to be afraid of big, bold designs like I used to be when I made jewellery in silver, gold or stones.
4) Is there anything else you would like to share?
I used to have my jewellery business under my name but this time I named my company Riya + Rain Studio after my son and husband. Riya is short for Zakariya, and when I met my husband when I was still in high school, his gamer handle was QuietRain.
I’m very excited to be able to be in a place in my life where I can be making jewellery again. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
This Father’s Day, we spent the evening at my cousin’s place. Each family bought or brought a dish. Some bought barbecued pork, roasted pork and duck. Others ordered sushi platters, and sweet and sour pork. We bought Korean fried chicken.
My mom, the home cook, made her Korean-style vegetable pancakes and assorted meatballs with radish made with my friend’s chilli sauce. It’s wonderful that she would take what I give her and incorporate into her daily cooking.
As time passes, I treasured this gatherings more and more…..
I started the business in 2016 to open new trading opportunities to the farming community in Africa. Growing up around cacao farms, I’ve seen a lot of issues related to farming caca I beans.
2) What was your background?
Studied electrical engineering and mechanics in high school in France, then marketing in Quebec to finish studying the science behind 🍫 chocolate. I hold a “Maitre Chocolatier diploma”.
3) What is special about your products?
Our products are single origin and only use one ingredient “cacao beans “for 5 of in our products line. And, 3 ingredients that you can pronounce for our chocolate chips. You can purchase a sample kit to try all our products!
4) What else would you like to share?
For our 7th anniversary of incorporation, we will run a workshop, offer discounts, and serve chocolate drinks. Make sure you register when the event will be created for our 7th year anniversary on Aug 12th in Vancouver. Location will be shared soon!
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