Throwback Thursday! Niagara falls!

I went on a big trip across Ontario last summer, and I never got around to blogging, like, any of it! How awful of me, I know. So, to rectify this situation, I am posting them now, as throwback posts. They will be primarily photos, and a bit of fun and/or relevant information with said photos. Sorry for taking forever with these! Sometimes, I am AWFUL!

These posts should tide you over until I get to posting the ones from the upcoming roadtrip, that I am super stoked for!

We went to Niagara Falls, Canadian side! Whats cool about Niagara Falls, besides the actual falls, is that you can do this area pretty cheap. There are always cheap rates on Groupon that include food vouchers, and a tour of either a winery or a chocolate tour or something. There are also several casinos and a lot of shopping, both high end and kitschy local crap, as well as a lot of Canadian themed things, and a Hershey chocolate factory. 

We are so cute as fuck

Canadian side is prettier, and bigger.

Look at all that mist!

Look at that cute husband!

They have all sorts of rides and games all over the place, in case seeing one of the wonders of the world isn't enough.

Vancouver PRO/AM Fit expo

I had the opportunity to go to the FIRST Vancouver PRO/AM bodybuilding competition and fitness expo. This is the first of a new Olympia qualifying competition, so a lot of big names came out to see the expo, or compete. It was cool, because there was a lot of amateur competitors there as well, so I got to see what some of the local ladies and gents look like. 

The event was the weekend of July 25-26, but I only went on the Saturday. It was actually quite a small event, but it was pretty busy, what with it being the first of its kind.

One of my favourite moments was getting to see some of the champions. Like, Flex Lewis. And Dana Lynn Bailey. Mostly DLB. Seriously. I couldn't go near her-I was both in awe, and terrified I'd embarrass myself. Which I would have. I'll have a video of some of her talk on my YouTube later!

And Rich Piana. Now, if you don't know, yes, this man is on steroids, and he promotes the CAREFUL and PROPER use of them. Despite that, it still takes a LOT of work to get, and maintain, being this big. If you feel the need to talk about how big dudes are all on steroids, or some shit-don't. if you really can;t stop yourself, go somewhere else. I don't want to hear it.

And he is fucking huge.

They also had some pretty cool demonstrations, although  most of them I didn't get pictures of. There was belly dancing, pole dancing, powerlifting, and other lifts. We watched this girl basically giver herself an aneurysm. Well, not actually, but after she got these 5 plates (just under 225kg) up, she gave herself a nose bleed. We decided to leave after that.

And one of the cool things about the expo was all the free samples we got! Don't get me wrong, we bought a bunch of stuff too. Although I forgot to buy protein, which is awful, since I'm actually about to run out. There were also lifting competitions for the guests to win prizes, like shirts or shaker cups. One of my friends had to win me a Pharmafreak tank top because my finger makes me still kinda gimpy. Its so close to being healed, but so far.

Hawaii beaches, sunsets and the pretty stuff

Hawaii is known as paradise on earth-along with Bali, Tahiti, and the other mythic South Pacific Islands. It is the only state in America that is in the tropical bands, and perennially warm. It has its own language, its own culture, and people that still exist today, and should be celebrated. Hawaii is a place to escape, nay, THE place to escape to. It offers a refuge from the dirt, pollution and bustle of normal city life, into a environment of beauty and colour. So, enjoy that beauty!

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki beach, Diamond Head Crater.

Waikiki

Magic Island

Magic Island

Magic Island

Magic Island, facing Waikiki and Diamond Head

Never ending sky

Waikiki

Diamond Head Hawaii

When you go to Hawaii, you have to expect to spend a lot of time outdoors. There isn't much to do inside-not even shop, as many of the shops are outside. So, once that realization that outdoors is most of the time, you'll look to see what there is to do, and, one of the most popular-and fun-things to do is hike up Diamond head Crater. The crater is an almost perfect circle, and formed as part of the processes that make volcanic hot spots-of which Hawaii is one.

We walked from our hotel in Waikiki, but there are several buses that go to the base of the crater, which will cut the walk by an hour, if you want to do that. The hike took about an hour, not including the walk from Waikiki, but a lot of that was waiting for people as some of the walkways are quite narrow and do require some patience and care. It is not in the least dangerous, unless you are supremely drunk. There is a small fee to get in, but its only $2.00USD, which is hella cheap, considering the upkeep required. There is also a nice little shaved ice truck, and recommend the lime flavour!

I HIGHLY suggest going bright and early, before too many people get there and either a. get in your way or b. ruin your awesome pictures!

This is the base of the mountain and, if you're driving, the way to the parking lot.

It seems like a state park thing to have rules, doesn't it?

This is the entrance into the crater, where you will walk along the road (its safe!) to go into the crater proper.

Our little bear had to get a photo-yes, he came with us!

Part way up the mountain!

Looking back into the crater-looks like a grassland desert, right?

This is the view from the top, looking towards Waikiki, with Honolulu proper in the background. 

The beach and the ocean! It was so pretty, the pictures don't do it justice! 

Seriously guys, if you do go, Diamond head is a for sure thing to add to your to do list in Hawaii! It can be done by everyone-unless you are in crutches or a wheelchair. But, old, young, out of shape-it might take a little longer, but it is totally doable!

Aloha!

I have touched down in Honolulu, Hawaii, which, for those interested, was the secret mystery vacation I mentioned both on Twitter and my last YouTube video. If you didn't see it, there are links all over the place!

So, my next few blogs will be about my time here in this beautiful island in the Pacific Ocean. Look forward to it!

I already went for a jog this morning, and it is so so nice here.

xox

More Korean Beauty Products!

Maybe I should stop buying stuff online? Nah! I ordered a bunch more fun Korean products from online again. These are all from the same Korea Depart website that I posted a little while ago.

If you aren't into beauty, feel free to skip this post and move on to another one!

I got these face blotting papers ENTIRELY because I LOVED the dinosaurs. And, as it turned out, they were fantastic oil blotters. It comes with a mirror and a pad, so you don't have to touch the papers-or your face. I used all mine, and then cut my own to fit the container. I love it!

I got these with the intention of bringing them to the gym, and on vacations, so I don't have to bring my normal makeup remover and cotton pads (they never travel well). It feels great on my skin, but is not the greatest at removing eye makeup, which is unfortunate.  I still bring them to the gym though, so not a total loss.

These are, without a doubt, some of my favourite hand creams! They smell so nice, make my skin feel wonderful, and leave it feeling soft and supple, but not greasy.

These are the free samples that came with the order. I haven't actually used any of them yet  >.<

This was the ENTIRE reason for the order. I LOVE these hair masks which take away a lot of the damage of colouring my hair. You guys may have noticed, but  my hair takes a lot of upkeep, so I need to use a lot of product to keep my hair healthy, shiny and beautiful, and, seriously, these hair masks work wonders. My hair feels fantastic for nearly a week after using just one, and I will use these things until I die, or lose all  my hair. Seriously.

This BB cream is pretty meh on its own. I find it too thick, too makeup-y and just not spreadable. That said, when I mix it 50/50 with a regular moisturizer, I find it to be great. Good coverage, nice colour, not too obvious, and quite blendable. I won't buy it again, but it won't go to waste either.

Makeup from ELF

I mentioned before that I just got a debit card that I can use online, yea? Well, I've been doing a lot of online shopping (even though I really need to stop!) and much of that has been makeup, or beauty products. So, if you don't care about what I have to say about makeup, or whatever, feel free to skip this post and move on to the next one!

Cirque du soleil Totem

This year is the 30th anniversary of Cirque Du Soleil, a Canadian based circus company that specializes in carnival meet athletic ability performances. I finally got the opportunity to go to one of the main, and the newest show, Totem. I've seen Cirque as part of a show in Vegas with Criss Angel, which was a lot of fun, but this show was totally different.

The big top circus tent

I would have loved to get some photos, of a video, of the show, but doing so endangers the performers, and it's forbidden. Unlike many of the other Cirque performances, this one was different in that it was much less circus and much more organic performance. The actors are so damn talented, its almost unreal. I love how international the cast is as well, choosing talent over any national boundaries.

Some of the awesome stuff available for purchase

My thoughts on being able to do ANY of the things the performers could. Seriously, so talented!

Yum Yum popcorn!

Cirque selfie!

Photography wasn't allowed, but I got a quick snap before the show

the Cirque logo

Aren't these masks just beautiful?

.I don't know where, of even if, Totem is heading next, but if you guys get a chance to see the travelling version of Cirque, or, really, any version, I highly recommend it! There are always shows going on in Vegas, and you can get some pretty cheap tickets too. I suggest the travelling show because then you get to be in a big top. While the big top has less room for the BIG theatrics and technical stuff, it is super magical to see it all in a circus tent, you know?

So, have you guys been to Cirque du Soleil? What did you think?

Here is the official trailer for Totem, give it a watch, and tell me what you think!

(Another) Throwback post! My Hometown!

My hometown of Guelph Ont, is really only famous for a few things-The University of Guelph, and the hometown of the leader of the Pot Party. I think that's about it. Oh, and the authors Jean Little and Robert Munch.
I know that I've posted pictures of my hometown before-I go there often enough, that there are lots of posts about Ontario. But, this is different. You see, this was before I knew I would be leaving forever. I also thought I could be a semi-professional photographer at some point in my life. As you can see, that never turned out. I don't mean to say I take bad pictures-I think they are quite alright-it just means that I will never make money from it. That's fine. There are plenty of real photographers out there with lots of talent, you know?
So, enjoy these OLD photos (maybe 2 cameras ago) and look forward to some new ones from Ontario in August!

Church of our lady. Religion scares the crap out of me, but the architecture is beautiful. 

Abandoned steam train

The sunsets in the winter are just beautiful sometimes

The ever-peaceful Buddha 

And you thought the church was big from the front! 

Abandoned train station