Peaches and Apricots

Thursday, 13 November 2014

A hope for Love

Hey guys,

Today I would like to post on behalf of a good friend of mine. As you have read from previous posts I am from Venezuela, and that is where I left a great deal of friends as well as most of my family.
I did 1st grade in a school called U.E Araguaney and the people I met there became my family for the next 11 years. As a group we went through a lot specially in our graduation year and we grew even more together.

After I moved to Canada I did loose a bit of touch with them but I still look them up and see how their lives are doing and making sure they are ok.
I have one friend that got married earlier this year and it is about her and her husband that I will be making reference in this post.

Selena is probably one of the most sweet and caring individuals I have ever met. It was bound that she was to marry a sweet guy and live happily ever after - At least that's what you want for your friends as cheesy as it may sound.

Selena and Daniel married this past January (2014)

and now several months after their wedding this beautiful couple is going through probably one of hardest things they will have to face in their life. Daniel was diagnosed 3 months ago with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - here is a brief extract from the Canadian Cancer Society Website:

"Because lymphocytes are found throughout the lymphatic system, NHL can start almost anywhere in the body. It usually starts in a group of lymph nodes in one part of the body, such as in the neck, above the collarbone, under the arms, in the abdomen or in the groin. Unlike Hodgkin lymphoma, which usually spreads in a predictable, orderly way from one group of lymph nodes to the next, NHL doesn’t spread in a predictable way. NHL can spread to almost any tissue or organ in the body through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream"

Read more: http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/?region=on#ixzz3Ixd9MqbC

Currently Daniel and Selena are living in Falcon- Venezuela. There is a shortage on medical supplies in Venezuela due to the Social - Political and Economical issues that are going on. Daniel still requires Radiation, Chemotherapy, Stem Cell Transplantation among many other treatments.

Usually I don't ask for donations - But you do what you can for family and that is what Selena is and by extension her Husband Daniel.
A little bit goes along way. Donations do not have to be huge, little by little you can help. And even if at the time you are unable to make a donation then perhaps share the word.

Daniel and Selena would appreciate it.. and so would I.

Here is a link where you can make your donations and there is a small video and notes Regarding Daniel . -------->Lets Support Daniel

Thank You

Vanessa

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

Frosty Heaven

I arrived in Fort McMurray in August several years ago and I remember I was wearing Jeans, Sneakers 2 socks 3 Layers of shirts plus a sweater and a Jacket - and yes my friends I was still cold.

The thing is when you lived in +30 weather August feels like winter when you arrive into Fort McMurray. Seeing snow for the first time was AWESOME! again you don't really see this back home. Although I remember while living in Houston we got to see hail! - not as pretty. But snow - Totally different. Now this whole awesome feeling was crushed somewhere after 4 months of still seeing snow, -20 ish temperatures and slips/trips and falls on the snow/ice. I was done!

And then there was the first Christmas I spent with my parents at our first house in Canada - I cant even remember what time it was but the lights outside the house were lit up and there was this incredibly beautiful fluffy snow falling and I was starring through the window with my little sister - and I fell in love with winter all over again. And again winter and I transition through this love/ hate relationship years at a time.

The last time I felt that way with winter was a couple of years back when my husband and I setup the Christmas tree in the place we have been calling our home now- we weren't married then and we had just started living together. After it was setup I turned on the Christmas tree, turned off all the lights, opened the windows and sat down to enjoy the first Christmas tree setup in our home - and of course the first of many

Its funny how I have been here for several years now and people say "oh you will get used to it" and you know what - I actually think my whining with winter is worse...
I love taking photographs but I do not like taking pictures outdoors in the winter - Don't get me wrong I will and I give my 100+% to my customers - but its cold and windy and cold - lol

You are probably wondering why I am ranting about my love hate relationship with winter and believe me I have a point! we just cant rush into these things.

A photographer friend was looking for a companion to do some outdoor photos this past Sunday and I asked if I could join - We braved the start of this winter at 6:30 am to catch the sunrise at - 20.
We grabbed some hot beverages and took off to our winter expedition. We headed towards the river and took our gear out of our camera bags to start taking pictures. I struggled a bit trying to get the settings on my camera and was getting a little frustrated. After a few minutes it clicked in and I decided to take a couple of macros and LOVED them! I felt like a little kid looking at the frost through my camera and checking out the frost on the branches and the ice on the river. After several minutes I looked up and it hit me that love for winter again - perhaps not the best time since it was -20, but still.

I looked over at Virginia and she was clicking away, looking for new spots and another thing hit me - Not all of us get to do what we love and right then I was looking at a friend that despite the cold was inspired and looking for more to take pictures of; and despite the cold she was loving what she was doing.

We talked in between clicks checked on each other to make sure we weren't getting to cold - and talked about how beautiful it was and how not a lot of people consider Fort McMurray beautiful
And it's true. Not many of us do - even I don't at times. And I truly believe that in our busy lives we need to stop and take time to look at all the beauty that surrounds us. It doesn't matter how cold it is.

Here are some of my photos below from my outdoor shoot with Virginia. Also please take a few minutes to take a look at her page ----> Virginia Frank Photography and check out her absolutely stunning photographs.

Thank you for stopping by

Vanessa

Egyptian Goddess

Its been a while since I have done a themed photo shoot and I have been tossing the idea to do an Egyptian themed or I guess it would be better to say an Egyptian Inspired Photo shoot and well earlier this summer I was at a friends baby shower and spotted one of her friends as my potential "Goddess" Candidate - Creepy I know - but I am more than 100% sure that I am not the only photographer out there that has an idea for a specific look and as soon as they see the person perfect for the shoot they go "A-ha!". You almost want to get up in the middle of a busy room and point out to the person and saying that "A-ha!" or "Eureka!" but in reality you have a to be a bit more stable and proper about approaching these things - without looking or sounding like a creep.

So I asked my friend if she could get me in contact with her friend and it was then the awkward "Hey would you be interested in doing a Photo Shoot?" and that is how I met Lauren Elliott.

Not going to lie sending that message was not easy - to be honest I was very intimidated. I have been wanting to go out and workout and well have not gone around it or I do but I have no commitment. And well sitting down with this girl that when you look at her she is a smoke show! makes you reconsider that doughnut you had in the morning .. And well this awesome lady is probably one of the most down to earth individuals I have ever met. She is extremely sweet and kind and she has her Shit together! We got together to talk about the theme of the shoot, get measurements and such. We talked for a while - and well I had to ask how do you do it? stay fit the way you do? and the biggest thing I got from her is Conviction - She knows what she wants and well she works hard at it. After that first meeting with her I looked at myself and said no excuses! ( truth is I have had ups and downs since then but again no one is perfect) I have the opportunity to have her as a friend now and the dedication that she has towards her workouts and meal preps is amazing. And as you will be able to see below it pays off! She looks amazing!!

Necklace: Pegasus Necklace

I am extremely grateful to have worked with her in this project - I have gained a new friend who is a big sweetheart and "mentor" in this road to a healthier life. If you are have a few, take a look at her blog! < Beauty and a Beast > Hopefully we will be sitting down with her within the next couple of months to talk about her journey as well - Stay Tuned!!

Necklace: Currently Unavailable

Earrings: Medina Chandeliers Earrings

As for the other amazing members of this project:

I had the opportunity to do my first collaboration with Cherie Walsh of Muse Makeup Artistry & The Naked Tan. She is amazing to work with, an incredible Artist and an absolute sweetheart. Another individual that I was nervous to work with and it went smoothly - As an artist that she is I gave her a few ideas for the makeup I was looking for and she did an incredible job and made my vision come true! Please take a few minutes to look at her work and check out her services - Muse Makeup Artistry

Necklace: Currently Unavailable

Earrings: Medina Chandeliers Earrings

For the hair I asked my friend and Hair Stylist Brandy Maczko to work her magic on Lauren and after changing my mind several times we both agreed on a hair style. And again this is why I loved working with this group of talented individuals - the day of the shoot Brandy asked if we could incorporate a braid into the look and I think it made a huge difference with the overall look and brought everything together. Brandy works at Razors Edge - she is an incredible hairstylist and a joy to work with!

Necklace: Makena Pendant Necklace
Earrings: Medina Chandeliers Earrings

The jewelry was provided by Amanda Green and Katie Seggie - please check out Amanda's page if you are interested in some Stella & Dot jewelry. I will be referencing the pieces that we used on the photos just in case you would like to take a peek on Amanda's Stella & Dot site.

A huge thank you to my Rock on this shoot - Katie Seggie. From holding reflectors to accessorizing Lauren - to keeping me on track and keeping me CALM most of all. The jewellery combinations were setup by Katie and I loved the pairings she did! She also Assisted with the wardrobe prep helping with the beading and final setup of the tulle pants. I could have not completed this shoot without her.

Outfit:
- The Top was purchase at LaSenza and the embellishments were added to the piece with beads purchased from WalMart and Fire Mountain Gems. A LOT of sewing went into this.. between Katie and myself we finished the top just in time
Here is a before and after:

- Pants were made with fabric and tulle purchased at WalMart.

"Beauty Begins the moment that you decide to be yourself"

- Coco Chanel -

Necklace: Rebel Pendant - Gold

Bracelet: Sardinia Bracelet

Thank you for stopping by,

- V -

"True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul"

- Audrey Hepburn -

Model - Lauren Elliott
MUA - Cherie Walsh of Muse Makeup Artistry and the Naked Tan
Hairstylist - Brandy Maczko - Razors Edge
Jewellry - Stella & Dot Rep. Amanda Green & Katie Seggie
Concept/Photography - Vintage Blossoms Photography
Wardrobe Setup/Prep - Vanessa Beltran / Katie Seggie (Crafts By Katie)
Lauren's Tanning was done by - Dark and Devious Sunless Tanning

Monday, 11 August 2014

Genie

Today has been a great loss for the Acting and cinema community. An amazing actor has left us as all of you may know by know.

My husband mentioned this today and I was baffled, sad and instantly nostalgic. Nostalgic of the days my family and I lived in Huston.. Watching Aladin in the theaters for the first time and laughing at the movie and being happy - I was 4. And then I started going through the many movies that I have watched of this amazing actor and was brought back to family time watching his movies, watching Jumanji with friends .. And so many more ...
I cannot imagine what his family is going through at this time, and I would like to say that I know not in the same level as they are but I think that we have lost someone as well. And that the hearts of all those who he touched are thinking of his family at this time.

Thank you Robin - you will be missed

-V-

Edmonton - Weekend Get away!

My husband and I go to Edmonton quite a bit. To visit family, I go for work sometimes and well, to get out from the day to day routine.

So planning a weekend getaway in Edmonton? A couple of places you need to stop by:

- During the day you can visit The Muttart Conservatory.
Designed by Peter Hemingway and in my opinion it is one of the areas in Edmonton that you have to go to! 3 pyramids with different plants and different temperatures. One of the 3 pyramids is their "Featured Pyramid" and it changes throughout the year - All themes are absolutely beautiful. If you have kids (toddlers) this would be a great place to go! so many neat plants to see - they will be for sure asking lots of questions!

Here are some pictures of some of the plants you may find there

- Another great place to go to - (Opens May 1st until Thanksgiving) is The Devonian Gardens located 30 minutes from Downtown Edmonton. this outdoors facility is absolutely Gorgeous! definitely a DO NOT MISS type of spot!

- Edmonton Art Gallery:
If you want to do something a bit out of the norm or if you enjoy looking at Artwork there are some amazing pieces at the Edmonton Art Gallery. From Paintings, to sculptures to Photography. So even if your not a big fan of Art's I nudge you to go and take a look plus you are close to food places as well AND there is always a good time to try new things!
Expand thy artistic self!

And what about Food?

- La Poutine - if you don't mind the none healthy kind-of food every blue moon. Please stop by La Poutine! So many choices and different kinds of Poutine!! Bacon, pulled pork, Mexican style, shepherds pie Poutine? Why not??

I would suggest getting the small one since they are very filling or go for the large if your up for the challenge?!

- Los Tres Carnales

This place is AWESOME! delicious Mexican food. The service is amazing.. It gets a quite busy so you might have to wait a bit to be seated but it is definitely worth the wait! you can also check out their menu online and see what you will be expecting! for the first time I would suggest to pick one item from the menu. Meals are a pretty decent size and I can asure you more than one item from the menu might be too much - below 3 of my favorite! the Pork Torta with guacamole and Totopos accompanied by the Dos Equis!

- Pho Hoa Fusion Noodle House (West Edmonton Mall)

So this is a personal favorite, I usually order a # 1 and I have been ordering the same plate for the last 6 years!! It is boiling broth that they serve in a bowl and they add beef brisket, cilantro, onions and green onions right before it is served! So it will finish cooking in front of you! They also give you a small plate with bean sprouts and lemon and you also give you a selections of sweet sauce and hot sauce to add - every time we Are in Edmonton we have Pho. There are definitely more things on the menu to try but for now the # 1 is my #1 at Pho Hoa Fusion Noodle House - Please note that it is not a big Fancy restaurant and the service is fairly quick but do not be discouraged if you are up for new things this is a place to go!

- Cactus Club (West Edmonton Mall)
I love to go to Cactus Club for dinner, it gives me another excuse to get dolled up and EAT!. This is one of those places that anytime and anywhere I go to it, the service and quality of food is the same - DELICIOUS & AMAZING! anything you pick form the menu you will love (at least that's the way it works for me) plus it is a family restaurant to so you can bring your little ones. The one in the West Edmonton Mall has a bar area, restaurant and a patio - so you have selection for seating. And wait time? since that is always annoying to have to go through.. Not long at all, every time I have been there it is a 10 -15 min wait tops! take a look at the appetizing plates below and tell me it doesn't make you hungry... I dare you!

- The Red Piano at Bourbon Street (West Edmonton Mall) - Good place to go to hang out with friends and have some drinks and enjoy the show! the music is awesome, they have dueling pianos! the atmosphere is vibrant! you have to reserve to get a table and they only reserve for a min of 4. If not you can show up and find a spot to sit close to the bar ( I suggest going early if this is your option)

So just a couple of my favorite spots in Edmonton I recommend -

What are your favorite spots in Edmonton?
Excited to hear...

Thanks for Stopping by
- V -

Peaches&Apricots

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Pêche and Rain

So as part of this hole Blogging process, I noted that I would try new things. So today I will be talking liquor. Sigh yes, kind of sad that for my first food post I will be talking about booze.

Any-who, I went to get something to drink a couple of weeks ago. I was mopey and wanted something sweet to sip on while it rained and I had supper with the husband. So I went for the regular, a nice Riesling. And stopped, "didn't I say I would try something new?" - " Sigh, well lets see". I noticed the Growers Peach cider in the fridge and chuckled since the name that I chose for the blog is Peaches and Apricots. So I said why not.

Took a sip, and all I have to say is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! if you like fruity types of drinks that are not extremely sweet. You have to try it out! Growers also have other kinds of flavors so I'll have to pick a different one next time and see. Or if you try one let us know!

I wont say I am going to make this a regular since you should moderate the amount of drinking but I do like the idea of Pêche and Rain..

Thanks for stopping by
- V -
Peaches&Apricots

Monday, 23 June 2014

Lilacs, daisies and summer..

So for the past little bit I have been wanting to do a photo-shoot that is summer worthy. For many reasons I was unable to do the shoot last year, Procrastination is one of my best qualities. But finally here it is! Concept for this besides SUMMER! is soft dewy looks for the models.. something fresh and perhaps Romantic.. I must say there are so many interesting and beautiful places in Fort McMurray for photos. <3

Emily Miller

Vanessa Beltran

Taylor Coté

All 3 dresses are from Lulu's. Usually if I am unable to find what I am looking for in town I always go to Lulu's online and find what I am looking for an affordable dress, top, shoes - you name it! tricky thing is sizes. But still definitely a good place to browse and select cute dresses/outfits/accessories/shoes! so check them out!
Headpieces were handmade by yours truly - I will have a DIY post on this later -

So please enjoy!

Location: Fort McMurray
MUA: Vintage Blossoms Photography
Photos: Vintage Blossoms Photography - Assistance of Philip Wemnerstrom AKA the husband! thank you for taking photos of me for this post
Edit: Vintage Blossoms Photography
Models: Emily Miller / Taylor Coté ( thank you both for your assistance!) /Vanessa Beltran

Thank you for Stopping by

- V -
Peaches&Apricots