Skate, Surf, and Action! BC Brothers build dream in Nicaragua

Posted by Blanca Blandon | Nov 13, 2015 | Travel |

“We were drunk and we decided to Google ‘cheap land in the world.’ Nicaragua, Philippines and Borneo came up. We read that beheadings were a common occurrence in Borneo – too sketchy. The Philippines – too far. So we settled with Nicaragua because it was closer and seemed the safest of the three.” It’s a Monday morning and I’m sitting pool-side at the Surf Ranch Hotel and Resort, just on the outskirts of San Juan del Sur – appropriately nicknamed “San Juan del Surf.” It’s hot and humid out, and the pool water looks so blue and inviting. I’m...

Q&A with Peking Duk!

Posted by Blanca Blandon | Aug 29, 2015 | Music |

Covering the annual Squamish Valley Music Festival this year was the ultimate experience. The bulked-up lineup was impressive, featuring over 70 artists, including energetic electronic duo from Canberra, Australia – Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles, better known as Peking Duk! Peking Duk first formed in 2010. Since then, they’ve racked up their share of accolades including being voted No. 5 in the inthemix top 50 DJs in 2013 and having their hit single “High” nominated for “Best Dance Release” at the ARIA Music Awards in 2014. They’re dynamic, entertaining, and more importantly – they’re likeable. I had the opportunity to chat with...

Q & A with IndigoPaper Jeans

Posted by Blanca Blandon | Mar 11, 2015 | Fashion |

I recently interviewed the visionary behind the clothing line, IndigoPaper Jeans! This family brand produces all kinds of fashion forward jeans from skinny to boyfriend and from light to dark wash, all crafted with an eye for quality! Q: How did you get your start in the fashion industry? Fashion is in my blood. My family has been in the fashion business for over 40 years creating jeans for designers all over the world. For as long as I could remember, I would always spend my summer holidays in the factory. I was always fascinated by how the threads skip and...

Why do some good when you can do some awesome: Wize Monkey tea

Posted by Blanca Blandon | Oct 31, 2014 | Business, Food & Drink |

Sometimes, being bitten by a dog in Central America can lead to an unexpected partnership. For Max Rivest, that dog bite is how he and his business partner Arnaud Petitvallet found Armando – their pioneer tea leaf farmer in Nicaragua – and began brewing a relationship integral to helping farmers and their families living and working in the country’s coffee regions. Vancouverites Rivest and Petitvallet are the entrepreneurs behind the brand Wize Monkey, Vancouver’s first coffee leaf tea. Their product is a tea blend made using 100% pure organic coffee leaves, also known as “the forgotten leaf.” The blend contains many health benefits including more antioxidants than...

[VIDEO] Bif Naked hungry to raise welfare rates: Food Welfare Challenge

Posted by Blanca Blandon | Oct 14, 2014 | People |

Rocker and activist Bif Naked takes on the October Welfare Food Challenge Could you live on 610 dollars a month? Rocker and activist, Bif Naked has pledged to, volunteering to take on the Food Welfare Challenge. The Raise the Rates 3rd Annual Welfare Food Challenge begins on October 16 and ends seven days later. For Bif and participants, that’s seven days that they will be expected to live on only the food they can purchase with just $21 dollars. The BC government provides single, able-bodied persons who can prove that they are looking for work, with $610 dollars a month in welfare. This...

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Author: Blanca Blandon