5 Minutes 5 Questions: Joey Armstrong

I’m so excited to be teaming up with this food/lifestyle photographer this summer for my first shoot in Vancouver (go figure!). Her name is Joey Armstrong and we first met when I frequented a local deli to buy beef jerky. I’m excited to see Joey in her element as she captures moments of fun at Soirette for the shoot!

Check Joey out on Instagram/Twitter: @joey_arm_strong and ‘Like’ her Facebook page: joey armstrong photography

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the lovely and creative Joey Armstrong:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

just over 7 years!

2) What is your favourite thing about being behind the camera?

it’s a weird mixture of excitement and fear, to have the power and ability to create images that truly capture the beauty or the feeling of the subject itself (whether it’s a farmer’s market bounty of gorgeous produce, or an adorable family that loves that loves each other so much).

3) What is your most favourite picture you have ever taken?

tough question; i’m really indecisive! i don’t think i have a favourite picture ever taken, but my most recent favourite would be a photo i took of a dad & his young daughter fishing by the river (i love the look of pure joy on her face, and the water splashing everywhere).

4) What is your single best piece of advice for aspiring photographers?

failure, or the feeling of failure, is normal and totally okay – just make sure you move on, learn from it, and don’t take it personally.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

patience. humour. helpfulness.

ELENA:)

Mini Bar Delivery App Review

I was going to save this post for the weekend – but it’s Wednesday and since the weather is heating up all I can thinking about is cocktails poolside or patio dinners on a lovely summer night.

I came across an ingenious app a few weeks ago. It’s called the Mini Bar Delivery App (available on both US and Canadian iTunes). Once you download the app, you can purchase wine, beer, spirits and get it delivered for free within an hour anywhere in NYC and the Hamptons! Such a great idea for an impromptu party or last minute gift giving.

Here is a discount code you can use for your next purchase: em052829

Don’t forget to add them on twitter and instagram: minibardelivery too!

Enjoy!

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Ruben Perez

One fun Saturday night in NYC, I found myself at (le) Poisson Rouge dancing away to an 80’s cover band music. In between songs, my friend introduced me to Ruben Perez. Ruben has been an events coordinator extraordinaire for over ten years. Born and raised in the Bronx, he has a vast appreciation of music and a passionate eye for street art.

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the multi-facteted Ruben Perez.

1) How long have you lived in New York?

All my life.  I was born and raised in The Bronx.

2) What is your favorite thing about working in nightlife?  

That it’s not a desk job.  Whenever work starts to feel stressful I just remind myself that I could be working a 9-to-5 in a cubicle somewhere and I immediately feel great about what I do again.

3) If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?  

“The Boss” by James Brown.  A little James Brown swagger has served me well in life.

4) Where is the best place to grab food in NYC at 3 am?  

Before 2:30am, Lucky Strike has been my go-to for well over 10 years.  By 3am I get less picky.  There are a bunch of great places to choose from but I’ll take an egg breakfast at a diner and be content.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)? 

Funny – what is life without laughter?

Adventurous – I’ve had a lot of fun in my life but almost all of it has been in New York.  I’m craving adventure and a desire to take risks in my life now more than ever and I need someone who shares that.

A good communicator – I couldn’t imagine feeling emotionally connected to someone who I couldn’t have honest and open communication with.

ELENA:)