Preparing for Nuit Blanche

Boom boom babies

Well, it certainly looks like we know what the “Royal Newlyweds” are up to when they’re not touring around the world shaking hands and kissing babies. It appears they’re making them. And fast.

Truly adhering to the British saying “hop to it,” Kate and William are wasting no time taking out insuran…..er……I mean adding to their beautiful family.

The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child and this week was treated for severe morning sickness. She suffered from morning sickness during her first pregnancy with Prince George, who was born in July of last year.

And since he’s basically still in diapers, they can now save money by buying their baby bottoms in bulk at Costco — although it’s highly unlikely they buy their own baby stuff, let alone shop at Costco. Come to think of it, I would venture to say they have people do everything for them.

Weekend Sun shines on Keegan Treloar

Were you always an active sports guy?

Yeah. I’ve always been an athlete. I grew up playing elite soccer — I played on the provincial team. I went and played for a couple of international teams in the States. I played for a team from Ecuador and that was pretty cool. And soccer was my life — I never really played any other sports competitively. Then about Grade 9, one of my sister’s friends was like, ‘Oh — you can kick a soccer ball pretty far. Let’s see if you can kick a football.’ So I came out to practice one day — I was wearing all soccer stuff and I’m sure I looked like an idiot, but I kicked a couple of field goals and they were impressed I could somehow pick it up.

And then I started playing (football) through high school. My soccer coaches didn’t really approve — the thought of me getting hit and all that kind of stuff.

It’s definitely a different game — football — when you’re a kicker than when you’re playing soccer. Soccer allows you to be more creative on the field. Whereas kicking, you go out there and you know exactly where you’re going to kick from and exactly where it’s going to go.

Let’s rock the block, baby

Downtown Brandon converted to rock concert extravaganza on Sept. 5. A sea of music lovers gathered on Rosser Avenue to enjoy music from Left of Centre, These Kids Wear Crowns, Trooper and Alyssa Reid.

The Brandon University Students Union outdid themselves this year landing some pretty amazing acts to perform in Brandon's only outdoor street concert. Drinks were flowing and the crowd was rockin’ and rollin’ all night.

After the music was over, folks had the option to jump on party buses that would take them to Houston's Rock the Block afterparty.

Find Rock the Block on Facebook to check out pictures from this year and stay tuned for next year’s lineup.

Going from good to great

So often when decorating spaces in our homes, we fall a bit flat. After going through the steps of creating a flawless plan, picking out numerous items — and likely changing or altering a few things along the way — it is very common to be left standing in the room and think, “It just needs something.”

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are a few small changes that can take your space from being “average” to “awesome.”

RUG

Take some pieces of dreams and make art

On Sept 4, art enthusiasts gathered to enjoy yet another wonderfully put together opening reception at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. Those who attended were able to enjoy a wide variety of deliciously prepared finger foods and a glass of fine wine.

This reception was organized to announce the arrival of new art in the gallery. From Sept. 4 to Sept. 20, four great shows celebrating generations of women artists in Manitoba will be on display. This latest display was curated by Chris Cooper of AGSM.

To find out more information about the AGSM, visit them online: agsm.ca

Ice ice baby

If you’re on Facebook, your newsfeed is filled with friends and strangers dousing themselves with ice cold water, and challenging others to do the same. It is the “Ice Bucket Challenge” and it is everywhere.

While it continues to bring in huge money for different ALS foundations across the globe (ALS is also sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease) since millions are doing it, there were bound to be some who find it childish, ineffective, dangerous, or brilliant. Monday morning I admit, I too did the challenge after being nominated by the CEO of my radio station’s parent company, Westman Communications Group.

Dave Baxter took three buckets of water (mind you they were small) for the cause over a week ago. Why I accepted his challenge and did the ice bucket challenge myself was because Dave also donated $500 on behalf of Westman Communications Group. Because for the dozens of ice buckets going down across Westman, there are many who are not donating to the cause. They simply want to show a video of themselves taking a bucket of cold like a football coach after a game. Entertaining, but isn’t fundraising what this is all about? I know, that sounded like Charlie Brown didn’t it?

In the beginning, Greg Norman challenged NBC anchor Matt Lauer to an ice bucket challenge after some golfers started doing it for any charity. The idea: take the bucket of cold water on your head or donate $100 to a charity of your choice.

It’s that time — back to school design boost

Whether you’re on your way to a university dorm, renting a place with a roommate, or on your own for the first time, creating that ‘home away from home’ feeling of familiarity and coziness will make transitioning from living with your mama to going solo that much more survivable and enjoyable.

Starting college or university is a cash cruncher, and typically eats away at any budget left for home decor — but I have some great tips and essentials that will help get you started, and won’t break the bank.

HOOKS & HANGERS

When closet space is at a premium, use open wall space in stairwells, entries, and the backs of doors to hang funky hooks and hangers for jackets, bags, and so forth. Get your stuff up off the floor for a cleaner, more open feel each time you come home.

Small victories

Life is busy. Life is stressful. And let’s face it, often in life it seems as if very little, if anything, goes our way.

We focus on the BIG job promotion we haven’t got at work yet, or the BIG payday from the lottery that still hasn’t come, or the BIG wedding proposal that just isn’t happening. The big purchases — the car, the house, the boat, the cabin, the light bulbs.

Wait a second. The light bulbs?

To most people, buying light bulbs isn’t a big deal, but to me it is. Buying and changing light bulbs is one of life’s little victories for me, and while it may sound stupid, for someone who is terrible at handyman work, changing a decorative or energy-efficient light bulb gives me a sense of accomplishment. For two minutes I feel like Mike Holmes. I did it. I fixed something. And who is going to take that little victory away from me?

Music is a language we all understand

A Brandon summer is not complete without a little Music in the Park.

This year, an incredible variety of Brandon talent is scheduled to perform every Tuesday and Thursday, with the last band scheduled for Aug. 21.

On Thursday, July 24, I popped down to the park and caught the acoustic version (Blair Maycher on Guitar and Erin McLennan on vocals) of the four-piece Brandon band Daisy Chain. I had a quick chat with Erin McLennan, the lead singer of the group, who said that her band has been playing together for about a year. Daisy Chain is not just all roses and butterflies either. This chick has some pipes and she knows how to use them. Playing some blues, rock, classic rock and originals you need to makes sure to check this band out.

To see the full lineup of bands scheduled for the rest of the summer, check out: brandon.ca/music.