Christmas Day!

Hey all!

It's Christmas and I thought I'd do a quick blog post with the outfit I'm wearing for the day. Can and I will try to put a video up later. The sweater is from Sammydress.com, the leggings are from Ardene's and the hat is just dollarama. Happy holidays and merry Christmas to all our readers. We truly appreciate every bit of it.

Beauty and Brains!

Hey everyone!!

Just filmed this tag to keep our blog active and such!

Hope exam season isn't too hard on our university viewers :P

Here's the video!

Much love <3

5 points on human rights

I was going to call this post 5 points on gay rights, but gay rights are human rights.

Much love,

Cameron

October favorites!

This is a video of my personal monthly favorites for the month of october! I'm going to try to do one every month so stay tuned :)

Influenster

Hey guys!

Just a post about a new program I've become involved with. The site is called influenster.com

the idea of this site is that people get boxes of goodies for FREE just for saying what they think about them!

FREE

so check it out if you like the idea!

My Secret.

Due to recent events made public in the media regarding teen suicide, I decided to use the "My Secrets" tag to share a personal story that I have related to the subject. 

If you or anyone you know is in a situation like that girl, there is help. Reach out and find someone who will listen. I always will.

Much love,
Rayne

I don't too much know you or like you... but

Hiya!

Funny title, I know. It plays on something that is said in the video.

In this video, I explain that I love (shocking), but I also give me " I'm not your gay friend" rant.
This isn't (Directly) a rant about the general stereotypes that the "gay best friend" encompass (that will come later), rather it addresses the phenomena that is being objectified by straight woman.

Let me know if this has happened to you!

Much love,

Cameron

University

just an update about what's going on and why we haven't been posting much!

much love,

Rayne

MSAC 4 poem: I am....

This poem was a product of MSAC 4, a cohort of individuals that I am so glad to have met. We are a collection of Students from grades 7-12 tasked with representing the student voice of over 2 million students in Ontario. We are also some of the most fabulous and loveable people you will ever meet.

Shout out to MSAC 4!

I am…

I am from a place where there are walls, but no limits; a place where different cultures and natures meet; a place that no-one seems to have heard of.

I am from a community that celebrates strawberries; a quiet area where streets are simple but the people are complicated; a place of caring and giving people.

I am from hard work, bad jokes, and a life of quiet simplicity; from large gatherings, found memories, and far-away places.

I am from knockwurst and gateau chaumeur, from codfish and crab meat, from meat and potatoes and gravy, from goulash and pizza, from poli, baji and postizzi’s, olives and rice, schnitzel and crumpets and tarte au sucre… I am from any home cooked meal.

I am from a place where it isn’t always safe; an environment where education outside the classroom should be as highly supported as learning within those four walls.

I am from a slippery slope that tests my abilities; a place where teachers encourage us to follow our dreams.

I am from a place where learning disabilities should be acknowledged as much as achievement; a school where teachers and students should be respected by each other, and work together towards a common goal.

I am from a place where love flows free and equality is yet to be; a place of uncertainty and shattered trust, and a hope for healing; a place of determination and passion; a family who had beaten all odds.

I am from a vision in which students will open their eyes to see the potential they withhold; a place that needs to recognize its potential; a place where change is open and possible.

I am from a place that believes that discussion and experimentation leads to advancement and innovation; from a place where the focus needs to shift beyond just schooling.

Honourable Minister, we are from a breed of youth that wants to make a difference.

Much love,

Cameron

Ave Maria

Ave Maria,

a staple in any classical singers repertoire.

The following video is me singing a short version of this great piece, arranged by Caccini.

I love this piece and I this is the best I could do, when left to my own devices. 

I won't be completely happy until I sing this perched on a Grand Piano, but this isn't terrible. 

My voice is tired and the ending was cut out, but hey, everyone's a critic!

Hope you liked it Stephanie.

If you have any ideas for covers I should sing, comment and be heard!

Much love,

Cameron

Toronto Haul

Shopping?

What shopping?

Much love,

Cameron

How can you be a fan?!?!?!

I constantly find myself telling someone that I am a fan of some musician or makeup artist or whatever just to be asked about how much I know about their life.

I don't care about their life.

If I am a fan of the music someone makes then their music is probably all I give a crap about.

Take The Beatles...

I like their music.

I do not own every song they ever put out.

I don't know everything they have made.

I don't care who they married or went to school with or who wrote what or what instrument is secretly hidden in what track at what EXACT second...

Nope.

Can't say I do..

But in my personal opinion, that doesn't matter. I like their music because it sounds good to me. Why should I research all their background unless that is what I find interesting!?

I don't think owning a shirt like this means I am prepared for random Beatles trivia at any given time..

This whole paradox of who knows more about who really doesn't make sense in my humble opinion..

I don't think artists put out their music so people can memorise their biography. I think artists put out their music because they want people to like it..

Make sense?

Much love,

Rayne

Video: Lip Gradient Tutorial

Hey everyone!

this is jut a video tutorial on how to do a lip look i love to do

you can use whatever colours you like!

Stay tuned for more tutorials from me!

Much love,

Rayne

Video: haul!

Hey guys this is a post of the stuff i bought in New Liskerd!

Thanks for watching!

Much love :)

Rayne

Shop Lifting

Store employee "Don't look at her, but (blank) just saw her put meat in her purse" 

What an eventful way to start off a shift!

I work at a grocery store.

People steal things, a lot, not always in the sneakiest of ways.

Ok, they're not quite that bad, but I've encountered a few wannabe Artful Dodgers in my 3 years.

Redfaced and Snotty:

"Pay attention to those kids" my supervisor whispered, as she made her way to the candy aisle.

Sure enough, one of these scantily dressed urchins stuffed a bag of candy into her sweater.

*Author's note* Why do you wear Uggs and Shorts? It's a paradox. You're wearing boots and shorts that are not only too short, but are made for warmer weather!*

As they made their way to my till, my supervisor followed in tow.

They presented their items and before they paid, my supervisor chimes in

" Are you sure that's everything?" she asked "BecauseI'd hate to have to call your mommy and daddy if that isn't the case"

The candy was promptly retrieved and paid for.

I'd like to say Us: 1 Thieves: 0, but people seriously rob us blind.

It's not that we don't know it's happening, we do, but we often don't have the manpower to do anything about it, or have the proof.

Some of the more dangerous stories include a Security Guard running out to confront a shoplifter, only to have a knife pulled on him.

I for one am NOT getting stabbed for minimum wage.

The expression "Gurl, I will cut you" aplies and Gurl, you can keep the meat you stuffed down your pants.

Down the pants, in a bag or pocket, these thieves dress to impress, or steal.

It's quite simple how they do it.

1) Get high price item

2) Circle store

3) Run out entrance doors when someone enters

You avoid cashiers and the people patrolling the exit.

The other method involves steps 1-2 but step 3 is: just walk out and don't pay.

Some people just walk out without paying and though we have security camera's, I don't know of many people being caught solely on that.

Thieves apparently aren't this grocery stores biggest problem, while (competing store) has security guards patrolling the exits, checking bags and receipts and presses charges on shoplifters.

And ya know what!?

People don't steal from him.

Ya know why!?

Because they'll be caught and charged.

Not to say we don't press charges, but I've seen it take 2 hours for the police to come and take these girls away, so sometimes they're just banned from the store and escorted out.

*Author's note* The "intelligent" security guard at that time, housed these two thieves in a side office filled with lockers.

What's in these lockers you ask?

Just our bag.... with our belongings...like phones and credit cards...

HELL NAW, I moved my bag, but seriously!?

You're standing in the hallway gossiping, they're essentially unsupervised and you don't see anything wrong with this presented opportunity!?

In conclusion:

It's not that hard to steal from the grocery store, but do you know what I'd do, just to play devil's advocate?

1) Go to store

2) Buy item, say 4 blocks of cheese.

3) Dump item in car.

4) Return with empty bag, but keep receipt.

5) Put new cheese in bag

6) Buy small item at register and ad lib about forgetting something to set the scene

7) Leave store, if stopped, present receipt from earlier transaction relating to items in bag

8) Return next day to return cheese for full refund.

Just sayin, Criminal Mastermind.

Much love,

Cameron

Eyelash care

Hey!

I recently bought the Rimmel Lash Accelerator! I know I have long lashes already but I wouldn't mind a little bit more oomph :-P

I don't really know much about the product or the whole concept of lash growing products. I plan on researching the idea and the products used for it. I will keep everyone here (who is interested) updated on the next few weeks and how the product works.

I plan on wearing this product as a night time use only. The package says that it can be used under mascara as well but I already have myself a great primer for my lashes (sephora primer) and I have no need to change at the moment. I will however try it under my my mascara once for review purposes and I'll let you know how it works.

As for now. I have icky sticky lashes and I'm glad I didn't try this during he day. My lashes are coated in a clear gel that stays wet for a little while after application. I don't love the feeling but if it means beautiful lashes, I may cope. Below are pictures of the product and my lashes after application.

Modelling!

Hey you!

I may be a make up artist first, but I love modelling! Today, I got to work with a photographer friend of mine. The shoot was so much fun!

Here are a few photos that cam took while I was busy at work.

Trying to get myself out of the ditch that was at the side of the road.

Made it out alive!!

This is a shot that turned out from the shoot!

I hope you enjoyed the photos! If you are interested in me as either a makeup artist or a model, feel free to ask! :)

Much love,

Rayne

Shoe collection favs!

I love my shoes.  This video only shows my 10 favourites from my collection of about 30 or more.

Any questions? Drop me a line!

Keep watching!

Much love,
Rayne

Late night fashion: Harem Pants

As I`m on facebook chatting with a friend, the guilt of not updating in almost a week, mixed in with our conversation around Harem pants spawned this! Thanks Lateef :P

Alright!

Harem pants are according to wikipedia, also known as parachute pants.

No, just no.

Harem pants originiated in India and are like a cross between a skirt and a pair of skinny jeans. The legs from the knee down, are fitted and the crotch are is loose and baggy, like a skirt.

Parachute pants are Satan`s multi-colored demon creation and we do not speak of them on this blog.

The ``Pants that will not be named`` aren`t fitted. They`re just flare out like a whale.

Moving on, Harem pants are in my opinion wonderfully stylish.

I prefer the pants in black, but these gray pants (zara.com) caught my idea. They are fitted beautifully at the bottom and the fabric branches out as it nears the crotch. 

Elegant no.

These are also from Zara and besides being a Capri cut, I`m looking for full length, they present a problem. 

The black pair look like sweatpants and the white pair though lovely, I just wouldn`t trust myself not spilling something on.

As is the cast with Male Fashion, it become hard to create a couterpart that is as edgy and sleek in design and retain the masculinity of the male form. More and more in fashion, high-fashion in particular we see androgynous models and this is helping the case.

I notice that in the Asian market, I spend a LOT of time on ebay and other sites, their fashion isn`t completely androgynous, but it comes close.

It could be the cultural difference, or perhaps that men have more pressure to look a certain way, but the result is men not afraid of experimenting with fashion and trying edgier pieces. I find North-American males in particular are guilty of this, mainly of the straight-variety, but still.

*Author`s note, not to sterotype but I find that often Gay Men because they are already outside of typical societal norms have more freedom to experiment, fashion wise. The added narcissism of the gay community also fuels an individuals want to not only look their best, but to stand out.*

We have a very defined societal view of masculinity and femininity and for many that boundary isn`t to be crossed. A pair of harem pants or even a cropped leather jacket are too much for many males, because it is so different to what is around them. 

Looking in a catalogue, I see females clothes to be form fitting and males to be baggy and not in a boho way. This image in mainstream shops, like American Eagle, Aeropostale and Campus Crew show this and though many people choose chicer stores, like Zara and H&m, we are still left with this image as a whole.

As a result, retailers respond by selling products that conform to this view so that they will sell. We all know that in urbanized areas you can find almost ANY piece you want, but these trendy boutiques don`t always fit into a fashionista`s price range. Thus, we have the eternal cost to be fashionable and fiscally responsible. 

This gem, like the label suggest is from dinodirect.com and is exactly what I`m looking for. However, online shopping just isn`t the same and I`d rather hold-off until I can find a pair of Harem pants to try on, or a pair online that are cheap enough that if they don`t fit, I won`t do this:

What are your thoughts on this, have any pieces of thoughts to share, comment below!

Much love,

Cameron

16 (-1) Scarves

Just a little video about scarves.
Much love,
Cam

Quick outfit of the day!

This is just a quick post showing what I'm wearing tonight! The shorts are from urban planet Nd the shirt is smart set!

I apologize for the lack of posting recently but we are doing our very best with the limited free time between the two of us! Thanks so much for understanding!

Much love,
Rayne

Metro Sass

People are stupid.

There, I said it.

If you`ve ever worked with people regardless of what your wage is, though I imagine more than $10.25 an hour helps to ease the pain, you can agree with this statement.

When I say people are stupid, the context is that the people I interact with while at my job have what I like to call selective thinking understanding processing initiative disorder, S.T.U.P.I.D. for short. You may think it`s a little harsh to judge the people that I interact with, but after an entire shift dealing with people that make you want to slash your wrists with a pen, you become a little cynical.

To be honest, I just came up with S.T.U.P.I.D. because I wanted to find a more accurate way to address my complains with the general public. Calling them Stupid wouldn`t suffice, because that just implies that they are ignorant when really the problem is listening and comprehension.

Whenever I go to work, I can only think about how paradoxical this is compared to when I was in school. I remember sitting in class as a child being graded on my reading and compreshension skills, the ability to read a statement and then understand and comprehend said statement. If my workplace was a classroom and the people I interact with were being graded, it would be a poor show indeed!
If I were to be handing out grades, I`d have enough A`s left over to supply all of Canada. 


Get it, aaaah!

One of the biggest problems people have is stopping to process simple instructions.

Seriously, using a debit machine with a chip card isn`t rocket science! I relay this instruction ``Please wait for the debit machine to prompt you before you insert your card.`` 7 times out of 10, this instruction is disregarded and the card is thrust in with brute force into the innocent debit machine. A chorus of```Well it`s the machine`s fault`` then follows.

Another example of failing to listen would be when I ask ``So you have bags today,`` and the response is ``No I have bags.``
At one point, both of these errors was excusable. Other stores don`t prompt you before you use debit and a customer is commonly asked if they need bags not if they have any, I reasoned.

However, after 3 years of this I could no longer delude myself.
These people simply weren`t listening. This isn`t just with an elderly customer, who has to be asked 12 times to present their airmiles card, but with people too young to own hearing aides.

Today, I had one for the record books.

Preface; our debit machines are being replaced. As such, the new machines are installed and covered with a plastic bag because they aren`t yet operational and the old functional machines are kept by our registers. These machines are portable because they`ve been removed from their stand and are plugged in via. a cord.

For nearly 3 hours, customers would see the plastic bag covering the ``debit machine`` and being to hyperventilate, assume that they wouldn`t be able to pay using plastic and would have to leave their groceries.

This was not the case.

Instead of asking ``Oh, is there a working debit machine, I see this one isn`t functional`` they said ``OMG, IS YOUR DEBIT DOWN!``

Again, I reasoned that this was fairly reasonable, although I was miffed that reasoned that as a place of business, we were used to accepting debit and credit cards and would surely have found a solution that wouldn`t hinder overall sales, I still had faith in humanity.

This is a sign, I made it. Isn`t it purdy!

Above you will see my sign, isn`t it purdy! 

I`m no Monet, but I get the job done. So, read the sign. 

Let`s go back to the third grade shall we, read the sign children. Think about it. Now, what does the sign mean. 

What`s that! It means that Debit IS working! A+ children.

Seriously, I think more people actually asked if Debit was working with this up.

They glanced over my sign and as a result, thought the message was ``Debit isn`t working`` and continued to pester me.

Ok I reasoned, I can see that.

So I made a new sign.

Stupid proof right...nope!

I don`t even think we need to discuss what happens next. Same result.

So you see, it`s not that these people were stupid, they were being S.T.U.P.I.D. because they were simply not thinking, understanding or processing the situation.

Oh minimum wage, how I hate thee.

Do you understand the woes of customer service, comment with your stories!

Much love,

Cam

Why We're Friends (continued)

Much love,

Rayne

Pride Float

Pride Parades exist to celebrate the history, courage and diversity of the queer community. By Queer community I mean the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Quer/Question, 2 Spirited and allies community. Yes, allies are there too. They play such an important role as our friends  and families in supporting us and have done so through the LGBTTIQQ2SA movement.

To me, Pride Parades are an opportunity to be proud of the community that I'm part of and to revel that I live where I have my rights. That it itself is a scary thing for me to think about, had I been born in another time, or in another place, that I would be oppressed, ostracized or even killed for who I am. That has always stricken me as one of the tragedies of this world, but it has given me a greater appreciation of just how fortunate I am to be Canadian.

All around the world, Pride Parades and celebrations are to be found, all bearing scantily clad individuals, rainbows, drag queens and an infectious attitude. These celebrations are an opportunity to celebrate among other things in community, something I never understood until I attended Ottawa Pride in 2011.

The energy was electric and even though I heard "Save a horse ride a cowboy" 20+ times ( I was behind the Gay lime dancers of Ottawa float) it was one of the funnest moments of my life. I was marching with mostly strangers and even then I felt an overwhelming sense of support from my fellow marchers and from everyone watching the parade. It's as if I received the worlds biggest "high five". I had validation from the community at large that I was as much a part of society as they were and I should rejoice in my own individuality! The photo to the left showcases the spirit of the day. Grinning ear to ear, I felt such a sense of community and that's an interesting feeling for anyone who's ever not fit in, to realize that you fit in and that you are accepted for who you are.

I felt that same feeling today in my hometown, Sault Ste. Marie

Today in Sault Ste. Marie there was no Pride Parade, but there was a Pride FLOAT in the 2012 Rotaryfest parade.

With a lot of hard work and rainbows, a trailer was turned into this!

With about 30-40 people marching on and around our float, (and an awesome DJ-Madam D) we made our way not only proudly throughout the parade, but in style! People stopped and looked and they applauded! It was an amazing afternoon and thank you again to everyone who made it possible, thank you to all of my fellow marchers and everyone who worked on the float, you made my day!

Below is a small video of the float.

Much love,

Cam.

"Band Camp"

This post is both an explanation for my whereabouts for the next week and a slight rant.

This year will be the eighth year that I attend Algoma Music Camp. It's this awesome camp for musicians. The kind of people you find there vary from beginner juniors to advanced and experienced seniors to bitty little prodigies (sigh). The reason I continue to go back there is because I love the fact that it is a small little chunk of summer where I am surrounded by crazy talented kids that think just like me. The fact that we're all musicians (usually really good ones) makes for random jam sessions and improve and a lot of other amazing things that you won't find anywhere else.

When I say I am headed to "Band Camp" for the next while, I tend to hear something that eventually references American Pie: Band Camp...

This camp is so much better.

First off, it's not just band that we do. We have a string orchestra, a full orchestra, a band, a choir, ensembles and soloists for almost every instrument. There's also a ballet group that comes from Louisiana!

We do NOT march either..

Well not really :P

This camp is one of those places where I go to have a break from reality. It's also where I met an amazing friend of mine from Chicago! Sarah!

Us with the hilarious guitar teacher :P

My awesome camp friends and I with a Finnish version of Justin bieber

the group of us dressed up for faculty concert!

Camp is an awesome place that I hope will stay around for a very long time!

Much love,

Rayne

P.S.

If you're interested in this camp, just email or find me to ask about it!





Full Metal Alchemist-Kyoudai

The first of MANY music videos.

Much love,

Cameron

Butchering Adele

Regardless of how it happens, we butcher Adele's songs.

Here's proof!

Much love,

Rayne N Cameron

Why We're Friends

Much love,

Rayne N Cameron

SK!N (Food)

Hey!

This post is a continuation of the SK!N series on this blog!

If you haven't noticed, this series is about skin care!

Today we are going to talk about food and how it has an effect on your skin!

Let's dive right into it!

FOOD! What you eat has a direct affect on your skin. The things that you chose to put into your body gets into the blood and to every part of your body. Your skin is no exception to this!

Having a dietitian as a mother makes it pretty easy to know what kind of stuff does what to me and what the best things to eat are. I must say that it is not rocket science though! Canada's food guide is honestly just the best way to go about finding the right food and eating the right amount of everything you need to stay healthy. Having a healthy diet makes a healthy body and therefore healthy skin! Healthy skin looks better!

Aside from the general idea of just eating better, there are a few things that are particularly beneficial for the skin!

Let's start with water (again). I cannot stress enough just how important water is! It is quite literally the best drink you can chose! If you're feeling like your skin is bogged down with dirt, stress and external factors, try drinking more water for a few days to clear things up. It will honestly make you feel a difference!

Antioxidants are a great way to give your skin that extra kick! Antioxidants do exactly what they say! They prevent oxidation! An example of oxidation is a peeled apple that has turned brown. The oxygen exposed to the flesh of the apple made a reaction that changed the appearance of the apple! Antioxidants slow or prevent the effects of free radicals which start oxidation!

Besides beautiful skin, antioxidants help prevent heart disease and some cancers! It's a great idea to get into including them in your diet NOW!

HOW CAN I GET SOME OF THESE!?!?!?!?!?!

Blueberries are tasty, antioxidant filled berries!

Easy peasy! Antioxidants are in berries and citrus to name a few! You can also take antioxidant supplements that do a great job of adding just a little bit more without having to change what you eat!

I hope this helped!

Much love,

Rayne

Too Early

This isn't a post commenting on the concept of the "too soon" paradox.... No this is much worse.

This post is about that awful time of day when my body says "WAKE THE F### UP" and nobody else is up.

I mean this whole situation wouldn't be so bad if everyone else` bodies did the same sort of thing or if my body did this at a reasonable hour. But no! The competitive swimmer likes to lie dormant within me until 8 am when rise and shine hour begins.

I've tried to fight it too. Wake up, look at the clock. Thoughts go to "uh..... no". I roll over and sit there, unable to go back to bed.

This would be so much better if I had another buddie to accompany me at this time or at least good morning cartoons to watch. Yet again that is a no! At the hours I chose to wake up, it is some stupid anime show about spinning tops or mickey mouse club house. And any channel that would have something non-cartoonish is playing infomercials.

What has all this nonsense lead to todayÉ Well this. Me sitting at a computer, blogging about how I hate my sleeping habits.

There is always netflix.

Hm.... I might have to go with that one..

Ta-Ta for now

Much love,

Rayne

Outfit of the day

Greeting!
If you know me, you are aware that I'm not at all "punk" or "rock".
I'm a classical singer who loves his cardigans and scarves, but every now and then.. I rebel!
There is some sort of Adam Lambert/Scissor Sister rocker in me that comes out whenever I sing Creep by Radiohead, or occasionally when I dress up.

There are some interesting things to note about my outfit choice, so lets begin!

Black Leather Boots (H&M)

Live and Die T-shirt (H$M

Wax-coverd skinny jeans (H&M)

Fashion Against Aids 2012 necklace (H&M)

Apart from being a walking advertisement for H&M, you may have noticed I'm wearing a necklace as a bracelet. 

If the necklace you want to is beaded with an elastic string, just wrap it around your wrist until you have the desired length and it will stay. The elastic properties of such a necklace will also make it easier for you to do this, as it can stretch so that gives you some le-way. I also like to do this with chain necklace that has a clasp. Just wrap it around your wrist and fasten onto a link.

Some thoughts to spice things up!

Much love, 

Cameron

Outfit of the night!

Hey readers!
Tonight I will be going out for sushi and I plan on showing off my outfit!

This will be a short one!

Antiques?

I know it's a tad out of the usual for "youngsters" these days (and here it comes cam) but I think I've completely fallen for old stuff!

And not just antiques specifically but just old stuff in general. Whether it is actually old or it's just based on the idea of something old, I love it!

To me, there's just something about an old, used piece of jewelry, with scuffs and spots, that makes me fall head over heels. I think it's my fascination with the history in each item that keeps me coming back every time I spot a sale!

Let's start with the jewelry!

I've fallen head over heels with my Cameo ring!



Now it may not be real antique, but it's based on an old concept!

This necklace was given to me from my mother! I don't know the story but I love the pendant.

I just found these cuties today!



Let's just move on to everything else I've collected!

These boots were found by me in a thrift store in Chicago! the moment I found them, I was set on having them!

This top is adorable and sparkly with shimmering threads through it! I found it in my own town at this adorable little shop! It buttons up in the back and cuts off just under my belly button.

This tea cup and saucer is just one of many in my Royal Albert bone china set! The set features a cup and matching saucer from a few of their best selling collections!



My collection is no marvel but I love it to bits none the less! If you have some beautiful pieces, I would love to see them! drop me a line and I'll get back to you :)

Time to go tho!

Much love,

Rayne