J & F Auto Centre

J & F Auto Centre

Owner
Karlos Melikterminas

(905) 477-6157

7605 Woodbine Ave, Unit 12
Markham, Ontario
L3R 5V3

jandfautocentre@gmail.com

Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri – 8am-6pm
Sat – 8am-1pm
Sun – Closed

For all your quality and affordable automotive repair needs J & F Auto Centre has got you.

First time customers will receive 20% off Labour

Complete brake Jobs
Engine Diagnostics
Safety Inspection
Oil Changes
Suspension Service
Front end work
Exhaust
Tire Changes
Electrical
Engine and Transmission
Full Mechanical Service
and much more.

For more information, you can contact Karlos Melikterminas

#Auto #Mechanic #Toronto #Markham #GTA #Transmission #Automobile #Cars #Service #Engine #Tires #Brakes #Mechanics #Licensed #FullService #Diagnostics #Vehicle #Servicing #Safe #Driving #Drive #Makes #Models #SUV #Van #Car

The Celebrity Feel – Toronto Pearson International Airport

In life, we are given this incredible privilege to travel and see the world and how aviation, technology, engineering, and aircraft make this world a smaller place by getting to places quickly. Toronto Pearson Airport is an airport that is so near and dear to me with all the great memories created whether it is traveling, dropping off, picking up and just spotting aircraft nearby. Very special to me.

Every single time that I land in Toronto Pearson Airport, as soon as we taxi, gate, get our belongings from the aircraft and walk our way out to the terminal, to get through customs, to claim our baggage, the adrenaline, and that feel of seeing flight attendants, captains/pilots and amongst CATSA and CBSA officers, plus other passengers sharing the same atmosphere. It makes me feel so incredibly appreciative and thankful to the travel industry and our beautiful Airport of Toronto Pearson.

As we are about to claim our baggage, that moment comes along where we begin to exit to reunite with loved ones, meet colleagues, or go get a shuttle, bus, taxi, uber, lyft or other transportation to take us home or where ever else.

As you are walking out, you see all the eyes on you as you are carrying your baggage, that automatic celebrity feels where you glance at everyone and people are smiling and making eye contact with you. It feels like you are a celebrity coming home. So at this point, I walk a bit slower and I do the same looking at everyone else and I smile too. I just absolutely love that moment. I appreciate every moment and cherish it and this is one of them.

That part whether it’s at Terminal 1 or 3, is one of my favorite parts of the airport and of course when I am at the gate waiting for my flight and watching beautiful aircraft go by. Toronto Pearson Airport is a sentimental place for me and I always feel like a celebrity there. I am thankful to all the workers and volunteers at the airport. Appreciation, kindness, and patience go a long way when traveling and expressing that is very important. It makes life and people’s day go by a lot better.

Toronto Pearson Airport, Thank you – I love you. Safe, well wishes and happy travels to all of us.

YYZ ALL THE WAY!

Propeller’s Turning The Deep Seas

As I am on the deep sea, gazing on the horizon seeing the sunset, sunrise and the moon from afar. As I am sailing through the waters, I can hear the splash of the water from the ship, hearing the propeller’s from a distance, enjoying the sounds of the cruise ship, and taking in the pure clean air. I am on my way to the aft of the ship and can hardly wait to listen to the propeller’s do its work. A lot of thought and positive goodness comes from it all.

I absolutely love seeing the beautiful bluish colour of the water and bubbles around it and the occasional splash. I love spending time looking at it during the day, and as it gets dark, all you can see is the dark waters, but still incredibly amazing to hear and to feel it in your soul. It was amazing and my eyes were so relaxed and it was great. Often times, we are so invested into screen time, and when I went to watch the water turning, it was such a great way to relax the eyes.

I don’t see many people on cruise ships often admiring that part of the ship, and enjoying looking at the sea. Passengers are often couped up into spa treatments, massages, in the restaurants, bars, pool decks, and inside looking and buying things from the shops, but how often do we take aback from all those and simply go out on deck, take a chair, lounging and taking in the true beauty of nature and disconnect from screens and just take in the moment? I don’t really see it happen. I am sure there are people like me, but it is scarce.

With little time we have to spend with the vessel, it is important to take time to smell nature and appreciate each second we have onboard on one of the most unique and awesome ways to see the world and travel. The propellers that turn the waters of the deep seas are incredible and a huge marvel of technology, engineering and it is so powerful and incredly amazing.

Life on the high seas is definitely different. I feel the positivity, the happiness, the joy and appreciating the simplest and yet most incredible things onboard such as the propellers and watching the ship sail. Often times we are too invested in reviewing the ship with feedback, but I feel that some passengers need to up their game and to really reflect on nature and the sounds.

I remember having conversations with the master captain and officers of the vessel’s I have been on, and I couldn’t help myself with so much excitement to talk to them about the ship, to give them compliments, and telling them my story of the propellers and how much joy it brings me and my life just watching it all unfold. They had never really heard of passengers being so invested into the very interesting parts of it and going behind the scenes and actually exploring these mighty ships. They really appreciated what I had to say and to relate to their passion of these vessel’s.

So, the next time you get onboard a cruise ship, don’t forget to see the simple things and enjoy the moment and take it all in, to not be so critical and to fully live life to the fullest extent and to really hear the sounds of nature and to appreciate each moment that comes.

Cruise Reviews and Cruise Ship Travel

Cruise Ship travel is incredibly awesome. Most of the time the things we read online about cruise ships and other people’s reviews on them misleads people and There are always people with a negative approach to everything. Well, here I am to debunk those reviews and to tell you the truth from an honest traveller like myself. When it comes to travel stuff of any kind, I am serious about it. I don’t just talk out of thin air. Here are cruise questions people frequently ask…

Aren’t cruises boring?

– Far from it. Not boring at all. There is so much to do onboard that you have no time to be bored. Cruise Ships are built so big now, and with so much to do on many of their decks. You hardly have time to spend in your own stateroom. You do not have time to waste. Everything is fabulous and you enjoy every second of it.

Don’t you get sea/motion sickness?

– Now, with the ships new designs, stabilizers and the massive and huge ships that are built, you barely even feel the ship moving. Technology has come a long way.

Why do we have to be back on the ship an hour or half an hour before the ship disembarks to another destination?

– Ship crew needs half an hour or so to take off the ropes/anchors (on tendering ports), gangway disassembles, need to put ship equipment back onto the ship, and need clearance from the port to give the okay to leave the port. Captain and his/her officers are in constant contact with the port workers and pilot boat operators to leave the port, so that is why people need to be on board.

What if we miss the ship?

You need to find your way to the next port of call – call the emergency phone line on your cruise embarkation/disembarkation card and notify the ship of what happened. Sometimes ships do wait for passengers, but sometimes due to the number of people onboard the ship, they need to leave because of time constraints. If a ship is late in the port, they pay fines.

How do we know what to do onboard the ship or in a port of call destination?

Everyday on your door or in your stateroom cabin, you will receive a newsletter of events happening on the ship and excursions or whatever else. You will see dining times, the dress code for the day, theme parties, and amongst specials going on at the stores and boutiques onboard. It’s always great to participate in everything onboard and make it a fun experience for you. They also show you what entertainment shows are on for the night. Some cruise ships, you have to book the shows due to the number of people on the ship. Also, now cruise lines have Apps that you can download on your phone and it will tell you everything going on for that day. All you need to do is put your booking number and your name and you are good to go. Ask or research the onboard cruise line APP and download it before you go on board and log your information in.

Any other questions, let me know.

Cruise Ship Etiquette – Kindness goes a long way

A crew member of a cruise ship of Royal Caribbean went overboard. As you may or may not know, cruise employees get depressed and spend a lot of time alone and are always working and are away from family and friends for 6 to 8 even sometimes up to 9 months from home on the oceans and seas and different ports of call.

I’ve witnessed passengers that come on vacation being so rude to them, demanding and say the most terrible things to them. They work their tail off and I see how hard it is to keep up a smile from them, how they manage to seem strong but passengers add fuel to the fire sometimes and the crew sometimes get to their breaking point. These people sacrifice being away from home from months at a time and the only way to stay in touch is by phone and messages. It’s really hard.

Kindness and patience go a long way. Treat them with dignity and respect. The way you treat others does affect the way they work and serve. Some people don’t realize that. Cruise work is a lot more difficult than an All inclusive resort. There are a lot more people on a ship to serve.
These crew people go through a lot and they have to make a living to provide for their families they hardly get to see. They go home for 2 to 3 months then back on the ship they go.

Kind attitude goes a long way. It does matter more than you think.

Atlantis Hotel, Resort, Casino – Nassau Bahamas – Disappointing

Atlantis Hotel, Resort, Casino
Nassau, Bahama’s.
MSC Seaside Cruise — Last Port of Call.
January 18, 2019
Disappointing –

In 2002, when we were on Costa Atlantica cruise ship, we went to Atlantis and we were able to visit the whole facility and to walk around without being heckled and stopped by hotel security saying these spots are for people who are staying at the hotel and we need to see ID. Now, in 2019, we decided to go after many years later, and we were not permitted to access key points to the hotel. Oh yeah and unless you pay a large amount to enter everywhere its ok.

After a day of walking, taking a water taxi boat ride for $4.00 per person per way, we walked quite the distance to reach the hotel/resort, we were excited to be back on the grounds. Little did we know that almost all areas were blocked off, except for the Casino and the shops where they know they are places where people will spend money, but then some areas where you do not have to spend money and they don’t allow you through. We were so disappointed. We had told the security that we just walk a long distance from our ship to come to visit, and we get turned away.

We told them that what if one day we come and stay here at this hotel? Now, we know not to. It is so overrated anyway. We were so tired and the sun was shining hot. We said time to walk the distance again and go to the water taxi and go back to our beautiful ship and relax. It was absolutely disappointing.

Cruise Travel Inspiration — Cruise Ship

Did a lot of thinking about so many details while I was on my cruise… ⚓️⚓️⚓️

As I was looking at the deep sea/ocean sailing through the many miles of salt water, I can see fellow cruise ships from different cruise lines and sizes, cargo ships, and other vessel’s from afar wondering where they are going. I also noticed parts of land which belongs to the Caribbean islands as we were sailing to our next port of call. I Was waking up fresh and happy every morning way before sunrise to see we have reached another place and a couple of days of sailing on the seas.

I was taking in the fresh clean air of the sea spending every day on my balcony morning and night, just looking at the moon shining down on the water so clearly and beautifully admiring mother nature’s beauty and gazing at the sunrise enjoying the little time I have on the vessel. I was living in the moment, embracing life and how beautiful it can be.

Often times we are too invested in being too busy with life, and we don’t take time out of our lives to embrace life’s pleasures and how beautiful it can be. I was happy to disconnect from my device that week to really remember to enjoy the scenery without a screen in my face, especially when you travel and when you are on a cruise ship.

I remember saying a few words to myself in my head, and thinking about how interesting travel can be and there were so many different types of transportation we used during that week starting from a van, aircraft, bus transfer to port of Miami, a cruise ship vessel, a water taxi boat and a tendering boat(which takes you to shore from the ship that is anchored in the water).

When we were visiting Costa Maya, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Nassau Bahamas and Miami all in a week, I said to myself cruising is the way to go and it’s such a great way to get around.

As I experienced cruising many years ago; the industry has come a long way since then with these vessel’s that are enormously huge and massive with thousands of passengers and crew onboard. The terminology and phrases used on ships are very different. I love the food, the entertainment onboard, the ambience, seeing different cultures and backgrounds, and so much more. I loved every moment.

Don’t even second guess, don’t look at negative reviews from negative people. If you ever get a chance to go on a cruise, please go and don’t waste any more time. Don’t even think twice about it. Just go. It was my 5th cruise and I can’t wait for the next one. Panama Canal is my next more than Europe. Europe is overrated and it gets tiring. Your life will change forever and it did for me. ⚓️⚓️⚓️

Victoria Park & Highway 401 Tim Horton’s in Toronto

Victoria Park & Highway 401 Tim Horton’s in Toronto

Many years ago, I discovered a coffee shop nearby our Armenian Community Centre and St. Mary’s Armenian Church which is situated across the street where you can see it and right of the Highway 401 in Toronto. This particular Tim Horton’s in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. Reason being is that, I made a lot of new friends over the years and most of them are Armenian and I have met people from other cultures and walks of life.

In the past 2-3 years, I have met a lot of Armenian people who have come from Syria, Lebanon and other places and plus people who have been here in Canada for many years. These beautiful people have shared stories about how their lives were in Syria, about the walks of life and the experiences they have been through, the hardships they had to face day in and day out. I am very happy that they are here and got to meet these sweet people.

These people I have met are absolutely lovely people and we have become a close family and our Tim Hortons at 2501 Victoria Park Ave. is our home away from home. We have shared laughs, good times, also spoke about serious issues, and most importantly, the bonds we have created is and will forever be in my heart. We God Willingly will continue to share these moments together for many years to come.

Whenever I go to Victoria Park 401 Tim Horton’s, I automatically feel at home, and we spend hours there on certain nights, and our cold winters nights make it a warm, safe and happy environment. During spring and summer months, we take our coffees or beverages of choice and we go outside to talk, go to the park beside Tim Horton’s, hanging out in our cars, to enjoy the weather, the increased daylight days, and nights and we just talk and talk like we all have known each other for so many years.

Now whenever we go, the workers know us, the late night baker, Everybody knows everybody, the cars we drive and come with, and there is always somebody new that is welcome with all of us. It is very hard to leave each other and go home. Sometimes we would be there until 2-3 AM in the morning without even feeling the time go by. Time flies when you are having a good time.

This Tim Horton’s, we call it the Armenian Tim Horton’s or some people call it Tim Hortonian’s, because most of our last names end with IAN or YAN. lol. Not mine, but majority of Armenians. We call it that way is because Armenians come from the nearby Armenian Community Centre and a lot of Armenians live around the areas and some people drive from around the city to come by and enjoy. It is definitely a special place for us.

It is so important to find and feeling that sense of belonging, our place, and somewhere where everyone can relate to each other in some shape or form. Victoria Park and 401 Tim Horton’s is definitely a place where you feel welcome. Some of my friends there offer to pay for my coffee or whatever I want to get and I say no, no, but they insist and they offer me anyway, and me vise versa.

I am so happy and glad to be part of this family and I thank everyone for their welcome, respect, and their smiling faces toward me. It means so much.

I love you all and I love my VP Tim’s — The Short way to say Victoria Park Tim Hortons.

 

Welcome to Canada Syrians! Thank you PM Trudeau

Dearest Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Canadian Government,

 

I am so proud of you PM and the Canadian Government for taking this positive initiative and beautiful step toward welcoming Syrians and Armenian Syrians to Canada to start a new, safe, happy, comfortable, healthy and great environment. Also for giving them new opportunities, where these people do not have to worry about the unsafe and harmful conditions that they were unfortunately stuck in. You made the impossible, possible and the smiles, the sense of relief on their faces when they landed in Canada, they can finally feel what freedom is, where they can hear peace instead of hearing bombs. You are the prime example of a true, down-to-earth and incredible leader who demonstrates selflessness, who is keeping promises you made during your Prime Minister Campaign, who shines to us and the world and remind us that we can trust and have faith again in Canadian politics and we can depend on you. God bless you PM, Your family, Canada’s Family and our country. I am proud and honoured to be Canadian and I love you Canada!

 

Welcome to Canada Syrians and Syrian Armenians!

With Love Always,

A Proud and Happy Canadian

Talin Orfali

Driving on Two-Lane Highways – It Feels Awesome

As you may or may not know, one of the most therapeutic things for me in life is to drive and I like it very much. I especially love to drive on major Highway/Freeway Arteries, big and small, long and short. When I drive, it is very relaxing to me. I remember when I got my G2 drivers licence, I began driving on highways in Ontario, Canada, especially the Highway 401 going back and forth to Montreal from Toronto, and when I used to go up to my cottage in Tweed, Ontario on Highway 37 which is a two-lane highway in some parts. Then after I got my full G licence, it felt awesome taking control and having that experience to drive all on my own from Montreal to Toronto, which is about a 5 hours drive. I loved it. Listening to the radio/cd’s, Myself, my car and the road. It was so peaceful and incredible.

With that being said, I absolutely love driving on two-lane highways as well. I feel like I am driving out in the country, different lifestyle, seeing farmers, pick-up trucks, old cars, overlooking trees, scenery, farmland, agriculture, fruit and veggie farms, animals, a house or 2 within a few km’s away from each other, followed by passing pick up trucks, big trucks/rigs on opposite side of the highway, then seeing solid lines, then broken lines for cars that are able to pass at that moment, say if there is a very slow moving vehicle in front of you, then quickly merging back into your lane, of course when it is safely to do so. I love road-trips like that, and I have to be the driver, but I am not the one who can stay in a car for more than 8-10 hours. That is my maximum limit. Anymore than that, I would rather fly somewhere.

I know sometimes driving in rural country/county township highways take longer to get to places, depends on where you are going, but it feels incredible to see greenery more and to get up close and personal with nature as you drive along.

Do you usually drive in the family or when you are amongst your friends? Or do you like being a passenger a lot more? I am in the mix between both, but I am the one who likes to usually drive. I cannot sit in a backseat of a car. I feel uncomfortable. I have to either drive or sit in the front.

Do you have a driving memory or story?

The CN Tower & I

I know it is kind of crazy to even write about this, but growing up as a child and into my lower teens, I was always obsessed and loved the CN Tower a lot. Being able to get up there 2-3 times around those times was something so exciting, being able to experience the observation deck, the glass floor to see down to the street. I would see it from the 401, the Gardiner Expressway, The CNE, and a lot of places around the City of Toronto and downtown. Even from my Grandmothers balcony.

I still know the facts about the CN Tower by heart. I know its a free-standing structure and one would ask, how can someone be obsessed with a tower?

Well, I have always been and always will be sentimental and these things were and still is a big deal for me. CN Tower is one of the most important structures and one of Toronto’s major icons and that makes our skyline what it is. Every time I see it, go near it, it makes me think of my childhood. I have still kept all of the CN Tower stuff I used to collect from magazines and everything. I once had CN Tower Staff mail me a huge package full of Pictures, Facts, Figures and everything back in the day. I am not sure if they still do that now, but if you inquire it, you can e-mail them or contact them here, http://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/contact-us/contact-us.html… I wrote them a letter which I was a kid and I got my package a few weeks later. It was awesome. I still have that too.
I will forever love my City of Toronto and the CN Tower.

You can go to the tower with friends, family, schools and spend a full day at the tower and enjoy the sights, sight-see from the top of the tower, you can observe Lake Ontario, see our major highway arteries, buildings from the north, south, east and west.

Here are some facts/figures about the CN Tower:

– It is located at 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6 – In the heart of Downtown Toronto

– One of Ontario, Canada’s main attractions

– The height is 553 m which equals to 1,815 feet.

– It opened it’s doors in 1976

– it is 147 Stories high.

– It has been surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai

– John Andrews is the Architect of the Free Standing Structure.

– It is a marvel in civil Engineering

– There is an Antenna which broadcasts to over 30 fm/radio and television signals across Southern Ontario with an addition to wireless paging, cellular telephone service/signlas

– There is a restaurant called 360 and it is a revolving restaurant where it turns around in a circular motion.

– The CN Tower introduced a thrill called the Edgewalk, where you walk on the edge of the Tower up top and all that is holding you is a Harness. I have never tried it, but I would love to.

– The high speed elevator takes you up to the top in 58 seconds.

– There is the skypod, lookout level which is 33 more floors up

—————

All this and more information about the CN Tower — Visit — http://www.cntower.ca/

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CN_Tower

Edgewalk CN Tower — http://www.edgewalkcntower.ca/

Things to do in Toronto http://www.toronto.com

Introducing to you Director, Writer, Producer – Ara Sagherian –

Ara Sagherian is Armenian and a filmmaker based in Toronto, Ontario in Canada. He was born on March 25th. Growing up in Toronto, and attending an Urban Toronto elementary school, he demonstrated an incredible talent and vision to creative arts. His passion continued to grow stronger as he was becoming a teenager. Ara began by utilizing his talent by using his family camcorder where he would shoot short films. When he was 15 years old, he watched Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” for the first time. He was inspired even more to make film a big part of his life, to earn a living to produce films. Ara graduated with a degree in communications from Michigan State University. Ara has directed, written and produced many short films that have been seen at different screenings in a variety of festivals. Ara is also currently working on a feature length film called “Senior Year” in 2016.

In 2005 at the age of 27 Ara was left paralyzed and wheelchair bound after a serious car accident. He was told he would never be able to walk again. With determination, hard work, great mental strength, prayers, love and support, Ara has already conquered the impossible by defying the medical odds and began walking again.

Here is your opportunity to help Ara in his pursuit of making his first feature film. Click the following link to help raise funds and send Ara on his way to his journey in film.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/senior-year–8/x/10717712#/story

Ara has written, directed, and produced many films such as “Holding”, “The Photographer”, “Amphibian”, “Lift”, “Crush”, “Transcendent”, “See”, “Devil’s Night”, “True Human”, “The Fix”, “Katie Chats”, “Trick or Treat”, “3000 Miles”, and “Senior Year” .

Ara has quotes to live by:

Life isn’t about gains. It’s about losing things, and how we cope.

I eat better when I’ve written. That’s got to stand for something.

For more information about Ara Sagherian and his journey through film and arts, Click the following links to learn more about him.

Internet Movie Database — Biography/Filmography
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4964253

On Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/user15585938

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ara.sager

Stage 32
https://www.stage32.com/AraFILM

Interview with Ara on Blog Talk Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/commffestradio/2013/03/18/celebrity-chat-with-filmmaker-ara-sagherian

Ara on Weebly
http://arafilms.weebly.com/

To be continued…

My Beautiful 30th Champagne Birthday Celebration

On April 30, 2015 I turned 30 years old. They say that the day you are born of the month and the age you turn becomes your champagne birthday. It was a big milestone I celebrated about a week or so ago. On May 1st, 2015 All my great friends who are like family to me came and celebrated my birthday with me. There were so many surprises for me one after the other and I was absolutely touched and from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate all the hard work, determination, dedication and everything that went to giving me the best birthday celebration of my life.

This week has just been incredibly overwhelming and the beautiful feelings I had and still do. I was so absolutely touched and surprised so beautifully, that even as a writer/blogger myself, I just didn’t know and have all the words to say how grateful I am for all the excellent incredible detailing that went into my beautiful party. I apologize deeply that it took me a while to put all my full feelings and input on my birthday celebration.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge, and thank my sister/good friend Aline Rosy of many many years now, who is a ray of sunlight and brightness in my life and 2-3 months before my birthday, when we were discussing my birthday celebration details, and where I want to celebrate my birthday, it took a while for me to decide where and we finally decided to have the party at my house. So as the weeks and days got closer, Aline went to the ends of the earth to make sure my birthday will be a very memorable and special one and she sure demonstrated excellency from her caring heart, her beautiful soul into making everything so perfect. Not one thing was left out.

As my birthday week finally arrived, My Sisters Aline and Talar came and assisted with decorating my place to make it all ready. Now as the day on May 1st when I had my party arrived, I had one surprise come to me after the other. It was fantastic and absolutely beautiful.

Aline

– She made this incredible bean dip with cheese, and other yummy ingredients, which was so delicious. I could not stop eating it and which was all finished the very next day with left overs.
– She also ordered and custom made a special yummy birthday cake which was the Facebook Like Thumbs up symbol made by Alice Lumsden Vee which represented me and my social media journey. I said in my mind, I have to cut this beautiful cake now?
– She also surprised me with delicious image cookies by Passion For Desserts with images from Bradley Cooper, Social Media, I love Montreal, Boston, Champagne Bottles, Armenia Flag, My Image, my 30th birthday, My Expertise in Cooking, also Travel, done by Alxiomir Portales.
– She then surprised me with a beautiful collage on a big board filled with all my great memories, and everyone who is in my circle, and my world with stickers and everything that represent me and my life and my moments from the past to the present.
– Also All the other detailing that was beautifully thought of and done.

Aline’s excellent efforts did not go unnoticed and everything went so well. That night will forever be embedded in my heart and it will spoken about for years to come. I am absolutely grateful for everything. I cannot thank her enough. I love you so much, so deeply. Not just for everything you did, but just for being you, and for being one of the greatest friends well more so part of my family, for being there for me, and loving me unconditionally. Hugs and kisses. I am truly blessed.
—————————————————————————————————————————–

Thank you to everyone who contributed to my birthday, my best friend and sister Talar, My boyfriend Armen who surprised me with 24 red roses, who brought the food, the colourful 30th birthday decoration theme, the balloons and so much you also contributing to my birthday. I love you so much! My brother, my great friends who brought delicious desserts, food, drinks, and everything else. You all are part of my family and I love you all so deeply. Kisses and hugs… This was the best birthday ever.

To all those who could not be there to celebrate with me, but were there in spirit, thank you for being part of my life. I wouldn’t be where i am today without you all.

God bless everyone!

Passion for Desserts – Absolutely Delicious

Recently on the celebration of my Champagne 30th birthday on April 30th, which was celebrated on May 1st, 2015 with my brother, boyfriend, great friends who are my family who came to celebrate my special day with me, My great friend and Sister Aline Rosy, surprised me with beautiful cookies of different sizes, shapes, and all my favourite things printed on the cookies with Champagne Bottles, Bradley Cooper my favourite actor, Chef/Cook, Social Media/Blogging logos, Travel, Boston, Montreal, Myself with my Armenia gear, The Armenia Flag, my 30th birthday. My facial expression and when I saw it when it was presented to me, I was incredibly touched and overwhelmed with happiness and I was also going to start crying of happy tears of how incredibly great they came out. It was so excellently done. Thank you so much Aline for your absolutely generous, kind heart and thoughtfulness for such beautiful cookies and they are so tasty too.

Now, about “Passion for Desserts“. Custom Cookies and Cupcakes by Alxiomir Portales.

Passion for desserts is a catering business that is operated in Markham, Ontario which is north of Toronto, Ontario. Their vision is to produce original, beautiful, creative cookie favours for all occasions that is desired. All of the recipes are made from their own family recipes and all made from scratch. Passion for Desserts only uses the finest ingredients and definitely has a passion for perfection.

As a consumer and one who has tried their cookies for my special champagne 30th birthday, I highly recommend them to everyone. They can make from Wedding cookies, valentines, bridal showers, sports cookies, cupcakes, baby showers, logos, birthdays, Halloween, and any other occasions, events. They have awesome customer service, quick and efficient also.

Once you try these delicious cookies and cupcakes, You will become a Passion for Desserts customer for life. You will keep coming back for more.

Passion for Desserts
is located at:

6545 Highway 7th East Unit #17
Markham, Ontario
L3P 3B4

telephone: (905) 209-1051
fax: (905) 209-1044

e-mail contact:
info@passionfordesserts.ca

for more information on updates, how to order and visuals on cookies and cupcakes visit their website at:

http://www.passionfordesserts.ca

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/cookiestoronto or search Passion for Desserts

Twitter:
@passiondesserts

CBC Music Contest – Vote for My Friend Tatevik Sarkisyan

Vote for Drellander – You can vote once a day.
Biographical Info — Copy/Pasted –  Credit to: CBC Searchlight competition – Tatevik Sarkisyan

Tatevik Sarkisyan is a singer/songwriter/producer/performer based in Toronto, Canada. Her main genres are pop and jazz but she also writes dance music, Latin beats, rock’n’roll and country.

Drellander was born Tatevik Sarkisyan from Armenian parents in Moscow. She began her musical journey at the age of 6 as a choir lead and piano performer at school concerts.

She came to Canada at the age of 16 and became known in the Montreal local community for performing a classical repertoire in 8 languages. At 19 she developed a passion for song-writing and presented to a small audience her first musical composition “Time”.

The singer/songwriter/producer now has more than 160 written songs behind her in a variety of styles.

Tatevik has received great reviews for her work including praise from tenor and McGill voice coach Franco Tenelli who says: “One of Tateviks greatest gifts is a beautiful voice that can be used in almost any style of music including classical and pop. In addition she is also a composer and excellent songwriter. This versatility is a unique gift itself and ensures us we have a real talent.”

At 24 Tatevik moved to Toronto and took on the artist name “Drellander” which sounds like “dreamlander”. In 2004 Tatevik collaborated with writer/film director Robert Wilson on a short film A Dying Fall that aired on CBC in July 2006 and won first place at WorldFest Houston. Tatevik’s multiple credits for this film include art direction, craft services, make-up and wardrobe, contract management as well as playing a small part in the movie. Tatevik worked with Robert at Tamerlane Productions until 2009.

In 2011 she recorded her song Oasis with indie music producer and Indie Week judge Dave Thomson of Digital Underdog Productions and released it on iTunes and Amazon via CD Baby. She also produced a music video for the song (directed and edited by Robert Wilson) that is now available on YouTube.

Tatevik launched Drellander Productions in 2012 and is currently looking for funding for her album. She secured a non-exclusive worldwide publishing deal for her songs with the Canadian publisher Jan Cooper Publishing after Jan Cooper represented her at Midem 2012 in Cannes. In the same year she had a performance at the prestigious Mod Club in Toronto organized by Landmark Media. Her song Oasis was promoted with a 2 week radio blast in Canada and US by Avala DSF (currently under Five2Eight umbrella). In February 2013 she was approached and signed with A & R Select to promote her music on radio, in magazines,TV shows, films and commercials in the US. The week of Aug 12, 2013 “Oasis” had spins on CBC Radio. It played on the CBC Radio programs “Mainstreet” (P.E.I.) and “The Bridge” (Windsor, Ontario).

Oasis is the first single from Drellander’s much anticipated debut album. As A & R Select says in their press release: ” Oasis is a metaphor for finding true love. Its message is inspiring, hopeful and creates a deep connection due to its relatable subject matter. This single has an arrangement of that of a movie soundtrack. It incorporates the depth of her skills, the passion of her writing, the beauty of her voice and has a mesmerizing effect on anyone who has the privilege to experience her music.”

In addition to being trained in music and having collaborated with some of the greatest classical voice/piano/composition teachers and performers such as Tamara Goulina (U of T), Eduardo del Campo (McGill, San Francisco Opera), Franco Tenelli (McGill, Metropolitan Opera), Vania Angelova (University of Montreal), Alexandre Solopov (McGill) and Nina Larionova Shishlova (Bolshoi Theatre), Tatevik has also studied science at McGill University and is a graduate of Touro College business school. She now teaches music and voice and her youngest student is 5 years old.

Tatevik is currently working on a few projects. Recently she co-wrote a ballad with producer/sound engineer Sean Michael Paddison called “I love you anyway” that is to be recorded and released this year. Sean has worked on a wide range of projects, including Grammy-winning, JUNO-winning, billboard charting singles and worldwide airplay. He is currently working with Chris Hau. Drellander also plans to record 3 of her original songs: a pop/classical duet “I can see a lifetime (when I look into your eyes)” with renown opera singer Franco Tenelli, a dance hit “Let the rain fall” with Montreal based producer/sound engineer Michael Makhin and another ballad “I’m so in love with you” with Toronto based producer/songwriter/manager/mentor Peter Linseman. Peter has written, produced & released dozens of national & international singles over the past few decades . He is managing the careers of TV Star/country pop artist Kate Todd and dance pop artist Stephanie Braganza. Peter made international history by writing/producing We Will Fly for Laure Shang, a successful single in China. He has also written & produced for Tanvi Shah (India – 2009 Grammy & Oscar Award winner for Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire), international dance pop artist Sarina Paris, international pop & Latin artist Rosita Stone. Peter is a Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) founding director, SIPO Foundation founding director and is an Accredited Juror for FACTOR.

Tatevik says: “I believe that my life purpose is to make people smile. Music is the perfect language to communicate emotions and share the love I have for people and life in my heart. Music is universal. It’s the language of feelings and it’s the only language that can break cultural barriers.”

This year Tatevik is participating in CBC Radio’s Searchlight Competition for Canada’s Best New Artist! Voting starts March 31st, 2015. Searchlight Link http://r3.ca/7lpK

Music Video for Oasis at http://www.youtube.com/drellander

Press Release & Demos: http://www.sonicbids.com/drellander Press/ Audio

Press Coverage http://www.drellander.com – Touro Mercury Article

Searchlight Link: http://r3.ca/7lpK

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drellander

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/drellander

iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/oasis-single/

Jango Radio: http://www.jango.com/music/Drellander/?l=0

Influences: Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzerald, Nat & King Cole, Diana Krall, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Patricia Kaas, Modern Talking, Pet Shop Boys, Europe, Whitney Houston, Sarah McLahlan, Tori Amos, Mark Anthony, Laima Vaikule, Calibri, Brian Adams, Queen, John Bon Jovi, Belinda Carlisle, Lauren Christy, Leann Rimes, The Pretenders, The Righteous Brothers, Depeshe Mode, Roxette.

Favorite songs: The time of my life; If I could spend my lifetime loving you; Color of the night; Circle in the sand; I will always love you, You’re always on my mind, Yesterday, I’ll stand by you, Black Velvet, Mercy, Someone like you, Power of love.

In addition to being trained in music and having collaborated with some of the greatest classical voice/piano/composition teachers and performers such as Tamara Goulina (U of T), Eduardo del Campo (McGill, San Francisco Opera), Franco Tenelli (McGill, Metropolitan Opera), Vania Angelova (University of Montreal), Alexandre Solopov (McGill) and Nina Larionova Shishlova (Bolshoi Theatre), Tatevik has also studied science at McGill University and is a graduate of Touro College business school. She now teaches piano and voice and her youngest student is 5 years old. She is also trying herself as a life coach by sharing inspirational & educational messages & various self help techniques with her friends.

Influences

Celine Dion
Mariah Carey
Whitney Houston
Adele
Lady Antebellum
Mark Anthony
Regina Belle
Brian Adams
Sarah McLahlan
Leann Rymes

http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Drellander

Tatevik will definitely appreciate your vote.

Thank you!