Hôtel de Glace – Dare live the winter experience

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Feb 16, 2012

Located at only 10 minutes from downtown Québec City, the Hôtel de Glace is a must-see attraction to discover each winter. Unique in America, the Hôtel de Glace has seduced over half a million people around the world since its opening in 2001. With its huge snow vaults and its crystalline ice sculptures, the Hôtel de Glace impresses by its dazzling decor. From January 6th until March 25th, 2012, enter this magical universe and live an incredible experience by visiting this ephemeral work of art.

Crazy fruits

By

Adam East

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Feb 15, 2012

Today we want ot show cool fruit animation created by designer from Ukraine Alexander Zapadenko. His series “Crazy fruits” cosists of several animated fruits. “At first glance, it is quite common fruits. Their distinctive feature is that they do not want to be eaten. They will plead you watch you with sad eyes, but do not believe them.” Animation is quite simple – each gif image has only 13 frames but looks great. Have fun!

Stunning Peugeot Shine by Piotr Czyzewski

By

Adam East

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Feb 15, 2012

This concept car Peugeot Shine has been created by Polish designer Piotr Czyzewski, who’s working at the Peugeot, as well as other companies oriented to the production of yachts, watches and footwear. Despite the name of the concept Shine, the car body is presented in black colour and its design is quite aggressive. Hope you’ll engoy!

Peugeot Shine

Little Words with Absolutely Huge Meaning – Use Them

By

Adam East

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Feb 15, 2012

As children many of us hyped the statement, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Clearly, it doesn’t take long to realize that words have far more weight than we want to realize. They influence thoughts, feelings, actions and states of mind. Even little words often have big meaning.

Think about it. Whether you want to land your dream job, improve your friendships, save your marriage or retain your employees; the words you choose can make all the difference.

The simplest little words, which we take for granted, have the power to hurt or heal, to inspire or discourage, to help or to hinder.

The list below includes 18 examples of little words that have big meaning in the most positive way.

1. “Thank you”

Because every single one of us longs to feel appreciated, words of gratitude make the heart sing. Thank you, I appreciate you, I’m grateful for you—these words are food for the soul.

2. “I forgive you”

We all screw up. Unintentionally, we may hurt our friends, children, co-workers, and others. Words of forgiveness heal the heart by lifting the crippling burden of guilt.

3. “I Love you”

Quite possibly the greatest statement of all, nothing compares to, “I love you.” These words reflect the purest, most natural gift known to mankind: love. The only thing that beats saying the words I love you is showing love through action.

4. “I was wrong”

Few words have the power to ignite the flame of forgiveness like the unselfish, courageous admission of wrongdoing. When we’re hurt, we know that the past can’t be changed; yet acknowledgment of the pain that has been caused goes a long way towards improving the future.

5. “You are beautiful”

When we feel ugly inside or out, it means the world to hear that someone else still thinks we’re beautiful.

6. “It’s Ok”

When we are worried, hurt, anxious or afraid, these words of reassurance help to bring about peace of mind. If you’ve ever cried on the shoulder of a friend, you know how good it feels to have someone remind you that everything is going to be just fine.

7. “I understand”

It’s human nature to try to relate to others, so nothing is more frustrating than feeling misunderstood. In times when we feel alone, misjudged or isolated in our beliefs; an understanding friend is much appreciated. We don’t necessarily need others to agree, but we long for someone who says, “I get it. I understand. I see your point.”

8. “You are Safe”

When we feel vulnerable and afraid, these words have the power to restore the sense of security and protection that we crave. Fear may disease the mind, but words of safety are a part of the antidote.

9. “I admire you”

Having someone look up to you, think highly of you, or aspire to follow in your footsteps is motivating beyond belief. Words of admiration are empowering, as they impart a sense of importance by reminding us that we’re making an impact.

10. “I support you”

When making a tough decision, which may or may not be the best, it means the world to know that someone is on your side no matter what. Statements like, “I’ll be there” and “I support you” encourage us to move forward with less fear of judgment.

11. “You can do it”

When you’re contemplating giving up or battling feelings of self-doubt, encouraging words make all the difference in the world. There’s something about knowing that someone else has faith in you that revitalizes the faith you should have in yourself.

12. “You’re the One”

These words say I choose you, you are it for me, you are special. Few things top the feeling that comes with knowing that you stand out in an exceptional way to someone.

13. “It’s all about You”

Most days in life aren’t all about self, but we never forget the days that are. On occasions like birthdays, graduations and weddings; we thrive in the knowledge that it’s our own special day. It feels great to have unselfish friends who allow your special days to be absolutely 100% about you.

14. “I’m here for you”

If you’ve ever needed a shoulder to cry on, you know the power of these words. They remind us that we are not alone, that someone is there to help us through pain, loss, and all of life’s struggles. Even those who appear to have life under control need someone dependable in their corner.

15. “Great Job”

Great job. Congratulations. Job well done. Whether or not we admit it, most of us delight in others’ recognition of our efforts. Words of praise and recognition inspire us to do more, to work harder and to feel a sense of pride.

16. “I Miss you”

We can’t always be present with those that we love, yet it means so much to know that we are missed during our absence. This is a way of saying, I love your company and I can’t wait until we’re together again.

17. “You matter”

We all want to feel that we are important to someone or something other than ourselves. To hear that you are valued by another person, particularly at times when you feel useless or insignificant, is extra special.

18. “I’m Sorry”

When the heart aches, a sincere apology sets the stage for forgiveness and healing. I’m sorry, please forgive me, I apologize—these are all statements that show recognition of the damage caused and a desire to ease the pain.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these little words with big meaning. As you continue with your day, take care to speak wisely and to use those words that you’d love to have spoken in return. Finally, remember something – people don’t know how you feel unless you say it; don’t assume they do!

How to Find Time for What Really Matters

By

Adam East

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Feb 15, 2012

Do you ever feel as though weeks, months, even years, are going past, without you making any real progress in your life? Often, our time can get swallowed up in the busy-ness of day-to-day living: emails, commuting, meetings, chores, TV…

You’ve probably got some aspects of your life that really matter to you, but that never seem to get the time they deserve. Perhaps it’s your family or friends. Maybe it’s that novel you’ve always meant to write, or that small business you want to start.

Here’s how to find enough time for the things that are truly important:

1.Get Up Earlier

If you work a regular office job, you might tell yourself that you’ll work out / study / draw up that business plan during the evenings. But, day after day, you’ll reach 6pm and find yourself so tired and demotivated that you just slump on the sofa.

The solution? Make time for the important things at the start of your day. That means getting up earlier – perhaps half an hour or an hour before your usual alarm call (and heading to bed earlier so you get enough sleep).

2.Multitask (Appropriately)

You probably know that multi-tasking is generally a bad idea – you can’t read emails and talk on the phone andwork on your report all at the same time.

In a few cases, though, multitasking is a great idea. For instance, you could:

Listen to audio books while driving to work, or exercising
Read a book while traveling by bus / train / plane
Make phone calls while you’re out walking

Essentially, any time you’re engaged in a purely physical task, see whether there’s some way you can combine it with a mental one.

3.Make Specific Plans

You’re not going to magically end up with lots of free time to work on your novel or hang out with your family. You need to make actual plans. And if you want to maximize the chance that you’ll stick to those plans, either put money on the line or get other people involved.

That might mean booking tickets for a concert you want to go to, or agreeing to meet up a friend to go for a job. It could mean paying to attend an evening class, or promising your kids that you’ll take them to see a movie on Saturday.

4.Ring-fence Certain Days/Times

This is similar to #3 … but you’re not necessarily making specific plans to be somewhere. You’re simply setting aside time on a regular basis to work on an important goal or project.

That could be:

You always spend Tuesday evenings reading a book, instead of watching TV.

You’ve blocked out Saturday mornings to work on your small business.

Every Friday lunchtime, you get out of the office and sit in a cafe with your laptop for an hour, writing your novel.

By “ringfencing” particular days and times, you make it easy to avoid committing yourself to other activities.You also ensure that you’re making steady progress towards a goal, by working on it at least weekly.
Written by Ali Luke

8 SOBERING BUT SIMPLE LESSONS IN LIFE WE CAN LEARN FROM CHILDREN

By

Adam East

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Feb 12, 2012

“Out of the mouths of babes”. Isn’t that just so true? Children have a freedom of expression that we as adults can only wish for. As well as the ability to speak honestly and call a spade a spade, children can enjoy a simple view of life not yet jaded by adult experiences.

Adults often believe that children should listen to their elders to learn about life.

We should all broaden our minds and study some of the lessons in life that we can learn from children – you’d be surprised as to how relevant they are to us all. Please do read on for my list of 8 Sobering but Simple Lessons in Life We Can Learn From Children and enjoy!

1. BE YOURSELF, AND NOT ANYONE ELSE

Children are completely unique. Even twins and triplets are always forging their own individual identities, but unfortunately as adults we can often fall into the trap of trying to be someone that we are not. People should learn to like you for who you are, not for what you think they want you to be – the right person in your life will appreciate the authentic you, not a manufactured copy of someone else.

2. SMILE!

Children are the happiest human beings on the planet, regardless of their situation and surroundings. Adults are far too caught-up in the problems in the world that they forget to just smile and be a happy, positive person – if you learn a lesson in life from a kid, it’s that you really should smile more.

3. SKIP

Yes, skip. It’s one of the best ways to relieve the stress that you’ve accumulated after a hard day at work, even if it’s seen as socially unacceptable for adults. Who cares? Not me! Skipping is not only a fun and fast way of getting around, but helps you to exercise and aids your mood. People might look at you a little strangely, but hey – you’re happy!

4. MAKE FRIENDS

One of the lessons in life that we can learn from those younger than us is how to make friends easily. You need to stop worrying about how people perceive you and just form friendships. Whether you are at the supermarket or the canteen at work, potential friends are all around you. It has been said a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.

5. TAKE A NAP

I envy the fact that children can lay down on the sofa and just fall asleep. As an insomniac, I have always found it hard to sleep at night – the perfect solution was formed when I learnt that I can take a short nap during the day to help revitalize me. Not only does it help to sooth your tiredness, you’ll feel great afterwards.

6. SING SOME MORE

We all forget how great singing is. It’s the simplest lessons in life we learn that can make us the happiest, with singing being the simplest of them all. When you are feeling stressed, or just have the inclination to burst out in song, do it! You don’t even have to sing out-loud, but humming and whistling works just as well. Belting out your favorite tunes as you shower or bath in the morning – you’ll be surprised by how it makes a great start to your day.

7. TAKE RISKS

A great thing about children is that they are able to take risks without worrying about the long-term consequences. Doing whatever you feel like without necessarily thinking it through will make you feel young again, removing any of the boredom that you may face during the day.

8. EXPLORE

One of the lessons in life that children can teach us is that we need to continue to explore throughout our lives. Mentally, physically and emotionally, you can explore everything around you. Going for a walk in the forest and pondering the great questions of life can help you to relax and feel young.

Children take time to appreciate the simple joys of life without even knowing they’re doing so. As adults we have to make it a more conscious process. Kick down those barriers and live!

7 HELPFUL TIPS ON HOW TO SAY “I AM SORRY”

By

Adam East

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Feb 12, 2012

How to Say “I Am Sorry” can be really, really hard. Learning how to say “I am sorry”doesn’t come easy for everyone. Swallowing your pride like that can be difficult – and trust me, I speak from experience. It’s not that I don’t know I’m wrong when I have an argument, disagreement, or fight with the Better Half, one of my family members, or my friends; it’s just that I don’t know how to admit it. If you need some help figuring out how to say “I am sorry” to the people you love, this should help.

1. ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY

One of the most important tips on learning how to say “I am sorry” involves accepting responsibility for whatever you’ve done. You have to recognize that what you did hurt someone you love. No excuses, no justifications, just accept that, be responsible for it.

2. AGREE TO DISAGREE

What I mean here is that once you’ve accepted responsibility, don’t stop there. You may not think what you did was all that wrong, you may not understand why your lover or friend or mother or colleague is hurt. That’s fine. You need to try to understand at some junction, but it’s also important for you to realize that, right now, it’s enough that the other person is hurt. Don’t try to debate why, just apologize.

3. WRITE IT OUT

Learning how to say “I am sorry” really is difficult, even when you follow the first two tips. Sometimes, people write better than they speak – and if you’re being sincere, that’s okay. If it helps you get out everything you want to say, write your apology. Make sure your sincerity shows through your letter.

4. A KIND GESTURE

Some people straight up cannot say they’re sorry. Practice makes perfect, but in the meantime, you still need to deal with the situations that call for an apology. So be kind. Let your feelings show even when you can’t find the words to say what you mean. Bake a cake, send flowers, or give the person you hurt a hug.

5. PHONE IT IN

This may seem like a cop out, but it can be helpful. If you have trouble looking someone in the eye and apologizing to them, then begin by calling them. Being able to apologize over the phone may make it easier for you to transition into doing it face to face.

6. DON’T LET PRIDE GET IN THE WAY

For many people who have trouble figuring out how to say “I am sorry” to the people they love, pride is often the culprit. It inserts itself firmly in your throat, so you can’t say the words you want to say. Try not to let that happen. Your pride isn’t as important as the people who care about you; their feelings should come first.

7. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BEG

Some people feel that, when they apologize, they’re essentially begging. That’s not true at all, and if you do find yourself begging someone to accept an apology, you may want to take a step back and analyze that particular relationship. Apologizing doesn’t mean begging. Everyone does something wrong sometimes. Apologizing for it just means you’re acknowledging that you hurt someone who means something to you.

Learning how to say “I am sorry” is one of the bravest things you can do – and actually saying it is even more courageous. If you don’t know how to say “I am sorry” to the people you love, you’re not alone, I promise. Many people have that problem. It often comes down to not letting your pride get in the way. These tips should really help you in your quest to apologize with ease and sincerity, though.

Ten Simple Ways to Make Your Boss Think You’re Brilliant (And Indispensible)

By

Adam East

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Feb 12, 2012

Whether it is for a pay raise, a promotion, a great reference, or just a cubicle with a window, we all want to impress our boss at work. In tough economic times, we might just be trying to avoid being first in line for a pink slip. But honestly, do you really want to put in extra unpaid hours, potentially work weekends, and break your Facebook and Twitter habits?

Sure, it’s a means to an end and everyone has to go above and beyond when needed. However, wouldn’t it be nice to have a little help along the way? Here are ten simple, no-effort ways that will make your boss think you’re both indispensable and brilliant:

1.Beat the Clock

Most bosses are pretty consistent on the time they get into your office. Take note. If yours always arrives at 7.50 – get there at 7.45 (even if your official start time is 8).

Bonus to you: Arriving earlier than the boss makes you look keen and eager. Plus, when you’re skiving on Twitter or Facebook later in the day, you can justify it to yourself by those 15 extra minutes in the morning.

2.Say “Good Morning!”

However hungover, knackered or grumpy you’re feeling first thing in the morning, plaster a great big smile on your face and say, “Good Morning!” to your boss.

Bonus to you: Two friendly words can go a long way in putting you in your boss’s good books first thing in the day. And (if you’re following the first tip), your boss will know you’re in the office bright and early.

3.Volunteer Strategically

If you’re in a meeting and someone asks for volunteers, be the first to put your hand up. That way, you’ll look keen and engaged. This will be a tough one to swallow if your workload is already jammed but volunteering for the right, high visibility project can increase the perception of you.

Bonus to you: You’ll get the task you want (i.e. the one with least effort but highest visibility) and not get lumbered with what the boss assigns you.

4.Be the Printer Guru

Even if it’s nothing at all to do with your job description, learn where the spare ink/toner is kept and how to fit it. When there’s a paper jam or error, get someone to show you what to do.

Bonus to you: When your boss is running around in a flap before a big meeting, you’ll be the hero who fixes his very-important-report-won’t-print crisis.

5.Say “Thanks”

Been given a pay raise, promotion or extra day’s holiday – or even just some of your boss’s valuable time and advice? Make sure you say “thanks”. If possible, thank him/her at the time, and follow up with a short note to express your appreciation.

Bonus to you: It takes ten minutes of your time and perhaps a couple of dollars to buy a “Thank You” card for your boss. If you feel strange with this one because a man giving a man a card is out of the norm, just send an email. In the end, it’s the thought that really counts here. Guess who’ll be first on his mind when the next round of pay-raises comes along?

6.Make Coffee

This will make most of the people in the office like you, not just your boss. However for you boss, occasionallytake a minute to say “I’m just making myself a coffee, can I get you one?” (doing so multiple times per day will have the opposite effect as you’re labeled as a brown-noser).

Bonus to you: For virtually zero effort, you give your boss the impression that you’re a considerate, friendly employee who cares about him/her – bosses often feel unloved.

7.Use The Right Jargon

Pay extra-close attention to the buzzwords that your boss uses. Drop these into the things you say at meetings, and into your emails. This isn’t a chance to play buzzword bingo – what you want to demonstrate is that you’re on the same wavelength as your boss.

Bonus to you: Sometimes you can get away with something with just the right words. You’re not filing your emails for lack of anything better to do – you’re “implementing new communication management protocols to further the client-company relationship”.

8.Create Procedures

Closely related to using the right buzzwords is creating the right procedures – that is, any which get you out of hot water. If something goes pear-shaped at work, explain that it was “due to a procedural error” or “a fault in the procedure”. Then, try to correct the process.

Bonus to you: Explaining that the same mistake can’t possibly happen again “once I’ve changed the procedure” makes your boss think you’re on top of everything. Even when you so, so aren’t.

9.Leave An Email Trail

If you’re ever working from home, a cunning way to demonstrate how many hours you’re (supposedly) putting in is to make sure that your boss is the recipient of, or copied in to, at least one of your emails first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

Bonus to you: Your boss will think you’ve been hard at work between that first email at 7.30am and that last one at 9.00pm. You actually sent that first email in your jammies (and went straight back to bed), then took the afternoon off to catch a movie…

10.Fake Enthusiasm

Even if your job is as dry as dust, fake enthusiasm wherever possible. Plaster a big smile on your face and wave your hands around when enthusing to customers or colleagues about your company.

Bonus to you: Your boss will think you’re truly (and possibly even a bit madly) dedicated to your job. You might find yourself enjoying it more by being enthusiastic, too.