*Awesome Nerd Alert* J.J. Abrams Wants You To Be in 'Star Wars: Episode VII

by Carmen Cruz


A donation to charity puts you in the running for a free trip to London, England to mingle with celebrities,
check out what it's like behind the scenes of a major motion film and, most importantly, have an actual role in the newest Star Wars movie *nerd swoon*.

Check out the video below for more.



Enjoy.

Besos,

CC.
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HAPPENING TONIGHT: Music & Making A Difference

by Carmen Cruz


While Vancouver is an incredibly beautiful city, we all know about the 'dark spots' that people tend to ignore or avoid. It's those places where you'll find people who've had their spirits broken.
It's all comes down to 2 little words that many hate to talk about: Mental health.
Seriously, what's the big deal?
So many people struggle with mental health issues. It's nothing to be ashamed of. More importantly, it's something that needs to be put into the spotlight.
Well a group of local musicians will be doing just that. Here's the deal:


What: Make Mental Health Matter Benefit Concert          
When: Tonight from 9:00pm - 12:00AM
Where: Fanclub (1050 Granville St.)
Who: (Performing) Bodhi Jones, TTRA1N and S.O.S, The Real Deal feat. Tonye Aganaba & The Chaperones  
Why: See poster!
How Much: Tickets cost $15 at the door

Bonus: Amazing prize packages from local businesses, a 50/50 raffle, live art auction, as well as an auction for a date with Bodhi Jones himself!

There are still a few tickets available. Want more info? Go Here.   

If you're going, see ya there!

Enjoy. 

Besos, 

CC. 
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Riding For The Love Of Music: Music Therapy Ride

by Carmen Cruz


It's just you and the open road...and hundreds of  fellow motorcycle aficionados, plus your own presidential VPD escort all the way from Vancouver to Whistler! And don't forget special guest Dan Mangan joining in on the ride!

The Music Therapy Ride is an annual motorcycle charity ride designed to raise funds for community-based music therapy services in BC.
Now celebrating its 12th Anniversary, MTR has raised over $560,000. The money has helped fund unique and amazing music therapy programs, such as a mobile recording studio for BC Children’s Hospital.

Music can be uplifting, inspiring and healing, and The Music Therapy Ride & Music Heals proves just what a difference it can make in a person's life. 

THIS Saturday, September 14th, kick off the day with a 9AM breakfast at the River Rock starting point, ride with a VPD escort & Dan Mangan, and end with a BBQ lunch, live auction and live music  in Whistler Village.





So if you're like me, and you:
A) Don't own a sweet, sweet motorcycle
AND
B) Are 100% confident that taping a playing card to the spokes of your pedal bike to make the 'motorcycle sound' just ain't gonna cut it, you can still do your part to help the cause.

Are you ready? GO HERE.

Enjoy.

Besos,

CC.
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WTF Friday Video Of The Day: Bono, Matt Damon, Olivia Wilde & Richard Branson Refuse To Pee.

by Carmen Cruz


It's true.
In February, Matt Damon pledged that until everyone on the planet has access to clean water and sanitation, he will NOT go to the bathroom. Damon's semi-serious Toilet Strike is meant to raise awareness of a very real public health crisis. 780 million people across the world – one ninth of the global population – still lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation.
Pretty shocking, no? He's enlisted a few celebrity friends to help promote his cause.
Check out their cheeky video:



For more info on Matt Damon's campaign, click HERE.


Enjoy.

Besos,

CC.
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ALERT!!! Free Clothing Swap THIS Sunday!!!

by Carmen Cruz


Ladies, here's the deal:
THIS Sunday, from 4pm - 7pm there's a free clothing swap taking place at Sugarbox (one of the absolute BEST waxing bars in the city) in Yaletown.
I had a chance to chat with Sugarbox owner and clothing swap organizer Jane, and here's what she wants you to know.



The lovely Jane!
Massive clothing swap = Brilliant. What inspired you to start this event?
 Jane - I love clothes. I went to my first swap 5 years ago and it was SO FUN. You recycle what you haven't worn ages and find new treasures. Normally some wine is drank, new friends are made and you get some interesting fashion input. It's free, eco, fab and pretty much the smartest thing ever.



Last year was the first time for this event, no? How was the turnout?
Jane - Yup, last year was a first for us and within the first hour, we had about 70 women graze through. I'm still a bit rusty with the whole social media thing and was really impressed that everyone there had found out by word of mouth. We ended up collecting about 1200 items in total.


What type of clothing or items are you looking for?
Jane - Any and all items are welcome. Everyone has very different/eclectic/creative taste, right? We're all sizes and all fashions, and that's really celebrated at an event like this.

Is there any cost or fee involved in this event? What about ladies who have nothing to donate, but still want to come check it out?
Jane - It's totally free. Our business practice isn't about profits. We genuinely like to have fun and socialize with rad females (which an event like this tends to attract). You receive a ticket for each item you bring, which allows you to shop fairly. This also helps prevents consignment hunters from crashing the event. If you don't have anything to bring, maybe your friend/s will share ;)



Any tips or suggestions for the ladies coming to the Sunday clothing swap?  
Jane - Keep your cool and share (there's more than enough to go around). If 2 people see the same item at the same time, be graceful and have friendly negotiations. Also, make sure to wear something change friendly, like tights or tight fitting tank. If you want to try clothes on openly this makes it a lot easier (we only have 1 washroom).
Bags & bags of donated clothes

Where are the left over donated clothes going and why?
Jane - It's being divided between WISH and DEWC (Downtown Eastside Women's Shelter).
Last year I did the swap in January....do you know this story? I called ahead to see if the shelter could handle so MANY items and they had -- nothing. Saddest Christmas ever. The people at the DEWC asked if I could drop off all the donations before they opened at 10am, so I showed up at 9:45. About 25 women were waiting in line against the building. They were so lovely and helpful! They were giddy and thankful, helping me bring in bag after bag. We filled the entire donations centre! *heartswell*
This is the main reason why this year, we want to do the clothing swap before Christmas.

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Have any unwanted makeup kicking around? You can bring it along and donate it as well. Don't forget to bring any deodorant, socks, undergarments, etc. that you might not need or use anymore, n'kay?


See you all there THIS Sunday from 4pm - 7pm at Sugarbox ~ 1025 Cambie street ;)

Besos,

CC.
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New Album From Esthero + A Free Download

by Carmen Cruz


It's finally here!!!! It's been 7 looooong years since Esthero has released a full length album (the last one was 2005’s Wikked Lil’ Grrrls), and on Tuesday, Everything Is Expensive finally made it's full debut.

Here's an awesome article about the Canadian singer and her new album.

Here's the first single off the album. It's called 'Never Gonna Let You Go'.



This album is a solid mix of pop, trip-hop, and mellow stuff.

Speaking of mellow stuff, here's another tune off the new album. It's called 'Once'.



Like whatcha hear? You can download this track for free off Esthero's website.

What makes this album (and artist!) extra cool is the way you can purchase it. Esthero is using a 'Pledge Music' program, where you can pledge $10 for a digital download of the album, $25 for a signed CD, and then the pledge list goes KA-RAY-ZEE from there. For a $150 pledge, you can go for a hike in L.A's Griffith Park with Esthero (btw, that pledge option is now sold out!).
$500 = Korean BBQ date with Esthero in Hollywood
$800 = A private 2 hour karaoke booth party with the singer
$2000 = A lullaby sang to you, in person
$150,000 = Esthero will tattoo your initials on her ass. On - Her - ASS.

**fyi: 10% of all the money Esthero raises will be going to the charity of her choice. **

Dear GAD this woman is awesome. 

Want more info? Check out her Pledge Music Page.
Enjoy.

Besos,
CC.
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Dunbar Haunted House Opens TOMORROW!!!

by Carmen Cruz


Ready to get in Halloween spirit?                                                             
Tomorrow, the Dunbar Haunted House opens it's doors to the public.
Never heard of the Dunbar Haunted house? Check out this video....




This year's theme is "The Daily Grime". General admission is $10, while brave kiddies under the age of 12 get in for $5 (CASH ONLY!!!!). Don't forget that 100% of the proceeds go to charity!
OH! And the folks at the Dunbar Haunted House even have live music playing for the people waiting outside the venue. Cool, huh?!?!


Address? Hours? You need more info, right?  Check out their very detailed website.                                
They're also on twitter.

I'm the biggest chicken sh*t on earth, but I'm still forcing myself to go. After all, it's for charity, right? ;)

See you there!
Besos,

CC.
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