Social Media: INSTAGRAM (tips/tricks and pros/cons)

Welcome to this weeks blog post. This post is all about INSTAGRAM. I talk all about the positives and negatives of the photo sharing world of Instagram. I finish off with some of the best Instagram tips I have collected and found actually help for gaining followers and likes. Hope you enjoy! 

To start, I love using Instagram for many reasons but the main one being the photo sharing aspect, that is all photos. The classic saying of “a picture says a thousand words”. I think the best way to share events and experiences with friends/family. Its the 2018 version of the family photo album. With Instagram you don’t have to wait till family gatherings or hang outs with friends to bust out the printed photos and share whats going on in your life. Instagram has allowed all of us to let the inner photographer we all have inside us to be free and post a million photos of our food. What would we do with out Instagram? Probably have more storage space on our phones and eat our food while its hot… but thats not as fun. Why I don't like Instagram is a shorter list. Like all social media or even games on your phone they can suck up your time. Often we spend way too much time staring at our phones liking photos of peoples experiences instead of making our own. I guess its another classic saying of "all things good in moderation". Its not so much of a problem with Instagram more a problem of how easy it is to spend so much time on the dang app. So a pro can be a con also if you let it take over. 

Top accounts that I follow and love

@keithurban

@therock

@InstagramYEG

@edmontonoilers

@cisncountry

@mcdavid97

@brantleygilbert

Tips for followers on Instagram

1. Respond to comments. This helps a lot to develop a relationship and over all connection with followers. Just like you wouldn’t ignore a text from friends or family you shouldn’t do the same with comments. Even if you just like comments it goes a long way. 

2. Use #’s and location tags. This attracts other viewers to your page that normally wouldn't find you without the hashtags and tags. This allows people who have similar interests find post that aline with those interest. I say use as many hashtag's as the app will allow you, but I also know that can be annoying sometimes. So what you could do is just comment bellow all the hashtags that relate to your picture. That way the main attention stays on your photo and caption, then bellow in the comments it will allow others to find your post. For sure hashtags and tagging where the photo was taken will draw in more likes and follows, its not if but how many. 

3 Have a strong Bio. When making a bio its important to keep it short, accurate and has something memorable that stands out. I know what your thinking… how can I do that all in one bio?? Well its easier then it sounds. First think of who, what, where, why. Use that as a starting point. Then add in a little personalized element. Like a joke, a quote, or a funny personal trait. Adding humour into your bio never hurts. 

4 Post videos as well. When you post videos as well as photos it creates some diversity in your feed. You can also see who and how many times people have viewed your video. Often all your followers don’t like every post so when you post a video you can tell who is tracking your account and pays attention. Often the number of video views is much higher than your average likes on photos. 

5 Branding. I mean consistency and having a theme within your posts or having a filter/specific look can help grow a following. For example food, travel, dogs, humour and nature are all things you can post consistently so you are known for one thing. People who are interested in food, travel, dogs, humour and nature… etc will follow your account to see more photos that align with their interests. 

A few of my favourite posts from my account

Thanks for checking out my latest post. Always cooking up more for you guys to enjoy so check back soon! 

Seattle Recap 2018- Streakers, Oysters, Signatures and more!

Hey friends. Im back with a new post all about Seattle. I went there this summer to explore the city and catch some Jays games. Here are some of my favourite moments from this past trip and some of my overall favourite things about Seattle. 

All good vacations must have food, shopping, relaxing and entertainment. For the food the spot to go is Elliott's Oyster Bar. I could stay there forever just eating at that restaurant. For shopping the thing to do is shop for new Blue Jays swag. There was some other shopping but nothing that mattered other than the Blue Jays swag. Entertainment was the name of the game for the trip. We went to the games of course. Also the Space Needle, Aquarium, Pikes Place, and explored the city. I didn't need a lot of relaxing time. The games were my entertainment and relaxation time. (One of the photos below is of an otter at the aquarium and he is relaxing enough for the both of us. Watching him chill was chill enough for me)

The real fun part was sitting in the SafeCo Field seats watching the Jays do what they do best... WIN! 

Two exciting/crazy moments from the games were getting my hat signed by Randle Girchuk  and then a guy running onto the field naked. Streakers are so strange but it was sure funny. Game number one was a big win. 7-3 for us and Mike Hauschild got his first win as a Blue Jay. Game two was another big win with a 7-2 score. Third game... you guessed it we won with a 5-1 score and Marco Estrada got the win for the Jays. Last game was sadly a loss but the team was off. Joe Biagini was all over the place and got the L for the boys. 

Now here are some of my photos from the trip! 

Thanks for checking out my newest blog post! Next year the jays will win every single game and make it a full game sweep. I will bring my broom! Have a good one! 

Leading Edge Physiotherapy

Hey ! Welcome back to my blog. Today is a special post because its all about my job at Leading Edge Physio Therapy Clinic. I had so much fun collaboration with the staff and patients at leading edge for this blog post. You will hear from me, patients and staff. We will share all about Leading Edge Clinic and the healing process after an injury. 

I started working at leading edge around 3 months ago. I was interested in working there for many reasons. A big one for me was I took human physiology when I went to Macewan University. I loved the class so much because I think its so interesting how the entire body works and how everything works together. I would make stacks and stacks of cue cards with ways a part of the body linked to another. So if one part of the body got injured often the other would also. Bodies are crazy and often accidents happen and we get hurt. So I love that Leading Edge team helps get people back to their full strength and helps with pain management. The clinic has all kinds of equipment and training to make sure the patience get the best care and recover quickly. For me working there I like that I can be apart of someones healing process. I really enjoy helping people in what ever way I can to get back to being healthy, happy and pain free. I also think its really cool that the clinic is a community of people all trying to be active. I have learned new ways to move and exercise through just talking to patients. 

But probably the most important part of my job is I make the coffee for Justin and all the staff. I make it really strong so everyone is buzzing and can get their work done and not fall asleep. I am kinda joking and kinda not. Coffee is very important. Even if there is no coffee the staff know how to get their jobs done well and efficiently. Also very important all the staff know how to have some fun. We rock out to the tunes playing and my coworkers give me a hard time about my love of country (lovingly make fun of me). The energy and environment is light and pretty much stress free. The patients and staff can just talk and work together to create a clinic that has the goal of getting active/healthy but has some fun while getting to their goals. That starts from the whole team doing a great job of making the patients comfortable and feel welcomed as soon as they walk in. Lots of the patients are there once or even two times a week so everyone does a good job to make it a home away from home. It is a team effort and team environment. We all work hard and work together to make sure everyone is looked after and treated like kings and queens. 

Enough of me talking! You heard what I think about Leading Edge now its time to hear from some patients and coworkers of mine. Below are quotes from patients and a few video clips from other staff. 

“Q: How long have you been a patient at Leading Edge the Windermere location?
A: 3 months 
Q: Why did you choose leading Edge for your recovery process?
A: I have always Struggled with headaches and Leading Edge offered me a solution by doing acupuncture, it was close to my house so I chose it.
Q: What is your favourite or least favourite part of your time at Leading Edge?
A: I love my Leading Edge fam. Dislike that I have to leave :(”

— Kenzie Karpes @Kenzieyeg 

“Q: How long you have been a patient of Leading Edge the Windermere location?
A: I started here September in 2017. 
Q: Why did you choose Leading Edge for your recovery process?
A: Because it was close to my house.
Q: What is your favourite or least favourite part of your time at Leading Edge?
A: Just happy to come here and seeing everyone.”

— Fawz Sabbah

“Q: How long you been a patient of leading Edge the Windermere location? 
A: 2 weeks
Q: Why did you choose Leading Edge for your recovery process?
A: Referral from a co-worker
Q: What is your favourite or least favourite part of your time at Leading Edge?
A: Improvement after leaving”

— Gordon Little @bracklittle

“Q: How long have you been a patient of Leading Edge the Windermere Location?
A: Since April
Q: Theme why did you choose Leading Edge for your Recovery Process?
A: It was close to my home
Q: What is your favourite or least favourite part of your time at Leading Edge
A: The staff are awesome. Very friendly. I enjoy coming even if it’s painful.”

— Brad Keeling @bradModernman31 

“Q: How long have you been a patient of Leading Edge the Windermere Location? 
A: 7 months 
Q: Why did you choose Leading Edge for your Recovery Process?
A: I came because of reviews and it said the location was awesome because of the staff. 
Q: What is your favourite or least favourite part of your time at leading Edge?
A: I love the relaxed atmosphere. ”

— Aaron Priestly - Wright @photosbyapw 

Staff interviews. Watch it to hear all about what the staff of Leading Edge think of their clinic.

Country Music Concerts with a Special CISN Collaboration

Hey everyone! Ryan here back for another special blog post. I collaborated with CISN and Corus Entertainment to highlight some amazing Country Musicians. This past week I went to two concerts Lanco then Kip Moore. I worked at the shows doing promotions for CISN and got to write all about the concerts. 

Lets talk about Lanco first! They are all the way from Nashville the home of country music. They played at Cook County Bar. It was a great concert for many reasons. But one of the coolest parts was my drum teacher Ben and his band opened for them. Their band the Dungarees played a great set. They were a perfect band to get the crowed pumped up for Lanco (not biased at all). The crowed was a good mix of rock and country fans. Mostly country though. The fans were all loving the show and sining right along to all the songs. My favourite songs from Lanco's set were Born to Love You, Greatest Love Story, and Trouble Maker. My favourite songs from the opener and my friend Ben were Don't Hold Back and I'm Down. So if you like country/rock you should check those songs out! Nothing crazy to report from the show like bar fights or girls jumping on the stage trying to kiss the band. Maybe next time.

Next show I went to was Kip Moore and he played at the Ranch. It was the right venue for the kind of musician he is and crowed that came out. Everyone was full on country. There was a small hiccup with weather for the concert. He was suppose to play but it was moved inside last minute so the crowed was packed in tight. It was a loud party. I think the smaller space made the place more of a party. Petric opened for Kip Moore. They were a very young band started back in 2015 and they are brothers. Which is pretty cool. I want to start a band now with my brother and tour around because they looked like they were having so much fun on stage. Im sure there is lots of positives and negatives of being in a band with your bro. They were an outstanding band and played great tunes. I have heard a little bit of their music before the show and they played the song I like called 18 Ends. Back to Kip Moore. He was great like always. The crowed was rowdy. Dancing and singing. I couldn't see Kip Moore because we were standing in a place that didn't have a great view of the stage. So some random guys that I was talking to picked me up so I could see the stage. I thought it was funny and nice of them. The songs Kip choose to play were some of my tops of his. He played More Girls Like You (a classic), Beer Money, Hey Pretty Girl, Last Shot, Fast Women and more. Really all the songs he sings are awesome. 

So two pretty great concerts. It was a lot of fun to work at the shows. I liked getting the crowed pumped up and tuned into what CISN is up to. Thanks again Corus Entertainment for partnering with me on this blog post. Let me know some of the best Country Music Concerts you guys have been to and what made them so great?

PERTH AUSTRALIA HIGHLIGHTS!

Refreshing Swim

We went to the Perth zoo and we saw a lot of amazing wildlife. I remember it like it was yesterday...it was hot and sunny when my eyes met the amazing Saltwater Crocodile. Even though it was hot and sunny I wouldn't get into the pool with them to cool down. Should have dared Dylan to get in.

Night Adventures 

Jayden my brother in law took us to the Kings Park so I could take some night pictures of the city. It was such a good night to walk around and we had a pretty great view. 

Always Wear Sandles 

Our personal tour guides Jayden and Dylan took us to a beach called Cottesloe. We brought a beach tent my and dad had problems with setting up the tent because it was windy. I would have helped but it was too funny and more enjoyable to watch him fight with the thing. The sand was blazing hot almost burn my feet off. Once we got the tent up and buried our feet in the cool sand it was a perfect day of relaxing and hanging out. 

Family Movie Night

We all went to see Jumanji featuring the Rock! We laughed so hard at Jack Black and Kevin Hart. The whole movie was quotable, for those who have seen it my favourite lines were...

 Jack-" Wait a second where is my phone." 

Kevin - "Cake makes me explode."

Uncle Ryan

Jayden and Dylan adopted a rescue pug and her name is Gabby. She is cute and I'am her puppy uncle. I missed her lots and the love the fact she always sticks her tung out. I was glad I got to see my whole family, dogs included! Well actually I probably was more excited to see Gabby then I was to see Jayden (just kidding, or am I....).

Melting

Perth weather was Blazing hot, nice and sunny with no chance of rain (or snow). Nothing like the weather in Canada during the Christmas Holidays. When its that hot all the time you have to stay hydrated or you become a puddle on the ground. There was always, ice cold beer, coke, wine and water close by. 

Signs Are Never Wrong

My dad went for run and found this sign... instead of caution signs for kids a sign for the aged. He took a picture next to it to be funny, that silly duck.

Doesn't It Look Good??

You can't go to Australia and not eat sea food pasta. So we found a Restaurant at South Perth and I ate the whole plate pictured above. To finish it off we got ice cream just to have a fully balanced meal. Vacation is for eating yummy food and relaxing so I was going to make the most of it. 

No Sharks In Sight

Another day at the beach. A day with a great hanging out, lunch, and then we finished it all off with a swim. Once again the sand was as hot as pea soup. 

RMH World Wide

I have been very involved with Roland McDonald House back in Edmonton. So we thought we would take a tour of the Perth house. They had a Roof top garden, amazing art inside the building, and so much more. It was cool to take my love for the house internationally. 

All The Best Things

We had supper with Dylan, Jayden and friends. We had all day meat and they put Bruce Springsteen on their tv for ambiance. Just when the night couldn't get any better we had Gluten free Cheesecake for dessert. Many good nights of food and good company. 

??? 

Another strange sign my dad found. So silly. So many questions...why not? Was there a kissing acident?  

Family Photo

We went to the Caversham Wildlife park. So many great animals, like this guy. We have adopted him into the family. I though of ways to get him back to Canada but my two ideas were not the best. One, was my suitcase. Second, was using Jayden's passport and pretending he was Jayden. 

Nice Hat

We celebrated the New Year all together. There was a group of great people to celebrate the old and new. It was so good to be able to spend the holiday with my family. 

None for You

We went to Rottnest Island full of white beaches, blue water, good company, yummy food and curious critters. We watched a Quokka try and steal someone else's yummy food. Quokkas are the most well-known animal on Rottnest Island. 

Hardest Part

The trip was over before I knew it and we had to say goodbye to my brother (mom and I were not happy about it even though we look happy here). It was time to go back to work and the snow. I miss Australia and my brothers. Everything about the trip with outstanding and it made it that much harder to leave. We will be back soon though. 

Well there you go! Some of my favourite parts. It was fun to go back through the photos and remember all the great times spend in Perth. I hope to be back soon! Let me know in the comments below if you have ever been to Australia and what your favourite part was. If you haven't been what is something you would make sure to do? Below are some more photos that also were great moments from the trip.  

CISN Country Concert Highlights

Ryan here! Boy, has this year been busy so far! If you've been following me for a while, you know that I have a job at Corus Entertainment that I love. I have the best coworkers in the world and I get to go to all sorts of cool events in the city.  CISN Country has been at a lot of great concerts lately, including a By Invite Only series. I get to listen to country music all night and being in a bar for shows makes for great people watching. PLUS, I usually get to meet the artists after the show. Here are some highlights from the last few shows I've been to:

Luke Combs

Luke has been a favourite of mine for a while and the show didn't disappoint! I had the time of my life singing along to my favourite songs and dancing with all the tipsy people who were having as good of a time as I was. My awesome coworker Chelsey snapped some photos from the night. 

Favourite song: When It Rains It Pours

Photo by Chelsey Jensen

The Recklaws

Aka Jenna and Stuart Walker, The Recklaws are a brother-sister duo from Ontario who are crazy talented. This concert was everything I would want a show in a bar to be-- these guys even had a table on stage for people to play beer pong. 

Favourite song: 

Granger Smith

He started the night off with a bang. Lots of energy, so much energy a bar fight ended up breaking out. 

Favourite song: Backroad Song

The Road Hammers

Great concert, I got to meet them. My favourite song from them is 'Get on Down the Road'.

Favourite song: Get On Down The Road

Thanks for reading this weeks blog post. Which concerts have you guys been to lately?  Tweet me @RyanMacintyre23 or comment below.

Check in next week for a brand new blog post and maybe even a new video! 

Valentines Day (Is For Everyone)

Ryan here! Valentines Day is just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited. I have some ideas for you to make Valentines Day extra special, whether you're with your special someone or flyin' solo this year. Valentines Day isn't just about romance, it's a day to make anyone you love feel appreciated. 

One of my favourite celeb couples, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. 

One of the things that I have learned from being in a relationship is to appreciate simple things, like holding hands or sharing a kiss. I recently learned about The 5 Love Languages, which basically helps you to understand how you like to connect to others. I challenge you to take the quiz, whether you're single or have a partner-- maybe you'll learn a bit about yourself. 

My results

Things you can do for your special someone (be sure to click the links):

1. Spend quality time together. Turn off your phone and listen.
2. Watch one of your favourite movies and make a snack.
3. Go see a game or a concert. Do something fun that you both enjoy. 
4. Tell them what you appreciate about them-- handwritten notes go a long way.
5. Make them coffee or tea. It's always appreciated when someone remembers how much cream or sugar you put in your drink. 

Things you can do for your friends:

1. Spend quality time together. Turn off your phone and listen.
2. Watch one of your favourite movies and make a snack.
3. Go see a game or a concert. Do something fun that you both enjoy. 
4. Tell them what you appreciate about them-- handwritten notes go a long way.
5. Make them coffee or tea. It's always appreciated when someone remembers how much cream or sugar you put in your drink. 

See what I did there?

Valentines Day is a wonderful, romantic day, but remember to make the people you love feel special the other 364 days of the year. Let them know that they are loved all year. 

I'll be there for you...

I've left you with a playlist of some of my favourite love songs for you to listen to (because I thought I'd throw in just one more list). Leave me a comment below to let me know some of your favourite love songs. 

Keith Urban Announces Graffiti U Tour (And He's Coming To Edmonton!!!)

Hi, Ryan here! If you know me or follow my blog, you know that I love Keith Urban. Needless to say I was thrilled when he announced his new tour and new album, Graffiti U, in the works a couple days ago.

Keith (and his hair) in action.

He's one handsome dude who can shred on the guitar like no one else. His voice doesn't hurt either (he just might have a more beautiful voice than me). His energetic performances get the fans up and moving. take it from me. I've seen him ten-- yes, 10-- times. Keith Urban is 150% Country. 

 

If you haven't already heard his single "Parallel Lines", take a listen. Co-written by Ed Sheeran and a team of rockstar songwriters, it doesn't disappoint. Keith Urban "just loved the song the very first time [he] heard it – it just struck [him] as one of those kinds of songs that comes along very, very rarely.” This song has my 2018 off to a good start.

Five songs I hope to hear Keith and his hair sing:

1. Parallel Line (obviously)

2. Female

3. Somebody Like You

4. Blue Ain't Your Colour

5. Long Hot Summer

See you soon, buddy!

I'll see you guys at Rogers Place on September 22nd. Until then, I'll have Parallel Lines on repeat. 

How I Survive 16 Hour Airplane Flight to Australia

Welcome back! Todays post is a short one but I wanted to just share with you how I survive a long hall flight. I am heading out to Australia TOMORROW. So crazy.  I am excited to be in Australia but not so excited for the time it will take to get there. So if any of you are doing any traveling this holiday season like myself I hope some of these tips help ya out. 

1. Listen to some tunes with my Beats (the brand of headphone not the food).
2. Eating junk food while reading some books. I mostly like reading books about hockey and sports. 
3. Watching a good amount of movies (they always have such good selections).
4. Go to the washroom. Mostly just to get up and walk around a bit. Humans were not made to sit that long. 
5. Sleeping. It really is the best way to make time fly (see what I did there). 
6. Making the Oilers 2018 roster for the new year. 
7. Making music playlist. You can never have too many playlists.
8. Pre-downloading the best Big Bang Theory episodes. 
9. Adjusting the aircon/fans above my head. Lets be real its always too cold or too hot. 
10. Check for NHL trades. Got to stay up to date. 
11. Check for MLB trades (if is wifi on the flight).

Bucket List of Things to do While in Australia

Hello, hello! Well this week I am excited to share with you what I am most looking forward to about my upcoming trip to Perth, Australia. Holidays in the heat this year. I will keep you all updated on social media if I check any of these items off my bucket list. 

Checking out lot's of outstanding restaurants. Admit it I am not the only one who looks forward to all the great food they are going to eat on vacation. Isn't that the point of traveling and vacation... to just eat? 

Taking photos and sharing them with you all. I hope to watch some amazing sunsets while sitting on the beach and of corse taking a couple of photos to post to social media (if you didn't take a photo did it really happen). I also would love to watch some wildlife and yes, you guessed it, take some more photos. I really love being able to capture a moment with photography and looking back at the photos. 

Seeing some Saltwater Crocodiles. But not getting too up close and personal. Or maybe I will. It will make a good story to say I nearly got attacked by a Crocodile. It would for sure make for an interesting blog post. 

Going to the beach. I can see it now. Me sitting on the beach with nothing else to do but relax and swim in the ocean (can't wait). 

Playing games with my family. Its been a while since we were all in the same room playing a game with some good friendly competition. 

Going for long walks and check out the outback. Not too far into the outback though... I would like to leave Australia on my own two feet. 

Going for swimming in the crystal clear pools. The fish in me is really looking forward to swimming all day long. 

Having BBQ dinners with the family. Really I am excited to just hang out as a family having a night in and all eating some yummy food. 

Checking out the city life and city lights. I look forward to spending a night out with my brother and brother in law. A night well spent is walking around the town of Perth and get some good city photos. 

The Weather. Its going to be blazing hot and I am ready to get my tan on. Shorts and a t-shirt here I come (also sunscreen, protect your skin kids).  

Petting some Kangaroos. I couldn't go to Australia and not hang out with a Kangaroo. They are the best mixture, half donkey (in looks) and half bunny (in the fact they jump). 

Checking out some dangerous Snakes. Possibly a selfie with a Snake coming to social media soon. Just not any snake that will bite or wrap itself around my neck. 

Seeing the Great Barrier and the creatures that live there. The Great Barrier Reef didn't get its name from being a mediocre reef. So I am ready to see some greatness.