Wednesday, September 25, 2019

20 Facts you did not know about me







1. I was born on February first, which make me an Aquarius... However, I don't really believe in the whole horoscope thing but then again they say no Aquarius does so...  yeah.

2. Food for me has to be either spicy or sweet. If not, then it's all just tasteless at that point. 

3. I can't dance to save my life. Well I think I can, but everyone else is saying I can't. 
4. I seriously have a shopping problem. I'm getting help don't worry (Jesus).
5. I'm a Christian. Christianity is a big part of my life. Having Jesus is the only thing that keeps me sane and inoffensive. 
6. I love taking naps.
7. I’m deadly allergic to sea food. Fun fact; My (Haitian) mom did not believe me when I told her I wasn't feeling good after eating shrimps. It took a trip to the emergency room for her to realize I was seriously allergic to seafood. She said people in her family and quite frankly, Haitian people in general do not have allergies and that it was a white people ting. (Her words not mine)
8. I used to hate my ears. 
9. I really love being short (I'm 5'3)! Sometimes I even wish I was a little bit shorter. 
10. I started my YouTube channel in April 2016, because I was bored and it's the best decision I took ever! Check it out!
11. Alcohol makes sleepy. No turn up for me. If I have even a bit alcohol in my system, it’s lights out. 
12. I met my Husband (Jo) at Church 11 years ago. He was playing piano and I was singing. It was a perfect match and plus I have a thing for musicians. (I'm not that great of a singer)
13. I have a big sister and I'm low-key still jealous of her long thick beautiful hair. 
14. I was ferociously attacked by a pigeon when I was about 7 or 8 years old, I think about that bastard every time I eat chicken. 
15. I hate taking pictures and showing my face. I know it sounds crazy but I'm the least photogenic person ever and, I always manage to make the weirdest facial expressions. 
16. I sleep with the light on. 
17. My laugh is loud, very loud. 
18. I hate downtown, Crowds scare me and being in a moving unorganized crowd makes me extremely anxious. 
19. I used to read a lot, in average 8 book per months, but then this thing called the internet and YouTube turned me into an illiterate. 
20. I love traveling and I hope to be able to do it more often in the future. My favorite place to go is Jamaica.  You should go check out my article on the 7 Reasons to travel to Jamaica.

Hehe that's it!
Sophia Tim (Pardon the french girl)
On that note aurevoir bisous bisous.

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Monday, September 23, 2019

Meet My Instagram Husband



In today’s special post I decided to do something a bit different. I want to introduce you to my personal Instagram husband. His name is Jo and he is actually my husband and we’ve been married for a little over 5 years now and best friend for about 10. He is the most incredible human being on this planet! He has a genuine and pure heart. He is patient and kind and it's an honor for me to call him my husband and even more now to call him my Instagram husband. I decided to ask him a few questions about his role as my Instagram husband. Let’s see what he really thinks about all this! 




Be sure to follow me on Instagram and on Youtube. 

How would you describe your role as an Instagram/YouTube husband?
“That’s actually a great question! If I could describe my role I would probably say it is like I am on a unicycle while holding 2 baby puppies on my left and juggling 3 bowling pins on my right hand. But seriously, I would describe this role as leveling up. Starting this journey has shown me all the potential that is really inside me. I’ve unlocked new levels of artistic creativity, technical savvy, multitasking, and patience. Oh yes, a lot of patience. I must say the whole experience is pretty exciting watching myself grow in ways I never thought would interest me as much as they do. No I am in no way a pro at this photography or videography thing but the process of growing in this is pretty awesome!”

 What do you prefer about it?
“I am a bit of a Gear/Tech junkie, like most men on this planet. I mean who doesn’t love unboxing a brand-new device! Also, I have to say I love reading the comments that people leave on my wife’s IG page and YouTube channel. They hilariously amazing! Did I mention that love the bloopers! I also, enjoying learning new things like the term focal length. I mean did you know that focal length means…  Wait? Am I rambling I feel like I am rambling. You know my wife tells me that my answers are way to long and I should really learn to tone it down some.”

 What do you hate the most about it?
“Hate! What do you mean hate? Who said anything about hate? What does that even mean?... Wait!? Is my wife going to be reading this? Because if she is I want her to know that I love everything about being an IG/ YouTube hubby! Well… Almost everything. Well of course there is this one thing she does. I would not say that I hate but let’s just say strongly I dislike it. You know what I’m a just keep it real with y’alll. I can’t stand taking pictures or recording videos and she makes this face like I am forcing her to unload FedEx trucks full of big heavy boxes in the middle of the hottest summer day at 1:27 in the afternoon and she is extremely bothered. Ok, well that might be a little over the top. However, sometimes we can do 100 nice shots and she does not like any of them. Well booboo, next time just relax your face and just smile, and we will be just fine.”

Did you know anything about photography before?
“Duh! I knew that as long as my fingers could press the camera/record button that meant that I was a professional baby! No, but seriously I knew very little to nothing. I am still learning with each photo shoot or each YouTube recording session. I’m actually a musician who went to school for IT. However the great thing with technology today I can hop on YouTube or Udemy and follow some really great courses to help me out.”

 Can you describe photo sessions with Sophia?
“Pretty adventurous! We try to drive around the city finding cool spots to take shots. A lot of times we discover some of the most beautiful places. At the same time though we have our fair share of unsuccessful shooting days. What’s important is to try to make the most of each experience and try to learn a bit more each time.”

Do you have any tips/advice for IG husbands?
“Yeah definitely! I guess my top tips for someone who wants to start this journey are:

1.    If you are not a professional photographer please know that it is ok. I am far from being a pro but what I lack in professionalism I make up for in enthusiasm, in support of my wife’s desires and eagerness to learn and get better. The first few posts were rough but I am getting a little better with each shot.

2.    Try your best to schedule any photo or video sessions. This is extremely important because a lot of people work, go to school, or also pursue other passions of their own. Knowing that, it is important to sit down together and reach a compromise on your availability to help out as an IG hubby.

3.        Learn, Learn, Learn, and did I forget to mention learn? This is really going to help you tremendously because the more you know about video, pictures, manipulating light, angles, and especially the device you are using whether is an Android/ iOS device or a DSLR.  This will help you save so much time and will ensure a successful photo/video session. Again, I am not saying I am some expert. Not the case at all! However, I am willing to take out a bit of time during my week to watch a couple of YouTube tutorials, read a few articles to try to get better at this every week.
  
4.    This one is for the models in front of the camera. Please make sure to take out the time to let your IG hubby know you appreciate them. It might seem silly or insignificant but a Thank You goes a long way a long way in this business!

5.    Get a smart phone with portrait mode! Life saver when you are first starting out. This will at least help save you time while you are learning. I am currently using a Google Pixel XL 3 and sometimes the software on the phone supersedes my skill with a camera. 

6. Follow pages on IG that interest your significant other. For example my wife loves photos from @inthefrow so I follow her page also to see what makes her pictures or videos look great. Sometimes you can find out what camera settings they used for a particular shot. While we are on the topic of following IG accounts, you should also try to follow some good photographer. I recommend at @harrison, @dapper_cards ( He is from Montréal) and @gilmarphotos.”

7. Don’t be afraid to laugh and enjoy the silly moments because there may be a lot of those.

These are just some of the tips that have helped me along the way. Notice how most of what I am saying revolves around being willing to learn. I cannot stress enough how important this is. ”

In your opinion is your wife her true self on social media? Tell us why.
“Yes, I would say. Anyone who watches my wife will agree that she is really silly and pretty excited about life. She is not afraid to slip and fall and laugh about it. She really embraces the perfect little imperfections of life. Most of which reflected in her bloopers.”

What is your real job and personal hobbies.
“I work as an integration specialist testing hardware and code for a company that makes software for IP-based security devices like video cameras, doors, and licence plate readers. On the side I am a musician. I love playing piano, a little bit of bass, drums, and a pinch of guitar.”

 Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen! I hope you enjoyed this interview thank you again for following me here on Pardon the french girl it means the world to me (us) :).


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Wednesday, September 18, 2019

5 New Restaurants/Coffee Shops in Laval


Here are 5 (relatively) new restaurants or coffee shops that you have to visit at least one time in your life in the Laval area.

Yes! You read that right! I’m talking about the 450. The city that was once only known for the Recreatheque amusement center(rest in peace) and the lack of public transportation. The city of Laval is transforming right before our eyes and the addition of these new restaurants and cafés is something that really excites me and you should be excited you too!





Lov
140 Promenade Du Centropolis, Laval, QC H7T 2Z6

This vegan restaurant is well-known in Montreal for the beautiful minimalist decor and its abundance of greenery designed by Jacinthe Piotte. The fact that they decided to open a new location right in the Centropolis Center is a huge plus. In my humble opinion it looks better than the other two locations in Montreal. Maybe I’m biased, maybe I’m not… I have to say though, the food is a bit on the pricey side but hey I don’t want to stop you from living your best vegan life! You just make sure you enjoy the decor and take a bunch of pictures for all that money you’re about to spend on leaf and potatoes.


Gatto Matto
1950 Rue Claude-Gagné #302, Laval, QC H7N 0E4

Wow, Just wow! Gatto Matto is a dream for all the pink loving instagrammers of the world. Located right next to the Place Bell arena, you will be pleasantly charmed by the gorgeous layout. With flowers covering the walls and pastel colored seats complementing the rest of the café, if your first reflex is not to pick up your phone and take a picture then I’m assuming that your phone is most likely just out of battery. The food is delicious and served at a more than reasonable price. With great food, lovely decor and a wonderful atmosphere, what’s not to love about Gatto Matto.



Credit @gattomattolaval



Miss Wong
1780 Avenue Pierre-Péladeau, Laval, QC H7T 2Z1


If you want to escape Montreal and Laval is still not far away enough for you, then what about China? In all seriousness though, you will be mesmerized by the attention to detail in the decor. I mean it will leave you feeling like you are actually traveling but all for the price of a meal. The reviews are a bit mixed and the menu options, it may not be that extensive for some. However, the service is cordial, very pleasant. The ambiance was great and the taste was to my liking. This restaurant, in my opinion, is an unforgettable experience.


Cacao 70
308-1950 Rue Claude-Gagné, Laval, QC H7N 5H9


Cacao 70 is a franchise but this is the first location in Laval and I absolutely love it! Again, conveniently located right next to the Place Bell arena, this is the perfect spot for that cute Instagram shot. Now, let me warn you though, be ready to overdose on chocolate. The plates are so tasty I mean I can still feel the chocolate and caramel syrup melting on my tongue and don’t even let me get started on strawberry desserts. 









Le Ricardo Café
150 Promenade Du Centropolis, Laval, QC H7T 0A3


Created by the renowned Quebec chef Ricardo, this lovely café is modern and minimalist. The service is great and it’s also located at Centropolis. All the meals are inspired by the magazine so this is definitely an experience worth trying. Right next door of the café is the Ricardo Boutique where you can buy kitchen accessories from his “L’art de la table” collection. I would recommend going during the week around 10 or 11 to avoid the crowd. I can guarantee you that you will have a great time whether you are with those closest to you or enjoying peaceful morning alone.







Have you visited any of these restaurants or café recently? If so, what was your experience? Please let me know in the comment section.

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