Lenzr.com Launches New Photo Contests!

It’s contest time at Lenzr.com and for this cycle they have 4 new contests and, as always, great prizes. The great part about the Lenzr.com contests is the fact that they celebrate those who love photography and the art behind it. The contests are always clever and unique, challenging budding photographers to think outside the box and channel their artistic sides for the win.

Construction Sights:

The first contest for this cycle is called Construction Sights. Basically, contestants have to go out and find the beauty behind the thing we all fear most in the morning: construction. Since Toronto has a lot of that going on right now, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the opportunity to get snapping.

Maybe when you are on your way to work or can take a moment to potentially win a prize. Get your camera focused and take some shots of lane closures or the creation of new condos. The winner of this contest will receive a sony laptop courtesy of an Ottawa windows company. They are known for their expertise and quality work.

Best Staff Office Party:

This contest seems destined to be a favourite, maybe it’s because the word party is in the title and we all know how much everyone loves a great event. Pretty much all of us have experienced a Best Staff Office Party. It can be a co worker’s birthday office celebration or Christmas party. The idea is to showcase the most fun you and your coworkers have had at a party.

Think, everyone standing around the karaoke machine waiting for their turn to sing their hearts out, or your boss mixing the drinks and refilling the snack bowls. The winner of this contest will receive a Sony Laptop courtesy of an IT staff firm. If you are looking for help finding a new employee or searching for your future career, they are the ones to call.

A Counting Exercise:

This contest reminds me of a time I went to my friend’s kid’s birthday party. I remember sitting there, enjoying the party but constantly looking over at the presents. I kept counting the number of gifts wrapped in pink paper. If you didn’t know, pink is my favorite color so naturally I am attracted to it. Anyway, whenever the conversation was taking a slight tangent I would find myself trying to guess and count the number.

The A Counting Exercisewants participants to take pictures showing their visual statistical distractions. The winner of this photo contest will receive a Sony laptop courtesy of some web savvy North York accountants. Your company’s success should be your accountants number one interest. The sponsor offers the best quality and efficiency when it comes a business’s needs.

Shafts of Sunlight:

This contest is very beautiful. The title of it makes me feel calm and relaxed. It probably has to do with the fact that I have desperately been waiting for the warm season. Participants in the Shafts Of Sunlight photo contest are asked to make a shaft of light seem tangible. It needs to look like something the judges can hold on to.

Photos can be taken indoors as they brighten and uplift the mood of the room. The winner for this contest will receive a Sony DSCH70 Camera, sponsored by sunrooms in Ontario Canada.The contests all have a ten day Voting Period that begins July 15th and ends July 25th. During that time, other members and visitors to the site will be prompted to rate the pictures. You can promote your photo to all your friends and get as many votes as possible. Only the ten photos with the most votes get to advance to the Lenzr Judges on July 25th. The Judges will deliberate and the winner will be announced on the Lenzr Blog on August 1st. You must be 13 yrs+ to enter. Open to all Canadian provinces, excluding Quebec. For more information on the blogs, check out the Lenzr Blog.

Lavish Thursdays at Ultra

Our article on the best patios in Toronto a couple of weeks ago didn’t even do this spot justice.

Thursday nights at Ultra invite you to get luxe. Toronto’s hottest nightspot opens its patio tomorrow night, combining a breathtaking Toronto evening with delectabe drinks, sweet music, and incredible people.

Hosted by our very own Deb Lewis, as well as Thomas Neary, Ultra invites you to come and spoil yourself and reach a new level of luxurious.

Ultra Supper Club

314 Queen St. W.
www.ultratoronto.com

Spring is in the Air – With Lenzr Photo Challenges

New Lenzr Photo Contests – April – May 2011

Don’t let the power of photography fool you.  It’s a great form of expression and a useful story telling tool. The ability for the viewers to see through the eyes of others and gain different perspectives. Well, spring is a time of growth and renewal.  It’s a perfect chance for people to try something new or continue to do what they do best and try to improve their quality of life. Lenzr has four new photo contests that will promote a challenge for the eye of the photographer and offer valuable prizes.

Weather the Storm Contest

The Weather the Storm photo contest is about changes in the atmosphere.   The environmental storm that we encounter everywhere on this planet from time to time.  Lenzr is asking for photographers to capture these stormy weather conditions with your camera. Use your fast shutter speed to get a quick click of the lightening strike. Think of the emotions conveyed with severe gusty winds.   I know we experienced some heavy spring rainfalls recently along with hail storms.  The judges decision for the best photo is going to receive an amazing new Sony digital camera with a 16.1 megapixel, and sweep panorama mode.  It has lots of other functions as well.  The commercial roofing company who takes pleasure in photography is sponsoring this photo contest.

Best Cottage Moments

I think of those amazing sounds of the loons on the lake with the Best Cottage Moments photo contest. I have images in my head of slowing down and rejuvenating.  Many people travel along busy highways to get to their cottage destinations.  Well, capture the reason for these long journeys. Grandpa sitting in his muskoka chair on the dock admiring the sunset would be another great moment to capture. Water sports are definitely a part of cottage life. The Sony Cyber-shot H70 digital camera is given as the prize for the  the best picture with support from an amazing Muskoka Cottage.

What’s In Your Fridge contest is asking your to think outside of the box literally.  It’s a unique photo challenge involving the fridge in your home.   Give your hard working fridge some attention with the camera that it deserves. Don’t worry and just let your creative side show.  Negotiate with your fridge which are the best subjects inside to capture. Explore with the lighting and different perspectives.   Use your imagination when opening the fridge with your camera. Look at it like your have for the first time.  Capture objects in your fridge that would be great compositions such as your mustard and ketchup snuggled together.  The decision for the best photo will be made by the judges and the winner will receive 500 dollars worth of groceries thanks to the sponsors who share printable coupons and sharing deals online in your favourite places.

We all need change and growth in our lives from time to time.  Thanks to Lenzr we have some new photography potentials. The photo objectives have deadlines for May 25, 2011. Make some plans with your camera and implement them with your camera. Submissions have already started and are free and easy.

August 9, 2011: Fastlane Patio Party

FastLane offers a unique approach to connecting urban professionals who have backgrounds in a variety of industries and providing the opportunity for professionals to meet new people, trade tips and make beneficial contacts.

Don’t miss out on this easy way to expand your network by connecting with other businessmen and women. Since it will be on a patio, you won’t feel the pressure of a work meeting and have to deal with all of the usual formalities. Attendees will feel at ease, as this event will be taking place at a relaxing environment, and won’t find it hard to start up conversations with others.

Date:  Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Time:  6:00pm – 9:30pm

Location:  TBC

Theme:  Patio Party

Here are some photos of the event : http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/sets/72157627513069770/

Toronto’s Best Rooftop Patios

The weather is finally getting warmer and that’s wonderful because winter is Hell.  Summer is Heaven. Spring is the beginning of patio season. The beautiful sun draws us outdoors and we feel the urge to explore the city searching for the best patio restaurants in Toronto. Good thing for Torontonians the city has lots to offer in a wide spectrum of venues… too wide actually. From decadent coffee bars and small cafes to dance club smoking sections, finding a great rooftop place to relax with friends can be tough. There are a lot of ingredients needed in the perfect setting; music, service, drinks prices, and location are some important factors that determine the quality of the venue. After careful research, here are my top 5 favorite rooftop patio spots Toronto has to offer.

The Drake Hotel Sky Yard
1150 Queen St. W.  |  www.thedrakehotel.ca

The Drake Hotel Sky Yard is the place to be any night of the week. With exceptional service and consistently yummy drinks, the Sky Yard always leaves customers pleased.  It’s one of the only places left to smoke cigarettes in public in the entire city of Toronto – that’s why its busy in the winter too and the ‘smoking area’ is still the best place in the whole school to hook up, for smokers. The Sky Yard is a large square open air lounge. It’s a comfortable setting for those looking to loosen up on couches in the sun or small tables in the shade. The Drake hotel is also known for their cool radio advertising and social media campaigns surrounding their events.  I once knew a guy who tried to pitch a very comprehensive social media strategy to Bill, the manager and he just laughed and never replied – they get so much free press, it would be like selling ice to an Eskimo.  The rooftop patio is located on hip Queen St. W. and often packed with locals on Weds and Thursday and visitors from abroad on Friday and Saturday nights.

Skybar @ Guvernment Entertainment Complex
132 Queens Quay E.  |  theguvernment.com

The rooftop patio at Skybar is another must go to location in Toronto. Towering over the waterfront, you will feel as if you are leaving all your worries and troubles on the ground. Check it out and sip on delicious drinks while floating over the city. The décor is draped with beautiful white tents and relaxing cushioned seating. Open only on weekends, this warmly lit patio will have you looking forward to Friday.

Hemingway’s
142 Cumberland St.  |  www.hemingways.to

Hemingways is located in the heart of Yorkville shopping district, and is known for their delicious meals and affordable prices. It’s the place to be after a long day at work, which is why it’s hard to find a spot to even stand after 5p.m. This rooftop patio is consistently busy until last call. Make sure to get there early or rush over quick after your workday is over to get a seat.

The Spoke Club
600 King St. W.  |  www.thespokeclub.com

The Spoke Club is another rooftop patio worth visiting, though it is exclusive to members and their friends. There are 3 different sections: A special secluded area that is usually booked for events, a rooftop garden and a glass house patio. The glass house rooftop made of steel and insulated concrete forms is built right on top of a historic building in downtown Toronto and stands out as an interesting juxtaposition that’s open all year. The garden is beautiful and looks well loved. If you can find a friend with a membership or a way to get one for yourself then you are in for a wonderful win. The prize is a beautiful, exclusive rooftop patio for you to enjoy a drink or two.

Vivoli
665 College St.  |  www.vivoli.ca

My favourite rooftop patio is Vivoli, at the corner of Grace and College Sts. College is the go-to street for a “hot child in the city” and her friends. So if you’re a young person looking for a classy place to enjoy the summer breeze then Vivoli’s rooftop patio is perfect. Relax while watching the busy street transform from day to night. Also, their mouth watering Sangria pitchers are recommended.

Many of these locations were not built with rooftop patios in mind and several required flat roof repair be done by resurfacing the roof and adding structural supports below.  Consequently the management is usually very strict about capacity limits and quite often you’ll notice that dancing on rooftops is not permitted.  before ere done to modernize the setting and atmosphere. Rooftop patios are great because they elevate your mood with their location. Because of this, the place and location has to be in its best condition.

Thompson Hotel
550 Wellington St. W.  |  www.thompsonhotels.com

 

 

This rooftop heaven is nestled above Wellington Ave. with a simply breathtaking view of the Toronto lights. The infinity pool, open both day and night, is a wonderful addition that not many patios in the city have to offer. This exclusive retreat offers exceptional service and drinks, and should be experienced at least once. You must be a guest of the hotel, however, or be a guest at a special event located on the patio. However you end up on the patio, it’s worth it!

The Pilot
22 Cumberland St.  |  www.thepilot.ca

 

 

A Toronto staple for many years, the Pilot’s patio, cleverly named the Flight Deck, is one of the town’s best patios because of its unique features. The whole space exudes the theme that is flight, from stainless steel flight craft inspired bathrooms to a carefully executed roof made to look like an airplane from the sky.  If you want a unique experience in a unique space, the Flight Deck at the Pilot is the place to go.

 

Panorama 55 Bloor St. W.  |  www.eatentertainment.com/
restaurats/panorama/

 

 

If you have a fear of heights, overcome your fear and check out this patio. Located on the 51^st floor of the Manulife Centre on Bloor St. W., the view gives you both uptown and downtown Toronto. The drink menu is unparalleled in the city and the cocktail menu has won countless awards. In addition, the space itself is intimate, classic and elite. If you’re looking for a night out that you’ve never had, Panorama is an excellent choice.

Ultra Supper Club
314 Queen St. W.   |  www.ultratoronto.com

 

 

Red vintage chairs. Zebra backdrop. Dim lighting. Wood panels. This list of eccentric attributes is what makes this tucked away gem so unique. Nestled in between an open space and shops on Queen St., Ultra is a space that offers an outside patio, making it a perfect courtyard for drinks. Renowned as one of the hottest spots in the city, Ultra does its name justice by often hosting exclusive events and well-known celebrities. (Note: Beyonce often stops here while in Toronto!)

Maison Mercer
15 Mercer St.  |  www.maisonmercer.com

 

Recently opening up as a new spot in Toronto’s entertainment district, Maison Mercer has become one of the most exclusive spots for events and nightlife in the city. Premiering as an upscale and mature venue, the patio boasts a beautiful crowd with a full bar to cater to all of your drinking needs. Because of its convenient location, Maison Mercer can be your final destination after an evening event in Toronto or your premium location for a night out. You won’t miss with this great patio.

Oasis Rooftop Patio @ Wayne Gretzky’s Restaurant
99 Blue Jays Way  |  www.gretzky.com/restaurant/

 

 

 

For hockey lovers everywhere, Wayne Gretzky’s Restaurant is a home for the star’s personal collection of memorabilia. And if that wasn’t reason enough to visit, perhaps the Oasis Rooftop patio will entice you to take a trip to one of the nicest patios in town. A popular après-work watering hole, you can also look forward to having a beer amongst friends in a beautiful booth overlooking the city after the never-ending 9-5. Get there early, though! This patio is popular and fills up quickly.

Dolce Social Ballroom
647 King Street W.  | www.dolcesocial.com

 

 

The King St. W. crowd is one that enjoys an elite clientele, exceptional service, and sought-after DJs. One of the best examples of this is Dolce Social Ballroom. The name of the venue itself suggests a high-class affair, and it’s true. Dolce’s patio is a beautifully designed intimate space that’s just high enough above the streets to experience something exceptional. Open on weekend nights, a trip to the Dolce patio promises to be an incredible summer evening.

Globe Bistro
124 Danforth Ave.  |  www.globebistro.com

The Danforth is a haven for those in search of unique and hidden culinary gems. Globe Bistro is one such spot. Named ‘Globe’ because of its unique philosophy to think global but eat local, Globe Bistro offers not only an exceptional menu, but also promotes local events to support local businesses. And if that isn’t enough of a reason to have a drink at Globe, how about the fact that the rooftop patio is breathtaking. It’s just far enough away from Downtown, but close enough to escape and experience something new. Open from 5pm daily, the patio features its own menu, complete with over 20 different wines and a huge list of cocktails.

Joey Don Mills
1090 Don Mills Road , Shops at Don Mills  |  www.joeyrestaurants.com

So far, we’ve given you a list of downtown rooftop patios that are sure to entice the city dweller. But for those of you on the outskirts of town, Joey at Shops at Don Mills has a great rooftop patio that isn’t too far away. Located right at Don Mills Rd. and Lawrence Ave. E., Joey offers an exclusive experience that you won’t find at the mall or in your suburban neighbourhood. A delectable menu, gorgeous wait staff, perfectly blended cocktails – these are just a few of the things that this rooftop patio has to offer. And what’s great is that you can go for dinner or for a wicked night out with friends.

Hopefully this list has given you some great insight into the amazing patios you can check out this summer. If you know of any more, let us know! Have fun!

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