How to Capture Stunning Animal Photos at the Zoo (Without Disturbing the Wildlife)

Hey everyone! 

Today I’m sharing one of my favourite photos from a visit to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo a couple of years ago — a gorgeous male peacock proudly displaying on a tree stump with a group of Chilean flamingos wading in the background. It’s a perfect example of how you can get beautiful, natural-looking shots in a zoo setting while respecting the animals.  calgaryzoo.com
 
Why This Matters - Zoos give us incredible access to animals we might never see in the wild, but the goal should always be minimal disturbance. Good photography technique not only improves your images — it keeps the experience positive for the animals too.

Here’s my step-by-step guide to taking better zoo photos responsibly:

• Respect the Animals First  Keep your distance. 
• Don’t tap on glass, call out, or try to get their attention.   
• Never use flash — it can startle or stress animals (many zoos ban it anyway).   
• Follow all zoo rules and signage. At Calgary Zoo, the free-roaming peacocks are especially popular, so give them space to do their thing naturally.   
• Be patient. The best shots happen when you wait for the animal to behave naturally. 

Gear & Camera Settings  Use a zoom lens (70-300mm or longer if possible) so you can frame tightly without getting too close.  Personally, I used my phone 😁
Shoot in Aperture Priority mode with a wide aperture (f/4 or lower) to blur backgrounds and fences.   
Fast shutter speed (1/500s or higher) for any movement.   
Turn on continuous auto-focus if the animal is active. 

Composition Tricks for Natural-Looking Shots  Get down to the animal’s eye level (squat or kneel) — this makes a huge difference.   
Look for clean backgrounds. In my peacock shot, the grassy area and pond helped frame the bird beautifully.   
Shoot through fences or glass at an angle with a long lens to make barriers disappear.   
Watch the light — early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) gives softer, more flattering light. 

Bonus Pro Tips  Visit on weekdays or early in the day for fewer crowds and better animal activity.   
Observe behaviour first. Peacocks often display when they feel safe and relaxed.   
Bring a cleaning cloth for your lens — zoo glass and outdoor elements can get smudgy! 

This photo was taken on a lovely spring/summer day when the peacocks were out roaming and the flamingos were active near the water feature. Moments like these remind us why supporting places like the Calgary Zoo matters — they do important conservation work while letting us connect with wildlife.

Have you tried zoo photography? Drop your own tips or favourite animal photos in the comments! And if you’re planning a trip to Calgary, add the zoo to your list — it’s fantastic.

 

How to Make a Beautiful Eco Resin Dragon (Reading Book Sculpture)

Hi everyone! Today I’m sharing an easy, beginner-friendly project: creating this charming little dragon reading a book using Eco Resin Casting Powder. It’s a fun, non-toxic, water-activated material that’s perfect for detailed silicone molds. I got my gorgeous dragon mold from Temu, and the whole process was quick and satisfying.

Materials You’ll Need:  

• Eco Resin Casting Powder (available on Temu, Amazon, etc.) 
• Silicone dragon mold (I used a detailed reading dragon one from Temu) 
• Digital scale (for accurate measurements) 
• Mixing cup and stir stick 
• Water (room temperature) 
• Sandpaper (fine grit, optional) 
• Acrylic paints (I used metallic silver, gold, bronze, and black) 
• Paintbrushes 
• Clear sealer or varnish (to protect the finish) 
• Paper towels or a tray for workspace 

 
Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Prepare your workspace 
• Cover your area with paper towels or a plastic tray. This stuff sets fast! 
• Mix the Eco Resin 
• Follow the ratio on your powder (usually 3 parts powder to 1 part water by weight). 
• Example: For a small dragon like this, I used about 150g powder + 50g water. 
• Stir thoroughly for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy (no lumps). Work quickly — you have about 5–10 minutes before it starts to thicken. 
• Pour into the Mold 
• Tap the mold gently on the table to release air bubbles. 
• Slowly pour the mixture into the mold, filling all the details. Tap again to remove any trapped bubbles. 
• Let it Set 
• Wait about 30–60 minutes (depending on your brand and room temperature). It should feel firm and cool to the touch. 
• Demold 
• Carefully flex the silicone mold and pop out your dragon. 
• Let it cure fully for 24 hours for maximum strength. 
• Paint & Finish 
• Lightly sand any rough spots if needed. 

I painted mine with metallic acrylics — silver body with gold accents on the wings, books, and details. Add shading and highlights for that realistic look. 
Once the paint is dry, apply 1–2 coats of clear sealer to protect it. 
 
And that’s it! You now have your own eco-friendly, larger-than-life (in personality) little dragon companion.This project is great for gifts, desk decor, or just because dragons are awesome. The powder is affordable, low-odor, and much easier than traditional epoxy resin.

Have you tried Eco Resin Casting Powder yet? 
Let me know in the comments what you’re making next!

Happy Crafting! 

Easy Hybrid Sourdough Loaf – My Go-To Recipe

Sourdough Loaf on Cooling Rack 
Golden Sourdough Bread 
Sourdough Baking in Oven

This beautiful loaf came out of my oven a couple of days ago and I’m still proud of it! It’s a hybrid sourdough recipe — it uses an active sourdough starter plus a bit of instant yeast for extra reliability and rise. 

Once you have a healthy, bubbly starter, this bread becomes wonderfully easy and forgiving.Ingredients (makes one large loaf)

600g bread flour   
1 tsp salt   
1 tsp sugar   
300ml water   
125g active sourdough starter   
½ tbsp instant yeast (quick-rise yeast) 
 
Method

Mix the Dough 
Add all ingredients into your KitchenAid mixer (or mix by hand). Let the mixer do the work on medium speed until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. 

Bulk Fermentation with Stretch & Folds 
Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. 
Then perform a set of stretch and folds. Repeat this every 30 minutes for three more sets (total of 4 stretch & fold sessions). This builds great structure without heavy kneading. 
Shape & Final Rise 

Shape the dough into a tight boule. Place it seam-side down on a piece of parchment or directly onto your baking setup. Let it rise until nicely puffed (time varies depending on your kitchen temperature). 

Score the Loaf 
Just before baking, use a sharp lame or razor blade to score the top of the loaf with your desired pattern. This helps the bread expand beautifully in the oven. 
 

Bake  Preheat oven to 470°F (243°C) with your cast iron plate or baking stone inside.   
Place the loaf on the hot cast iron plate.   
Bake at 470°F for 10 minutes, misting the loaf with a fine water spray at least 3 times during this period for a great crust.   
Reduce temperature to 430°F (221°C) and bake for another 20 minutes.   
Keep an eye on it — you want a deep golden brown crust. 

Total bake time: about 30 minutes.

Tips for Success

A good active sourdough starter makes all the difference, but the added yeast gives this loaf extra insurance and a lovely open crumb.   
The stretch & fold technique is gentle but very effective — perfect if you don’t want to knead by hand.   
Misting in the first 10 minutes creates steam for that shiny, crackly crust.   
This is based on an old European-style bread recipe and works really well as a daily baker. 
 
This loaf had a crisp crust, soft interior, and excellent flavour. Highly recommend giving it a try!

Have you been baking sourdough lately? Let me know in the comments what your favourite recipe or tip is! 
 

Beautiful Draft Horses at the Diamond Valley Parade

Beautiful Draft Horses at the Diamond Valley Parade Today at the Diamond Valley Parade in Alberta, I had the pure joy of watching these magnificent horses pass by. Just look at them — so strong, gentle, and absolutely stunning in their black-and-white coats as they pulled the wagon down the street. I’ve always loved horses — big and small, it doesn’t matter. There’s something about them that instantly brings a sense of wonder and peace to my heart. Whether it’s their powerful presence, their kind eyes, or the graceful way they move, being around horses never fails to lift my spirits and remind me how beautiful this world can be. These gentle giants in today’s parade were a perfect example. Watching them walk proudly with their flowing manes and feathered legs made me smile from ear to ear. There’s just nothing quite like the sight and sound of horses in a small-town parade — it feels timeless and heartwarming all at once. If you’re someone who also loves horses, I hope this photo brings you a little bit of that same joy and wonder today. They really are such special animals. Whether you get to see them in person, in a parade, or just in pictures, they have a wonderful way of touching the soul. Here’s to all the horse lovers out there — may you have many beautiful horse moments in your life!

Adult Colouring Flowers

Hello Fellow Colouring Peeps!  

If you’ve been thinking about trying adult colouring, now is the perfect time. It’s one of the simplest, most relaxing hobbies you can pick up — and yes, it’s absolutely for adults!  I recently picked up a couple of really beautiful adult colouring books at the Dollar Store in Okotoks for only $5 each — and I was blown away by the quality. Gorgeous floral designs, mandalas, animals, and more. Such a great price for hours of creative fun!

Why Adults Should Colour

• Adult colouring is a wonderful way to:  Reduce stress and anxiety   
• Practice mindfulness (focusing on one small area at a time)   
• Express creativity without needing to “be good at art”   
• Enjoy quiet, screen-free time 

How to Get Started – Step by Step

Grab a Colouring Book 
Look for books labelled “Adult Colouring” or “Intricate Designs.” The Dollar Store, Walmart, or bookstores all have great options. Start with a book that has designs you actually love — flowers, animals, landscapes, etc. 

Choose Your Tools Coloured pencils are the easiest and most forgiving for beginners.   
Gel pens or fine-liner markers are great for bold, vibrant results.   
A small set of 24–36 pencils is plenty to start. 

Set Up Your Space 
Find a comfortable, well-lit spot. Good lighting makes a huge difference when colouring small details. Many people enjoy colouring while listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. 
Start Simple 
Don’t worry about making it “perfect.” Begin with the lighter colours and build up to darker ones. Leave white spaces for highlights if you want a more realistic look. 
 

Helpful Tips for Beautiful Results  Colour in small circular motions or short strokes for smooth coverage.   
Use two or three similar shades of the same colour to add depth (blending).   
Try colouring the background first or last — it can completely change the mood of the page.   
Don’t be afraid to experiment! There are no rules. 

My Personal Recommendation

If you’re just starting, buy one of those $5 books from the Dollar Store. The paper quality is surprisingly good and the designs are lovely. You really can’t go wrong at that price!

Adult colouring has become one of my favourite ways to unwind after a busy day. It’s creative, calming, and incredibly satisfying to watch a blank page slowly turn into something beautiful.

Have you tried adult colouring yet? 
Drop a comment and let me know what kind of designs you like best — flowers, mandalas, fantasy, animals? I’d love to hear!  Happy colouring!   — Magdelene  

 

Rowley Alberta | The Ghost Town that Refused to Die

Exploring Rowley, Alberta: The Ghost Town That Refused to DieIf you love stepping back in time to discover what life was like in early 20th-century Alberta, Rowley is a must-visit destination. Located just north of Drumheller in Starland County, this charming prairie hamlet once bustled with nearly 500 residents in the 1920s. Today, only 8 to 12 people call it home — yet they’ve worked tirelessly to preserve its historic buildings and spirit.
Watch this excellent 4K walking tour by KassDays as the vlogger guides you through Rowley’s well-maintained streets. You’ll see the 1920 Rowley Trading Post, the old Telegraph Office, a reconstructed garage with vintage Gilbert & Barker gas pumps, the United Church, a former bank building used as a movie front, the old hospital, three iconic grain elevators, the Prairie School Museum, and more. The town even served as a filming location for movies like Bye Bye Blues and Legends of the Fall.
What makes Rowley special is that it’s not a typical abandoned ghost town. The remaining residents keep it alive with community events like monthly Pizza Nights at the Community Hall, which help fund preservation efforts. You can camp nearby, explore at your own pace (respect private property), and soak in the peaceful prairie views.
For history buffs and explorers who enjoy seeing preserved relics of the past, Rowley offers a fascinating glimpse into Alberta’s agricultural boom and bust. It’s a living museum frozen in time — proof that small communities can endure with pride and care.
Check out the KassDays YouTube Channel HereHave you visited Rowley? Share your experiences in the comments! Perfect for a day trip from Drumheller or Calgary.

How to Make a Beautiful Eco Resin Turtle – Step-by-Step Tutorial

Hi everyone! Today I’m excited to share how I created this shimmering eco resin turtle. It’s a fun, layered project that looks far more complicated than it actually is. The secret? Pre-colouring the mold with mica powder and doing multiple pours with different colours.

What You’ll Need:

• Eco Resin (powder + liquid hardener or pre-mixed eco resin kit)
• Silicone turtle mold
• Mica powder in your chosen colours (I used greens and golds)
• Mixing cups and stir sticks
• Gloves and a protected workspace
• Optional: heat gun or torch to remove bubbles

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare the Mold
   Start by dusting the inside of your silicone mold with mica powder. I focused on the shell area first using several shades of green and gold mica to create that beautiful iridescent look. Then I added lighter green mica to the flippers and head sections. This dry-brush technique gives the final piece those glowing highlights without mixing colour into the entire batch of resin.
2. First Pour – The Shell/Body
   Mix a small batch of eco resin according to the instructions. I tinted this first pour a dark grey. (enough to fill the shell of the turtle) Carefully pour it into the shell portion of the mold, making sure it fills all the detailed sections (the hexagons and sunburst patterns look amazing when the light hits them). Let this layer set up slightly but not fully cure.
3. Second Pour – Flippers & Head
   Mix another small batch and tint it pink. Pour this into the flippers and head areas. Because the mica was already in the mold, the pink and grey layers pick up beautiful colour shifts and metallic sheen as they cure.
4. Curing
   Let the piece cure fully (follow your resin’s recommended time – usually 24–48 hours). Once cured, gently flex the silicone mold and pop out your turtle. It's Eco Resin, I removed from the mold after an hour. 
5. Finishing Touches
   Trim any flash lines if needed and give it a light polish if you want extra shine.

The ResultThis little turtle came out with a gorgeous metallic green-to-gold shell and soft pinkish flippers — all thanks to the pre-coloured mica technique. It’s now one of my favourite pieces! 

Eco resin is a great sustainable option for these kinds of projects because it’s often plant-based or low-VOC. Just be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety instructions. 

Would you like to try this layered colour technique? Let me know in the comments which animal or shape you’d make first!

 

If you want to see some cute real life animals, check out this video by KassDays.