Wednesday 31 August 2011

Aritzia Warehouse Sale...

FYI...
It`s that time of year...
For those of you who don`t mind lining up and changing in front of strangers in a curtained off area...
Come early, bring friends, and wear skin colored skivvies!


Aritzia warehouse sale begins tomorrow at 8am until Sept. 5th.
Discounts up to 90%.
142 Water Street- Gastown

Face Moisturizers...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Like cleansers I've tried everything under the sun and have come back to Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream. It's light, gives a beautiful dewy glow, and your skin feels plump and healthy immediately. I use it all year round, and when I find my skin to be dehydrated I use it with the Hydraskin Intensive Skin-Hyrdrating Serum. I follow up with Sunscreen.
Pass on Darphin Arovita C Line Response Cream, leaves skin oily after a few hours wear. Doesn't give the dewy glow like the hydraskin light, and I haven't noticed any changes in the firmness of my skin. May try Arovita C Line Response Fluid in future for a lighter moisturizer with anti-aging properties.

Pass on Eminence Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream Spf 32, I find this leaves a white cast if you apply to much. Plus you have to work in the moisturizer for it to blend into the skin. Bonus is the built in sunscreen.

Honorable Mention:
My go to summer moisturizer, it's light weight and your face doesn't get greasy. 2 pumps will do the full face and neck. I like the packaging for hygenic reasons, and great for travel. 


Lastly, pick a moisturizer based on your skin's needs; and what texture you prefer most.
* I've sold/given away the one's that didn't work.

Monday 29 August 2011

Body Wash...


My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I've started to use products that are organic and natural for the skin.
I first found Shikai at Rite Aid in LA. Since that time I've stocked up on trips across the border. My last trip, came up empty handed. They've seemed to have changed their stock lists. Alas, I ordered mine online from Vitacost(which I do not recommend, took 3 weeks to arrive and customer service was horrendous). This time I ordered the gallon size just to be sure I would not run out too soon. My most favorite scent is cucumber and melon and second would be the yuzu.
Foams up nicely, leaves the skin moisterized and the scents are refreshing.
Check out Shikai online and locate your nearest retailer.

* Update * Shikai body wash now available at Whole Foods


Pass on the Dr. Bronner's Lavender Pure Castile Soap
While the scent was pleasant for myself it may be overpowering for others. I felt it quite drying on the skin and the scent starts to dissipate once you towel off.


Dr. Bronner's Unscented Baby-Mild Hemp Pure-Castile Soap
The bar soap left a soapy residue on the skin, pass on both products.
Dr. Bronner's available at Whole Foods

Honorable Mention:
Bath and Body Works Cucumber Melon Foaming Body Wash
One of my favorites, discontinued but if you can still find it= Stock up
Thanks Vicki!

Friday 26 August 2011

Japanese Tea Cups...


New additions...

I found the 3 smaller Cups on the $1.99 table
I found the single indigo tea cup original price $10. On sale for 3 for $10 or $4 each
These little Japanese dolls reminded me of my sister and her collection

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I've purchased soup spoons here before and a few months ago picked up some dessert plates. They're excellent quality and very affordable(frequent sales). Happened to be in Aberdeen for dinner and saw the sale signs. They were a beacon drawing me in. I was happily surprised to find a few pieces that would look perfect for display and use! You can find anything tea and table related, and the customer service is wonderful.

Utsuwa-No-Yakata
Aberdeen Centre
1380-4151 Hazelbridge Way
Richmond, BC
604 207 9353


Thursday 25 August 2011

Listerine Whitening Strips...Update

Here's a video I found on YouTube...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I purchased mine from Superstore, (be sure to check the expiry date, I found one with an expiration date of 2009!) for $30.99. While the instructions say to use twice daily for 2 weeks, I used mine only until I noticed a difference. In a span of a week I used them 3 times. I continue periodically when I find I need a sprucer. I leave them on for 15 minutes, and brush my teeth afterwards to remove any residue. I prefer the Listerine WS to the Crest Whitestrips, as the Crest made my gums and teeth sensitive immediately. There is no gum or teeth sensitivity for the Listerine WS, easy to use with results and because they're affordable worth a try.

Wednesday 24 August 2011

DIY Shell Dish...

Recently I found a shell by the shore in Montague Park, and I decided to use it for a ring holder/dish.

What you'll need:
Toothbrush (thanks Dr. Flo)
Shell
Before
After - Washed and Dried
A little bit of elbow grease, and a few minutes later you have a beautiful shell.
Stick on the Felt Pad
Add Voila! A Perfect Ring Holder! or house your favorite necklace

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Galiano Inn...

 
Entrance and Fountain

View from Pebble Beach


View From Inn
Kunamokst Mural
Bambi crossing the Road
Marcia DeVicque Glassworks
Trivets by The Rope Doctor

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Relax, unwind, regroup...find it at Galiano Inn. Situated on the Southern Gulf Islands, 40 minute ferry ride from Vancouver. Conveniently located next to ferry dock.

Duck Confit Pizza
Hoisin sriracha marinade, spinach carmelized onion, cilantro, tempura oyster mushroom, grana padano

Highlights: Pizza- Try the Duck Confit
Spa- Couples Massage
- salt bath; said to be similar to the Dead Sea
- Spot Bambi everywhere
- several art galleries, speak with the artist themselves
- rent mopeds by the dock
- hike
- Pebble beach
- Montague Park; found tiny shell i'll be using as a ring holder


- Bookstore walking distance from Inn

Check out the back room for discounts, found The Time Traveler's Wife for 50% off

Favorite Potter- Bill Boyd
His wife Jade was so kind and showed me several pieces, was looking for a small dish to hold jewelry. Instead I fell in love with the gold and center glass detail. I'll be using it as my fruit plate.

Friday 19 August 2011

H&M Recent Finds...

Fancy Jersey 252500
Basic Knitwear 789570

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. While the downtown store is like a zoo, Park Royal is more relaxed and much more organized. I found these, perfect for the transition into fall. On trend and affordable, who doesn't love that?

H&M available at PC, Park Royal, Coquitlam, and soon Metro.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Home Additions...

Milk Glass Vases
Check out the close up of this napkin ring...

This weekend was filled with home additions...

Found a few pieces at Peridot. Of course nothing I found was on sale, however they're still lovely all the same.

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I come here if I'm looking for contemporary, and glam touches. When you see something you like, better purchase it right away. They sell out and rarely re-order.

Summer sale on now for select items, up to 50% off.

Peridot Decorative Homeware
1512 W. 14th Ave.
Vancouver, BC
604 736 4499

Monday 15 August 2011

18KARAT...

After 21 years, I'm sad to report 18KARAT has gone into receivership.
Maynards is overseeing the liquidation, prices from 40-70% off.

Picked up 2 vases, and would have done more damage. Alas, I have no space in my place...

Urchin Vase
$42 sale $12.60
Bellis bottle
$24 sale $9.60

Sale started July 15, 2011. Stock up while you can...
18KARAT
3039 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
604 742 1880



Sunday 14 August 2011

New French Manicure...

Have you seen this?

Lisa Eldridge with Sophy Robson...on new look for fall/winter nails.

Friday 12 August 2011

New notecards...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. So excited to share my new note cards! This time Annabel was kind enough to put together a few of my favorite illustrations! I can not wait until she expands into cupcakes or more desserts! What a great idea!

The Paper Queen

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Ippy covers...

Dimrs in Nude
Customer service is extraodinary, contact Andria or Taylor
852 273 4677

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Who wants to say "hello" every time you wear a shirt that's thin or a bra that has no coverage? My girlfriend recommended these, and I immediately snatched one up. After having my first pair for several years, it was time to retire them. While they still worked, (better with a bra holding them in or one of those built in bras) they no longer stick to the skin.
Available in Nude and Cocoa. Made in the US with medical grade sillicone, these mold to your ippies and leave no visible sign of your headlights.

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Anni...

Flowers from V & J Plant Shop Granville Island
Arinn was so kind, and helped trim the flowers!

Organic, fresh and local, best known for their pies. Long line up on weekends, but try the brunch! Fresh Sheets always change, be sure to check online.
Our server Claire was fantastic, tres attentive and welcoming. 
3598 W. 4th Ave.
Vancouver, BC
604 733 3308
My Verdict: Praiseworthy

Ham & Egger
Smoked Sockeye Salmon Benny
Smoothie: Frozen berries, fresh banana, ginger, mint, OJ & pumpkin seed protein powder
Pumpkin Pie Slice

Pine House Bakery Fresh Mango Cake
The BEST cake EVER!!!
Nothing beats fresh fruit, moist sponge cake and lots of whipped cream!
Be sure to pre-order!
2404 Hastings St
Vancouver, BC
604 215 3370
My Verdict: Praiseworthy


Celebrations are a wonderful thing...Whether it be birthdays, anniversaries, or simply just because! Indulge yourself with things that bring you happiness:)