Win an HTC Smartphone from Mobilicity!!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Haus of Hybrid has teamed up with Mobilicity to give you the chance to win a Smartphone from HTC!

What's included:

An HTC Smartphone
3 months free of Mobilicity's unlimited talk and text holiday plan ($35 monthly value)

HTC Snap *bluetooth not included*

To enter:

Comment on this post or on Facebook and tell me what you loved about Elementary School.

Contest ends January 6, 2011 and the winner will be selected at random.
Contest open to all Canadian residents (except Quebec) over the age of 18.


To up your odds, Mobilicity is having their own contest on their Facebook page. All you have to do is 'Like' them and fill out an entry form and you're entered! The prizes are:

Grand prize: One winner will win an Unlimited To Go Package (HTC Smartphone & 3 months of unlimited talk, text and more plan) - PLUS $1000 cash!

Runners up: Nine more winners will receive Unlimited To Go Package (HTC Smartphone & 3 months of unlimited talk, text and more plan)

In the spirit of the Holiday Season, for every 'Like' on Facebook, Mobilicity will donate $1 to the S'Cool Life Fund - a non-profit dedicated to enhancing Canadian Elementary public school programs.

Happy Holidays

Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas has come and gone, but I would like to take the time to thanks all of my lovely readers for their support. You all are so awesome and I love being able to share with you.

All the best in the remainder of the Holiday season and of course health and happiness in 2011!

New Winner

I have decided to select a new winner for the second beauty bag since I haven't heard back from one of the winners.

Raj! You win! Congrats!

Please email me!

And the Winners Are...

Sunday, December 19, 2010
I used Random.org to select the winners...





Elisse and Belle Decouverte

Congrats on winning the beauty grab bags!

Email me to claim your prize!

Thank you to everyone that entered!

Beauty Giveaway!

Monday, December 13, 2010
This is just my little way of saying Merry Christmas!

I have not one, but TWO bags of miscellaneous beauty products and samples to giveaway!


There are some pretty amazing things in these bags - makeup, hair products, perfume, lotions...


To enter, comment on this post and tell me if you were successful in your New Year's Resolution for THIS year!

Winner will be picked on Saturday, Dec 18.

Vancouver Holiday Tweetup

Sunday, December 12, 2010
Christmas is just around the corner, exams are finishing up, and everyone is jolly. What better time to have a tweetup?

Dammy Og of Reach Magazine and I have joined with Charm Modern Thai to present to you:

A Holiday Tweetup!

On December 16, 2010, starting at 6pm,
come down to Charm Modern Thai in Yaletown
to enjoy the holiday season with us.

You know how you're always saying that you should meet up with people from Twitter, but you never actually make the time? No more excuses! Everyone will be in the same place at the same time!


We will also be taking cash and food donations for the

Tweet me and let me know you're coming! Or find me on Facebook!
See you there!

Lancome Winner!

I used random.org to generate a winner for this contest.



The winner of the Lancome products is Michelle!

Send me an email or DM to claim your prize!

Congratulations! Enjoy!


Keep your eyes peeled for ANOTHER contest coming this week!

Lancome Giveaway!

Monday, December 6, 2010
To get in the holiday spirit, I'm giving away some Lancome products!

Included:

Hydra Zen Neurocalm
Hydra Zen Nuit Neurocalm
Hydra Zen Yeux Neurocalm (for puffiness & fatigue)



Over a $200 value!

To enter, just comment on this post and tell me what's on your wishlist this holiday season!

Contest closes Saturday, December 11!

Image from Lancome

Committed

Wednesday, November 24, 2010
I'm currently reading Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert, the follow up to Eat, Pray, Love. It's been a slow process, whereas I devoured Eat, Pray, Love (likely caused by the fact that I was, indeed, reading the book on sloooow Italian trains).


Prior to the movie coming out this past summer, I had read a lot of blogs from travelers who generally disliked EPL for whatever reasons. The reasons that stuck with me though, is that her writing is narcissistic, her story is narcissistic/unrealistic/etc. These were things that I never experienced while reading EPL. But, I can certainly see in Committed how her writing can be narcissistic. In fact, there are times when Gilbert's writing just starts to grate on my nerves. Perhaps that's why I've struggled to get through this one.

But, for all the times that I just want to punch Gilbert in the face, she manages to redeem herself with some really great passages. And while it's auto-biographical and the insights aren't particularly revolutionary or earth-shattering, it is nice to see that Gilbert can take old cliches and apply them to her own life. Rather than being preachy, Gilbert comes off as a friend giving you guidance and advice (that occasionally you want to punch, hard).

All in all, I'll be glad when it's over (I can't wait to get to The Lost Girls!), but I'll be glad to have read it. And it may become useful for when I get married? Maybe?

Dakota Sale Pre-Shop Winner!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thanks for all your entries everyone!

The winner of the pre-shop is...


@katherineKW


Katherine, please email or tweet me and let me know if you are available on

Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 9:30am

Enjoy your shopping Extravaganza!

My Ferragamo

Monday, November 22, 2010
My Ferragamo 'My Joy'
Meet my new shoes.

In September 2010, My Ferragamo crept onto the fashion scene seemingly unnoticed. So unnoticed that the most informative article I found was from Vogue India (and near the bottom of my Google search!). In fact, the collection made its debut at Fashion Night Out in Delhi.

My Ferragamo is a capsule collection from the world famous designer - which I take to be in the same realm as the Jimmy Choo 24:7 collection. The My Ferragamo collection consists of ballet flats, wedges, and boots in bright candy hued colours and made from lightweight materials.

I found the My Ferragamo collection at Holt Renfrew and fell in love with the My Joy. They are lightweight and butter soft. I don't typically spend a lot of money on shoes, but lately I've been having a hard time finding a good pair of flats that have some cushioning on the sole. While it may not look it, there is a tiny, baby-sized platform in the shoe, perfect for elevating my foot off the hard, painful ground. They also came with a shoe bag, making them the perfect travel companion.

Click here to see the rest of the collection.

Win a Chance to PRE-shop the Dakota Group Sale!

Thursday, November 18, 2010


This is no ordinary sample sale. This is the sample sale to end all sample sales.
Here are some fun facts about the sale:
  • Extra stock being brought in - it's more than just samples, it's a SUPER SAMPLE SALE
  • Lots of sizes
  • Matt & Nat extravaganza
  • Huge assortment of coveted clothing and shoe brands
  • Prices slashed up to 80% ...or more
  • Join the Facebook Event for further updates (hint: messages sent to mobiles) on markdowns throughout the sale: http://on.fb.me/c54rK2
  • Tweet with them! @DakotaGroup & @YBrands - they promise to share your finds

So what do you win? By entering you have the chance to PRE-SHOP this amazing goodness BEFORE the public. The date/time is TBA, so if you win, send me a message and I will let you know the details. The winner must be available at the specified time, or else another winner will be selected.

To enter, make sure to follow me on Twitter/ like me on Facebook/ comment on this post.

The winner will be selected (and announced) on Tuesday, November 23!

Haul Video

Thursday, November 11, 2010
I kept waiting for the video to upload to youtube, but I never heard about it. Turns out it was private. >.<

FASHION Magazine's Great Canadian Vlogger Contest

Monday, November 8, 2010
I've entered this month's Great Canadian Vlogger Contest with FASHION Magazine. This month's topic was "What's in My Make-up Bag".

Please take the time to watch my video and tell all your friends! Every view counts as 1 vote - so watch often!


Chocolate Overload

Thursday, November 4, 2010
Rather than dressing up and going out on Saturday night for Halloween, I stayed in and did some baking. I had been raiding my friend's chocolate stashes, so it was my turn to bring the treats. Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere recently tried both of these recipes and they looked so delicious, how could I resist?

Homemade Oreos

Oreos are my favourite store-bought cookie. I always prefer homemade to store-bought, but I have a soft sport for oreos - especially double stuff! The biscuit in these is soft and chewy. The icing, sweet but not overbearing. I didn't have an electric mixer or piping bag, but it all tastes the same, right?




Chocolate Truffles

I wanted to make these in Halloween colours, but surprisingly, festive sprinkles were impossible to find. So instead I settled on metallic jewel toned sprinkles. Without the proper tools scooping these out proved to be a (very messy) task. They're definitely something that takes all night - but not in a way that macarons do. These at least allow you to do other things. Using bittersweet chocolate made these truffles rich but not sweet. You know, the dangerous kind.

So pretty

Aside from sprinkles, I used candied almonds and cocoa




Party in the Back

Monday, November 1, 2010
Fall and Winter are officially here. Daylight savings is coming up this weekend, the nights are long and the days short. How depressing. It makes it hard not to be compulsive and buy airfare to hot destinations when you see amazing prices (Hawaii R/T $235).

I long for days where I don't need to wear a coat. This outfit is from the last fleeting days of September when it was still warm enough for just a t-shirt...at least before the sun went down.

Jeans: H&M Top: Alternative Apparal Boots: Payless Blazer: Zara

Necklaces: Sworovski, La Dama, random chains Bracelet/Ring: La Dama Sunglasses: Cheap Monday

I love, love, love the back of this shirt
I'm still working on my boyfriend's fashion photo eye - but he's getting better!

First Haul Video!!!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Winner of CSN Stores Gift Certificate

Tuesday, October 26, 2010
And the winner of the $40 gift certificate from CSN Stores is:


@kathygko

Congrats!


Please send me an email!

Summertime in the City

While I was in New York I had some family obligations to attend to (my boyfriend's sister's wedding), so naturally we had a family dinner.

We hit up a place in the Lower East Side called 1492 Food. It's my boyfriend's sister's favourite restaurant. Authentic Spanish Tapas. Literally, these were the best tapas I've had outside of Spain. The paella was amazing. The sangria, to die for. We sat in the back in their garden patio and closed the place down. One of the beat meals I had on the trip.

Veggie Paella & Sangria

After, we went to a nearby lounge for some dancing.

My outfit for the evening:

Tank: F21 Shorts: H&M Shoes: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Bracelet: Fine Finds
I <3 NYC

The Bar Method - Raising the Barre

Sunday, October 24, 2010
Last week I was invited to try out the new Bar Method in Vancouver. I was really looking forward to my class, as I'd heard that it was crazy tough. In fact, I had been told, "I have sore muscles that I didn't even know existed!"

I'm always looking for a tough workout that challenges me. Having played softball in University, I'm used to getting my butt kicked on a regular basis, so needless to say, finding myself a challenging workout has been quite the task!

A few weeks ago, while I was waiting for Bar Method to open, my friend and I tried out a class at Barre Fitness in Yaletown. I thought the class was challenging in that it involves movements I don't typically do, but afterward, I had the feeling that I needed to go workout some more. I hate that feeling. I decided to wait and see how I felt the next day before passing any judgment, because DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) can be the best way for me to see how challenging a workout is (since I no longer push myself to either exhaustion or vomiting). I woke up the following day and....nothing. Not. A. Single. Thing. My friend (not an athlete, but exercises quite often) said the same.

I desperately hoped that the Bar Method was not the same as I had just experienced. In fact, I had psyched myself out so bad, that I went into class at the Bar Method expecting the absolute worst.

Don't get me wrong. Bar Method is HARD. Straight up. But was it the nightmare I was anticipating? No. Which is probably a good thing. The class was tough and I'm told that it gets tougher with experience, because you're able to challenge yourself more. Excellent.

Owners Carolyn & Ella
After class at the Bar Method (who are located on the second floor of their building), I could barely feel my legs. In fact, going down the stairs on my way out, I had a death grip on the railing, so not to fall down the stairs. I was also thankful that I had to walk to the skytrain, so I could try to gain some feeling back in my legs. There would have been no possible way for me to do a second workout after that. I expected the worst for the next day.

One of the classrooms
I woke up and my legs were rested. In fact my body was all rested. But sore? Nope. Well, I was sore (mostly in my ribs) but not to the point where I was walking funny or couldn't wash my hair (true story). So, I chalked up the muscle fatigue to plain old lack of stamina and the lack of soreness to just being plain old strong.

The amazing Women's Locker Room
If you haven't seen the space in the Bar Method, you have to. It's gorgeous - best woman's locker room EVER. Serious. It's hotel-styles. It's a great workout - super challenging but not to the point where you want to die (cut off your legs, maybe). I definitely recommend trying at least one class.


Thanks to Curve Communications for the class and the photos.

Lancome Beauty Blogger Tweetup

Monday, October 18, 2010
Ladies! This Thursday, October 21, 2010 come down to Lancome on Robson (inside Sears) from 17:30-19:30 for their first ever tweet-up!!

While you're there Lancome's star make-up artist, Reanne, will be giving a demonstration of a Halloween fantasy look using the French Coquette collection.

Plus, if you're among the first 40 people to the counter, you'll receive a sweet VIP swag bag!

You will also be able to snack on refreshments, win prizes and get a sneak peak at Lancome's holiday collections and sets.

You can RSVP at: LancomeRobson @ gmail.com

Follow Lancome Robson on Twitter: @LancomeRobson

Contest: Win $40 gift certificate from CSN Stores

Sunday, October 17, 2010
It's that time again! My friends at CSN Stores are giving away a $40 gift certificate to any of their 200+ online stores. Use the gift certificate to contribute to new nightstands or some new sheets.

To enter: Comment on this post and tell me what kind of awesomeness you'd buy with the gift certificate.

Contest ends NEXT Monday, October 25, 2010 and the winner will be posted shortly thereafter.

And even if you don't win the gift certificate, you should still check out CSN Stores and all they have to offer.

Contest open to Canadian and American residents only.

Extra Extra!

Thursday, October 7, 2010
This just in!

Noir Lash Lounge will be opening up their THIRD location - the second this year! Located in South Surrey/White Rock, Noir will be setting up shop in the rapid growing Morgan Cross area later this month.

 The Holidays are just around the corner, so make sure you look your best for all the parties!

If you're trying to decide whether or not you should take the plunge, read about my experience!

Congratulations Joyce and the rest of the Noir Lash Lounge team!

Check My Guest Post!

Monday, October 4, 2010
For those of you who missed it, here's my guest post on Vancouver's food scene for CheapoAir's travel blog.

Sabai Thai Spa

In August, I was fortunate enough to be given to opportunity to try out a service at Sabai Thai Spa in Coal Harbour (Thanks Sandra!).

Having come off an extremely busy summer (softball tournaments practically every weekend, road trips, events, weddings, etc.), I naturally gravitated towards the massages. I settled on the hour-long Deep Pressure Anti-Stress Massage:
Thai aromatherapy massage concentrating on head, shoulders & back performs a perfect intense rejuvenator, let warm hands draw out impurities and wake up sluggish circulation to smooth away stress. The perfect massage for someone with lots of sports (or desk) related tension.
 I arrived at the spa and instantly felt at ease. The location I was at (Coal Harbour) had a comforting feeling. The front room was filled with products and plants, making it really homey - not stark like a lot of spas. The music was soft and unobtrusive. Serenity Now.

Being such a big fan of massages, I can be pretty particular. One time I went for a shiatsu massage (on Robson St.) and my whole body was massaged. Yes, I am aware that that's the point of a massage. However, I am very, very uncomfortable with strange people massaging my legs. I only let one person massage my legs, my athletic trainer from school. It's a huge trust thing. Having a strange person massage my legs makes me hyper-aware of the situation, causing me to tense up - the exact opposite of the point of massage.

At Sabai Thai, that wasn't the case. The masseuse asked if there were places I didn't want massaged and I told her and she was very lovely and respected my boundaries. It made me feel at ease and I was better able to relax to enjoy the massage.

Thai massage differs from shiatsu. I'm not a massage professional by any means, but to me, it felt as though the Thai massage was more similar to the types of massages I've received from RMTs. A cross between an RMT massage and the massage you receive when you're getting a facial.

Needless to say I fell asleep. And I'm pretty sure I let out a snore (waking myself up, obviously). After my treatment I received a glass of water, which apparently is good post-massage, as it helps flush out the toxins in your body.

I left the spa feeling extremely relaxed, but most rejuvenated. After a long, hot, stressful summer, it was nice to be able to recharge and relax...especially before heading to NYC!


The Sabai Thai Spa website has more information regarding services and the Thai spa experience. Be sure to check them out!

Wedding #3

Tuesday, September 28, 2010
At the beginning of September I went to New York for my boyfriend's sister's wedding. It was the most insane wedding I've been to. I promise that I'll post some pictures over the next week or so, including some food posts. But in the meantime, here's my outfit for the wedding:

Dress: Banana Republic  Shoes: Marciano
I love dresses with embellishments, especially for an occasion like this. Having to travel for a wedding, it would've been a lot to bring the necessary jewelry for the event. However, with the embellishments, all the thinking is done for me! Plus, then I have some extra room (and weight allowance!) for shopping! Win/win.

Fine Finds "Support Local" Shopping Event

Wednesday, September 22, 2010
This weekend (Sept 24-26) when you're in Yaletown, stop by Fine Finds for their Support Local event.



The store is open for business as usual, but to receive certain perks, make sure you RSVP: lindsay@finefindsboutique.com
Thursday (Sept 23) is the last day to RSVP!


Just a few of the perks:


- People who have RSVP'd get a free give upon entry
- 10% off select brands, including Mackage and Soia + Kyo
- Chance to win a $1000 shopping spree!

What I Wore: Wedding #2

Tuesday, September 21, 2010
My cousin got married in the middle of August. It was a lovely backyard wedding held at my Aunt's house. Everything was beautiful, all pulled off by my wonderful family. It was definitely an 'all hands on deck' effort, with everyone working their butts off right to the wire - literally.

Here are a few shots from the wedding:

Candy Bar
Dessert Table
Cutest Cake
Lovely
Dress + Headband: Club Monaco  Shoes: Marciano

Contest Winner!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway for the $40 gift certificate from CSN Stores.

Some of your responses were very touching, and others were hilarious.

The winner of my giveaway is: Teresa from Senses Inspired!

Congrats Teresa - and hopefully now you can buy some things for your new condo and not have to warm your bread in the microwave!

Contest: Win $40 gift certificate from CSN Stores

Monday, August 16, 2010
CSN Stores has been kind enough to sponsor my latest giveaway!

Win a $40 gift certificate redeemable at any of their stores.

Choose from items like:



And MUCH more.

To enter:

Comment on this post and tell me why you think you should receive the gift certificate.

You get extra entries for entering on Facebook also.

Best response wins the gift certificate!

(Contest is open to residents of Canada & US only!)

Contest ends Monday, August 23, 2010


CSN Stores has over 200 retailers to choose from, so there's no doubt that you'll find something!

Aritzia F/W 10

Thursday, August 12, 2010
A couple weeks ago I attended the Aritzia Fall/Winter 2010 fashion show.

Here are some of the looks that were shown:

Love the skinny cargos - especially with the boots
This sweater looks so comfy
I really want an army green jacket for Fall
I always wanted a boyfriend with a Letterman's Jacket
Perfect for back to school - not really work appropriate
Loved the full skirts with crinoline!
Love these pants but not sure if my calves will fit
This camel coat is TO DIE FOR - definitely on my list of things to get

What look is your favourite? What are you most looking forward to picking up this Fall?

Vancouver Food Tour

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
In case you haven't heard, Vancouver Food Tour is giving away a PRIVATE 1-on-1 Cocktail Tour!


Here are the details from the press release:

Create and upload the most creative, short video showing us why you need, want, and deserve this exclusive cocktail-making experience.  (Do you have the best-stocked bar but don't know what to do with it?  Are you sick of mixing Kool-Aid and vodka for your dates?)

In the description, please include the phrase: My entry to win Vancouver Food Tour's private Craft Cocktail Tour with Jay Jones and Melody Fury

Email: info@VancouverFoodTour.com to submit it.  The entry will be posted on VancouverFoodTour.com for judging.

Our panel of judges will vote for their favourite video to select a winner.  Judges include: Paul Kamon (Urban Diner.ca), Mark Busse (Foodists.ca), Rebecca Bollwitt (Miss 604), and Vancity Buzz.

Entry Deadline: Friday, August 13. Winner will be announced on Monday, August 16th.

Submit as many videos as you'd like.  Must be over 19 to enter.  If the winner has already registered for a tour, their ticket can be refunded


So hurry and get your entry in by this Friday!

Keep Granola in your Bars: Earth Friendly Fashion is Officially... Fashion

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Niki Blasina from A Haute Mess takes the reigns today. Since she works for The Vanguard PR, Niki knows lots about the fashion industry. But more importantly, working at The Vanguard has made her a great resource for information regarding eco-fashion. Since Vancouver's Eco Fashion Week is coming up, the timing couldn't be better.

“Going Green.” It’s no longer a trend, it’s a movement. So check your preconceived notions before reading further because eco-fashion in 2010 is a new era: the days of uninspired sac-like dresses, uncomfortable fabrics and worst of all, the ‘granola’ stigma, are over.  Thanks to pioneering designers like Vancouver’s own Nicole Bridger – who was awarded the title of Canada’s top eco designer from Fashion Takes Action this year -- you no longer have to sacrifice style to wear sustainable clothing. As home of the country’s award-winning designer, it’s only fitting that Vancouver is quickly becoming an international hub of green fashion on the whole, with Canada’s inaugural Eco Fashion Week taking place in the city this September. That’s right Vancouverites, an actual fashion week that takes place in (gasp!) September.

The burgeoning eco-fashion industry here and all along the West Coast boasts a plethora of great designers trying to make the world a better place through sustainable style. So without further ado, I present my top picks and must-have items from my favourite Earth-loving designers. Enjoy!



All of these designers use fabrics from natural and organic fabrics or from reclaimed materials, in order to produce ethical and sustainable products.  In addition to being much better for the earth, eco fabrics are also high quality and extremely durable, so you don’t have to worry about your organic cotton pilling or shrinking. 

So that granola myth? I think it’s safe to say it’s officially been busted. Say hello to the new fashion forward.

Thanks Niki! For more on eco fashion, pop culture and personal style, be sure to check out A Haute Mess, where Niki is currently taking donations towards a Chanel yeti suit. You can also follower her on Twitter: @AHauteMess