OpenRoad Scion

At the end of January, I had the opportunity to test drive a Scion for 2 weeks. Scion is new to the Canadian auto market (first coming to Canada in 2010), but I first fell in love with them in Hawai'i. The last couple times I was in Honolulu, I noticed all these cube-like cars zipping around. Turns out they were the Scion xB - similar in aesthetics to the Honda Element (IMO).

2007 Honda Element

2009 Scion xB

I didn't test drive the xB, and I REALLY wanted to test drive the tC, but I received the xD. The xD I selected had rims, was lowered, and had an upgraded sound system.

2005 Scion tC

2008 Scion xD

The staff at OpenRoad Scion in Richmond were super nice and able to answer all of my questions. While the process of renting me the car for 2 weeks was fairly new to them, they were quick to figure things out.

As for the xD itself, I really liked it. It was super easy to drive and made my Civic seem like a huge boat of a car (it was my first time driving a hatchback). My boyfriend said that the xD suited my personality because it was "zippy". Haha.

I've been so busy lately that I didn't have the chance to take better photos of the car, but here's a quick look at it:

I became very adept at utilizing my mirrors with this on the back

 

Some things I liked about the xD:

- I felt like I was sitting quite high, which helped me to see the road better

- the seats were comfortable

- the displays - the orange/white combo made it super easy to see

- trunk size - looks small, but it would work for my life - might be tight on a road trip or driving people to the airport

- cupholders!

- heated up quite quickly

- the touch screen deck - NOT stock, it's an upgrade

Some things I didn't like about the xD:

- the gas gauge was a bit weird because it's different from other cars

- the speedometer was in MPH, so I had to get used to looking at the smaller KM/H

- backseats had enough room for a trip to Seattle, but any longer (like Portland), and it would be rough

The xD starts at $17,200

Go check out OpenRoad Scion Richmond, located in the Richmond Automall.

 

Fashion's Night Out!

I've teamed up with Raul from Hummingbird604, Niki from A Haute Mess, and Ashley from Close up Rewind to bring you Fashion's Night Out!

Fashion's Night Out! is a charity event and fashion show with 100% of the proceeds going to Out in Schools, who educate youth in British Columbia on bullying, tolerance, and acceptance.

Please support this great cause by buying a ticket or donating online.

Winner of CSN Stores Gift Certificate

Congrats Liz! You're the winner of the gift certificate to CSN Stores!

Lady Orchids Day Spa

When Sandra from Middle Child Marketing emailed me to see if I wanted to visit her new client, Lady Orchids Rejuvenating Day Spa, for a facial, how could I say no?



I chose the Up5 Facial Lift - an hour and a half of bliss. Sounded like the perfect addition to a weekend. But what attracted me to this particular facial was how Sandra explained it, "[it uses] the state of the art Up5 machine from Korea." Uh, what? Koreans do have fabulous skin - is this why?? I had to satisfy my curiosity.



Lady Orchid's site describes the Up5 Facial:

Promote collagen, firming, and lifting of the epidermis with our state-of-the art Up5 machine as it restores a youthful glow and vitality, feeding your skin nutrients through our cellular repairing deluxe facial, complete with European massage techniques to revitalize tired-looking skin.

While I'm still young enough to not have wrinkles, we can all use some revitalizing, especially during these dreary winter months.

While I didn't notice any significant results from the Up5 machine, I'm not sure that I expected to, just because of my age. If you've used this technology and experienced results, let me know!

The Up5 was used 3 times during my facial, and it also included cleansing and massage. The products used were all natural and at the end, in the words of the GM, Danielle Reyes, my "skin was glowing". It actually was. My skin gets quite dry during the winter months, so I left Lady Orchid's dewy and glowing.

The facilities are very clean and the space is huge. Danielle also showed me the WAVE Body Vibration machine, which helps tone your muscles in 15 minutes, a couple times a week. Perfect for the week before your Spring Break vacation.



I did find that the spa was a bit clinical (in the back) looking for me, not very "serene" compared to other spas. But Lady Orchid's will also be home to a Beauty School, so I suppose it can't be too comfortable.

Also, I thought that my facial would be a bit more personalized. Maybe it was, but I'm used to the facialist discussing my skin problems with me and explaining to me what the action plan is prior to the facial. There was no discussion of my skin, just what seemed to be a generic facial. If it was personalize, I would recommend some discussion with the client.

Thanks Sandra!
(Photos courtesy of Middle Child Marketing)


Lady Orchid's Day Spa
117 W. Broadway (@ Manitoba)
Vancouver BC
604-569-0813

Contest: Win $35 gift certificate from CSN Stores

Thanks to my friends at CSN Stores, I have another giveaway!

Enter to win a $35 give certificate to any of their 200+ online stores! You could buy swing sets, cookware, or linens!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post.

Contest open to North American residents only.


Contest ends Sunday February 13, 2011.