First Haul Video!!!

Winner of CSN Stores Gift Certificate

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!