Best Nail Polish Remover EVER!

There is no need to spend $15 on professional quality nail polish remover. Sally Hansen Salon Strength does the trick for no more than $4.99. It will remove dark, rich colours instantly. There is no rubbing involved (except just to get the sides of the nail). One swipe and even black will come right off. It does not spread it around all over your skin, nor does it burn or smell horrid. If you wear nail polish often, and change it every 3 days like me, this is what you need. Enough said.

Laser Eye Surgery

This is a short post but I thought I'd write about it because it is consuming my life right now. I am SO excited about this, you have no idea. I have suffered for years with dryness and feel like every grain of sand from the sahara desert is in my eyes! I don't enjoy wearing glasses and sometimes they give me a headache. Not to mention if I'm wearing glasses, I can't wear sunglasses. I love sylish sunglasses so no, prescription ones are just not an option.

I recently went for an eye exam and was given some daily disposables to try. I thought they were great at first but I often couldn't tell which way was the right way to put them in (no 123 was on them), they were flimsy and I could feel them in my eyes. Bi-weekly disposables dry out towards the end of the day and it just seems to be getting worse. All of the sudden I just can't tolerate them.

I said I would NEVER get laser eye surgery. I don't know why I formulated this opinion, or when. I think it's because I hear of so many people around me getting it. It is so common. I've changed my mind. Everyone I spoke to that has had some form of the surgery (about 15 different people) have praised it. Not one bad thing to say. They say it's the best thing they have ever done in their life and their only regret was not doing it sooner. So, am I fool!? Why do I need to suffer any longer?

I hope I am a candidate for the surgery because after making the big decision to do it, it would be very disappointing to not be able to. I was considering financing it because it's a lot of money for me to come up with in a short time, but then my generous parents offered to pay for it. No stress about how much it costs, and positive feedback - no more reasons not to do it.

Because I'm nuts I have consultations at 4 different offices. I picked the 4 that I got the best feedback from. I am hoping that I get consistent information so I don't get confused. I am assuming whomever I feel most comfortable/ confident with, I will go with (providing I can have the surgery). Some of them are quite a bit more expensive than others so that may be a factor. I am looking forward to doing a review of all 4 places after I go to them.

So, I'm anxious and if I can get it done, I want it as soon as possible! My first consult is on Monday, the last one on April 12th. Who knows, I may not need all 4. So, I'm just chilling in my glasses (can't wear them for a week before the appointment) and waiting for Monday! I'm really hoping I can have a choice as to which surgery I can have. I am assuming I'll be a candidate for one of them, I'd just like some options. I'm a bit afraid of PRK because of the healing time and pain but it has it's benefits too. We'll see....or maybe I won't
:( HA!

So, until then.... eeeekkkk!!!

Bikram - Because I'm the Expert...

NOT! However, I can offer some insight into this torturous "zen experience."

I went several times last year, and then got lazy and just stopped. I went again yesterday after a very long hiatus and let me tell you, it was great!

Okay, it wasn't great in the usual sense of the word. It was HOT, painful, sickening, difficult, uncomfortable, crippling, and awkward. However, after leaving the studio following my 90 minute Bikram yoga session, I had never felt better. I felt like I had really accomplished something. I can't wait to go back yet I dread it, all at the same time. It's the strangest sensation ever to love something yet despise it.

I have been getting some severe tension headaches due to stress. Work has got me down without even realizing it! I have very low energy, am packing on the pounds and just generally feel like a pile of shit. I'm not eating very well, my face is breaking out, my back hurts along with my head, and I feel like I'm walking around with my fists and teeth clenched, ready to kill someone. STRESS. Why am I stressed? Who the hell knows. My life certainly is far from difficult. Stress affects you in ways you'd never acknowledge until something happens (ie these terrible headaches). I'm only 26 and have a long way to go so this needs to be addressed a-sap.

So, it was time for some lifestyle changes and some goal making. Getting back into the swing of things was one of them. It is very obvious to me that I won't ever be hitting the inside of a gym although I could certainly use it. So, the alternative is yoga. I also look forward to my seawall walks and rollerblades but the weather needs to perk up, just a tad. Justin and I (although he doesn't know this yet) are also planning to do some hikes and possibly the grind once the weather is better. Although I'm not very outdoorsy, this is the only type of activity I can handle. I may also dabble in Aquafit (stop laughing) but that is yet to be determined. One thing at a time!

My massage therapist also suggested a steamroom. Apparently there is a great one at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre. $5 drop in, even once a week is worth it to release stress, loosen muscles and joints, clear the skin, and even speed up the metabolism.

I digress (I do that a lot). Nothing can prepare you for Bikram the first time. If you know nothing about Bikram, have never done any type of yoga or aren't particularly active, God help you. Well, that was me the first time and God did not help me. He laughed at me. I couldn't believe people would subject themselves to this willingly. I thought this the whole class as I felt sorry for myself but when it was over, I got it. It was worth it. Aside from blacking out and literally seeing stars, it was very exhilarating. It was an opportunity to put everything aside and focus. There is no shame in the class and no one is ever looking at you thinking "she looks fat in Lululemon" or "she's really bad at this." No one cares about you and you don't care about them. You barely have enough in you to care about yourself. Everyone is encouraging and supportive, never judgemental.

Give it a try. You will curse my name the entire time if you take my advice but when it's over, I'm confident you will realize the benefits.

**You must be well hydrated before going. Catch 22 is, don't drink too much RIGHT before the class. Once you're in the room, you cannot leave. Well, you can but it is highly discouraged (disrupting the morale of the class) and is frowned upon (seriously). Therefore, no pee breaks. You can drink while you're in there so bring lots of water. At least a litre. If you drink a lot of water, you shouldn't have any problems. If you don't, start a few days before to get your body properly hydrated. It is very important to drink a lot of water after the class or else you will end up with a hangover-like headache that lasts the entire day/night. Eat decently a few hours before going. You can't stuff yourself nor can you do it after a day of starving yourself. You'll pass out. If you're sick, stay away. Coughing will be disruptive and because of the heat, you will sniffle and need to blow your nose every 5 seconds.

Wear as little clothing as possible. You will drench anything cotton so proper yoga wear really is beneficial. If you run, any dri-fit products will help. I like Luon (Lululemon) because aside from the fact that it is stylish and comfy, it was actually designed for this purpose!

Bikram is all over the greater Vancouver area. I go to the Metrotown location at Boundary and Kingsway. They have some great introductory rates - maybe I'll see you there. Message me with any questions you may have but trust me, I'm not a pro. People of all shapes, ages, races, and backgrounds go there. There are a surprising amount of older people there. They have likely sustained some sort of injury or are experiencing some type of pain associated with getting older (arthritis etc) and it has been suggested to them as a method of healing by friends, doctors, naturopaths etc.

There was an older gentlemen there last night. He was overweight, probably mid 50's and was the last person you'd think you'd find there. He did so well, he put me to shame. He was committed and put his mind to it and tried his best. He often stopped gasping for air. He needed help understanding the poses. Sometimes, he needed to lie down. Sometimes he'd be conservative about how far he could push himself. This is completely normal for the first time and I did the same when it was new to me. He got a round of applause at the end and he deserved it. If he can do it, we all can do it.

Dining at Home

Justin and I have started this little ritual of making a fabulous meal once a week. Some of you are thinking, "okay, big deal" but to us it is. Justin and I only get to spend Sunday and Monday evening together because we work opposite schedules. He eats dinner at work 5 nights a week (at a fine dining establishment, lucky bastard) and I eat not-so exciting food, all alone. Typically we used to make a decent meal or more than likely, would go out for dinner. Well, obviously that is costly so in an effort to spend some time in and save some $, I thought this would be something fun we could do. Afterall, it's more fun to go out on those beautiful summer nights instead of dreary, dark winter evenings.

I have been the one watching the cooking shows, planning menus, shopping, and executing the meals. Afterall, Justin can cook, I can't, and I figured it was about time I learned. Tonight, Justin is cooking.

As we speak (rather, as I type) he is preparing the following:

• Goat cheese and red beet mixed greens in a garlic, chardonnay vinaigrette
• Coconut marinated seared scallops, with a red pepper foam
• Proscuitto-wrapped bocconcini, baked & topped with a blueberry icewine reduction
• Teriyaki marinated, grilled 8oz filet mignon
• 4oz grilled rock lobster tail
• A bottle of bold red, to be decided. (likely Sandhill 2 or Napa's Canonball)

Seems extreme but also SO delicious. I am very much looking forward to it! Now, I stick to my belief that eating at home isn't always a "cheap" option, especially if you don't have a lot of the basics on hand. Although this isn't a "cheap" meal by any means, let's do a comparison.

Based on a few restaurants we've been to, I can confidently price this meal, for 2 at approximately $350 with tax and tip.

To buy all of the stuff required (aside from basic marinade ingredients etc) this meal cost me $85 to purchase at the grocery store/ liquor store.

That's a bit more reasonable, eh?

Oh! Justin just said course #1 is ready! Gotta gooooooooooo...  :)

Nota Bene

Nota Bene is Latin for "Take Note." That is exactly what you do after trying this wine for the first time. Not only do you take note, but you revel in amazement at how wonderful this wine is. Many wine lovers and industry peeps know about this wine but a lot of the general public does not.

It is of course called Nota Bene and is produced by Black Hills Winery in Osoyoos.  Brandon Walsh from 90210 (Jason Priestley) is part owner of the joint.
It is a big, bold bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a small percentage of Cabernet Franc.

This wine has a cult-like following and is constantly sold out. The winery does not accept walk-in clientele like the majority of their counterparts in wine country and only the finest restaurants in Vancouver are worthy enough to sell it. It is not sold in BC Liquor stores. It is sold at a select few specialty wine shops. I will take this opportunity to plug Everything Wine. They have an enormous location in North Van across from Capilano Mall, one in Morgan Crossing, Surrey, and one in Victoria (and of course, they stock Nota Bene). I absolutely love this wine shop. It is huge and carries hard to find selections, they have an extensive "vintage" room where rare, expensive wines are kept and they do free tastings everyday from 2-6pm. More to come about them though in a future blog, as I digress...

The winery itself may allow you to come in (if you show up and have a sad look on your face) to let you buy their other wines that are in stock. The others aren't anything to write home about but, still good. They aren't particularly friendly people, do not offer tastings of what they still have in stock and the winery itself isn't very nice. Oh, and Nota Bene is one of the most expensive bottles you'll find in the Okanagan. THAT all being said, and at $60 a bottle, you must be wondering, "why the hell bother?" Well my friends, all I can say is "because it's that good!" It's worth the ordeal and price. Once you try it, you will be hooked.

Now, this isn't your everyday wine. If you are really trying to impress someone (a wine lover because someone who knows little about wine really won't appreciate it) or are having a really special occasion, buy a bottle. If you are out at a restaurant that sells it, expect to pay $110-$130 a bottle. Yes, this is pricy. Against it's popular Mission Hill Oculus counterpart though, there is some competition. Oculus retails slightly higher but in my opinion, Nota Bene is slightly better. Oculus is a similar style blend including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. Who am I kidding though - it's hard to pick one over the other so do yourself a favour and just buy both! If you've tried them, which is your fav?

LUSH!

No, I am not referring to myself or anything to do with wine. I know...shocking! I'm talking about the hand-made cosmetics store that's been around forever that everyone takes for granted.

I used to walk by Lush at Metrotown at least twice a week about 100 years ago and despised it. It took up so much room, it smelled gross and I was just over it. I have NO idea where I ever developed this attitude. Did I ever go in there? Did I ever use their products? Did I know anything about what they were selling? No, no and no. Ignorance.

So, out of NOWHERE last week, I decided I was going to Lush, buying a bath bomb and face mask, and was going to have a glorious bath. I used to take baths all the time. When I moved out over three years ago, I stopped. I think it has something to do with the fact that no one can clean a tub like my mom but, I got over it. My face was looking a little rough. I don't know what was going on with it but I believed this mask was going to solve all my problems.

So, I had this random epiphany and walk into the one on 4th (unbeknownst to me, there is one a few blocks away from where I work) and I was instantly greeted ever so warmly. Before I even had a chance to be confused or overwhelmed, this very nice lady offered to help me. I explained to her that I wanted a mask and she asked me a bunch of questions, and introduced me to their Fresh Face Masks. I chose Brazened Honey (secretly because it looks like guacamole). It is amazing. My skin felt great after and it honestly looked bright, fresh, and glowing. This is exactly what I was looking to achieve. Best part is, a little tub is $5.95 and you get about 5 masks out of it. All natural ingredients, cheap.

So, onto the bath bombs. Smell was most important so I picked them all up and gave them a sniff. She also helped sell me a bit on this particular one. It's called Avobath. Fresh avocado and a lemongrass scent was not only moisturizing but the smell was very invigorating. My skin being so dry right now soaked it all up and felt silky smooth. A steal at $6.

Then, I decided I needed a hair mask. Hey, I was having a bath and was going all out! She instantly sold me on the H'Suan Wen Hua hair treatment. It means something clever in Chinese - what, I can't remember. It contains eggs, banana, watercress, bayleaf,avocado, balsamic vinegar, rosemary and cinnamon and is SO nourishing for the hair. I have very long hair and had to use 1/2 of the tub. It's $18.95 so at about $10 a treatment, it's well worth it. My hair was shiny, soft, and generally felt so healthy. I'll definitely do this once a month. That's all you need (in my opinion).

Then, I decided to pay and get out before I ended up with every product they sold. One step at a time. Then, I was at the till paying and saw it. Lip scrub. I'm so sheltered I didn't even know such a thing existed. She casually said "they are pretty awesome" as I was smelling them. I really had no intention of buying it. Lip scrub! Are you serious? What will they think of next? Shameless marketing ploys...
Then, I opened the Bubble Gum Lip Scrub. It smelled like candy. I didn't even care how much it was, what it promised to do, or the fact that this was really the last thing I needed. I got home, tried it and was in awe. It felt so strange rubbing what is basically sugar on my lips but considering it is perfectly safe to lick off, I enjoyed every minute. It tastes good but let's not lose sight of it's purpose.  My lips felt like soft little pillows. I knew my lips were dry considering the weather but I had no idea how bad until I experienced the alternative - smooth, soft lips. Worth every bit of the $8.95 (for probably 20 uses) and it is something I will never go without.

So, that was my first trip to Lush. For those of you who go there often and are laughing at my Lush virginity, damn you for not telling me about it before now! For those of you reading this who have never been, run, don't walk to your nearest Lush location.