Dine Out Vancouver 2011: Samba Brazilian Steakhouse

You know those times where there's not a single moment to rest and it seems like there's no end in sight? For me, this past week has been one of those, and I was glad to finally get a break last night.

Horse-Print Blouse: Zara / Jeggings: 7 For All Mankind

Jazz Shoes: Aldo / Cuff Bracelet: gift from Mexico

Dine Out Vancouver is back again (see my 2010 reviews of Stonegrill and Accent Dinner Cruises) and being the food-lover that I am, I couldn't let this one pass by without at least checking out one restaurant. My bf wanted to go to Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, which specializes in Brazilian BBQ. Their specialty is all-you-can-eat meat (plus a salad bar) but we decided to go with the Dine Out menu ($28) just 'cause!

I've never eaten Brazilian food so I wasn't sure what to expect. For my appetizer, I chose the Fried Polenta Sticks with Bolognese Sauce (they are less like sticks and more like squares). The sauce was literally all meat and really filling. Honestly, if I wasn't super hungry I think I could have eaten just this as a meal. My bf's appie (Flat Bread with Salmon Tartar) was a lot smaller than mine but it tasted pretty good.

For our entrées, we both selected the Filet Mignon in Demi Glace with Cassis Sauce, Champagne Risotto and Grilled Asparagus. It was fine but not the best steak I've ever had. Also, risotto is not my favourite thing in the world.

At this point, I was feeling really full but I am not one to say "no" to dessert, and especially not tiramisu. Yummy!!

Ambiance-wise, the restaurant decor is awful. It looks like a banquet hall or some type of family restaurant from the early 90's. I mean, you wouldn't be coming here for a "romantic" date anyway, but I did think it was odd. The Brazilian dancers and live music were a nice touch though.

Overall, my Dine Out experience was okay but I think next time, we'll probably try Samba's all-you-can-eat option since that's what they're known for.

Location: 1122 Alberni Street, Vancouver, BC
Website: http://www.thaihouse.com/samba/

Sally Hansen Ring My Shell

I have a lot of professional obligations this week, so decided to choose something more neutral and work-appropriate for my nails. I decided on Ring My Shell by Sally Hansen which is, unfortunately, limited edition from the Tracy Reese Spring/Summer 2010 collection and may be hard to find now - if at all.

I usually don't like frosty colours like this, but Ring My Shell is really pretty. It's a silver shimmer but in some lights it looks pink, in other lights more lavendar. Actually, it reminds me of mother-of-pearl (maybe that inspired its name?)

Application-wise, it's on par with the other Complete Salon Manicure polishes. The wide brush with tapered ends makes it easy to apply the colour in three broad strokes with little mess. However, because Ring My Shell is a shimmer and somewhat sheer, you have to be careful to paint straight because brush strokes are visible, no matter how many layers you use.

This polish is, of course, a departure from my preferred light creme colours. Not something I'd wear everyday but I think it does the job quite well.

Jewelry Box

I've never been big on accessorizing and in fact, tend to wear the same jewelry all the time. Here are a few of my everyday pieces:

Diamond Heart Necklace (gift from grandma)

Juicy Couture Bow & Couture Cut Ring

Tiffany & Co. "I Love You" Ring

Marc by Marc Jacobs Candy Logo Bangle

Of course, I am aware that the right accessories can make an outfit. As such, I've been on the hunt for a few statement pieces. It's taking awhile because I'm sooooo picky about jewelry! Currently have my eye on the YSL Arty Ring but what else...?

The Boathouse (English Bay)

The Boathouse in Vancouver's West End is one of my favourite restaurants, offering a gorgeous view of English Bay. The interior is reminiscent of a boat with lots of hardwood, and their patio is great for drinks on hot summer days.

The restaurant's regular menu is always delicious, but this time we decided to try out some items from their winter menu. I opted for the Sirloin with Blue Cheese Demi Glace and Mashed Sweet Potatoes (I can never say "no" to steak!)

I usually don't like the taste of blue cheese, but this glaze was really good. And while I make yam fries all the time, it's never occurred to me to try mashing them. Thank you Boathouse for this wonderful idea!

My bf chose the Seafood Jambalaya which was apparently very tasty, as evidenced by the "mmm"s and "yum"s I kept hearing.

I'll admit I was jealous of this dish... after all, The Boathouse is a seafood restaurant so why not try their specialty? Unfortunately for me, I am allergic to shellfish! I've never eaten lobster, crabs, shrimp, clams, or any of those other wonderful shelled things. But I'm not allergic to fish (thankfully), so at least not all seafood is lost on me!

Address: 1795 Beach Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Website: http://www.boathouserestaurants.ca/

Strawberry Nails

I've mentioned before that I rarely do complicated nail art (lack of skills/I have no patience whatsoever) but I have been meaning to do strawberry nails for ages. What I love about this design is that it's quite easy to do, but still looks like you put more effort than normal into your nails.

Products used: OPI Off With Her Red!, OPI Jade is the New Black, Joe Fresh Style Butter

Drugstore Finds: Rimmel Airy Fairy Lipstick and Revlon Lilac Pastelle Lipgloss

I don't own many drugstore cosmetic products, but Shoppers Drug Mart was having a sale! So, I decided it was time to try out a few drugstore makeup products that many beauty bloggers and Youtube gurus have been raving about.

The first product I chose was Airy Fairy Lasting Finish Lipstick by Rimmel. I haven't used a Rimmel product in YEARS and I guess sometime in between they changed their lipstick packaging. It's much cuter now with a crown engraved on the cap and no distinct logos. It kind of reminds me of the Japanese brand, Lavshuca.

The lipstick itself is a nice light pink with a bit of golden sheen but honestly, nothing special. I have rather pigmented lips so on me, Airy Fairy isn't really that noticeable. It's still a good everyday neutral though, so I will continue to wear it. Some of you might also like that it's a cheaper alternative to MAC Viva Glam V. Just beware that the lipstick has a very distinct bubblegum scent which might be a turn-off for those who are sensitive to smell/taste/whatever.


This summer Revlon also released its Spring/Summer collection of Super Lustrous Lipgloss, which many feared were limited edition. However, I guess Revlon realized it would be far more profitable to make these glosses permanent. Lilac Pastelle was considered the "hot" colour from the line so I picked it up too.

Lilac Pastelle is apparently comparable to the limited edition MAC lipstick, Lavender Whip (though it is, of course, a lipgloss and not a lipstick). On me, the lavender sheen is barely noticeable and overall, I kind of look washed out. I think my lips must be too pigmented/the gloss is too light for my skintone because other swatches I saw of this looked great.

The packaging is really nice and classy... kind of reminds me of Chanel lipgloss or even Dior without the bobble thing on top. Formula-wise, I do like this Revlon gloss a lot. Not too sticky, no weird smell/taste. However, I don't think I'll be wearing this alone anymore; instead, I'll try and come up with some lipstick combos to get my use out of it!

End of Year Snapshots

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I can't believe it's already 2011! It's crazy how fast time flies.

I was just reviewing a few iPhone snapshots that I've taken this last little while and thought it would be an appropriate way to commemorate the end of 2010 by sharing a few of them.

Joe Fresh Style Faded Violet topped with China Glaze Fairy Dust

& amazing Christmas present from my bf (I feel so spoiled!)

Strawberry margarita while watching the Canucks game at Original Joe's

Obsessed with the giant pom-pom on this hat from ASOS

My new Moleskine planner and Staedtler Triplus Fineliners