Lipault Paris Launches in Vancouver at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet

As you guys know, I travel a lot for work. This means a lot of time spent at airports, on planes, and, of course, thumbing through the in-flight magazine when taking off and landing since you're not allowed to listen to your headphones or be on your laptop (side note: I wish domestic flights had a duty-free catalogue since I love looking through the makeup offerings). Anyway, all that to say, on a recent trip, I noticed an ad for Lipault Paris, a bag and luggage brand I'd never heard of before.

Then coincidentally, a few days after I returned home, I received an e-mail about that very same brand! Turns out they are opening their first-ever stand-alone boutique right here in Vancouver at the end of June.

Founded in Paris in 2005, the French line specializes in colourful and lightweight designs that are perfect for frequent travelers or those on-the-go. It reminds me a bit of Longchamp (which you know I love), but the focus seems more on travel-friendly accessories that you can mix and match or colour coordinate. I'm especially in love with their Miss Plume line right now... seriously, how gorgeous is the rose gold? Want.

It seems totally fitting that Lipault Paris is launching at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet since it's right by the airport and, of course, joins a whole host of other designer brands currently at the mall.  I can't wait to check out their new store and all my fellow Vancouverites, you should too!

$20 Spa Treatments in Vancouver at NIC Spa

As an avid spa goer (I was just at the Scandinave Spa a few weeks ago, spent two days at the Willow Stream Spa this past weekend, and have a trip planned to the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa three weeks from now), I am obviously a big fan of self care. However, I'm also cognizant of the fact that regular spa trips like these can cost a lot of money... where's a girl on a budget to go if she wants to treat herself?

Well, if you're in Vancouver, you need to check out NIC Spa where you can get treatments for a mere $20! These are full service treatments too; think AHA peels, facials, manis, pedis, and 30 minute massages. You can also pay a bit more for deluxe treatments or add-ons.

NIC Spa recently opened at the New Image College campus on Granville Street, one of Canada's leading accredited post-secondary institutions for esthetics and makeup artistry. Because the services are typically performed by advanced students of the college, they are able to offer treatments at an affordable rate. I was invited to try them out for myself and ended up getting a deluxe manicure and pedicure.

My aesthetician, Doris, was very friendly and put me at ease right away. Since I own my own tools and hundreds of bottles of nail polish (hello, I'm a beauty blogger), I mainly do my own nails at home but every once in a while, I like to get them done professionally. I had some very dry cuticles that needed taking care of and Doris spent a lot of time getting my nails in tip-top shape. 

The deluxe mani/pedi combo includes a paraffin wax treatment which I've only ever done once before. If you've never tried this, I cannot recommend it enough. It seems a bit weird to stick your hands and feet into bags of hot wax but the result is seriously silky smooth skin. Such a treat! I also received a hot stone massage on my legs and reflexology which ended my night on a very relaxed note.

Since the spa is located inside an educational institution, it's not a place I'd pick for a luxurious spa day. But for the price, I'd say expecting fountains, expansive views, and heated beds with remote controls would be quite unreasonable. With the cost savings, you can treat yourself to more services instead! Besides, they did have music playing and I felt very comfortable in my IKEA POÄNG chair (such a classic, haha). I think I'd liken the atmosphere to a basic nail salon (for the nail services), and had a peek into the massage/facial rooms which were fairly low frills as well but still seemed comfortable.

Address: 987 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
Website: http://www.nicspa.ca

My Fresh Prep Experience

Meal prep delivery services have been around for a while in the United States (at least that's what it seemed like thanks to the ads on literally every podcast I listen to) but, as far as I know, they're a relatively new service here in Canada... and in Vancouver, more specifically. I've always wanted to try one so I obviously jumped at the opportunity to when I was contacted by local business, Fresh Prep.

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that my Sunday Instagram stories are usually full of my meal prep process for the week. It's something that I do because I prefer to bring my own lunches to work and it also means I can control the food that I'm eating. I was curious to see how Fresh Prep would stack up and now that I've tested it out, I'm ready to share some thoughts.

You're given the opportunity to select your meals for the upcoming week (as long as you do so by 11:50 p.m. on Saturday), and they are delivered to your door during a specified delivery window on a day of your choosing. I got a text message when the driver was on his way with an estimated arrival time, and I definitely appreciated the heads-up. The meals come packed in paper bags and are placed in a large cooler bag so that nothing goes bad.

Inside each paper bag you get an easy-to-follow instruction sheet and all the ingredients you need to make a full meal for either 2 or 4 people depending on your subscription.  Everything comes washed, chopped, and ready to be mixed together. Even with seasonings like sugar or spices, they are perfectly portioned out so you use exactly what you get and nothing is wasted. Prepping vegetables and sauces can be incredibly time-consuming and it's amazing how, by skipping that step in the process, cooking goes so much faster.

The first meal that I made was Miso Glazed Salmon with Seasoned Sticky Rice and Bok Choy (pictured above). I loved the miso glaze and the recipe was very easy to follow and make. Plus, when I plated it, it turned out really fancy-looking. 

The second meal that I made was Hearty Beef Stew with Mushrooms and Bacon. I really like making stews but they often take a long time in the slow cooker or Dutch oven so I was curious how this would come together with only a 30 minute cooking time (all of Fresh Prep's meals can be made in 30 minutes or less). Unfortunately this one really was not to my taste. The bacon and beef was a weird combo. However, I will say that the stew tasted better the next day when I had the leftovers for lunch. Maybe it just needed to marinate more...

Overall, I was impressed with the service although it's not something that I personally would use regularly. I happen to actually like my dedicated meal prep days and enjoy coming up with my own healthy recipes of the week.

If I was a different person, however, I can see a service like this being very useful considering how limited my time is when I come home from a long day at work and I just want to eat something. The temptation for many in this situation would be to grab some takeout but with Fresh Prep, it takes almost the same amount of time you'd be waiting for a delivery and you know exactly what's going into your meal. Plus, for those who don't really know how to cook, it can be a great way to learn some new recipes and get more interested in the cooking process. Or, alternatively, a fun and easy date idea where you whip up something yummy for your significant other without forcing them to wait around watching you wash and chop veggies for 20 minutes. Honestly, the possibilities are endless!

Totally 80s Nail Art by Onyx Aesthetics Studio (CND New Wave Collection)

Happy New Year! I'm back from my "recovering from laser eye surgery" hiatus (more on that later)... is it too early to start talking about spring collections? Back in December, I was invited to preview the CND Spring 2017 New Wave Collection at Onyx Aesthetics Studio in Gastown and, based on the amazing mani I received last year, I knew I'd come away with some fun and intricate nail art that just had to be shared.

CND Banana Clips, Video Violet, and Ecstacy

The first thing I thought when I saw the bright colours of the New Wave Collection was that I wanted to do something a little crazy. My inspiration was the 80s so I asked my nail technician to create a colourful "print" topped with black geometric triangular shapes. As you can see, she delivered my vision perfectly!

While I got a Shellac manicure, the New Wave Collection is also available in VINYLUX, CND's long-wearing polish (it lasts a week with no chips).

It features 6 shades: Video Violet, Pink Leggings, Jelly Bracelet, Blue Eyeshadow, Ecstasy, and Banana Clips [clockwise from top left]. Definitely not for neutral nail lovers as they are all super bright and quite neon, but I'm thinking these will be super fun for manis and pedis once the weather warms up.

Di Morelli Skin Care

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a special VIP lunch at Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La hotel with Di Morelli Skin Care. The brand was founded by Dr. Robert Morell of the Medical Rejuvenation Centre here in Vancouver and features a range of "cosmeceuticals" (a combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals with biologically active ingredients).

While we dined on some seriously delicious food, Dr. Morell and his staff walked us through a few of the key products in the Di Morelli Skin Care line aimed at targeting certain key concerns like anti-aging and brightening. Dr. Morell explained why he decided on which ingredients to include in each product, which I should also note are 100% Canadian developed, manufactured, and warehoused.

Since I am especially concerned with sun protection, it was interesting to learn about the differences between basic drugstore sunscreens, which only protect the skin from UVB rays (burning) versus cosmeceutical sunscreens, which also protect the skin from UVA rays (a cause of premature aging).

SPF 35 is made with micronized zinc oxide to protect against both UVA and UVB, and dries to a matte finish, making it an acceptable base for makeup. I have been using this daily and I like it a lot although it does smell like your typical sunscreen (no fancy scents... it's all business with this one).

I can't wait to try out more products from Di Morelli and lucky for us all, the brand is now available at Nordstrom Vancouver.

Rainbow Wall

A whole bunch of murals have gone up in Vancouver and this is one of my favourites. I pass it everyday on my way home from work and have watched over the past few weeks as it went from a few coloured lines to the final masterpiece of four prismatic rainbows (I'm only standing between two of them in these photos). I can't wait to go and explore more of our city's new public art!

Tunic/Dress: Free People (here and here) / Jeans: J Brand

Sandals: Roberto Vianni / Sunglasses: Quay Australia (here)

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Vancouver"

I've already shared my excitement about Makeup Revolution, a new line coming to Canada that I was introduced to at the London Drugs Beauty Event (#LDBeauty) last month. However, we also got the opportunity to play with some new launches from brands that are already well-established here.

Those brands included one of my faves, NYX Cosmetics, and their new Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Vancouver" was definitely one of the stars of the show.

Thanks to Jenn from A Beautiful Zen for snapping this pic of me getting my swatch on!

The Soft Matte Lip Creams are a unique formulation: neither a lipgloss nor a lipstick. While they come in lipgloss-style packaging (tube and doe foot applicator), the texture is very creamy like a mousse and sets to a pigmented semi-matte finish. It's not a typical matte if you are looking for that type of look but the formula does mean it feels quite comfortable on the lips.

The shades are all named after cities around the world so it was very fitting that "Vancouver" was being featured at #LDBeauty. It's a gorgeous deep purple shade which honestly seems a bit weird for a Vancouver-themed beauty product. We have such a mild climate with next to no snow and I view this as being very Fall/Winter.

I'm not complaining though! I actually love wearing deep gothy lip colours like this and you can bet I will definitely be rocking this in the cooler months.

Find this Soft Matte Lip Cream along with other NYX Cosmetics at London Drugs.

Here & Now Botanicals

Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love and rave about aromatherapy. I have nebulizers both at work and home, and when those aren't in use I can often be found spritzing the air or rollerball-ing myself with any number of essential oils. That's why I was so excited when Jessica from Here&Now Botanicals asked me if I'd like to try some products from her local aromatherapy skincare line (small batches made right here in East Van).

The name might actually sound familiar to you because I was first introduced to Here&Now Botanicals in my November 2015 Vancity Box. The Sweet Sassafras Aromatherapy Spray has even become a bedside staple for me which I often spritz on my pillows before bed. Since November, the brand has also gone through a bit of a makeover. The bottles and labels now have a minimalist-chic apothecary vibe -- if that's even a thing... I may have just made it up!

Jessica sent over a few of her best-sellers and if you are a fan of aromatherapy as well, you'll definitely want to get your hands on these yourself.

Whether you're in school or working, it can sometimes be hard to kick the urge to procrastinate. The Stay Focused Aromatherapy Mist, a lemon-y herbal scent, helps improve focus and boost memory. To use, simply mist into the air and inhale or you can spray it directly on your body like a body spray.

For rollerball aficionados, Here&Now Botanicals has a number of custom blended essential oils that can be used for different purposes. She Aromatherapy Oil is made specifically for us ladies and can be used to relieve pain from cramps, and for general hormone balancing effects. For relief of stress and anxiety (something I often need help with), Uplift Aromatherapy Oil features a delightful blend of citrus and neroli.

Here&Now Botanicals can be found online or in select stores.

CND Flirtation Shellac Manicure by Onyx Aesthetics Studio

Last week, I was invited to Onyx Aesthetics Studio, a trendy nail salon in Gastown, to preview CND's new summer collection and get my nails done at the same time. The result was (I think you'll all agree) absolutely stunning.

This was my first introduction to CND nail polish, although I was sort of familiar with the brand before. They're most well known for their Shellac Brand 14+ Day Nail Colour, a professional service offered at nail salons around the world. Shellac is painted on like a polish but each coat is briefly cured under a UV or LED lamp. Manicures last for weeks with no chipping or peeling, are super shiny, and dry immediately.

The new Flirtation Collection features six new Shellac colours: Lavender Lace (pale lavender), Sparks Fly (glittery coral), Be Demure (light candy pink), Aqua-intance (turquoise), Pink Pursuit (dusty rose), and Honey Darlin' (pale yellow). Linda, the owner of Onyx Aesthetics Studio, used all of these colours except Lavender Lace on the tips of my nails before hand-painting on a unique floral design.

In only an hour, I walked out with these gorgeous nails (no dry time required!) and have been receiving compliments ever since. It's been a week and while I do have a little bit of nail growth, my nails look just as good as when I first got them done.

The colours in the new CND Flirtation Collection are great for spring/summer, whether you want some crazy nail art like mine or just a basic mani. Plus, if you want to do your nails at home there's always the option of CND's Vinylux Weekly Polish System which isn't Shellac but is supposed to last 7 days with no chips. The Vinylux Flirtation Collection comes in eight shades: Lavender Lace, Be Demure, Aqua-intance, Pink Pursuit, Honey Darlin', Skin Tease (creamy white pink) Desert Poppy (bright coral) and Date Night (blue creme).

Vancity Box (November 2015)

Another month, another Vancity Box... and you guys, this one was amazing. I don't think I have been this excited about a subscription box ever.

As you may recall, I recently introduced you to this new subscription box service for those of us living in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The concept is simple: supporting local businesses by introducing us to new brands and companies. Last month, the theme was food and drink. This month, it was handcrafted artisan items.

To fuel my candle obsession (I burn them like crazy during the Fall/Winter months), I was super excited to receive a Fairview candle from Vancouver Candle Co. These hand poured premium soy candles are named after and inspired by neighbourhoods in the city, from Kitsilano to Strathcona and Gastown. I already have the Point Grey candle so was excited to add Fairview to my collection. It smells delicious with notes of grapefruit, peach, and red currant.

In further scented goodness, this month's box also contained a Dilettante & Debutantes Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub and a Here & Now Botanicals Sweet Sassafras Aromatherapy Spray. Both products are perfect for when you really want to focus on some relaxing "me" time.

And of course, for all us coffee lovers, a crochet coffee cup cozy from Hooked On Crochet. Mine was even personalized with my initial!

In addition to a calendar of events happening around the city each month, Vancity Box throws in a little branded swag with each box. Last month it was a reusable bag but this month it was an umbrella. You can't get more Vancouver than that! Plus, it's one of umbrellas that looks like a wine bottle with a cover so it doesn't drip everywhere. I was actually eyeing a similar style in a store a few months ago so it was kind of like the company read my mind here.

Vancity Box costs $34.99/month + shipping (with cheaper options for longer term subscriptions). However, use my code ALISONELLE for $5 off until November 19!

VanCity Box (October 2015)

First off, Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving! I've had a nice, low-key weekend so far full of friends, family, and lots of food. Especially after all the non-stop work travel, it's been nice to power down for a few days.

A special c/o delivery also recently showed up on my doorstep to keep me entertained over the holiday weekend... a new subscription box called the Vancity Box. If you've ever visited my Instagram or this blog category before, you already know how much I love living in Vancouver, so it should be no surprise when I say that the idea of getting my "city in a box" is kind of a dream come true.

The box is tailored specifically for locals and features items from local brands and companies. Inside the October box were a ton of edibles (my fave), including cotton candy from Petite Puf, three types of beef jerky from Billy Bob's Jerky and vanilla macaroons from Living Lotus. I love the focus on organic and healthy with these choices, and I ate most of them within the first few days of receiving my Vancity Box. What can I say? I love snacks.

In addition to the food items, I received a Graveley & Sons Alcohol Infusion Kit to make my own Mortimer's Spiced Rum. Vancouver is home to numerous craft breweries, distilleries, and artisanal cocktail bars, so this kit could not be more relevant (especially because the company is based in East Vancouver where many of those places are located). I really like rum so I'm excited to try infusing my own!

The VanCity Box is only available for addresses in British Columbia and costs $34.99 CAD/month (with savings if you subscribe for 6 or 12 months). It's on the pricier side as far as subscription boxes go but it's a great way to support local businesses and would make a good gift for a fellow Vancouverite.

What's In My Hiking Backpack?

I've done a few "what's in my bag?" posts in the past (see, for example, work bag, makeup bag, and beach bag #1 and #2). Today I thought I'd do something a little different... a what's in my bag -- hiking edition!

Joffre Lakes (just past Pemberton, BC)

If you follow my Instagram, you may have noticed that I've been going on a lot more hikes than usual this summer. Living in Vancouver, with mountains and lakes just a short drive away, it's a common weekend activity for many of us locals to get outside and experience all that this gorgeous province has to offer. I'll also admit that the previous statement is particularly hilarious coming from me because only a few years ago I was so not a nature person. In fact, long time readers of my blog may remember my attempt at roughing it on an Oregon camping trip and this easy nature walk in Whistler that I likened to a grueling hike. Funny how things change!

Since I like to be dressed specifically for whatever activity I'm doing, I picked up the Gregory Maya 10 Daypack from MEC in the Fog Grey combo. You can see I kind of have a pink/purple theme going with my gear, haha. This pack is a really good size for day hikes and fits everything I need.

SNACKS. Since I'm allergic to nuts, my HG nut-free bars are these Sunrype Okanagan Energy Bars, but I also like Sunrype's FruitActiv bars (though they have less protein). Other favourite snacks to take on hikes include beef jerky and dried fruit. If it's a longer hike, then I'll bring some sort of sandwich.

WATER. Staying hydrated is a necessity and I typically bring at least 2 bottles of water. My Camelbak bottle is insulated to keep its contents cold.

HAND SANITIZER. Touching dirt, rocks, or trees is inevitable so a hand sanitizer is key when it's time to sit down for a food break. This mini X3 Clean Hand Sanitizer is a spray for easy application and is also alcohol-free so it's not drying.

BUG SPRAY. This AVON Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Icaridin Insect Repellent Spray II is great for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Plus it actually smells pretty good, unlike most other bug sprays. Someone on my last hike likened it to coconut curry!

SUNSCREEN. I did a full rundown of my current sunscreens in this recent post.

EXTRA LAYERS/RAIN JACKET. Temperatures and weather can change in an instant, plus it's often colder at the top of a mountain. Pretty much all my workout clothing is from Lululemon and my hiking layers are no exception.

EXTRA SOCKS. You never know if you'll end up needing to walk through water (been there, done that). Wool hiking socks are my absolute faves, especially the ones made by Wigwam and SmartWool.

Pride Nails

You may remember that I sported these rainbow skittles nails a few years back to attend Pride Parade (I really can't say "no" to a good themed mani). Now this year, thanks to Pride Nails, I'll be able to save precious nail painting time while also supporting the Vancouver Pride Society.

White Nail Polish: AVON Iceberg White / Rings: House of Hudson (c/o)

Designed in collaboration with Incoco, proceeds of these 100% real nail polish strips go back to the Vancouver Pride Society, a non-profit organization that brings together the LGBTQ community and its friends and allies through local events like East Side Pride, the Sunset Beach Festival, and of course, the world-famous Vancouver Pride Parade. Through the sale of Pride Nails, the Vancouver Pride Society hopes to raise over $20,000 for the Pride Legacy Fund, which provides scholarships and support for the youth in our communities.

2015 has obviously been a historic year with respect to marriage equality, given the recent same-sex marriage referendum in Ireland and the U.S. Supreme Court decision on gay marriage. I'm so glad other countries are finally taking steps towards greater equality in this regard, although we still have a long way to go in terms of LGBTQ rights generally. I know it may not be much, but every little show of support helps.

Find Pride Nails in stores (only if you're in Vancouver) or online.

Chinatown Afternoon

Despite living in Vancouver for over a decade and regularly frequenting various neighbourhoods throughout the city, I rarely hang out in Chinatown (except Union St/East Georgia St where some of my favourite restaurants are located). For a fun weekend adventure, I thus decided to head off to our historic Chinatown for the afternoon. It was a chance to indulge in some bubble tea (though who am I kidding? I drink BBT on the reg), visit some shops, and pick up some egg tarts to snack on. Yum!

T-Shirt: La Notte (Aritzia) / Jeans: J Brand (here) / Shoes: Nike (here)
Bag: Proenza Schouler (here) / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (here)

Nine West Grand Re-Opening at Pacific Centre

Fellow Vancouverites, take note: Nine West is hosting its grand re-opening party at Pacific Centre this Friday, March 27 and there are some amazing deals to be had. The first 100 customers will receive a $50 gift card, but even if you miss out on that you can still take advantage of a 20% discount all day. Is this not the perfect time to stock up on new shoes for Spring and Summer or what? Plus, enter to win free shoes for a year and indulge in some free cupcakes while you're at it -- yum!

Jealous Body Scrub

Coffee scrubs have been popping up all over the Internet these days so I was excited when Jealous Body Scrub asked me if I'd like to try their product. Not only was this my first foray into the world of coffee scrubs, but the company is also based in Vancouver and you know how much I love supporting local businesses!

One package of Jealous Body Scrub costs $17.95 and is made with 100% natural ingredients: premium Robusta coffee grounds, organic cold-pressed coconut oil, raw brown sugar, sea salt, vitamin E, and minerals to protect and repair the skin. The combination of these ingredients smells absolutely delicious. When I first opened the package I seriously could not stop sniffing it.

The company claims the product will reduce the appearance of cellulite, eczema, stretch marks, age spots, varicose veins, psoriasis and acne. However, you don't have to worry about dryness either as the cold-pressed coconut oil hydrates your skin at the same time (a lot of people use coconut oil as a moisturizer so this is no surprise). If you're interested in learning about how all the ingredients work, I suggest reading these FAQs, as Jealous has done a far better job explaining things than I ever could.

As for usage, this product should definitely be used in the bath or shower because it is messy. You wet your skin first so that the scrub actually sticks and rub it in circular motions, leaving it on for 5-10 minutes so it has time to do its work... After rinsing the scrub off, skin is left feeling super smooth and moisturized. I can see getting addicted to this for sure.

Even Blonder thanks to Hype Hair Studio

In my last hair update, I mentioned that I wanted to go even blonder on my next salon visit so I couldn't believe my luck when the kind people at Hype Hair Studio offered to help me make this "dream" a reality. A sunny Saturday later, off I headed to their salon, conveniently located in my neighbourhood of Kitsilano (and also a block away from one of my favourite brunch places, The Oakwood Canadian Bistro... yum).

When I arrived, I met JP who was my stylist for the day. She made me feel immediately at ease and we got to work discussing the plan for my hair. I had a very specific idea in mind of what I wanted to do: bring the blonde up  higher since my hair has been growing out and get the tips as white as possible. JP understood what I was looking for and did what she could to achieve this. In the end, my tips were exactly the white blonde I wanted. However, because we had to bleach my natural hair colour closer to the roots, it turned out more golden at the top since dark hair carries red/orange undertones. While this adds dimension since there's a colour gradation I know another session will be necessary to fix the brassiness and get it to the more ashy tone I prefer (side note: I have actually been debating going back to brunette so whether or not this happens remains to be seen).

Since embarking on my blonde journey I've gotten used to how long the entire process takes (about 3 hours) because it requires bleach and toner, plus the cut and style. Thankfully JP was easy to talk to and I was also provided with magazines and drinks while I waited for the colour to set.

For the cut, I didn't want to lose too much hair so I just got a simple trim into a long bob. I'm finding my hair looks better curled than straight right now (unfortunately this is not so good for late mornings when I don't have time to style my hair) but JP was kind enough to give me some styling tips, even letting me practise with her flat iron.

Hype Hair Studio recently won Gold in Westender's Best of the City readers choice survey for the third year in a row, which doesn't surprise me one bit. The salon space is very warm and inviting with lots of windows and natural light, and all the stylists seemed highly skilled (while I was there, I witnessed a whole range of services going on around me from colour, cuts, and styling to even a perm). It's definitely a good place to check out if you're looking to get your hair done in Vancouver!

My Favourite Spa in Vancouver: Miraj Hammam

Earlier this year, I discovered the Miraj Hammam Spa and since then, it has quickly become my favourite spa in Vancouver. My last visit was for some birthday pampering back in September so I was super excited to be invited in for a complimentary treatment last week. Work has been really busy lately so having some "me"-time was much needed. Besides, I should have written about this place a long time ago anyway since I love it so much!

Based on authentic Middle Eastern traditions, Miraj Hammam is not your typical spa experience. For one thing, you must be comfortable being completely naked in front of someone else (the esthetician). Disposable underwear is available but I personally don't use it. All of the employees I've encountered thus far have been nothing but professional and made me feel completely at ease in what could otherwise be an awkward situation.

As for the treatment, you first wrap yourself in a sarong and enter the hammam, which is a steam room that pumps out a refreshing eucalyptus mist to stimulate the senses. After 15 minutes in the hammam, an esthetician takes you to an outer area of the room for the gommage (full-body exfoliation). Using authentic Moroccan black soap made with olive oil and eucalyptus, you are scrubbed from head to toe with specially imported gloves and then rinsed down. It may sound a little weird but it really does leave your skin feeling incredibly soft and supple.

After the gommage, a massage is recommended to add some moisture back to your skin. The masseuses at Miraj Hammam are so great that I have honestly fallen asleep every time from being so relaxed. The relaxation then continues after the massage with some lounge time on comfy velvet beds with silk pillows, magazines, and a cup of hot tea and sweet cakes.

If you are looking for a unique spa experience, I cannot recommend Miraj Hammam enough. Like I said, it's my absolute favourite spot in the city (my friends can attest to how frequently I rave about it) and I am already thinking of my next visit back!

Location: 1495 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Website: http://www.mirajhammam.com

Rocky Mountain Soap Company Opens in Vancouver

I first encountered Rocky Mountain Soap Company when I lived in Calgary (the company started in Canmore, Alberta), and then again when I attended the ChickAdvisor Showcase this past summer. As a Canadian-owned and -operated business, Rocky Mountain specializes in 100% natural and toxin-free products, using only the finest essential oils, pure natural beeswax, food grade vegetable oils, real grains, fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

With this philosophy, it makes perfect sense that the company has decided to expand to Vancouver where we obviously love everything green and environmentally conscious. This month sees the opening of two new concept stores: one downtown in the Bentall Centre and the other in Burnaby at Metrotown.

I was kindly sent a few products to test out and I have really been enjoying their addition to my usual skincare routine. At bedtime, I begin by applying 2 pumps of the Rosehip Transformative Cleansing Oil to a cotton pad. The oil is fairly good at wiping away makeup and dirt but if I'm wearing a lot of makeup, I do prefer to do a full wash with a cleanser first. Next, I spritz on the Aloe Vera Hydrating Toner and wipe it off with a cotton pad. I prefer natural toners like this one since many commercial toners contain alcohol which can be very drying. I usually alternate moisturizers depending on how my skin is feeling, but have been experimenting with the Pomegranate Day Cream every few days. The cream feels light but rich and absorbs quickly. The best part, however, is the scent which I can really only describe as "delicious" (ha ha, sorry that is so not descriptive).

Rocky Mountain Soap Company was founded in 1995 to make natural soap by hand so trying their soap is a must as well. The Sugar Plum Soap is a limited edition holiday product which would make a great stocking stuffer. The scent is subtle but a little spicy and the bar contains gorgeous purple swirls throughout, making it a pretty addition to your sink or bathtub as well.

L'Occitane En Provence: Arlésienne

L'Occitane En Provence has always been one of those brands I keep meaning to try more of but never get around to for one reason or another. It's a shame really because I actually do like the products I have tried -- especially their Cherry Blossom Hand Cream, which comes packaged in L'Occitane's iconic painter tube. That's all about to change, however, since their gorgeous new flagship store happens to be very close to my office (hello lunch break pit stop!). I was lucky enough to be invited to their recent opening event where I was able to admire the thoughtful store design, learn more about the brand, its history, and explore some of their collections.

For those not familiar with the brand, L'Occitane is a family-owned French company that prides itself on its unique ingredients and signature scents. As I went around the store testing out products it became apparent to me that if you're looking for a good fragrance that's delicate, well-crafted, and not overpowering, this is where you should come.

This winter, they've released a new line called Arlésienne for Holiday 2014. Inspired by women in the South of France, the fragrance subtly blends saffron, rose, and violet. I usually don't like florals but Arlésienne is definitely an exception. The scent is sweet and feminine without being cloying and is perfect for daytime wear. I wish there was a way to transmit scent over the Internet because I would if I could -- it smells so good!

Shower Cream ($22 CAD) and EDT ($48 CAD) (c/o)

Be sure to check out the new collection, as well as L'Occitane's carefully curated gift sets for those on your Christmas shopping list. And if you're in Vancouver, the new store at the corner of Robson and Burrard is an absolute must-see.