End of Summer Snapshots

To mark today's official change in seasons, I thought I'd share some long overdue snapshots from the end of my summer back home in Vancouver. As it gets cooler by the day here in Calgary (the afternoons are warm but morning/night are freezing), I am treasuring these summer memories more and more!

Lazy beach days in my coral ruffle bikini (c/o Hapari)

Can't have summer in Vancouver without a visit to the Summer Night Market

My first time seeing the Terminal City Roller Girls in action; wish I was that hardcore

A very 90s summer outfit featuring some shorts I DIY'd from my 7 For All Mankind Cropped Dojos

Finally checked out Forty Ninth Parallel and Lucky's Donuts

One donut obviously wasn't enough since I had to go all out at Cartems Donuterie

Take me out to the ball game: Vancouver Canadians v. Yakima Bears

FORE!! Pitch & Putt at Queen Elizabeth Park

Best chocolate fondue in the city at Mink Chocolates

Stopping for a photo-op on a very long walk along the Seawall with my girl friends

Delicious home-made Greek feast & girls night with a few of my best friends

Kayaking around False Creek

My boyfriend got me tickets to see Seinfeld for my birthday!

I especially love the corn kakiage at Suika Snackbar

Coconut gelato at Kits Beach

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram if you want to see these updates in real time (as opposed to months later)! My username is alison_elle.

LUSH Cosmetics Ocean-Inspired Essentials

After a crazy-busy week in Vancouver which included my official Bar Call Ceremony, seeing Jerry Seinfeld live (so funny), birthday festivities, and lots of other fun, I am now back in Calgary. Unfortunately, coming down from such a whirlwind trip has been hard... I miss Vancouver!

Thankfully these oceanic-inspired treats sent along by LUSH Cosmetics arrived at just the right time. After all, there's nothing better than some beachy goodness packed into my bath & body essentials to remind me of home. Plus, aren't they pretty?

Sea water is apparently good for your skin because it hydrates and balances, so LUSH made the Breath of Fresh Air Facial Toner ($8.95 for 3.3oz/$19.95 for 8.4oz) with real sea water from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. I've been using it as my regular toner at night and like it a lot but it also makes for a very refreshing facial spritzer if you're travelling.

The Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub ($19.95 for 4.2oz/$34.95 for 8.8oz) is made with organic avocado butter, nutritious seaweed absolute, and cocoa butter to leave skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized. However, the key ingredient is fresh lime extracted in vodka, which means this smells delicious... like margaritas! I do think this might be too harsh for sensitive skin though with the mix of coarse and fine salts.

Dirty Springwash Shower Gel ($9.95 for 3.3oz/$17.95 for 8.8oz/$27.95 for 16.9oz) is part of a new range for men (though the product itself can obviously be used by whoever), and I do find the scent to be quite "masculine." The mint and spearmint create a very refreshing, tingling feeling when you wash which makes it better for hot summer days than the cooler weather we're soon heading into.

Seanik ($10.95) is an easy-to-use solid shampoo made with seaweed and sea salt to soften hair and pump up the volume as it nourishes. I love the exotic fragrances of mimosa, orange blossom absolute and jasmine but this formula isn't the best for my hair type. While I do need the volume, my hair is also colour-treated and needs more moisture than I can get with this puck. It would probably work well for people with less damaged hair.

Pretty in Pearls

On the topic of pearls (see my previous post), I recently rediscovered this pearl & lace crochet top in my closet, which only cost about $10 at an Asian boutique in Aberdeen Centre. A number of years ago, I was extremely into Asian fashions because they catered to my more girly tastes. Lace, ruffles... you name it, I wanted it!

My style has evolved quite a bit since then; however, it's nice to still be able to work some old favourites into my current wardrobe. $10 well spent, no?

Top: Asian boutique / Blazer: Zara (similar) / Pants: Gap (here) / Bag: Miu Miu (in black)

Shoes: Ralph Lauren (here) / Earrings: Juicy Couture