Hair That’s Crafted

December 22, 2019Business, Features

Crafting The Perfect Hair

As many people would know I haven’t changed my hairstyle in over a decade. And yes, that may seem a long time for most people for me I stick to what works. I’ve never been a fan of having someone touch my hair let alone getting it cut. Luckily for me, a long-time family friend who also happens to be a hairstyle had the daunting task to get me to try and step out of my comfort zone and work her magic on my long locks.

Come for the Experience, Leave with Confidence

For those who aren’t familiar, Craft Academy Salon is located in South Surrey (with another location in East Vancouver) and specializes in providing its clientele with killer hair regardless if you’re just wanting a new hairstyle or to a beautiful blowout or banging new bob. Guests who visit Craft Academy Salon can expect excellent customer service, a welcome tray including snack options upon arrival and an in-depth signature consultation, beauty haircare coaching, a welcoming, relaxed and enjoyable setting with passionate stylists and support staff capable of recommending the most innovative products and on-trend services available.

Preparing a Masterpiece

Upon my first visit Heather basically ‘interviewed’ me if you will during our consultation. She asked me a handful of in-depth questions pertaining to me as a person, my hair goals and just overall lifestyle. I like to call this hair therapy. You strip everything down to the roots (no pun intended) and get down to what your hair needs, wants and desires are. You then go over the suggestions your stylist has and what she envisions and thinks is possible for your hair. Whether you’re a brunette and want to go platinum blonde they would never say ‘no’ to you but offer some of the best suggestions on how to achieve healthy hair while doing heavy bleaching or maybe another alternative that would suit you and your lifestyle better.

After we went over what my goals were and what I envisioned we set aside some time for my next appointment to begin the hair process but before I left Heather provided a quick scalp treatment called Kerastase Serum Extensionist. This bottle of goodness drenches your scalp with moisture and helps to strengthen the hair fibres to increase hair growth and protect your scalp from seasonal dryness. It is easy to use! Apply the serum with the applicator to the areas you experience oiliness, itch or dry scalp and within a couple of weeks your scalp will be noticeably happier and your hair will be growing stronger and longer! Just what I needed during this time of year.

Stylist at Work

Upon my next appointment – it was time to make the magic happen! At the chair, Heather did a custom hand-painted highlight and lowlight for my hair colour. This type of balayage was created to accentuate my new haircut and one that would look beautiful either straight for day-to-day or curled for a bigger event. Then at the sink, my hair was rinsed and a shine-enhancing gloss was applied as well as a Smartbond Treatment, followed by a relaxing scalp massage using one of the salon’s favourite Kerastase products.

Heather then suggested a few of their go-to products to keep your hair luscious and honestly just in good health after you leave the salon. Since I do straighten my hair every day or curl it my hair is constantly getting played with and having damage done by high heat. The blowdry cream that was suggested is Kerastase Nectar Thermique, which is to help with dry hair and to increase suppleness and shine while protecting the hair from heat styling, blowout to curls or straightening. The end result will feel soft to touch as be so radiant and with regular use your hair is getting a hydrating treatment!

I, of course, needed a good hairspray recommendation and dry shampoo (because let me tell you this girl can’t go more than a day max two without washing her hair – let’s just say oily city). Besides Heather, she mentioned all the girls are in love with these products and use them daily themselves. The Kerastase Laque Couture hairspray is so lightweight that you can’t overuse it! A quick spritz of this beautifully scented luxury spray will add extra shine for your events and lock down the hair in all weather conditions. Keep your hair looking beautiful without a helmet! And drum roll, please… RandCo Skyline! THE BEST dry shampoo around (from what I was told). Puff it in to absorb scalp oils before bed to wake up with fresh clean hair! Apply it on day one after a blowout to add a gentle lift near the scalp. Use it to make your hair look full without backcombing! So many great uses for this gem!

Overall, my experience and knowledge I left Craft with were amazing! The entire staff is super hands-on and friendly that you get to know each and every person who is in the salon. I, of course, cannot thank Heather enough for doing such a fabulous job on my hair! I am definitely holiday-ready and just freshened up for the season and New Year to come!

If you’re looking for a refresh or just want to talk about your options make sure to call Craft Academy Salon in South Surrey and ask for Heather Hall! Tell them I sent you and you’ll be given a 15% off promo of your next service! *Offer subject to change at the discretion of the stylist.

Here are a few before and after photos of what we did to my hair!

Before

After

Craft Academy Salon

15240 BC-10 Unite 102, Surrey, BC
craftacademysalon.com

Jars by Jodi – Creating Magic in the Kitchen for the Entire Family

December 4, 2019Business, Features

Jars by Jodi

I’ve got a major sweet tooth… there is no lie or shame in me saying that. So when I was originally introduced to Jars by Jodi a few years ago it was a match made in sweet-tooth heaven!

Jars by Jodi was originally created by none other than Jodi herself, when her husband and she were newly married and on a limited budget. They wanted to provide quality Christmas gifts to their extended family without breaking the bank. With the help of the trusty friend ‘Google’, Jodi searched for “quality gifts on a budget” and mason jar mixes popped up. They were a hit! A few years of growth later (…and a couple of kids later…) Jodi now has her mason jar cookie mixes available for purchase at various markets each year, in 5 local retail stores year-round, as well as for local pickup at her home in Pitt Meadows.

What are Jars by Jodi?

Jars by Jodi is a small business, located in Pitt Meadows, that sells all the baking ingredients for cookies or desserts, all layered in a mason jar.

Each holiday season Jodi comes out with your traditional Christmas mixes including Gingersnap, Christmas M&M’s and Christmas Mini Egg along with a handful of others. This year Ry and I opted to go with the Snickerdoodles and Christmas Mini Eggs. Well, let’s just say after the cookies were made I think they last less than 24 hours… which resulted in me eating vegetables and salad all the next day. Balance right?

Fun for the whole family

What Jodi has done by creating Jars by Jodi is allowing families and individuals not to stress about the mix and mess of making a batch of cookies. All you need is a bowl, spoon and a few other ingredients like milk, eggs, butter, vanilla you name it. Clean up is done in a matter of minutes! And most people already have those few items laying around their house. This has allowed families to max a batch of their favourite cookies in less time and enjoy the tasty benefits.

Having a four-year-old requires A LOT of patience and some days well it’s not there. So having something like this allows us to have some fun in the kitchen and lets him get messy so to speak and then watch what he’s created come to life! And let’s face it he’s the one whos going to be eating more of these anyways.

If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon, looking for a yummy treat when having guests over or looking for a unique and delicious gift look no further then Jars by Jodi!

For more information visit: https://jarsbyjodi.ca/

You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram!

Let’s talk about Lube-baby!

December 1, 2019December 1, 2019Features, Life, Relationships

Disclosure: This post is sponsored and in partnership with K-Y®. All reviews and opinions are my own and the products were provided as part of this partnership.

I’ve never been one to shy away from talking about sex – I think it’s one of the most liberating topics to discuss in motherhood and in the relationship space (from dating to marriage). At the end of the day, motherhood begins with sex… but why is it that once we become a mom we’re ashamed about having and talking about sex and our sexuality?

In the past and even now I have been open about my own sex life and how it has changed over the years from being a single young-adult to pregnancy and then into motherhood. But no one ever seems to talk about getting “back on the horse” and the pressures that stem from your first sexual experience after having a baby or even just having sex thereafter. To be honest it scared me at first too! From how your partner may view you to just how the body naturally changes after birthing a child (or even multiple).

Sometimes the words “sex” and “mom” used in conjunction may seem natural to some when other’s it definitely doesn’t. It can trigger different images and emotions in each of us whether it is through how we were raised or how we view others in society and through social media. By narrowing your mind you’re actually limiting how you can enjoy and view sex when it really shouldn’t be so calculated and tight-lipped. If you really think about it, just as a child’s needs change at each stage of development, your needs as a mother change too. Sexual positions that once felt awesome may become awkward or even painful as you, your hormones and your body change. At the end of the day the big taboo question we face as moms is, is it OK to be a mom who enjoys sex? Well, that answer is of course… YES!

That’s why I am so excited to tell you about these amazing K-Y products such as the K-Y® WARMING® JELLY Personal Lubricant, K-Y® JELLY Personal Lubricant, K-Y ® NATURALS® INTIMATE GEL EXTRA MOISTURE+ and K-Y® SENSUAL SILK® PERSONAL LUBRICANT! With this bundle, you’re truly able to take control of your sex life and find something for every mood and occasion… or just because!

I personally love using the K-Y WARMING® Jelly because it features everything you love about the original K-Y® Jelly formula with an added warming sensation to help jump-start intimacy between me and my fiancé. I love how gentle and non-greasy this formula is and how easily it washes off after use (including the sheets)! Did you know K-Y WARMING Jelly can be used all over the body for intimate massages as well? So it doesn’t necessarily have to be all about sex!

I think that one of the best parts of knowing your body allows you the freedom to explore, investigate, and be playful sexually with yourself and your loved one without feeling like the other person will judge you. Why can’t sex be a celebration of all the amazing things your body has done (and continues to do) for you? From bonding in an intimate way to carrying a child. Nothing is sexier than a mom who’s willing to stand up and state her needs.

At the end of the day, how you have sex and what you choose to bring into the bedroom is a choice that only you can make. I am happy to be joining K-Y® to promote and encourage women to take control of their bodies and their sex life by putting pleasure and comfort first! ** If you’re pregnant, in the early stages of motherhood or have a few wonderful bundles of joy running around your home, using a personal lubricant can help make sex that much more enjoyable and fun.

Are you going to try any of the K-Y® products I mentioned above, or have you already in the past? I would love to hear about your experience if you feel comfortable sharing!!

If you want to get in on the ‘action’ K-Y is hosting a contest that you won’t want to miss!

Contest details: Runs December 31st, 2019
Prize: Participants could win 1 of 4 $1000 Spa Gift Cards.
To enter visit: www.mykycontest.ca/Ymc

**Disclaimer: It is important to consult your physician before using any K-Y® products while pregnant or breastfeeding – please speak with your doctor right away if you have any questions or concerns prior to the use of products.

Reindeer in Here is Showing That ‘Different’ is Normal

November 21, 2019November 21, 2019Features, Kids

A New Christmas Tradition

Reindeer In Here is back for another year of magic and spreading the #DifferentIsNormal message to children across the country. Created by a regular Dad – Adam Reed, Reindeer In Here is a new Christmas friend who helps celebrate each child’s individuality and champions the phrase DIFFERENT IS NORMAL!

Reindeer In Here Book and Plush set is a Christmas friend sent by Santa as an early first gift of the holiday season to get to know each individual child and celebrate that being different is normal. As daily adventures unfold between child and Reindeer, the Reindeer learn about each child and help Santa deliver their true Christmas wishes, creating a magical yearly tradition.

In December the Reindeer In Here book and plush set “magically” arrive for your child, setting the stage for a new yearly Christmas tradition. It’s their FIRST gift of the holiday season from Santa — and it came early! As the parent surprises their child with this unexpected early Christmas present, they introduce them to the special “untold” story of the Reindeer.

Three years ago, creator Adam Reed was perusing stores looking for a holiday tradition he could begin with his young daughter. Being a lover of the holiday season, he wanted her to feel the magic like he did as a child. But what he found was exactly the opposite…spying eyes, tedious nightly pranks…where was the magic in that? So, he decided to start his own tradition, a positive one that celebrated the joy the season radiates.

He believed this Reindeer could be a beacon of unconditional friendship, not just during the holidays, but all year round. And with that, this cute little Reindeer, now complete with one antler shorter than the other and the mantra that “different is normal,” was born.

The plot of the book itself offers a sweet takeaway: Santa Claus wanted a way to better know children around the world besides receiving their letters. That’s when the reindeer narrator — who has two different-sized antlers — came up with a different idea: have the reindeer stay with the kids during December and share with Santa what they want for Christmas. Then at the end of the holidays, their reindeer friend goes back with Santa until this time next year to bring about the new traditions set forth.

Different Is Normal

Christmas has always been a holiday rooted in nostalgia. We watch the same movies, listen to the same songs, and tell the same Christmas stories every year. While there is a certain comfort in the familiarity of it all, there is a void in the market for something new. A story that reflects who we are as a society today; A narrative that not only acknowledges
our individuality but champions the notion that being different is normal wherein children can celebrate their own differences and the differences of others all through a little holiday magic brought forth by our Reindeer.

Reindeer In Here is the brand that fills a void. More than just a children’s book, and so much more than a plush toy, the story is a reflection of our diversity, a celebration of our differences and an experience that affects children for the better in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Simply put, Reindeer In Here is allowing kids to explore and share in the magic of the holidays throughout the whole month of December and even throughout the rest of the year.

A Christmas Friend

Since receiving our Reindeer in Here – Ryerson has loved taking ‘George’ along on his daily adventures and telling him all the magical things Santa could bring him this year. Every day he gives his reindeer a hug and reminders us of how Christmas is quickly approaching with each passing day. With the countdown officially on, once Christma Eve is here Santa will deliver the Christmas wishes and picks up the Reindeer to head back to the North Pole where it lives the rest of the year with Santa until returning next December!

A Positive Christmas Tradition

This unmistakeable bond between the child and their reindeer will be the beginning of a yearly Christmas tradition that children look forward to every December! I know for our household it’s going to be hard for Ry to say ‘see you soon’ to George.

Being Different is Normal

Every one of us in the world is different in our own special way. Different on the inside, different on the outside. Different in our hopes, dreams, and desires. Reindeer In Here celebrates the differences in each and every one of us, whether human or Reindeer!

Learn more here: www.reindeerinhere.com

The product includes a plush reindeer and book set and focuses on encouraging children to celebrate everything that makes them unique all season long. Reindeer in Here is currently available on Amazon and Bed, Bath & Beyond, among several other retailers, which can be found – by location – here.

Disclosure: This post was in partnership with Reindeer in Here. The product was provided in exchange for my post.

A Bite for Every Occasion – Graze & Cardamom

October 27, 2019October 29, 2019Business, Features, Life, Relationships

Eat.Graze.Love

Graze & Cardamom brings the Australian ‘grazing’ trend to the Lower Mainland. With their luxury styled boxes and lavish grazing tables, they don’t settle for average. Let them spruce up any of your events with beautiful boxes and grazing tables lavished will all your favourite goodies. They source local, fresh, and premium produce, cheese, meats, & more with your taste in mind.

Grazing Boxes

Friday night with the girls? Date night? Pre-wedding festivities? Corporate Events? Open Houses? They’ve got you covered! For us, we were celebrating a Friday night in post-engagement. When you have a child romantic date nights out aren’t so common and become far and few in-between. So when we could have a little celebration right in the comforts of our home with our little one next to us it made for a lovely evening. Plus our toddler ate some of the boxes content so I’ll call that a win-win!

But regardless of what you’re celebrating, these graze boxes and tables are the perfect addition. Incorporating all the things from grazing platters into a simple box. They truly customize boxes to cater to what you exactly crave and need at that moment!

What’s Included?

Filled with a mixture of different cheese, wholesome dips, a variety of crackers, fresh fruit, dried fruit, vegetables, meats, olives, nuts, pickles, something sweet, and more you can tailor these boxes to your every taste and preference. For us, we like to go heavy on the cheese and crackers less on the vegetables! But the way G&C customizes the boxes you get a little taste of everything and it pairs so well with one another. Let’s just say I was wanting more for the few days that followed!

Need a vegan box? They also offer that as well! The great thing about G&C is that they truly customize your box to ensure all items are diet-specific whether you’re gluten-free or vegan-friendly from the cheese, crackers, and everything in between. Rest assured you won’t need to comprise what dietary values you have.

If you’re interested in trying these boxes out and are curious about what size to order – here are the options they offer.

Box Sizes:

Small (2-4 people)
Medium (up to 12 people)
Box Dimensions: 19” x 14”
Large (up to 18 people)
Box Dimensions: 26” x 18”

Grazing Tables

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more lavished set up G&C’s luxurious graze tables are specially created and crafted for each event. All graze tables are customizable to cater to your guests whether it be a smaller group of 20 or to larger wedding parties of upwards of 100+ people.

At this time they offer three different types of graze tables: 1 metre, 1.5 metres, and 2 metres graze stations. If you’re looking for another size, please contact G&C directly to discuss further.

All graze tables include the same as the boxes just in a wider quantity and larger value. Items included are fresh and dried fruit, vegetables, cheeses, wholesome dips, meats, premium nuts, artisan bread varieties, crackers, olives, pickles, something sweet, and much more.

The Perfect Bite

Our family couldn’t have been happier with our Friday night grazing box. Paired with a nice glass of wine, kid-friendly movie and good company we were set. Honestly, I’d even order a box after a long week alongside a nice glass of wine to indulge myself (and not share with anyone hehe). Besides that – these boxes are truly great for any type of occasion or simply just because – you don’t need to have a reason!

Thank you G&C for providing us with a small box to enjoy and celebrate!

This post was in partnership with G&C. All opinions are my own. The product was gifted in exchange for a post.

Long Weekend Staycation | The River Rock Casino Resort + Tourism Richmond

July 17, 2019July 22, 2019Features, Kids, Life, Motherhood

Boardwalk River Rock Casino Over the Victoria Day Long weekend, my family was fortunate enough to have been invited by Vancouver Mom to the River Rock Casino Resort for a 2-night staycation thanks to Tourism Richmond. This was the perfect little getaway for our family with May being one of the busiest months for us to-date. With plenty of deadlines, birthdays, a trip to Vegas and just life with a toddler it was nice to be able to get away from all the hustle and bustle for those few days!

The River Rock Casino Resort

If you haven’t been to the River Rock before I suggest you make it a must-visit for your next family staycation or overnight outing. Situated right along the Fraser River the views from the boardwalk alone are simply breathtaking! Conveniently located nearly 5 km from Vancouver International Airport, the River Rock which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year offers upscale dining with three on-site restaurants, an indoor pool and hot tub, an award-winning spa, gym and of course a 24-hour casino including live entertainment. Did I mention how close the bus and Skytrain station is too? You will also find FREE parking which when it comes to going anywhere in the Lower Mainland is a big plus.

The highlight from our trip hands down had to be the saltwater pool complete with a whopping 70ft slide and the amazing food. We went to the pool three times on our first night there and we only checked in at 4 pm… so it’s safe to say Ryerson would have swum all night if he had the choice. For us parental units it was all about the food. Anytime we travel or stay overnight I like knowing we have options, but also that those options are actually good quality flavourful dishes. The buffet was West Coast-inspired with options ranging from pasta dishes to the traditional roast carvings and even sushi! Plus they served chicken nuggets and french fries, so that’s a win in my books right there. You’ll also find Curve Lounge where we were fortunate enough to have a family-style brunch the Sunday morning we checked out. If going out isn’t an option with the little ones opt-in for room service where a movie and eating in your pj’s is never a bad thing!

Swimming at River Rock Our suite was very spacious for our family of three, with a queen bed and a sofa bed for the little one. The room also came equipt with a Nespresso machine, free WIFI, a 42-inch TV and complimentary bathrobes. We even had the cutest little personalized welcome gift waiting for us upon arrival. It’s truly the little things that make the trip that much more special.

Finally, no stay at River Rock is complete without a visit to Absolute Spa. Services include manicures, pedicures, massages and more. I chose to pamper myself with a pedicure seeing as we were off to Vegas in a few short weeks. I needed my feet feeling fancy and fresh! Taking some ‘me’ time during a staycation is always imperative for me. A quick break from the family makes me a way better mom and significant other!

Richmond Night Market

Remember how I said everything was in very close proximity to the resort? Well if you’ve ever heard of the Richmond Night Market and were hoping to go – now is the time as they’re literally down the street from one another. The group of us were able to pack up our families and make our way without having to fight for a parking spot. And if you know me you’ll know I have major road rage… so this was super convenient and less anxiety-ridden. Plus it gave me the chance to walk off all the food we consumed.

I had been to the night market years ago when it had a different location, but wow! I can’t even begin to recall all the food that was coming and going but just the experience alone was something to rave about.

Final Thoughts

For those who are looking to take a family staycation for a change of pace The River Rock and Tourism Richmond have you covered! We loved every minute of our time there. It was such a relaxing weekend with just the right amount of busyness added in. We’re already talking about when we’re going back (maybe this time without our kiddo in tow).

A big thank you again to Vancouver Mom, The River Rock Casino and Resort, and last but not least Tourism Richmond for their amazing hospitality and creating some life-long memories for our family! We can’t wait for our next visit!

Family at River Rock Casino

This post was in collaboration with Vancouver Mom, The River Rock Casino and Resort, and Tourism Richmond. All opinions expressed are my own.