Kitty Candyland

This blog is waaaaaaaay overdue - I apologize!  But the past is the past, and now I am dedicated to keeping up my blog :) Please come back to visit me, guys!

Anyways, I attended the Kitty Candyland event on May 26th at the Refinery in Vancouver.  The event didn't start until 8:00pm but we went an hour early to make sure that we got the giftbox (gift for the first 100 attendees).  There was no lineup so we went to SIP Resto Lounge beside it and drank a bottle of wine - it was half price, how could we not?! lol At 8:00pm, the line started forming (yes, we could've come right at 8:00pm and been okay to get the gift boxes still...haha) so we finished up our wine and joined the lineup!  There was a group of girls that arrived totally smashed and they couldn't even balance - not very classy.  Anyways, we got our ticket to collect the giftbox at the end and headed upstairs to the Kitty Candyland event!

The setup was gorgeous!!  Totally glamourous with big huge feathers, a cotton candy machine, a candy bar with cute little favors and a DJ.  At the end of the restaurant, there were a couple games going on and I won a sample of SJP's perfume!  Haven't tried it yet but maybe I'll wear it for my girls night next week :) The event was fun and I ran into a few friends...the only thing was that it was very crammed.  I found it hard to walk anywhere because it was so narrow and the servers struggled to get through the crowd with their trays full of food.  Overall, it was a super fun event and the giftbox made it TOTALLY worthwhile!

I believe I paid $15 and it included admission and a kittycard (otherwise it would've only been $10, if I didn't need a kittycard).  Because I was one of the first 100 people to arrive, I got this amazing giftbox full of all the above goodies!  My most favourite gift was the Luxe lashes!  There were tons of samples, coupons and little gifts inside which made my $15 admission fee soooo worth it.

Hats off to Lexie & her company for putting on such an awesome event and building her company the way she has!  To purchase or find out more about their fabulous discount card, check out their website: www.showyourkitty.com

INSANITY Workout - Week 1

I have lots and lots and lots and lots of material to blog about but I've been pretty lazy about uploading/editing/posting pictures.  Promise I will get to it sometime this week because I really want to share some stuff w/ you guys!

Upcoming Posts:

• Kitty Candyland Event
• Portobello West Market
• Marcelle/Annabelle Mineral Products
• Beauty Tips
• Purchases off eBay
• My own upcoming events!

Until then, I'd like to find something that's fast & easy to post on my blog to keep you all entertained!  I've chosen to share with you my experiences during the BeachBody INSANITY 60-Day Total-Body Conditioning Program!  My boyfriend & I started it last Monday and it has been INTENSE...or should I say, insane?

What you need: The DVDs and yourself!...and water & a towel!  You don't need any equipment, not even a yoga mat.  I love that part because it takes the excuse away of not having the right equipment and just makes set up a little easier!

Day 1 - Fit Test
We followed a bunch of different exercises and did as many reps as we could in the allotted time.  We recorded our stats and then every two weeks, we'll do the Fit Test again to see our improvement!  Our next Fit Test is on June 28th.

Day 2 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit
I was pretty damn sore from the Fit Test (especially because my competitive side took over and I pushed even harder to beat my boyfriend's records) so this workout was tough.  To be honest, I could barely walk because my core & my calves were so sore!  I powered through the 40 minute video and managed to finish it, with a few breaks...but even the pros in the videos need to take breaks sometimes, so I didn't beat myself up about that.

Day 3 - Cardio Power & Resistance
I was suuuuuuper sore from the previous days so I thought it would be impossible for me to do this workout.  I could barely turn on my side when I woke up because all the muscles felt like they were working it to their max! haha I walked like a slow robot throughout the day to avoid feeling the muscle aches...but there was no avoiding the pain.  But I couldn't quit!  My boyfriend challenged me to complete Week 1 and then he'd take me on a shopping trip the States - that's some good motivation!  After the intense warm up, my muscles were good enough to get through the 40 minutes.  I made sure to have a recovery drink after that one.

Day 4 - Cardio Recovery
I don't think it's fair that they use the word "recovery" because the workout is still so hardcore! haha I guess it was still a nice break from the craziness but I still dripped sweat and felt completely done by the end of it.  By the way, I forgot to mention that I am dripping sweat by the end of EVERY workout...and I don't usually "drip" sweat.

Day 5 - Pure Cardio
Pretty much every day is cardio, getting your heart rate way up, but this one was PURE cardio.  Another intense 40 minute workout to help you burn fat and improve your endurance!  My endurance was already improving by this day and I was learning to breathe better too.

Day 6 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Same video as Day 2 but this time, I didn't start out with aching muscles, stopped way less, and felt stronger through exercises!  I was feeling pretty good about the INSANITY program because I was already noticing results.

Day 7 - Every Sunday is a REST DAY!  A part of me actually missed the workout that day, but my body needs to recover.  I think I will go rollerblading or use our recumbent bike on Sunday, just to get that fulfillment :)

I just completed Day 8 and am onto Day 9, but you'll hear more about that next Monday ;)  Let me know if you're planning on trying out this 60-day program to earn your beach body for the summer time!

Have a great week, everyone!!

"NAME THAT EVENT" Contest WINNER

So, I've decided to go w/ one of my own event name ideas, "Urban Glamour Market".  Actually, I brainstormed w/ my boyfriend's sis & her husband hehe but it's an awesome one, so thank you to them for their creativity!

I'm not going to sell out on my contest though so I've chosen my favourite of the suggestions I received.  The winner of my short (but sweet) "NAME THAT EVENT" Contest is....

*drum roll*






















JOYCE WONG of Sparkley Playground who suggested "Circa Market"!
Congratulations, Joyce!! and thank you for your great suggestion :)

"NAME THAT EVENT" Contest

Don't worry, I haven't disappeared off the face of the planet...I've just been extremely busy with my new event planning company starting up, but that's not a bad thing :) I just finished an event and currently have 5 in the making!  It's VERY exciting for me.

Anyways, I have several things to share but they all go w/ photos and I haven't yet edited them... so instead, I will host a CONTEST!!

The contest name is...

NAME THAT EVENT

On July 14th, I will be hosting an event where about 10 vendors will come and sell their products - like jewelry, accessories, pillow monsters (that's you, Klaudea!), clothing and several other randoms.  It's generally going to be an art & fashion market but I may add in some skincare products and maybe even an oxygen bar if my phone meeting goes well w/ that company!  Not only will people come to buy, but they'll also go there to eat, drink and mingle.  I'm holding it at a trendy restaurant called Terracotta - Modern Chinese and it'll be from 6:00pm-midnight.

Now, the contest part is to think up a creative name for my event!  I kind of run into a mind block when thinking up event names so I need your help.

To get you started, these types of events are usually called markets or bazaars...but I want something really creative & unique, also short & sweet, and something that represents everything about the night!

The one who's name I choose will be the WINNER so please include your email address in your comment so I can contact you.  Limit ONE name entry per person and you must be a follower of mine.  Contest ends Tuesday, June 15th (need to start advertising by then) I will announce the winner on immediately!

The prize is...

MAKE UP, OF COURSE!

Victoria Secret lip balm (used 1x), Urban Decay sample lipstick, Urban Decay sample lipgloss, Bronzer Powder, Smashbox Highlighter, two Blushes, four Lipsticks, Sephora hand lotion

Good luck, everyone, and thanks for participating!

ps: So excited for UFC to be in Vancouver this weekend, and I get to go watch the weigh in's on Friday! but so sad that GSP won't be in town :( I already checked w/ a friend's agent...let's just hope my source is wrong hehe

Hair Care

As some of you may recall, I borrowed a book from the public library called KISS: Guide to Beauty.  Well, I've renewed it twice so that I can get through it.  It's a big textbook and I've been hooked on my other novel...haha

Today, I am going to share some good tips on hair care!  We all want to have strong, healthy hair...so here are a few tips on how we can make that happen.

SHAMPOO
Shampoo is only required to sweep the dirt off your hair but some harsher shampoos also take away your protective sebum, which could result in damaged hair.  When washing hair, concentrate shampoo at the roots of your hair and allow the shampoo to flow down your hair as it is rinsed out.  It isn't necessary to lather your entire head as it creates tangles and dries out the ends.  Also, it is not necessary to wash your hair everyday as it could be damaging...instead, you could just skip the shampoo and only use condition every second day.

CONDITIONER
Not every hair type required a conditioner but most do.  Conditioner adds moisture to our hair and lubricates strands to reduce static electricity which also keeps hair from getting dry/brittle and making hair easier to brush.  For those w/ fine, thin hair, body-building conditioners are great because they are so light that they don't add a lot of moisture which would weigh down your hair.

Semi-homemade spray-on conditioner recipe:
8 oz spray bottle (available at drugstore or dollar stores)
1 tablespoon of your favourite conditioner
Water

Please a tablespoon of your favourite conditioner in the spray bottle, then fill it up with water.  Shake well before using to control frizzies, condition dry ends, or to treat dehydrated hair.  Note: For less conditioning, use less conditioner and vice versa

Homemade deep conditioner recipe:
4 teaspoons almond, sesame, or avocado oil
2 teaspoons coconut oil (available in health food stores)
3 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon cider vinegar

In a saucepan, slowly heat all ingredients except for the honey & vinegar.  Remove from heat, allow to cool, the stir in the honey & vinegar.  After shampooing, massage the mixture into the hair, comb gently through the strands and leave on for 15 minutes.  Rinse well with warm water.

A few more quick tips:

• Don't comb/tug roughly while hair is wet, only dry hair should be brushed
• Only use tight hair clips or ties 2-3x a week
• If you like using your blow-dryer, make sure to get a thermal formula to protect your locks
• Use a gentle shampoo; you only need the soap to remove excess dirt
• Use the conditioner appropriate for your hair type (fine, damaged, colour-treated, tangle-prone, dry, oily, etc) to get the best results
• Natural boar bristle brushes help removed dirt from hair shaft and distribute moisturizing sebum from scalp to hair ends
• Thoroughly brush dry hair (10-15 brush strokes), starting upside down from your neckline and around the rest of your hair "against the grain" to create fullness and in the long run, possibly avoid bald spots
• Treat yourself to a scalp massage w/ scalp oil once in awhile
• Find a good hairstylist (I recommend The Scissors in Burnaby on Edmonds St)

I'm trying to grow out my hair right now so I want to keep my hair healthy as possible.  I think I can definitely learn to let my hair down more rather than tying it back all the time.  One thing I swear by is using a thermal formula (I recommend Tre Semme's) as it makes my hair feel soft afterward with zero build up!  I can really tell the difference when I don't use it.

I hope you found a few tips to try out on yourself and to help keep your hair healthy!  If you have any tips of your own or suggestions for shoulder length hair styles for me, please feel free to share them :)

Blog Sale

Hey everyone!

I've just created a Blog Sale page to get rid of make up, jewelry and clothing that I don't use.  My first post has just been created and it's all make up! :)

Go take a look here.  I hope you can all find something!

Happy shopping!

Spend Less, Stay Gorgeous

I accidentally took a 1-hr nap after eating at Society, a trendy new restaurant participating in Dine Out Vancouver, and now I'm WIDE awake at 4:30am...but it's okay.  Since I woke up from the nap, I had a 2-hr workout, designed my business cards, filed my nails and checked out a couple of blogs!

So, today I'll be sharing some ideas on how to beautify your outer self while on a tight budget.  That's not to say that you can forget about your naturally beautiful inner self though ;) hehe

With the economy these days and HST taxes approaching, we'd all love to save some money without sacrificing our beauty. Here are some ideas on how to do so!

BE A BLOGGER
Just being a blogger could get you free products!  A lot of make-up companies out there send bloggers loads of products to test and review.  I'm lucky enough to receive something in the mail every once in awhile :)

ASK FOR SAMPLES
Not sure how many other beauty shops do this but Sephora supplies samples of make-up when you want to test one out.  I went there to pick up a couple of foundation samples because I was tossing between Lancome & MUFE, and they give a pretty decent size sample!  I've only tried each one once so far, but I'm pretty sure the amount could last for 4-5 uses.  I'm also glad I asked for samples 'cause the foundation I was originally going to buy really didn't work well w/ my skin type.

BE A MODEL
No skills necessary!  Last week, my friend asked me to attend her nail tech class for a manicure.  I got the real deal - filing, buffing, cuticles, massage, polish.  She gave me a full manicure free of charge and it was lots of fun!  I even gained some hair tips from her teacher..bonus! hehe  At the same beauty school, I've helped out a friend's friend who needed a model to do make-up application on.  Her exam required her to do a Day look and an Evening look, and I got to leave w/ the Evening look on!  Very fun.

TRUST TRAINEES
A lot of people are drawn away from new trainees at salons, but just like I trusted my friend to do my manicure, I trusted a lady at my lash place to apply lash extensions on me!  The application was free (reg $65) because she has to complete 200 hrs of training.  The lashes didn't last long and they weren't perfect, but it was still nice being pampered and at least I had the glam look for a few days :)  She also offered a free fill (reg $35) but I was going to Seattle and took them all out so that I wouldn't have to worry about them.

All of the above ideas are for FREE products & services but there are also plenty of ways to beautify yourself in an affordable fashion.  I always check on Craigslist in the Beauty section.  You can often find specials on nail or waxing services, cheap massages, students looking for models (make-up app, cut & dye, hair styling, etc) or even sales on products in store.  Another way is to keep an eye out for make-up tradeshows or other events where you can score some crazy deals on products!


Well, there you have it!  Those are my techniques :)  What do you do to stay glamorous, get pampered and continuously add to your make-up collection?