Fitness Friday: Carrot Rewards

National Blog Posting Month

Blogging everyday in November

#NaBloPoMo Day 11 - Carrot Wellness Rewards

I was first introduced to Carrot with someone running up to me and said "Do you like Scene points?  Download Carrot."  For me that wasn't enough, I needed to find out more.  Especially since when I asked "How long does it take to gain enough points for a movie?"  The answer was unknown.

Of course it is not a surprise that I caved and signed up for a free Carrot Reward membership which is supported by BC Healthy Families to help educate the public on nutrition, fitness, and more.  I have to admit that they are improving the program as time passes.  

Firstly download the app on your cell phone.  I found it difficult to enter the code to give my friend the referral code.  That seems a bit unclear but I have passed along my code to others and have received the 100 bonus points so I guess the system figures it out.  My bonus code is:  mariak6718 

It is a good thing that you are signed up now when it has paired up with Fitbit which makes life a lot easier.  Before I had it paired up with Google Fit on my phone but I would often not carry my phone everywhere with me.  So I am happy that it is now paired with my Fitbit.  

Be careful the first few weeks because they track how many steps you take to figure out how many steps will be your personal goal.  After they determine that you will need to reach your goal daily before they give you 4 points daily.  

To earn more points they also have quizzes that you can take to learn about fitness, nutrition and how to be healthy.  I find the quizzes quite fun and educational.  I'm hoping with the Fitbit to be motivatd to meet my daily fitness goal and gain more Scene points.  Find out more on the website:  https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/carrot-rewards

Travel Tuesday - Deer Lake Park

I love being a tourist in my own town and exploring nature in the city.  In Burnaby there are beautiful parks and Deer Lake Park is one of them.  

Deer Lake Park in the summer has boat rentals where people can rent kayaks, canoes, or peddle boats to scoot around the small lake.  Deer Lake has a beautiful walking trail around the lake with a wooden boardwalk that cuts across one end of the lake.  There are ducks around surprising few mosquitoes as it is not as large as Burnaby Lake.  It is easy to walk around Deer Lake Park in less than an hour.  

Even in the summer, we were able to enjoy an evening stroll before dinner.  I was happy we were walking instead of running.  Save the running for the cool fall weather.  Enjoy the views of the lake on a summer day!

Subscription Box Sunday - Student Velocity

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

The university school year has ended so has the Student Velocity subscription box until August 2016.  Even though universities run summer semesters, it is less busy than in September.  I have discovered the Canadian Student Velocity box a little too late.

Or it is perfect timing for anticipation for the busy September university life.  There are two major universities in Vancouver and that would be the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.  There are many students both local and international who would love to have necessities shipped to their residence or doorstep.

Student Velocity is a care package subscription box with study snacks, school supplies, and lifestyle items for university students.  There seems to be two different subscription box sizes, the Hatchling ($78 for 3 months) and the Raptor ($108 for 3 months) which also includes the shipping fee.  These are quite affordable and this will be something to look forward to as the summer ends and it's back to school time for all.  

Subscription Box Sunday - St Johns Soapworks Monthly Soap Subscription Box

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

Subscription box Sunday is all about discovering new Canadian subscription boxes, or those that ship to Canada.  Now that the Canadian dollar is not on par with the US dollar, it is time to look at what is available in Canada and ships to Canada.

Etsy is an online marketplace for local and handmade products which is the perfect place to look for monthly subscription boxes.  In the search this week, we've found St Johns Soapworks Monthly Soap Subscription box which is a soapmaker from Newfoundland.  

I love the fact that it's a monthly soap box that will not reoccur unless you order more.  There are no hidden fees and the $40 Canadian price includes shipping anywhere in Canada.  I love free shipping!  Keep checking back because when it arrives, we'll do a St Johns Soapworks MOnthly Box Unboxing on YouTube.

  

Subscription Box Sunday - Baker's Krate Dessert Box (April Unboxing)

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

It's time for our last Baker's Krate Dessert Box (April Unboxing) from our 3 month subscription.  This is a Canadian gourmet dessert subscription box from Winnipeg, Manitoba.  If you like sweet treats with a homemade touch, then this box is for you.  Let's take look to see what was inside the Baker's Krate for April.

1.  Earl Grey Meringue - light meringue that melts in your mouth.

2.  Raspberry Imperial Cookie - two of these were in the box and since I love rapberries, these were the first to disappear.  Two shortbread coookies sandwiched with raspberry jam and pink coloured icing to tie it all together.

3.  Salted Caramel Cookie - two of these for those who like sweet and salty.

4.  Goodies - two bards, one was a chocolate brownie and the other was an oh henry.  

Baker's Krate Dessert Subscription Box never lasts long in my household. 

Check out our YouTube unboxing to watch the yummyness!

Subscription Box Sunday - White Willow Box (April Unboxing)

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

Our White Willow April Box arrived and we unboxed it!  It was a celebratory occasion.  The box is beautifully designed and I love their motto that is inside the box "Unveil your Surprises".  It is like a wedding in a box.  Everything is pretty and classic.  Carolyn said it's like Pier 1 in a box, now I don't go to Pier 1 enough to know what that means, but let's take a look inside April's White Willow Box.

 1.  Classic Double Pearl Earrings by Cherrypick - classy double sided pearl earrings.  These were in the sneak peak for April's box which led me to actually purchase my first White Willow subscription box and boy, am I glad I did.  Classic and beautiful.

 2.  Natural Foaming Face Wash (Unscented) by Consonant Skincare - I love natural products and this is an award winning cleaner so I'm excited to start using it.  I am a big fan of foaming face cleansers so this one will work itself into my daily routine.  

3.  Gluten Free Artisan Vanilla Bean Cake Mix by NextJen - Such a fancy name for a cake mix.  On my bucket list I want to bake something gluten free so this will help me do just that.  

4.  Earl Grey Imperial Tea Sachets by Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders - With the Gluten Free Vanilla Bean Cake Mix and the Earl Grey Imperial Cake, I can follow the recipe that was provided in the box to make a Gluten Free London Fog Cake.  Such a brilliant idea!  

5.  Honey Absolute White Soleil Candle by D.L & Co. - You'll have to watch our Vancity Girlfriends YouTube White Willow Unboxing to see this candle.  It already has gone to its new home in Carolyn's elegant wash closet ;)

Overall we loved how this box is curated and put together.  It is done with such beauty and elegance.  It was worth the $48.50 that I spent for the gift box (one time box which includes shipping and taxes).  We loved it so much we are both considering getting a subscription to this one.  Subscriptions are monthly, 3 months, 6 months or 12 months and range from $32-35/month plus shipping.  It's like opening up a box that is as beautiful and elegant as a wedding.  Impressive!

Deer Lake Park

Deer Lake Park is situated in Burnaby, BC and close to Metrotown.  It is a small lake where people can rent canoes and boats in the busy summer months.  There are walking trails that surround the lake and the Shadbolt Arts Center and Burnaby Art Gallery are nearby.  The walking trails are well maintained and it is well used.  They built a boardwalk so that a part of the trails is going across the lake.  There are herons and geese and dog walkers and runners.  

Some places are more populated than others but it is easy to find a quiet place.  Most who go there want to be in nature for awhile or to sit on a nearby park bench and enjoy the natural view in the middle of the city. It is great to visit on a sunny day or to go walk around right before sunset.  

Each time I go I find new scenery, flora and fauna, and views that capture my lens.  Enjoy the photos from my March visits to Deer Lake Park in Burnaby.

Deer Lake - Fish pond

Deer Lake Sunset

Deer Lake Boardwalk

Deer Lake at Sunset

Deer Lake Walking Trails

Subscription Box Sunday - White Willow Subscription Box Coming in April

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

We have a surprise for you coming up in April!  We have ordered a Canadian lifestyle and beauty box called White Willow Box.  Sometimes, it is nice to treat yourself and the best part about the subscription box is that I don't know what is coming so it is a surprise for me too.  

Okay, I might have told a little white lie.  I did see on the White Willow sneak peak that there will be a pair of pearl earring which drew me to the April box.  We gifted ourselves a box.  So what does it mean to "gift" a box?  That means that instead of a recurring subscription that you have to cancel if you want to stop, you just order a one time box for one month.  Gifting a box is more expensive but overall it is still under $50 for the box and shipping.  

We paid $40 + $8.50 for shipping in Canada which equals $48.50.  
Compared with a month to month subscription which is $35 + $8.50 = $43.50.

White Willow will have 4-5 products in each box.  I know pearl earring will be one.  Can't wait for the White Willow Subscription Box to arrive to see what else is inside.  

Curious?  White Willow Website:  https://whitewillowbox.com/#

Subscription Box Sunday - Baker's Krate Dessert Box

As the Canadian dollar is dropping in value against the US dollar I've been searching for subscription boxes that are from Canada so it is cheaper for me.  That's cheaper for shipping and total cost of the subscription box.  This is when I discovered that there are lots of new Canadian subscription boxes popping up and that subscription boxes are not dying off.  Even though there is turnover, and companies close, there are new ones ready to come abroad and subscription boxes are still popular in both Canada and the US.
  

Baker's Krate is a Canadian subscription box based from Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Carolyn though we'd have to do the baking but surprise!  It's a sweet treat box.  There are 6 or more desserts in each box.  I signed up for their mailing list so I could receive their newsletter and the discounts codes included in them.  I thought it was timely to order a Baker's Krate for February in time for Valentine's Day.  I had a 15% discount so I ordered a 3 month subscription.  It worked out to be about $25 per box including shipping in Canada.  

The treats are delicious and irresistable that we couldnt' wait and ate as we vlogged.  That means the photo only shows four out of the six desserts that we received.  Watch our upcoming Baker's Krate vlog to see our yummy unboxing. 

We'll be back for more Vancity Girlfriends Baker's Krate unboxing every month until April!   This box is one that doesn't last long!  Few days and it's all gone!

Subscription Box Sunday - The Tasting Box from Foodie Pages

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

Happy New Year!  We are back this year with bigger and better goals for a fabulous Vancity Girlfriends blog and You Tube Channel.  We're starting off with a monthly subscription box to review.

For January I chose a Canadian subscription box to support local Canadian food producers and growers.  It's from Foodie Pages and it's called The Tasting Box.  The Tasting Box is $14.95 and then with shipping is still comes to approximately $28 (under $30 Canadian).  We love food so let's open this up and see what The Tasting Box has to offer.  There are five products and a great variety from sweets to filtered water to relish. 

 1.  Gourmet Relish - I'm pretty excited about this one but need to go out to buy some hot dogs or sausages first.  

2.  Sapsucker Maple Tree Filtered Water - Never heard of this and can't really imagine what it's going to taste like.  Carolyn loved saying the name and you can see that vlog on our You Tube Channel.

3.  Handmade Chocolate Pyramids from Indulgence Truffles.  Of course chocolate is a win!  Love it!

 

4.  Chocolate Covered Hazelnuts from Shoko - anything with chocolate is great! 

5.  Good Greek Bakery Almond Cookies - Yummy!  It's in my tummy!

Such a great little Tasting Box, so glad we tried this one out and we thought it was a great deal for the value.  Happy it's Canadian too!  

Here's the link to check out Foodie Pages and The Tasting Box:  http://www.foodiepages.ca/popup/HQoGt0

Subscription Boxes: Munch Better Subscription Box

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

Canada's snackbox is Munch Better and here's what's inside March's Munch Better Subscription Box.  Every month they have healthy snacks for you to try.  I say try because I know that some of the healthy snacks I would never have bought them on my own.  It's a great way to be surprised and have some healthy snacks around the house or at the office.  When you are hungry enough you will be surprised how good healthy snacks can taste.  Let's take a peak inside the March Munch Better subscription box for the goodies.  

Banana Krisp Fruit Crackers

Fig Brownie

Ener-C Powdered Drink Mix - Lemon Lime Flavour
Glad this was in the mix, love this flavour! 

Beef Jerkey - Yum!  

Buckwheat Dill Pickle Snack

Buckwheat Snack with Pineapple & Coca Nibs
This one will grow on you as an acquired taste!

Chili Lime Seaweed Chips

March Munch Better Subscription Box

Subscription Boxes: February Glossybox USA ships to Canada

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

It's March and my February Glossybox finally arrived, but Carolyn had hers shipped to work and of course, the ladies couldn't wait to open it up!  After seeing her fancy nails, I came home and opened my box too.  Enough for procrastination or waiting for the right moment.  The right moment for opening a Glossybox subscription box is NOW.  

We have a few more months of Glossybox USA since our 3 month subscription automatically renewed.  After the auto renewal, we both have stopped our subscriptions.  It's bad timing for Glossybox USA to come to the Canadian market as the American dollar is growing stronger which makes Glossybox USA more expensive for us Canadians.  We just really hope that the box offers us Canadians a good deal!  

February is the month of love and it did not disappoint!  We LOVED the box!  The box itself tell us that it is full of Glossybox Love.  They packed the box this month full of new items and brands for me.  I loved the variety of hair, bath, skincare, cosmetics, and nail products.  Immediately I did my nails after opening the box to see the bling from the Julep Harleigh nail polish.  I paired it with my OPI pink polish that came in a previous Glossybox.  I was so happy for the full sized Scalisi cleaner as I just finished my last face cleanser.  That's the beauty of Glossybox, it arrives to restock your supply!  Now I just have to find a place to put everything.  The February Love Glossybox is definitely a keeper.    

Rituals Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel

Unwash Shampoo and Conditioner

Royal Apothic Tinties Lip Butter

Scalisi Cleanser and Exfoliator

Julep Harleigh

Subscription Boxes: Glossybox USA November Edition (Carolyn's Subscription Box)

Hi Vancity Girlfriends,

It is time to return to where we first started.  We first started Vancity Girlfriends when we decided to both sign up for Glossybox Canada Subscription Box almost a year ago with the February Anniversary Glossybox in 2013.  We started vlogging with both of our boxes for three months and then it happened.  Glossybox Canada closed its doors.  

Then in November 2014 Glossybox USA announced that it would start shipping to Canada.  WOW!  The day we had been waiting for so it's not surprising that we both jumped at the chance to order our boxes.  We both ordered a 3 month subscription of Glossybox USA.  

Carolyn's November box arrived on time in Canada and we wanted to vlog about the return of Glossybox to Canada with champagne bubbles.  Unfortunately the timing was not right.  Carolyn got sick and it's been a long road to recovery which included a hiatus on coffee and alcohol.  Luckily she's back on her feet but still taking it easy.  So we are putting the champagne on hold and we had a Starbucks Glossybox November opening.  Check out the vlog on our Vancity Girlfriend YouTube channel.

So, how has Glossybox been all of these months?  The pink Glossybox has not changed.  Then we open it up to see the five beauty products inside.  Glossybox USA is $26/ month which includes the $5 shipping fees (US dollars).  

Maria's Glossybox was delayed but it has been shipped.  Once it arrives, we can see if the products are the same for all November Glossyboxes shipped to Canada or if it is based on our personalized beauty profile.  Come back to see!

Glossybox USA November Subscription Box

Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defying Moisturizer - Sample Size
Did we see this one before in other Glossyboxes?

12 Benefits Healthy Hair Treatment - Sample Size

Kneipp Lavender Herbal Bath - Sample Size
Good way to destress after a long day at work!

Blush - Full Size

OPI Nail Lacquer - Full Size
Favorite of the Glossybox November Box
Can't stop loving OPI!

Subscription Boxes: Munch Better December Subscription Box

Hello Vancity Girlfriends!

December Munch Better Subscription Box

Now we are getting back on track with vlogging and blogging and we are right on time for the December Munch Better box.  Munch Better is a Canadian snack subscription box.  It costs $28 a month including shipping within Canada.  We opened both November and December Munch Better boxes at the same time for a whole lot of snacking goodness.  LEt's take a peak inside the December Munch Better subscription box to see if you can guess which snack we devoured, that would be kids and adults alike.  

Lavash Crackers - Saving this for a wine and cheese night!

Fermented Vegan Proteins - Adding this to morning smoothies

Made with Local Choco-Berry Bliss Bar (aka chewy cranberry chocolate oat bar)

Hardbite Rock Salt & Vinegar Chips

Kewaza Red Banana Bread Energy Balls (Interesting new snack to try!)

Prana Kilimanjaro Organic Deluxe Chocolate Trail Mix

So can you guess which snack was devoured?  

Even thought I love the savory Hardbite Rock Salt and Vinegar chips which I grabbed to open first, it was actually the Prana Kilimanjaro Organic Deluxe Chocolate Trail Mix that won our hearts.  Now when they say it's addictive, they didn't say that a three year old was going to grab the bag and pour the trail mix on the table to lap up the chocolate and raisins.  Don't worry, it's the healthy kind of chocolate, the dark kind.  Trail mix can fill you up and with Carolyn, Toby and I, we finished the bag in no time.  Yes, it's a win win for adults and kids alike.  Luckily it's readily available at grocery stores in Vancouver.  I think it's good enough to be a stocking stuffer for kids.  The Munch Better December box has intrigued me enough to keep my subscription for this snack box going.