Girls' Night Out - The Keg, Sephora and Yaletown

Vancity Girlfriends had a little hiatus with the busyness of life!  Thought it would be nice to share with our readers what we've been up to including our Girl's Night Out dates.  

I had a gift card for the Keg so we decided to meet at The Keg on Alberni Street downtown Vancouver which Carolyn also describes as the Shangrila Keg.  This was the first time I went to this location and I loved the atmosphere.  First we met at the bottom of staircase that led up to the front doors of the restaurant.  The staircase was lined with bamboo on both sides creating a natural and beautiful entrance.  I had made Open Table reservations for 5pm and that's also when the dining room and outdoor patio opened.  It was a beautiful sunny evening so we asked to sit in the elegant patio and dine outdoors.  

Happy Hour was from 3-6pm so we had time to indulge in $6 glasses of wine.  I had the white on tap and Carolyn had the red on tap.  Both were lovely blends that I would return to have again.  It was worth going for an early dinner just to be able to have $6 glass of wine.  

For our meals, we didn't order from the Happy Hour menu but instead had the Keg classic dinners which start with a caesar salad and the steak of your choice comes with grilled vegetables and a side of your choice.  I chose the Top Sirloin (8oz) steak with bernaise sauce and a twice baked potato.  The Keg Classic dinners did not disappoint.  We were both completely satisfied with our meals and the ambiance at The Keg on Alberni in Vancouver.  

After our meal, we walked down Robson Street and stopped at our favorite beauty store, Sephora.  I was looking for a new cleanser and moisturizer and found the Ole Henriksen A Brighter Truth skincare kit with the cleaner, serum, and moisturizer.  The brighter truth has vitamin c to help with the sun spots and age spots which I need so I bought the reasonably priced kit at $42.  It has a light fruity scent that is refreshing so we'll see how I feel after I test it for a month.

Then we continued our journey down Robson Street past the Vancouver Art Gallery where there was a busker playing music on the street.  We were both completely full from dinner so the evening stroll downtown was a way to walk off our dinner.  Since Carolyn needed to travel by the Canada Skytrain Line, we decided to walk to the Roundhouse Yaletown skytrain station.  Just outside the skytrain station we were pleasantly surprised with the Underbrella art exhibit.  Umbrellas in the sky.  It was the perfect way to end our girl's night out.  

Self Care Sunday - Kiehl's Skin Care Routine

With the fall weather and humidity, it seems like my skin has become more dry.  So I decided to go to Kiehl's so I could get a skincare consultation.  To my surprise, my friend was working there and it was a fabulous reunion.  She tested my pH of my skin and determined that I had combination skin.  All I could feel was my dry cheeks and was sure that I had dry skin.  But as with others the T zone was oily so that combination is combination skin.  

She brought out a few different products for me to take a look at and try.  And she explained the purpose of serums which really gave me education about all skincare products.  Before I went to Kiehls I knew that I wanted a skin moisturizer and I had used the one at Kiehls before.  What I didn't know is that I would come away with enough samples and products to have my new Kiehl's Skincare Routine.  

Purifying Foaming Cleanser
Cucumber Herbal Alcohol Free Toner 
Calendula and Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask
Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate

Ultra Facial Cream

I've thrown out my drugstore skin care and have adopted the new Keihls's Skincare routine to see if my skin can start to mend and not be dry anymore.  The full sized products that I bought to help save my skin was the Hydro-Plumping Serum $67 and the Ultra Facial Cream $36.  This was more than I expected to spend but after using it a few weeks my skin is no longer dry and cakey at the end of the day and I'm loving trying a whole skincare routine from the same line.   

Girl's Night Out - Earl's Restaurant Test Kitchen and Sephora

Girl's Night Out is our date night for Vancity Girlfriends.  We have a chance to catch up and go out on the town.  We decided to go to dinner and a movie and in between had time to make a quick stop at Sephora.  

Earls Restaurant was our first stop at the Earls Test Kitchen downtown Vancouver conveniently located beside the Scotiabank movie theatre.  We met early so we could go to Earls Restaurant Happy Hour.  Happy Hour is the perfect way to eat fabulous food at a fraction of the cost.  On Saturdays Frozen Lemonade is $2 off so we started with that and then we shared appetizers from the Happy Hour menu including Margarita pizza, Coconut prawns and Swordfish tacos.  

Frozen Pink Lemonade

Margarita Pizza

Coconut Prawns

Swordfish Tacos

Check out the Girls Night Out vlog to see which face cleanser Carolyn decided to try.  Was it Drunken Elephant Jelly Cleanser, Thomas Roth Foam Cleanser or ???  What did she buy at Sephora before we went to the theatre for popcorn, Timeplay and to watch the movie "IT".  The horror movie with a morale.  

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!

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/#

Shoppers Beauty Boutique - Favorite Drugstore Products

I've had a Shoppers Optimum card (which is free) for many years now and the points have added up.  Then I discovered that there are special "Spend Your Points" weekends where they give you extra money for your points but it only applies to beauty.  This is when you have to find a Shoppers Beauty Boutique that has all of the different name brand items.  

I had enough points for $100 worth of beauty products so take a look at some of my drugstore favourites that caught my eye and the freebies that came with them since it was bonus time.  

1.  Shiseido Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam - This is a nice gentle cleanser that I like to keep in the shower for my daily cleansing routine.  I love that you only need a small bit to have a nice clean lather.  

The bonus bag came with a cosmetic bag and inside included 5 trial size Shiseido products.  

*Shiseido Glow Enhancing Make Up Primer (10ml)
*Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser (30ml)
*Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturizer (15ml)
*Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (10ml)
*Shiseido Ultimune Eye Infusing Concentrate (5ml)

2.  Biotherm Aquasource Moisturizer for Dry Skin - I like this daily moisturizer because even though it is for dry skin, it is very light.  

The bonus bag came with a Biotherm blue cosmetics bag with 3 sample products inside.

*Biotherm Aquasource Cocoon 48 hour Hydration Gel (for normal to dry skin and is supposed to keep your skin moisturized even if you break out a sweat) (15ml)
*Biotherm Aquasource Total Eye Revitalizer (3ml)
*Biotherm Life Planton Essence (30ml) - tried a sample of this before which was nice.  I find the full sized Planton products are too expensive.  

Those are two of my favorite drugstore skincare essentials and I love how I only need a little bit for each of them to last a long time, however, that was not enough for my points.  I still had $5 to spend so I decided to splurge and get a new eyeshadow pallette from Smashbox.  Yes, you can buy Smashbox at the Shoppers Beauty Boutique and get Shoppers Optimum points for doing so.

3.  Smashbox Cherry Smoke Eyeshadow Pallette - I love the colours that make your eyes pop and most importantly stay on for the day.  Loving this beauty treat so far.  Here's a Cherry Smoke Tutorial:  https://www.smashbox.com/video/index.tmpl?video=cherrysmokepalette

I've used up all of my Shoppers Optimum points so I'm sure it'll take me a year or two to get enough points for a "Spend Your Points" weekend but maybe I'll get some tips from Vancity Girlfriend Carolyn who says she buys almost everything at Shoppers Drug Mart just for the optimum points.  Even without the free points, it was lots of fun to shop at the beauty boutique.  

Beauty: Urban Decay Naked 2

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

This week I've been struggling with my drugstore eye shadow that I bought on a whim to replace my old Naked 2 palette that crumbled to powder when one of the eye shadows broke and I didn't realize that if I didn't throw it out, it would powder all over the other colours.  Such bad luck!  

I thought that drugstore brand eye shadows would do the same job at a cheaper price.  Nope!  The eye shadows turned to powder after a short period of time and without a eye shadow primer the eye shadow smudged during the day.  Help!  I had to ask for advice.  

What was my Vancity Girlfriends recommendation?  1)  Use a eye shadow primer  2)  Buy eye shadow pallettes from Sephora

So that brings me back to Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette.  They have neutral colors that blend well and as long as you get rid of the broken ones, the palette lasts a long time and it has a velvety touch.  This makes neutrals exciting with the variety.  

They also have Naked Basics, Naked 2, and Naked 3 palettes to choose from.  My big question is if I am going to invest the $64 at Sephora on cosmetics.  Hmmm....I may just make do with what's in my make up drawer until the holidays.  In the meantime I can write about it and long that I had it back in my life.  Word of advice, take care of your cosmetics and pay for quality.  

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: GlossyBox USA comes to Canada!

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

We opened up our email and were surprised to hear the news!  Glossybox USA is finally heading north to Canada.  It was a sad time when Glossybox Canada closed its doors especially since we started Vancity Girlfriends with Glossybox.  

That was the beginning of Vancity Girlfriends blogging and vlogging journey and the start to monthly nights of wine and beauty.  What a winning combination!  

SURPRISE!  We BOTH have ordered our Glossybox USA boxes for 3 whole months!  YES, you can come back soon to watch us open our November Glossyboxes!  We can't wait!  It's like we are making a comeback too!

What is Glossybox?  It is a monthly beauty subscription box that costs $21/month plus $5 for shipping to Canada (US dollars).  There are 6 beauty products in the box and often are full sized.  

Throwback Thursday!  Check it out our Glossybox Canada opening from 2013.  

Vancouver Event: Sephora VIB Rouge Event for November

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

Way back in August when I went to my first Sephora VIB Rouge event, my last sentence was something like "I'll go back again."  I had the opportunity tonight!  Vancity Girfriend Carolyn texted me immediately after receiving her Sephora VIB invite but my response was not fast enough for us to get into the VIB Rouge event at the brand new Sephora Robson Street store downtown Vancouver.  We were lucky enough to be able to return to the Sephora VIB Rouge event at Pacific Center Mall also located downtown Vancouver.

When we arrived at 7pm there was already a small lineup and a large banner that said the store was closed for the private event.  They checked our names on the guest list and then we were given a Shashi Sephora bracelet upon entering the store with an offer of a shopping basket.  On a small table when we entered there were Godiva chocolate truffles, bottles of water, and cookies.  

Sephora Shopping time!  I love the fact that they closed the store this time and it seemed like a special event.  At a back table they were serving non-alcoholic drinks in wine and champagne classes so you could enjoy a Raspberry Mojito, Strawberrry Lemonade, or Orange Passionfruit as you shopped.  

There were staff who were doing make up lessons and tips, helping find products, and of course cashing out the customers as quickly as they could so the line up was never really much of one.  

The best part about shopping at Sephora Rouge VIB events is that you get to bring home a bag of samples with your purchase.  This time everyone received an extra 20% discount from their purchase.  I love saving money so with that in mind I bought Buxom Lip Gloss (Mwah) and Dior BB Creme in Beige with SPF30.  The helpful Sephora staff helped me with my colour match.  

I know that you are curious so, let's take a look inside my sample bag:

1.  Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel

2.  Phyto Intense hydrating mask for dry hair

3.  L'eau D'Issey Eau de Toilette for Men

4.  Givenchy Mascara (4g)

5.  Bare Minerals BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

6.  GlamGlow hydrating face mask

7.  Dior Dream Skin Anti Aging skincare

8.  Clarins Multi-Active Day early wrinkle correction cream

9.  Nude facial treatment oil

10. Philosophy Purity 3-in-1 cleanser for face and eyes

11.  First Aid Beauty (FAB) Ultra Repair Cream

12.  Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment

13.  Living Proof Prime style extender hair primer

14.  Cartier Declaration essence

15.  Aerin Iris Meadow eau du parfum spray

Dior BB Creme, Buxom Lip Gloss

Vancouver Event: Sephora VIB Rouge Event at Pacific Centre

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

As you know, Carolyn is an avid beauty shopper and she is my go-to person for beauty tips.  We are both members of Sephora's Beauty Insider as it is a free program and they give you freebies on your birthday!  I like that.  

Now when you shop and use your Sephora Beauty Insider card, you get points and if you spend $350 or more in a calendar year, you are a VIB (Very Important Beauty) Rouge member who gets invited to special events.  As a VIB Rouge member, Carolyn invited me a special event at Sephora in Pacific Center, downtown Vancouver.

We went in and signed up, got our names tags and then shopped at Sephora.  It was also the 4x points event and there were cupcakes, snacks, tea and coffee.  Sephora was busier than usual for a Wednesday night because of the event but that's the fun of shopping with others and a different buzzing feeling.  

Of course, we both didn't leave empty handed, in addition to our cosmetic bag freebies, we left with a few new products to try.  That of course is not a surprise!  It was a fun night and I'd go back to another VIB Rouge event.



The free cosmetic bag included the following samples:  
1.  Escada Born in Paradise Eau du Toilette
2.  Buxom Lash Mascara
3.  Make Up Forever HD Blush
4.  Algenist Eye Renewal Balm
5.  Living proof Perfect hair Day styling cream
6.  Clinique high impact mascara
7.  Philosophy Hope in a Jar moisurizer
8.  Benefit Watt's Up highlighter
9.  Black Sephora cosmetic bag








Carolyn's Sephora Buy:  "My go to hydrating primer that I love!  (Good for combination dry skin) and trying out the new instant revitalizing mask from Radical Skincare."  

Maria's Sephora Buy:  "Trying out the Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser for daily skincare and Two Faced Chocolate Bar eye shadow kit."

Subscription Boxes - Fortune Cookie Soap Box (Summer Edition)

Hi Vancity Girlfriends,

We are BACK this SUMMER with our VLOG!  It has been awhile but we waited for you before we opened up the Fortune Cookie Soap Box (Summer Edition) with the theme of CANDY AISLE!

Fortune Cookie Soap Box is a quarterly subscription box which is nice so you are no overwhelmed with goodies.  Instead you can wait and anticipate to open up the next box.  

CANDY AISLE was the Summer theme and it has a fortune cookie that tasted like peppermint and dark chocolate (oops!  dont' eat your soap).  But that's how good it smelled.  So good that I wanted to taste it.  Also included were samples of whipped butter cream, sparkle mist, hand santizer, lip sugar, face scrub, and a body scrub bar.  Confetti paper and a couple of candies to top it all off.  Now that's real candy that you can eat.  The small box is packed with goodies!  Watch the Fortune Cookie Soap Box (Candy Aisle) vlog to see it all! 

Fortune Cookie Soap Quarterly Subscription Box is $28 for the Canada Soap Box and $19.99 for the US Soap Box.    

Vancouver Spa - Bloom Essentials Picasso Pedicure for Two

 Hi Vancity Girlfriends,

Carolyn entering Bloom Essentials

I love to escape to the spa to take a break from the busy, stressful city life and to relax at the spa.  Now that's a treat to do with your Vancity Girlfriends.  Now I've been to spas for massages, facials, but Vancity Girlfriend Carolyn wanted a pedicure!  Initially I found a Groupon for a spa but as most groupons go, you have to plan ahead, otherwise it is very difficult to find a time to get two appointments at the same time.  I had a time crunch since I wanted my pedicure before my two week European vacation began.  

So I decided to go find out where the "Best Spa in Vancouver" was that specialized in pedicures.  Bloom Essentials was came up on Yelp so I explored their website to find their "Sole Mate Survivor for 2" with a Picasso Pedicure.  I called and booked our appointments with ease.  

Bloom Essentials Waiting Area

Bloom Essentials is in Kitsilano on 1st street near the Burrard Street bridge.  It is on the ground floor, basement level of a character style building across from Sukis and Ron Zalko.  When I first stepped into the small spa, it is like a cute boutique.  The front space is well lit and there is a comfortable waiting area that looks like it could be your cozy living room.  

I imagined that for pedicures we would be in chairs sitting next to each other, but at Bloom Essentials, you get to have you pedicures in bed propped up with comfortable pillows.  Cozy girlfriend chat time!  Such a creative and comfortable way to have a pedicure.  

They also had Picasso art on swatches so you can choose easily.  They had one for nail colours as well so as your feet are being pampered you can review the colours at your leisure before it's time to choose

My pedicure was picture perfect!  I loved the Picasso artwork and I can't stop looking at my pretty toes.  It was so gentle and professional.  I am happy that I splurged for Vancity Girlfriends Picasso Pedicure.  

BEFORE my Picasso Pedicure

  

AFTER my Bloom Essential Picasso Pedicure

Close Up of Bloom Essential Picasso Pedicure

Update as of February 2016 - Bloom Essentials has permanently closed for business.  If you have bought a Groupon, please contact them for credit.