City chica living in the mountains...

Sex and the City 2 Party

2010-05-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

What are you ladies doing for the release of the Sex and the City 2 movie? There are several parties going on, both in Vancouver and Toronto. I think I will be in Toronto for the premiere and I am thinking of attending this event...

The event is being put on by What Women Want. This event promises to be a night full of SATC fun, love and laughter where attendees can Sip Cosmos, Shop your favorite SATC themed vendors, And "Date" your choice of over 100 single hunks!

Wine, Dine and 'DATE' in a Dress The Sex & The City Edition SJP meets YYZ RSVP ON FACEBOOK

The location and additional unique "Dating Details" will be made available shortly...
SO STAY TUNED!In the meantime GET YOUR TICKETS before they're all gone!!

Sex and the City 2!

2010-04-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is so very exciting! I can't wait!!! I definitely plan on watching this with my girlfriends for my next birthday!

Yet Another Flirty Girl Night Out!

2010-03-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

Flirty Girl Fitness is having another one of their exclusive Flirty Girl Night Out parties on Friday March 26th from 7:30-10:30pm. The party will begin at Flirty Girl Fitness located at 452 Wellington St W in Toronto where ladies will receive complementary Flirtinis, appetizers, mini manicures, hair styling and makeup application all while watching performances by various Flirty Girls.

The party then continues at Century Room where you receive VIP until 11pm . Be sure to check out this event! You will not want to miss it!

Team Canada wins GOLD!!!

2010-03-01T00:35:00.000-08:00

It was a nail biting game but Canada was victorious and we have now won GOLD in both women's and men's hockey at the 2010 Olympic Games! Here are a couple pics I took of the party in Vancouver after the fact...

HBC 2010 Canada Olympic Gear Craze!

2010-02-17T13:03:00.001-08:00

So I loved the HBC 2010 Olympic Gear when I saw it unveiled awhile back but never in my wildest dreams thought that it would sell out all over the country! I was passing the Olympic superstore on West Georgia in Vancouver the other day and could not believe the lineup down the block just to get into the Olympic section of the bay! It was sheer chaos but surprisingly the line that stretched over 2 blocks (which would in Toronto outside a nightclub would equate to: go home, you're not getting in) went by a lot faster than anticipated.

They let in 50 people at a time and have some ultra efficient tellers because once you actually find what you want, you have to line up yet again to pay! I went to the store to try to get either a childrens XL or a ladies small red Canada hoodie. The biggest size they had in the store was a children's 7/8. I may be small but I am definitely not that small!

In the end I had to settle for a boys 10/12 jacket which I am totally in love with. It looks just like the one in the pic depicted below except perhaps not as long in the torso since it is cut for boys but it fits me well since I am short anyway.

Because my jacket is children's gear I did not have to pay PST which was an added bonus. So needless to say it was a successful trip to the Olympic superstore and I walked away from it relatively happy considering the 2 hour drive and 200 person lineup. The next day though one my best friend's called from Toronto asking if I could get my hands on a set of those apparently elusive in Ontario Red mittens! Fortunately I was able to get her a pair for her birthday before they sold out here as well. Yippee!

The vibe in Vancouver right now is so proud to be Canadian! I absolutely love it and drink in it's energy every night. I can't wait to head down there tonight sporting my jacket and mittens and mingling in with the crowd!

On a side note, yesterday Maelle Ricker, who currently lives in Squamish was the first Canadian female to win gold on home soil in the Women's Snowboard Cross. GO CANADA GO!!!

Oh Canada!

2010-02-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

I came across this video awhile back and meant to post it. I love Canada! Check it out:

More Olympic Excitement!

2010-02-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

So the torch passed by my house today and I ran outside to get in on the action! I love the energy that the Olympics has brought to Squamish, if only it had this energy all year round! Despite the rain and dampness, everyone was thrilled and excited at the torch relay today. Check out some of the pictures below and the video! Taz (my dog) has seen 90% of this country, climbed mountains, wake skated, tubed and now he has also seen the Olympic Torch!

Anticipating the Torch's arrival

Here it comes around the corner!

There it is!

2010 Olympic Torch has arrived in Squamish!

2010-02-05T02:31:00.000-08:00

Today was a phenomenal day...I incorrectly thought the Olympic Torch arrived in my town tomorrow but then saw the relay on the road as I was driving home! I ran home and grabbed my camera and headed down to the festivities at Brennan Park.

Sporting my Olympic Red Mittens in support of Canadian Athletes!

Crowd awaiting the torch's arrival

The beauty of living in a small town is that I was able to get very close to the torch and even hold it at one point. The photographer will release the photo of myself with the torch in 48 hours so I will post it when I get it!

The final torchbearer for the evening, the torch remains in Squamish

tonight and the relay continues tomorrow.

The energy of the crowd was absolutely amazing. Check it out!

The torch relay continues its route 5 doors down from my front door tomorrow morning so I will be sure to stand outside and cheer the torch on as it makes it way to Whistler. Olympic Fever has come to Squamish...Whistler...Vancouver...BC! I also cannot wait to attend the hockey game that I scored tickets to! GO CANADA!

Vixen Addiction

2010-01-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

Vixen Addiction is a women's only fitness experience which includes fitness classes from pole dancing to chair dancing and lap dancing classes. Pole dancing is a body weight resistant exercise which results in lengthened and lean muscles all while learning sensual moves in which you will be able to express yourself through dance. Chair dancing focuses more on your core and abdominal muscles all while learning routines to your favorite songs.

We promise that you will never look at a kitchen chair the same!

We are in about to have another complementary Intro to Pole class in the Garibaldi Highlands this Saturday...pictures will be posted shortly after the event. If you are in the area, check us out!

http://www.vixenaddiction.ca/

Sex and the City 2 Trailer!

2009-12-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you ladies but I am really looking forward to this movie! I watched the first one on Premiere night with a bunch of ladies in downtown Toronto and loved every minute of it. The trailer to this movie makes me eagerly anticipate it's Spring release! Can't wait!!!

Beautylicious in Toronto

2009-11-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

If you haven't had a chance to check out Beautylicious yet, you only have a few days left. This event allows you to indulge in an array of specially priced hair care, spa packages, skin treatments and wellness packages at over 50 Bloor-Yorkville beauty & wellness venues.

If you are in the greater Toronto area, make sure to check this event out!

Flirty Girl Night Out - Friday November 30th

2009-10-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce that Flirty Girl Fitness in Toronto is having yet another legendary Flirty Girl Night Out party on November 20th.

This HIGHLY ANTICIPATED party features the following:

*Complimentary Cocktails

*HOT performances from Flirty Girl instructors

*Appetizers from Marben Restaurant

*Hair Styling from Blonde Salon

*Make-up touch ups by Dalish Cosmetics

*Dermalogica

*Flirty Girl Gift Bag

*Free access to an afterparty at one of Toronto's HOTTEST night clubs and so much more!

Cost: $25 in advance, limited tickets available
This event is FREE for Flirty Girl Fitness members.
RSVP is a MUST please call 416-920-1400

The last party had OVER 375 girls - don't miss out!

Happy Birthday ChickAdvisor!

2009-10-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

I would like to join others in wishing ChickAdvisor a Happy 3rd Birthday!

ChickAdvisor is doing a give away worth over $750 of beauty products and gift certificates to celebrate with its members! Click here for contest details!

When to dump a friend

2009-10-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

She always places herself first.

Like any relationship, there needs to be give and take and there comes a point where you want to preserve the friendship rather than always get your way. Is it always her way or the highway? If you find your friend always makes everything about her, then perhaps you should rethink the friendship. If she always waits for you to crawl back and apologize you may want to break this pattern in keeping with the theme that you teach people how to treat you and not indulge the outburst.

You can’t count on her.

Part of being a good friend is being there for your friends when they need you and vice versa. When you are in need of a friend is your friend around or is she frequently otherwise disposed? You should be able to count on your friend being there for you and likewise she should be able to count on you.

She isn’t trustworthy.

Can you tell her something in confidence and know that it will go no further. Friends should be able to share intimate details of their lives with each other with an expectation of privacy, especially if you both have the understanding that it is private information. If you tell your friend something confidential then overhear gossip about yourself that only she and you knew, then you may want to rethink the friendship.

You’ve grown apart.

Some friendships can survive growth in different directions and others cannot. If you have a mutual respect for each other and genuinely want each other to do what makes them happiest, then you should be able to remain friends. If one friend still likes to go out and party and the other friend wants to settle down and start a family, you may not hang out as much but you should be able to remain friends because you recognize that you are just on divergent paths that may cross once again. Some friendships though are based more on the hanging out frequently and doing the same things. These friendships often alter and sometimes end once one friend opts to take a different route.

Keep in mind that when you do ‘dump’ a friend you want to be at a level so that if you see each other in public it is not awkward but there is a mutual respect for one another. Be clear with yourself and your feelings and try to avoid saying anything you could regret. Sometimes misunderstandings can just be cleared up with a simple and honest conversation. There are also times where you can just discreetly go about your life and let the friendship fade or fizzle on its own without a long talk. In the end it is all about being happy and content with your life and those around. If someone has you stressed or upset more than they have you smiling, it is probably best to move on.

A Simple Life

2009-09-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

If there many changes and things going on right now that have made life seem crazy, if not hectic, one way to tackle this is to make your goal a simple life. The question is, how does one attain a simple life when there is so much happening at once and decisions that need to be made.

Do one thing at a time.

If your focus is divided into too many points, it is hard to accel at one thing. When feeling overwhelmed, it is best to concentrate on one task at a time. If you immerse yourself in dealing with the here and now, you will accomplish some of what you set out to do and therefore feel as though are not just spinning your wheels in the mud.

Keep what is important to you around.

Life is too important to spend it worrying about things that end up being irrelevant to you in the end. Only keep those things in your life that are important to you. Spend time partaking in those things that you deem a priority.

Enjoy what you have.

This means that you are grateful for what you have in your life and that you truly relish its presence. You may not have everything that you want in life but it is rare that people have it all, even peoples definitions of having it all is different from one person to the next.

Clear the clutter.

Try to get rid of belongings that you do not really need. It's amazing how little we actually need. Once you clean out your closets and get rid of those excess material possessions, we are more able to appreciate the things that we do have.

Be in the moment.

Being present is one of the hardest things for people to do. Many people are focused on the next steps and what they need to do now to get there. There is nothing wrong with goals and setting yourself up in a position to achieve them but you also have to spend time in the here and now to obtain simple life satisfaction. If your idea of relaxation is a hot bubble bath, take one. Focus on your breathing, taking in the fresh air of the outdoors and the beauty that surrounds you.

Make it or Break it?

2009-09-09T13:30:00.001-07:00

Often times in a relationship it is hard to know whether you should keep pressing forward or whether it is time to walk away and start anew. Relationships are anything but cut and dry, especially when conflict is involved. So, how does one decide whether it makes sense to stick through the tough times or move on.

Do not let your emotions do the talking.

Most people know better than to make major career decisions when they are emotionally charged or upset. The same rules should apply to an emotional relationship. Major relationship decisions should never be made in haste or in the midst of an argument. If you cannot have a calm and collected conversation about your relationship without getting upset, it is best to reserve that conversation for another time when you are both in a calm place. When you do this, you are less likely to say something that you do not mean out of anger.

Do not let the small stuff ruin a good thing.

This seems like a no-brainer but there are many people out there who get annoyed by those pesky little relationship annoyances and let them balloon into something bigger and irreparable. If everything else about your relationship is on track, you trust each other, you're attracted to one another, you respect each other etc... look at compromising on some of the little things that bother you.

Ask yourself how you feel about yourself in the relationship.

If you like yourself when you're on your own, but find yourself always feeling insecure or turning mean when you are with him, you should reconsider your relationship. Are you able to be yourself with him? Do you feel confident when your with him? Is it as though you are a better version of yourself when you are together? If your answers to the last three questions are yes, then your relationship is likely a healthy one and serving you well.

Do not ignore the big things.

There are bigger issues in a relationship that should not be ignored just because you are in that happy place together such as cleanliness, family values, drugs and alcohol and financial matters. Is he is a slob? Do you both want the same things in terms of family and future? Does he do drugs or drink more than you would like? Are you similar when it comes to money matters with regards to spending it and saving it? Are these things that you can deal with or are you in it hoping that it will change later? Chances of change are always present, but you should keep in mind that the person you have before you today may never change. If you are not comfortable with the person you are with today, you should perhaps rethink whether you want to be with that person long term.

Do what you feel is best.

Deciding whether or not to stay in a relationship is indeed a stressful situation. Keep in mind that your relationship should serve both you and your partner and ideally you should both be better versions of yourself when you are together. If you find yourself asking the question of whether to stay or go, you need to think about what you really want and how you truly feel before making your decision.

Life Lessons from a Dog...

2009-08-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

I read this somewhere and felt the need to post it for others to read because I think it emcompasses an important message:

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

The One?

2009-08-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

It can take months, days or happen in the blink of an eye...chemistry, attraction, that 'je ne sais quoi' that can lead to something more.

Often times women are left trying to decipher whether they have found 'the One'. There are a few ways to tell if you have a keeper or a sport fish that you should return back to the ocean.

1. He listens to you.

Any man with an interest in pursuing a future or a serious relationship with you, will listen to what you have to say when you need him to. The problem will never be too big, out of genuine concern he will want to help you and try to guide you to a solution to the problem.

2. You trust him.

You trust that he has your best interest at heart. Without trust a relationship is doomed. Your expectations should be managed and realistic. It is violated expectations that can ruin a relationship.

3. You would be his friend even if he were not your boyfriend.

He is good person, someone you would want to be around, even if it were not in the romantic sense. Partners require the same amount of nurturing that a friendship does. You should hold him to the same standard that you hold your friends to. If your friend constantly let you down, you would likely not want to be their friend anymore. If your friend needed you, you would be there for them etc.

4. You share common ground.

Your moral compasses should be similar. Your values and beliefs as well as desires for the future should share common ground so that you can grow together as a couple.

5. It feels right.

Every relationship has its ups and downs but you should not feel like you are a square trying to fit through a round hole. When things are going well, it feels almost effortless, as though things are meant to be. You don't feel like you are constantly trying to be someone you are not.

6. He enriches your life.

As the old saying goes "love gives you wings". You should feel as though he supports you and stimulates your desires and stretches your imagination further.

7. He sacrifices for you.

The right man will consider sacrificing for you an honour. He will gladly give as it means that he is not giving up something himself but investing in a future for the both of you. It does not need to be a monetary sacrifice but can be as easy as spending quality time with you.

Be careful of the kind of packages you seek the One in. I once had a girlfriend who would only date men that were a certain height, had a certain eye color etc. Open your mind and your heart and see what there is around you and you may just find that the One was there all along or right around the corner.

At last...Sephora opens in Vancouver!

2009-07-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

When I moved to Vancouver last year I was perplexed to discover that there was no Sephora! I had my Beauty Insider card from my Toronto days and was shocked that there was no where to use it. After much anticipation, Sephora opened in Vancouver!

Sephora opened up shop at the Pacific Centre and Coquitlam Centre on July 10. It is a playground of beauty... each store includes thousands of shiny lip glosses, colorful nail polish, perfumes, beauty creams and products galore. The range is enormous, you can buy eye cream for $15 or you can buy eye cream for close to $250! Much of Sephora's success comes from arranging their cosmetics by category as opposed to individual makeup counters you would see in a department store. Sephora Vancouver promises to be THE beauty product destination in the greater Vancouver area. I can't wait to personally check it out and spend an afternoon in the store. I have waited 9 months for this!

Great idea: Girls Night In for Cancer

2009-07-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

I heard about a great idea while reading a good friend's blog. She brought to light that the Canadian Cancer Society of Ontario has launched Girls Night In where you bring your friends together for a good cause. They encourage you to host a Girls Night In party where in lieu of going out and spending money of food, drinks, cabs etc, your guests bring a cash donation which will be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

As I have gotten older there have been more than a few people in my every day life that have been directly affected with cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that approximately 31,100 women will be affected by breast, uterine, ovarian or cervical cancer in 2009. With its increasing prevalence, it is important that fundraising initiatives be put into place so that important research can be done.

Along with the Girls Night In fundraising idea, a new website www.GirlsNightInForCancer.ca makes it easy to host a Girls Night In. This website includes: online event registration, a downloadable host kit, party theme ideas and evites. By supporting Girls Night In you are helping the Canadian Cancer Society fund leading-edge research for women’s cancers, specifically breast, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer. Money raised goes toward funding important women's cancer research. In 2008, the Canadian Cancer Society funded more that $5.5 million to research women's cancers, including a dozen research grants and awards to researchers in the province of Ontario. Money raised also goes toward cancer clinical trial research that tests new and better ways to prevent, treat and diagnose cancer.

If you are interested in hosting a Girls Night In party, please visit the website: http://www.girlsnightinforcancer.ca/

Together we can all make a difference.

Upcoming Event: Yaletown Summer Shopathon

2009-07-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

I recently received an invitation from StyleSpy to attend the Yaletown Summer Shopathon. Basically the idea is to head down to Yaletown for a day of fabulous shopping...picking up those hot summer fashions, wicked discounts & specials from over 40 stores. There are also prizes to be won, cocktails and drinks availeble and free swag. This includes 250 free swag bags with product, samples & coupons and they are actually throwing in a few pairs of J BRAND jeans randomly into the bags (Yes, free jeans)! A complimentary Thai Sangria Cocktail is also available from Charm Modern Thai (between 5:30-7:30pm) if you RSVP in advance.

To RSVP, send an email to: yaletown@thestylespy.com

Date: Friday, July 17, 2009
Time: 3:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Throughout Yaletown, centered within the heritage district.
Admission: Free

Hope to see you there!

Summer Events in Yonge Dundas Square

2009-07-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

When I lived in Toronto I heard rumblings of them trying to make Yonge-Dundas square a gathering place where they would host random free events in the city. I admit that I thought that the square would be too small because it was sandwiched in between the Eaton’s Centre, the Hard Rock Café, the movie theatre and the Olympic Spirit building. I was skeptical that the location could accommodate what I thought they were trying to accomplish. I am glad to say that I was wrong, below are a couple pictures of events held this year that were a smashing success!

On June 6th exactly 1,623 people gathered in Yonge-Dundas Square to play Neil Young’s Helpless, setting the new Canadian regard for largest guitar ensemble. Unfortunately it was just shy of the Guinness World Record of 1,802 which was set in 2007 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany.

Luminato 2009 - Neil Young Helpless Guitar Ensemble

On July 1st, DJ Starting from Scratch and Manifesto Festival held an event called: Michael Jackson: A Toronto Tribute & Canada Day Celebration.

Michael Jackson Toronto Tribute / Canada Day Celebration

If ever you are in Toronto and looking for a free outdoor event, check out their website: http://www.ydsquare.ca/

An icon died...

2009-06-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

...and words fail me.

Recessionista Shopping Series

2009-06-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

Having attended several very successful shopcrawls in Toronto, when I received an invitation to the Recessionista Shopping Series in Vancouver, I decided to check it out and see what it was all about.

What is a Recessionista? A Recessionista is the fashionista on a budget. She’s chic, uber cool, most definitely not cheap and yes, her wallet is always happy. She is someone who seeks out the hottest trends and the latest fashions. A Recessionista won’t let a poor economy stand in the way of making a fashion statement!

The Recessionista Shopping Series boasted Fabulous Clothing and Accessories for $25 or less. It was held at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St in Vancouver. The Recessionista Shopping Series are one day shopping events geared towards people who love clothing, accessories and beauty products on a budget. On Sunday June 21 from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., the first shopping series featured 40 local designers and stores selling their fabulous items for $25 or less! Along with shopping enjoy services such as eyebrow threading, manicures, eyelash extensions and facials at four pampering tables. Admission was only $2 and the first 150 people received a goody bag along with 3 free tans by Fabutan or free hot yoga classes valid for you and a friend from Westcoast Hot Yoga.

Meeting up with friends at the Glam City Girls table

It was not like the Shop Crawls that I attended in Toronto but I did have a good time! This felt more like a trade show with booths set up. There were very little clothing vendors and more jewellery and esthetics vendors. My favourite part was the girls social network table set up by Glam City Girls. Overall I would say that the event was a success and well worth the $2 admission. I would definitely attend this type of event again.

Waves of Glory: Taz Micheal Micheals IS wake skating.

2009-06-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

For any of you who have seen Blades of Glory where Chaz Micheal Micheals is figure skating, well here is my post dedicated to my dog Taz who is fearless when it comes to wake skating.

Taz mentally preparing for the wake skate

Forgive the sideways video, it was the way I was holding the camera, I will flip it shortly and reload it on the post but I thought it was too priceless to not put up right away. I was also thrilled and how the audio editting matched the length of the video perfectly.

As you can tell, he thought he was on top of the world after his first wake skate. I figure since my dog can do it, I should be next to try it out.

Feeling on top of the world

I guess it just goes to show you should never fear trying something new!

If you want to feel your age...climb a mountain!

2009-06-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

With a 30 something birthday pending I decided to do something different. Since I was no longer living in a big metropolis but now reside in the mountains, I got a group together and decided to climb a mountain!

The Stawamus Chief is the second largest granite monolith in the world and a nesting habitat for the Peregrine Falcon. The Chief Trail itself is steep and difficult to climb and requires hikers to be in a good physical condition.

There are areas where you have to pull yourself up with chains that are bolted into the mountain along with scaling ladders carefully positioned in the rock. I managed not only to get my city and country friends to climb this mountain but my nine year old dog joined us for the hike.

The hike itself took about four hours but we safely made it to the top of the mountain and then hiked back down again. Hiking the Chief is very popular, because it is easy to find and hard to get lost on trail. The route is well marked by aluminum signs on trees, and red paint on rocks.

There are three peaks to the Chief that you can decide to climb to once you are on the trail, we went to the second peak. I had heard from many people that this hike was not for those who are out of shape as the first thirty or so minutes would be a lung burning vertical climb. The view from the top was breathtaking and well worth the effort.

Many of those on our excursion were not 'hikers' but after such a physically challenging climb we all came out of it with smiles on our faces. We all had a great sense of accomplishment and a sense of camaraderie that comes from succeeding at something together. I would definitely hike the Chief again and plan to do so a lot sooner than my next birthday.

Cohabitation or Bust!

2009-06-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Moving in together is a huge step in any relationship. It’s a time where you find out all of those little pesky things about your partner that may otherwise go unnoticed. As in Sex and the City says, that “secret single behaviour”. On top of that, there is the issue of sharing household responsibilities that come into play and can become a source of conflict. Nowadays many homes have two primary wage earners but one person, often the woman, can feel as though most of the household work is her burden and not her partners.

One key approach to remedy this situation is to overcome traditional gender roles to achieve a balance of household responsibilities. Breaking the pattern of viewing housework and taking care of the kids as women’s work will help to split up these duties more evenly.

Patterns also develop in any relationship and once they are there, they are hard to break. Just because you were always comfortable doing the cooking before your job got increasingly demanding does not mean that cooking should always be your responsibility. The unwritten expectations of your arrangement should be renegotiated as life events come up and the situation changes. Each partner should be willing to renegotiate expectations and reach a compromise that will keep you both happy.

Focus on tasks individually rather than the whole picture. Instead of looking at your entire home as a mess that needs to be cleaned, break it down into small achievable tasks such as making dinner, taking out the garbage, vacuuming the floor and cleaning the toilet. Once the tasks are listed you can start to decide who will be responsible for which task and when.

Delegate effectively and reciprocate when your help is needed. Once you have decided which tasks belong to each of you, both of you have a great starting point but life changes at the drop of a dime and has a way of getting in the way of plans that we set out for ourselves. Be flexible enough to delegate things that you cannot do because something has come up and equally be willing to reciprocate and accept a task when your help is needed.

Acknowledge each other’s feeling and show your appreciation. When discussions start make sure to listen to your partner and what they have to say. Make sure to show appreciation for the things around the house that they already do and show appreciation when they get their tasks done.

Most importantly, keep communication open. Through open and continuous communication you will eventually find a balance that feels right. Living together can be a very trying time in any relationship but finding a way to strike a balance between household responsibilities can be a great help. Remember that it is when expectations are not being met that problems arise so if you both enter into the situation with an open mind and an attitude of compromise, smoother sailing lies ahead!

Girls' Night Out - Vancouver

2009-06-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

This friday Style Spy and Ishara are hosting a Girls Night Out event at Oakridge Centre. People who RSVP in advance will receive 20% off regular priced clothing and 10% off denim. If you are in the area, be sure to check it out!

Dealing with Uncertainty at Work

2009-05-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

With the economy taking a dive many people around you may be losing their jobs due to downsizing and companies trying to improve their bottom line. For those of us fortunate enough to still have our jobs, it can be a time of stress and uncertainty not knowing if you we have a job tomorrow or even next week.

It is always important to remember that you are not alone. For those who have weathered this economic storm and are still gainfully employed, there are many others who are feeling the fear at what the future may hold.

Remember to acknowledge your reactions. It is normal to fear the unknown and question what you will do and how you will manage if worse comes to worst. Be true to yourself regarding your feelings, this will help you to cope with them.

Ignore the rumours floating around. Many people will worry about something that could happen and then worry again when it does happen. It is much more effective to disengage from rumours that are going around and only deal with the reality of the situation when it presents itself.

Try to remember that work is not your entire life. Work is what you do, not who you are. Your roles as a parent, spouse, friend and family member are just as important. Try to remain connected as much as possible to your other roles and not let the uncertainty at work consume you. Staying active can help; go for walks, hikes or a swim. This can help you burn off nervous energy as well.

Try to remain positive and remember how you have overcome struggles in the past. Remind yourself that up to this point you have overcome the curve balls that life has thrown you and if you do lose your job, you will overcome that obstacle as well.

Self care is also very important. Make sure that you are getting an adequate amount of sleep and exercise. Ensure that you eat well and keep the commitments outside of work that you have. Develop a relaxation routine and know that whatever comes your way, you will move past it onto brighter times.

The Pursuit of Happiness

2009-05-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Isn't the goal in life figuring out how to be happy? If often takes a setback to remind us of how good we have it. Sometimes it is the loss of a job, a health issue or something of that sort that prompts us to tweak our 'glass-is-half-empty' view of the world. When it comes to happiness there are a few things you can do in order to shift your perspective without having to overcome a setback first.

Give yourself permission to feel.

We live in a society where people think there is a problem when you feel sad. You must allow yourself permission to feel. Feelings of happiness and joy flow along the same pathways as feelings of sadness and anxiety. Once you accept that everyone has their ups and downs, it is easier to deal with those downs. Feeling is never a bad thing, it is coping with those feelings and knowing that they will pass, that is the difference between being sad and debilitating depression.

Time Affluence

Time affluence is a bigger predictor of happiness than material affluence. It has been shown that once you have enough time to do the things that you enjoy, people are happier than are those with countless material possessions. Time affluence means feeling that you have the time to pursue those things that you find personally meaningful. This includes giving yourself time for leisure or to reflect on those things that are important to you. Taking a few moments a day to meditate and centre yourself can help with this, as can cutting out the things in your life that do not serve to make you feel good about yourself.

The mind-body connection

Time and time again you have probably been told that a moderate amount of physical activity can make you happier; this is not a myth but a reality. Exercise helps the body create serotonin which elevates mood. Don't think of exercising as taking a happy pill but rather as giving the body and mind the fuel it needs to keep running smoothly. Humans were not meant to be sedentary creatures therefore not exercising is like going against nature and can cause health issues as well as depression.

Gratitude

Awhile back while watching Oprah, I caught the episode on "the Secret" and it was the first time I had heard the concept of gratitude journaling. Since then, I have seen this concept in several other places. The concept is simple: take notice of those things that you are currently grateful for and write them down daily. To simplify this practive, you can start by keeping this list short and include only five to ten things. Once you take time to recognize what you are grateful for in your life, you become conscious of how blessed you are and can focus on the glass being half full and not half empty.

Happiness should be the goal being saught after by most people. This can be achieved by being true to yourself. Look at the present and appreciate what you have. Drop the future worry because the future is yet to come. Forget the past regret because it has already passed and has brought you to the place you are today. Be thankful and the rest will follow.

An evening with Chic Chicas at Opus in Vancouver

2009-05-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Last friday Chic Chicas hosted a cocktail party at Opus Bar, located at 350 Davie Street in the popular area of Yaletown, Vancouver. Opus is a chic ‘see-and-be-seen’ lounge and was voted by Zagat as being one of Vancouver's top lounge experiences. A careful blend of well thought out lighting, chic furniture and shimmer screens set the mood for its sophisticated and style-savvy crowd. There is also a live DJ playing the latest in music. The glass walled bathrooms also provide a live feed of the action going on in the lounge.

Chic Chicas Cocktail Party at Opus

Chic Chicas is a group of like-minded, elegant, fashionable and fun-loving women who are eager to meet new friends and discover what Vancouver has to offer. Events include chic restaurants, chick flicks, party themed nights and outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, kayaking etc. Many members are either new to the Vancouver area or are just looking to expand their social circle and get out there and have some fun.

The Chic Chicas's cocktail party included a VIP room along with an exclusive Chic Chica martini and Chic Chica shot that were created for the event. The cocktail party at Opus was attended by 19 chic chicas from all over the greater Vancouver area and even included professional photos of the event that were captured by Pogoda Studio. The party was a great success where women gathered for a night of drinks, dining, conversation and laughter.

Babelicious in Vancouver

2009-05-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was Babelicious in Vancouver. I was thrilled to hear that this sort of event was happening in Vancouver. In Toronto, I used to go to Flirty Girl Night Out parties hosted by my gym/dance studio where you paid $20 which got you a ticket into Flirty Girl, a gift bag and beauty services along with watching performances by the Flirty Girl dance troop. The ticket also included free cocktails and appetizers with entrance to an after party at a nearby nightclub. Babelicious in Vancouver, it seems, is a very close equivalent to Flirty Girl night out in Toronto.

Caprice nightclub was host to this event which also included a couple fashion shows. A Babelicious ticket was $20 and included a drink, gift bag, entry to the after party and one of the available beauty services being offered.

Beauty services included manicures by Soul Indulgence, brow grooming by Wink Beauty Lounge, face mapping skin analysis by Dermalogica’s Skin Bar, mobile hair styling by Emily Sarah Style, makeup applications by New Image College of Fine Arts, henna by Exotic Touch and tarot card readings by Cat Beings.

Fashion designer and model Anelore Popa’s hot bikini line entitled Anelore made a very successful debut and the line included many bright vibrant colors with very flattering cuts.

Here are a couple pictures from her line:

Anelore by Anelore Popa

Anelore Swimwear line with Anelore Popa on the left.

Overall the event was a great success and I look forward to the next one in Vancouver!

City dweller or tree hugger?

2009-05-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

City life is bustling with people, traffic, noise and pollution and the city itself often has a pulse of it's own. People live in small 500 square foot condos and often need to take an elevator to get to their unit after buzzing in at the front door. People prefer to live near malls, coffee shops, public transportation and grocery stores. Everything you need is right down the street or if you are lucky, in your very building! It sounds enough to make someone feel crowded but after living in Toronto for a decade, all of those things, people and noises can make you feel comfortable and right at home!

Downtown Toronto

It took awhile for me to get used to living in Toronto because it is such a busy place but now that I reflect on living there, I have to say that I did enjoy living in or near the big city. I felt like there was a world of possibilities at my doorstep. There were infinite ways to spend your weekend and always things going on to take part in.

It wasn't a carefully thought out plan, leaving the city, but rather an opportunity that came up that I did not want to turn down. In September of last year I left the big metropolis of Toronto and moved to BC to live in the mountains in a town of less than 15,000 people.

Downtown Squamish

I must admit that it took a long time for me to see my town for all that it has to offer. At first I was in awe of it's natural beauty. This corner of the the country has others beat, hands down, in terms of natural beauty but for what it has in natural beauty, I missed the diversity of culture and outside stimuli that the city has to offer.

Moving here felt very much like that movie "Funny Farm" with Chevy Chase where you move from the hustle and bustle of city life and then have to adjust to the the quiet and quirks of small town living. It took me quite some time to 'unplug' from Toronto but now that I have, I can see what both places have to offer and why people have such a hard time deciding between city and small town living.

I have found small town living to be a lot quieter and serene which can be a good or a bad thing depending on the person. Living in a small town requires you to really discover what interests you and go out there and find it. You are not innundated with advertising for the newest yoga class or what's new in fashion. If that sort of thing interests you, it does exist but you have to seek it out. With the slower pace of life you are left with a lot of time to think and reflect as well.

Eight months later I am still getting used to small town living and trying to decide which environment I am more cut out to live it. City dweller or tree hugger... we shall see.