Pass or Praiseworthy

Recent Finds...Kit and Ace

2015-07-17T14:22:00.001-07:00

TGIF!
I found out about Kit and Ace while watching Queen of Sheba recently...(check out the video below)

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. There's a store close by so I decided to pop by and check out this technical cashmere for myself!
Happy to report the fabric really is super soft and luxurious! I picked up 2 tops and will be ordering a few more as they didn't have the colour I wanted in stock.

Haro Tank

Calvert Tee ( I purchased this one in black and will be ordering this colour as well)

Harwood Tee

Mara Tank (I tried the grey and this was very flattering on, debating on getting a black too but do I really need another one? lol)

Kit and Ace

2235 W 4th Ave

Vancouver, BC

Ootd

Also check out Angela!
Instagram: queenofsheba82
YouTube: Queen of Sheba82

Aritzia Private Sale...June 15 - June 24 20% - 40% off

2015-06-19T17:01:00.001-07:00

TGIF!

Aritzia is having their private sale now and I managed to pick up some pieces...
Still waiting for a further reduction before I commit to more. I did however, receive the free gift with purchase. I chose the Baies Noires, and next time I'll get the Jasmin(smells sooo nice!).

Moffett Tank 20% off

Sabine Dress 20% off

Free gift with purchase...value $65

Four to choose from: Baies Noires, Vanilla, Jasmin and Figue

Other pieces I'll be picking up when the further reductions hit, hopefully they'll still have my size...

Fawkner Blouse

Keisei Dress

Kiyo Blouse

Readers have you purchased anything from this private sale? Anything on your wishlist?

Luxury Pyramid...

2015-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

My gf sent me this article recently regarding China's view on the luxury market.
I was surprised to see Chanel wasn't on this pyramid...

Is LV the brand for secretaries??

Part of my collection...

Readers, what are your thoughts? Will you still be buying LV or curbing that shopping habit?

What's in my travel makeup bag...

2015-05-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and Happy Memorial Day to our neighbours down South!

I was away for the weekend and here's what I packed for my makeup...

Louis Vuitton Toiletry Pouch

Dolce and Gabbana Blush in Tan

Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Luminous Light

Dior Highlighter in Amber Diamond (discontinued)

Benefit Blush in CORALista (I removed it out of the box and placed it on a finishing powder I had)

Giorgio Armani Maestro Liquid in 10

Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric Sheer Bronzer in 200

Mac Quad

Too Faced Bronzer in Chocolate

Chanel Eyeshadow Duo in 37 Sable/Emouvant

Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Alhambra

Giella Highlighter

Guerlain Pressed Powder

Benefit They're Real Mini Mascara and Roller Lash Sample

Mac Subculture Lip Liner

Mac Giddy Lipstick

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free in Bisque

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Frozen Quartz

Nars Larger than life long wear eyeliner in Via Appia

Nars Radient Creamy Concealer in Custard

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Primer

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown

Shu Uemura Natural Volume Lashes

Brushes, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, glue and random tweezers

Humpday Happenings...Update

2015-05-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Quick update of the last few weeks! So sorry for not being consistent!

Cookies from the old man for Mother's Day

Shopping at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart

Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion

St Tropez Mousse

St Tropez Mini Tanning Mitt

* Shoppers has a spend your points this weekend so I'll definitely pop by the beauty boutique and grab a few things!

Also ordered this brush to start dry brushing and prep for my tan...

Quick update on my recent splurges from Sephora:

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Love the Giorgio Armani fluid sheer (I add this to foundation or use it on top of foundation. Although I find it doesn't blend as nicely when it lays on top), liquid shimmer (I use this to contour and darken my foundation) and lastly the bronzer which I use as a blush. For some reason though GA's foundation doesn't work for me. I can't recall exactly why I hated it as it's been a good 5 years since I tried it lol, but I know for a fact it didn't look good. I went with Estee Lauder double wear instead for the event I was attending. The finish looked much nicer on my skin, and it photographed beautifully!

Sephora VIB purchase...

2015-04-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here's what I purchased over the weekend taking advantage of the VIB promo...

Josie Maran Whipping Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream

Anastasia DIPBROW Pomade in Medium Brown

Escada Turquoise Summer Rollerball

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #2 Shim Beige

I also got a sample of Fresh Sugar Lychee (not shown) and picked up my birthday gift (love NARS Cruella)

Just a side note; in my last post I mentioned I was going to order the Koh Gen Do illuminator, but after swatching it decided to return as I found it too sparkly for daytime wear. (Got the GA fluid sheer instead)

With that order I got the limited edition Beauty Blender and Benefit kit, which has now sold out.

Included was the Beauty Blender, air port pouch, travel size soap and Benefit's that girl and girl meets pearl...

Readers, did you pick up anything from the sale? Any favorites? Please share! TGIF have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Direct Buy and Consignment...

2015-04-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

As you know I recently did some tidying up...
After donating to charity, and family it was finally time to sell the rest...

From previous experience I've had some bad luck with consignment shops so I personally prefer getting paid upfront even if it's a lower amount. Unless I don't mind having the item sit for awhile to get a few hundred more than I will choose the consignment option.

First time quote...

I previously dealt with Yoogi's closet and found out about them from Katherine (Feather Factor, thanks for the advice!)
I was quite happy with the turn around time for quotes and payment, however I found the quotes to be on the lower end.
So for this next round after exhausting craigslist, (I haven't posted on eBay before and didn't want to start) I searched local consignment shops and asked if they offered direct buy options. I found 2 and contacted one that gave me a quote by email.
Overall, I'm quite happy with the payout and the whole experience. Also saved me shipping and handling to the US for Yoogi's, so YAY!
If you're looking to get paid out right away I would definitely call your local consignment shops and ask if they would be interested in offering direct buy as apposed to consignment. You'll get less but if you're like me and prefer to have money right away then it's a great option. Also many consignment shops may not list direct buy, so call directly to confirm.

Yoogi's Closet

Mine and Yours
1062 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC
604 620 8885

Luxury Labels Consignment Boutique
4550 Hastings St.
Burnaby, BC
604 299 1604

Recent Finds...Sephora

2015-04-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my last post I popped into Sephora and grabbed a few new products Rachael mentioned in her videos...

Yves Saint Laurent #17

Giorgio Armani Maestro Liquid Summer SPF 15

Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric Sheer Bronzer #200

Benefit Roller Lash Sample

I also wanted the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator in IL01 but will be ordering that online

Rachael Brook Everyday Makeup Look

I was looking like a pasty ghost on the weekend when I attended my girlfriend's birthday dinner so these new bronzing beauties could not come at a sooner time!

I've also ordered Lanolips which are back ordered, but will be posting it on IG once it finally arrives...

Watch Rachael's video here...

Favourite Product

Found on YouTube...Rachael Brook

2015-03-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Howdy!

How was everyone's weekend? I've been busy working on selling off my designer items at the consignment shops(post to come soon), and obsessively watching Youtube!

Here's my new fave MUA...

Glittery Bronze Eye Makeup Look

Everyday Makeup Look

Night Look

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I found Rachael during Xmas when she did a video with fellow YouTuber Chloe Morello. I was obsessed with the glittery eye make up look she wore and have been following her on YouTube and Instagram ever since. I've watched her videos on repeat and have picked up a few of her recommendations already! (posts to come soon) She's hilarious, you'll love her!

Rachael Brook

Instagram: rachael_brook

Baked Parmesan Zucchini...

2015-03-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Folks!

Ingredients:

3 zucchini ( I cut mine in rounds but you can follow the recipe and cut length wise)

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/4 garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

olive oil

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Served with yams, roasted carrots and rotisserie chicken...

Recipe

Garlic Prawns...

2015-03-16T23:11:00.001-07:00

Helloooo Monday!

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! Here's another recipe I've been meaning to post for awhile...Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 pound raw shrimp tail on

1/4 cup olive oil

2 lemons, juiced and divided

5-6 cloves garlic minced

2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped plus more for garnish

1 tbsp flour

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (I opted out)

6 tbsp salted butter

1/2 tsp pepper

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Here's another one I found on IG, and have added it to my recipe box. I love pairing this when I have a Mediterranean feast. Or enjoy it alone with pita or rice.

Directions:

1. Add the shrimp in a ziplock bag or medium size bowl.

2. Add olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, minced garlic, 1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley, flour, cayenne pepper and pepper.

3. Toss well to combine, and marinate in fridge for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

4. Heat a large skillet on medium heat.

5. Once hot add shrimp, be sure to add the garlic and season with salt and pepper.

6. Saute the shrimp until pink, 2-3 minutes on each side.

7. Remove the shrimp from skillet and set aside, leaving only the garlic.

8. Add butter and 1 tsp pepper to skillet.

9. Cook the garlic until it becomes caramelized and golden brown(watch out because left to long it will just get burnt).

10. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp of chopped parsley and juice of 1/2 of a lemon.

Enjoy! Hope you love it as much as I do!

Pork Tofu Mushroom...

2015-03-13T22:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone! Welcome Weekend!

Here's a post I've had for awhile...haven't made this one in some time, might try this again this weekend!

Ingredients:

1/2 pound lean ground pork

1/2 pound dace meat

1 package soft tofu

1/4 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp vegatable oil

1/4 tsp of salt

1/4 tsp pepper

6 shitake mushrooms, chopped

Serves 6-8

Serve with rice...

I added a splash of fish sauce for more flavour...

Found this recipe while watching Bubzvlogs, thanks to her doula!

Directions:

In a bowl combine pork, dace meat, soft tofu, sugar, salt, pepper, sesame oil, and vegetable oil. Fold in mushrooms. Place on steamer or double boiler and steam for 15-20 minutes. I had to split this into 4 in order to fit my pot.

Obsessed...Leanne Helin

2015-03-06T08:38:00.002-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone! TGIF!!!

I recently spotted this pic on IG and was obsessed!

If I didn't have to change diapers on the regular I would so be sporting gold nails!

Seriously considering the humming bird ring for a midi ring...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy! This would be killer as an accent nail too, and they're reusable!

Leanne Helin

Update...Closet Tidying Up

2015-02-25T18:32:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend (Valentine's day and Chinese Lunar New Year)

Here's what I was doing...

Before

Before (round 2)

one of the donation piles...

After

Getting my closet in order...inspired by this post from Katherine

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I was recently catching up on Feather Factor and happily came upon this post. Needless to say, I was motivated and immediately set forth the task of tidying up. Perfect timing too as Chinese New Years was the same week. I cheated and didn't follow the directions to the tee, as baby A was sleeping whilst I was tidying and 2 boxes of clothes were housed in her closet. It took 2 nights but I was finally able to cull quite a bit and will revisit as the season changes. Highly recommend!

* Update, great news as my drawers still look this good even after 2 weeks!

The life-changing magic of tidying up

Marie Kondo

Update...Baby A's 1st Birthday

2015-02-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

Extremely sorry for not posting the last 2 wks, I've been preoccupied with planning Baby A's birthday...

Here's a couple snapshots of projects I did for it...( if you'd like any details let me know!)

I will be taking a quick break to prep for Chinese New Years and will resume the following week! Wishing everyone a prosperous Sheep Year!

Humpday Happenings...

2015-01-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

This is a long overdue update...

First breakfast of 2015...

enjoying some home cooking: Ina Garten's Herb-Baked Eggs Recipe...

finished off Book 3 of the Arcana Chronicles...Dead of Winter

New recipe I found that I've made 3x already...

First time making blueberry pancakes...(thinking of you Ian!)

satisfied a craving...(thanks D!) purchased from Thu Hien Restaurant

As you can see I've been mostly keeping myself busy with breakfast, lunch and dinner and I can safely say no more rookie in the kitch! Still lots to learn, but I've come a far way! Hope you've been able to add some delish recipes to your repertoire as well!

Buddha's Feast...

2015-01-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp dark sesame oil

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp sugar

1 pkg (14 ounce) water-packed extra firm tofu (drained and cut into 1inch cubes) I prefer fried tofu like you see below

5 cups broccoli florets

1/2 cup peeled broccoli stems (I omitted this)

2 tbsp canola oil

1 1/2 cups carrots (1/4 inch cut diagonally sliced)

1 cup snow peas, trimmed

1 can (14 ounce) whole baby corn, drained (I omitted this)

1 can (8 ounce) sliced water chestnuts, drained (I omitted this)

1 1/2 cup sliced green onions (I chopped mine)

1 tbsp grated peeled fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1 tbsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp salt

I added baby bok choy instead of the water chestnuts and corn...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I've made this dish 5 times already since finding it online. Its filling enough to enjoy alone or with rice.

Recipe

Banana Caramel Cupcakes...

2015-01-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Cupcakes

4 mashed ripe bananas

1 3/4 cup + 1 tsp flour

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter (melted)

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla paste (I used vanilla extract)

Icing

1 1/3 cup = 1 tsp icing sugar

1/2 cup butter (room temperature)

1 tbsp honey (I used maple syrup)

3 tbsp cream cheese

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla paste (I used vanilla extract)

Frosting: I over whipped mine but still tastes divine!

Fresh out of the oven...

Plated and ready to go...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Bananas, caramel, cupcakes, what's not to love! Thank you Peony for the recipe! Adding this one to the recipe box!

Recipe

Peony Lim

Salmon Recipes...Japanese Dishes

2015-01-12T21:49:00.002-08:00

Recently while catching up on my fave You Tube guru's I came upon Melodee's Channel and found myself glued to my iPad watching all of her videos! I immediately went out and bought ingredients to make the salmon dish she ate in the video...

Ingredients:

1 piece of salmon ( I got 100 grams)

1/2 a carrot (thinly sliced)

1 tsp of mayonnaise

salt and pepper

handful of spinach

2 tbsp of bonito sauce

1 tbsp of mirin

Ingredients:

1 piece of salmon ( I got 100 grams)

2 mushrooms (thinly sliced)

1/4 of a sweet onion (thinly sliced)

1 tsp of mayonnaise

salt and pepper

2 tbsp of bonito sauce

1 tbsp of mirin

Mirin Sauce

Bonito Sauce

I googled top brands, but these are the only ones available at T&T (local asian mart) that they carried in small sizes

Plated and ready to eat...rice and miso soup would be great sides to accompany this

Directions for both:
Preheat oven to 350 F
On a baking sheet, place enough tin foil for the slices of salmon to be fully wrapped and covered.
For the carrot and spinach:
place the slices of carrot on the tin foil
lay salmon on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then the mayonnaise
top with spinach and pour on the mirin and bonito sauce
fold the tin foil over and wrap the salmon tightly closed
Bake for 15 minutes

For the mushroom and onions:
place salmon on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then the mayonnaise
top with mushrooms and onions, then pour on the mirin and bonito sauce
fold the tin foil over and wrap the salmon tightly closed
Bake for 15 minutes

If you try these recipes send me a pic, I'd love to see! Enjoy!

Upcoming book release...The Arcana Chronicles Book 3 Dead of Winter

2015-01-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

I spent the past weekend re-reading book 2 Endless Knight. I cannot contain my excitement that book 3 is finally here! I have a feeling with the way things are going Aric will pass, Evie being the one to do it. Releasing him from his misery, and she'll be the victor in the end. I mean after all this is written in her POV.

Read the excerpt here...

Readers have you been following this book series? What's your thoughts? #TeamAric all the way for me! I love a good underdog :D

Best of 2014...Hello 2015

2015-01-03T21:22:00.002-08:00

Hello Everyone, welcome to the first post of 2015!

But first let's recap with some of my favourite posts from 2014...

Of course the birth of Baby A...

The floral arrangement for Baby A's 100 days celebration from Garden Party Flowers...

Color Analysis...

Favorite book of 2014...

love me a good highlighter...

And lastly a few of my favourite recipes...proscuitto, honey ham spinach mushroom cups, apple cinnamon and sugar croissants, eggplant dip.

Readers what were your favourite posts of 2014?

I hope everyone had a safe and fun New Year's, I still cannot believe another year has passed!

Happy New Years Everyone! Thank you to all those who stop by and take the time to browse, comment and support!

Wishing you much happiness, success and good health!

Update...Christmas 2014

2014-12-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone, I've completely dropped the blogging ball! So sorry for that! With it being baby's first Christmas, it's a scramble to get everything done. And it's only 3 days away! Eek!

Here's what I've been up to...

Enjoying the Kinder Advent Calendar...

Super cute perfume bar from TONYMOLY found at T and T in Metrotown...

Picked up Etude House Fresh Cherry lip tint in OR201

Couldn't help picking up a pick me upper from Loft...(was on my wish list post)

Enjoying an eggnog donut from Lucky's Doughnuts...

Humpday Happenings...Make it Show

2014-12-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

Tag Blanket - Gracious Gowns and Gifts

Bunny - Bird on Elephant (They had the most darling ballerina's but a lady right before us purchased the last one :( )

Elf Ornament - PLC Originals (we went nuts at this booth, so many to choose from)

Leggings and Infinity Scarf - Little Citizens

Banana Cream Pie - Vancouver Pie Hole (I was dreaming of this pie, went back for more but they were sold out :'( )

Coconut Crispies - Chickadee Family Bakery ( These were sooo addicting, I came back for 2 more bags and 1 mookie)

Dried Blueberries - Lake Country Harvest

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. This past weekend we spent it shopping at the Make It Show. We purchased our tickets from Groupon and it was valid for 4 days. Event parking was $10, and it was super busy. Be sure to wear your walking shoes, as there was a lot of walking from the parking area and around the show. I love that everything is made local and hand made. Excited for next years show!

Make It Show

Banana Bread Muffins...

2014-12-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3 large ripe bananas

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup of melted butter

Serves 12

I added almonds, chocolate chips and walnuts on top...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. My gf made these recently and they looked so good I wanted some! She sent me the recipe and I tried them the next day. So yum! These will definitely be added to my recipe box. Thanks Peaches!

Recipe

Affordable Christmas Gifts...Bath and Body Works

2014-12-01T22:56:00.000-08:00

Foxy Lady Slippers

Bear Hugs Slippers

Penguin Shea Infused Socks

Colourful Dots Shea Infused Socks

Polar Bear Shea Infused Socks

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Picked these up on sale, buy 3 get 3 free and the slippers were on special for $5. There's always some sort of deal or sale offered at BBW, sign up for e-mail notification to get coupons!

Bath and Body Works