photo courtesy of http://www.tallulahphoto.com/

Massage is one of the most important gifts you could give yourself. It increases circulation, removes toxins from our bodies and can relax those muscles that we thought were meant to feel that tense.  Three Birds Bodycare and Massage here in Vancouver invited me in to their dreamy sweet space beside the Wild Rice restaurant in Crosstown. Amanda was my massage practitioner and the visit was immediately calming from the moment I walked in the door.

I arrived at the studio where Amanda warmly greeted me and I relaxed in a comfy chair while I filled out the health history questionnaire. The decor transported me back in time inclusive of soft jazz to unwind me before I even slipped onto the massage table.

Amanda began with a review any concerns or areas  of interest that I was wishing to be worked on and then stepped out while I got comfortable on the massage bed. I was eager to receive and slipped on the table quickly.  Amanda practices a variety of massage techniques such as those listed here.

• Swedish Massage

• Deep Flow Massage

• Hot Stone Massage
• Ayurvedic Massage

It’s no secret that I enjoy deep tissue massage and very much enjoy the beauty of Deep Flow, which I have received many times over. Amanda lowered the table to allow for deep massage and began with inviting me to take some deep breaths while she began with some gentle compressions.  Amanda’s touch was extremely precise and intuitive and my body relaxed into her table. I received a full body massage inclusive of Swedish, Deep Flow and Joint Release techniques to relieve my tension.  I almost drifted off to sleep I was so relaxed and felt completely nurtured.

This hidden gem in Crosstown is not to be missed!

Three Birds Body Care and Massage would like to extend this same experience to one lucky reader!

To Enter: 

*Please comment here below on why you need a massage! ( Yes Mother’s Day upcoming counts) – 1 Entry 

*On Twitter? Tweet “I entered to win a Deep Flow Massage via @cadijordan & @3BirdsBodyCare http://bit.ly/J5fMC1″ – 1 Entry 

Winner will be drawn on Friday, May 11th 2012 and winner will be notified by email.

Three Birds Body Care and Massage
119 Pender Street, Vancouver, B.C.
Ring: 604.728.8258
Facebook 

It’s about high time  I shared about my win from a tweet I sent while watching Dragon’s Den . Vancouver based Chillbed Industries was on the show sharing all about their amazing product that keeps your laptop cool while you use it. I sent out a tweet and a short time later I received a note that I had won my own Chillbed!

Does it work?

Chillbed is a Canadian made laptop cooling stand that was developed to absorb the heat generated by your laptop. I have been using mine for well over a month now and am amazed at how cool my MacBook is! We also have a Dell Laptop in our home and it runs hot after prolonged usage. We used it with the Chillbed over the course of a few hours. When I took the Dell off the Chillbed it was cool as a cucumber! More on the Chillbed here.

There is more!

Chillbed Industries didn’t stop with their laptop cooling stand! They have also developed the ChillTab for your other tech gadgets and even your iPhone. More on that here as well as FAQ’s. 

Where to Buy

For one lucky reader, Chillbed Industries would like to extend a prize of a ChillTab for use with your Ipad, Iphone or other tablet. (pictured here)

To Enter:

* Please comment below on why you would like to have a ChillTab – 1 Entry

* On Twitter? Tweet “I entered to win @chilltab via @cadijordan & @chillbeds http://bit.ly/JygBW5″ - 1 Entry 

You may also find Chillbed Industries over on Facebook!

Contest closes on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 and winner will be notified by email.

There is no other product out there like Riversol. Riversol is a Canadian product line developed in Vancouver, B.C. by Dr. Jason Rivers. Dr. Rivers set out on a mission to improve the skin of those with rosacea and sensitivities. Dr. Rivers studied at the University of British Columbia and has won awards from both the Canadian and American Dermatology Associations and is listed among the best doctors in Canada. More on Dr. Rivers credentials here.

What makes Riversol different? 

Riversol is a unique product formulation with the active ingredient being beta- thujaplicin (thoo-ya-pli-cin) combined with vitamins C and E. Thujaplicin is derived from the western red cedar tree and during clinical studies was found to have anti-biotic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.  The Riversol line consists of three products. Cleanser, Rosacea Serum and Moisturizer. These vary slightly depending upon your skin type. You may wish to check in with their skin care advisor here.

Does it work?

I have heard the rave reviews and experienced the product first hand. The formulation is really quite gentle and effective while I do not have rosacea my skin is dry to sensitive.  My favorite take away from trying the Riversol product line was definitely the serum. It clears up blemishes and due to the formulation, is very soothing and helpful for those that may have fresh sun damage.

Where to Buy.

Based on this complimentary trial that I have experienced Riversol would like to extend a Rosacea Serum to one lucky reader!

To Enter: 

* Please comment below on how you may benefit from trying Riversol products. – 1 Entry

* On Twitter? Tweet “I entered to win a Riversol Serum via @cadijordan and @Riversol http://bit.ly/HWTyjb “ – 1 Entry 

Contest closes on Wednesday, April 25th and winner will be notified via email.

Join Riversol on Facebook or Twitter!

If you need to get your digits done in a flash then Pure Nail Bar is where it’s at! The Vancouver based nail bar has grown exponentially since the opening of the flagship location in Yaletown. I recently had a chance to visit for a ‘Gelish’ manicure and pedicure. While the location I was at was all a buzz, I still received a little pampering and was thankful for the invitation to come in! The locations are clean, trendy and fun no matter where you go. You can sit back and catch a chick flick and enjoy a cup of tea while you enjoy your services.

I chose the ‘Gelish’ manicure as I had never tried this before. For some it may last up to 21 days but the jury is still out for me at the time of this post. My nails look fabulous and they won’t chip! Perfect for weddings, grads, honeymoons and summertime fun! This particular polish does need to be removed with acetone and for that fact I will only do this once in awhile.

I am used to having these treatments in a spa environment and have visited nail bars on occasion. It is important to remember that this is a nailbar meant for quick and efficient services to get you out the door. A mini pampering if you will?

I received both my manicure and pedicure at the same time in order to facilitate a little faster service. The girls were lovely and knew exactly what they were doing. I enjoyed my soak and and was pleased with the cuticle work that was done. My favorite part  is always the massage of course and these girls over delivered for me! My hand and feet felt like jello by the end and I was completely relaxed!

Pure Nail Bar offeres gift certificates and can host parties at any of their Vancouver and Lower Mainland locations!

Pure Nail Bar would like to treat one lucky reader to a Gelish Manicure! 

To Enter: 

• Please comment below what special occasion you have upcoming and why you need your digits done! – 1 Entry
  
• On Twitter?  Tweet - ” I entered to win a Gelish Manicure @purenailbar via @cadijordan http://bit.ly/HD3pLj - 1 Entry 

Please join Tara Main of In The Black, Guy Steeves of Constant Contact and Jordan Consulting for an informative, entertaining and interactive evening on how to manage your marketing! We will answer your questions about marketing, email marketing and social media in an intimate and interactive setting and get you excited about your marketing plan and the steps you can put into action to achieve results spending your advertising dollars in the most effective way!

When: Monday, April 23rd from 6-9pm

Where: Dermalogicas’  The International Dermal Institute, Suite 332-1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C.

Cost: $50.00

Register: Please email info@itb180.com

It’s no secret that Vancouver has many amazing spas.  It seems every neighbourhood in Metro Vancouver is home to a delightful spa experience. While I have had opportunity to enjoy many spas in the downtown core and surrounding areas, I am pleased to introduce you to this little Coquitlam oasis.

Skindulgence - The Urban Retreat is located in the heart of this Vancouver suburb and has been here for over 20 years. Owner Tazeem Jamal an extremely well educated skin care specialist and treated my skin to a delightful G.M. Collin facial. G.M. Collin is an award winning product line originating in France.

Treatment began with a thorough consultation of my skin and Tazeem was sure to choose the products specific to my skin care needs at that moment. I was invited into the cozy spa room where I slipped on to the table in between the most amazingly soft towels that I have ever experienced! It’s one thing to have a facial on a table, between the sheets, with a comforter but this was the ultimate experience and really set the tone for my treatment.

My skin was in need of some deep exfoliation and hydration. Tazeem explained that G.M. Collin has a very specific blend of hydroxy acids in combination as to take care of all that the skin needs. My skin needed the works and directly after the product was massaged on to my skin I could feel the active properties working. Upon removal my skin was left feeling like that of a young child. With this step out of the way Tazeem was able to use a combination of products that deeply penetrated and nourished my skin.

G.M. Collin is also known for their Algomask+. It is a deeply penetrating, hydrating mask. It has a thermo cooling effect on the skin and revitalizes and takes care of redness. This intensely hydrating treatment may be used for any skin type. Yes, this is me shown here!

I felt completely pampered by every step of this treatment and Tazeem continued straight through start to finish with pampering. I have never received an eye cream application and galvanic spa treatment like this one before and almost drifted off to sleep. Toner, Moisturizing and a complimentary eyebrow check completed my experience. Tazeem sent me home with some samples to try for me to continue with for home care and my skin has been absolutely amazing since! I really needed the hydration and G.M. Collin delivers!

Tazeem has very graciously extended a Custom Facial Experience to one of my lucky readers!

To Enter:

On Twitter:  ” I entered to win a custom Facial experience from Skindulgence & @cadijordan http://bit.ly/H7UuCu “ - 1 Entry

Leave a comment here below letting us know why you really need to have this facial! – 1 Entry

Contest closes on Wednesday, April 4th, 2012! Winner will be notified by e-mail.

Skindulgence- The Urban Retreat
Owner: Tazeem Jamal
Ring: 604.469.2688
Facebook

I have no idea why Facebook did this to us. When we are added to groups we are immediately signed up for notifications and emails and sometimes…we don’t want to be in the group! Ok, maybe we want to be in the group but we certainly don’t want our inbox filled up with all the notifications! I have been asked numerous times over this past week how to escape the mayhem! Here I share:  How to get out of a Facebook Group! Or at least turn off the notifications!

Escape Step #1

In the upper right corner of the ‘Group’ you will see a ‘Notification’ tab. Click this.

Escape Step #2

In the drop down of ‘Notifications’ it will show you On/Off and Settings.  Here you may turn ‘Notifications’ On or Off.

Escape Step #3

The ‘magic’ settings… tab. Click here and a box will appear to allow you to uncheck email notifications. You may choose from here to be notified via email about All posts or specifics. You may uncheck the email box so as to not receive any email notifications.

Escape Step #4

You didn’t really want to be in the ‘Group’ to begin with? Here you may simply click the ‘wheel’ symbol to the right of the ‘Notifications’ and a drop down will come down with options of which you may choose to ‘Leave Group’.

And there you have it! How to get out of that Facebook Group! 

Socially Yours,

Created by: MBA Online

I have to start this off with “Dear 16 Year Old Me”.

I must say that I am quite excited to share this local Vancouver based mobile business with you! After watching this video go viral all over social media I was more intrigued by their offerings.  Vancouver Spray Tan  is a mobile airbrush tanning service that comes to you. On your own or for a party I was impressed with the service. It is the perfect service to have if you are going on vacation, for graduation or your wedding!

It’s important to note that a healthy tan can only come from a service such as this. Any color on the skin from the sun or UV rays is damaging. The Canadian Cancer Society states that cases of melanoma are higher by 75% in those who have used indoor tanning beds and equipment. Vancouver Spray Tan has more on your health here.

Owner Amy and I had extensive conversation about ingredients within products and a little guilt about our 16 year old selves visiting those tanning beds!  Amy saw this opportunity to provide a service that many of us are seeking. Providing an amazing service in the comfort of our own homes. Providing a service that is beneficial to our skin while giving us that desired healthy glow. All my questions were answered here on her FAQ page.

Is there any preparation?

Upon booking my complimentary tan, Amy and I began our banter with a cheat sheet for me to exfoliate and prepare before her visit. It’s winter. Dead honest I’d say I had alligator skin. Amy was kind and did not agree. I followed her quick instructions to exfoliate and did so a couple of  days before. I did not use any lotions so as to allow for better penetration of the product application.

What is the product? 

Vancouver Spray Tan uses an all natural solution made with an FDA approved sugar that actively darkens the skin. This in combination with a very gentle airbrush application and I was on my way to a gorgeous glow!  Amy will tell you that the whole process takes 30 minutes but really it may take less. Amy arrived, popped up her mobile ‘tanning room tent’ and allowed me to disrobe to my level of comfort. I was warned that I may feel a little cool during the process and that my ‘tan’ would evolve over the course of the evening due to the formulation of the product working with my skin and natural oxygenation process. I have to admit I was concerned a little due to all those products I’d seen used in the past. The creams and gels that used to make people look orange and streaky! I was in good hands and had nothing to fear.

What is the process?

As mentioned, Amy set up her quick mobile tanning tent, allowed me to disrobe to my level of comfort, had me step into some sexy strapless sticky sandals and set to work. She did let me know that the solution would feel a little coolish but I followed instruction well and we were done in no time with a few turns and arm raises here and there.

I was pleased with the results and loved how natural everything looked. This photo is taken quite soon after! And lasted me 7-10 days. It really is perfect for vacation or attending a wedding. I may even have Amy back pre summer when we first get those rays of light and my white legs are sticking out from under my shorts! It is important to note here as well that you do need to apply that sunscreen wherever you are going to! If you’re going out in the sun, this is not an SPF. You need to apply, apply, apply that sunscreen!

When Amy is not coming to you she can be found one afternoon a week over at Luxe Beauty Lounge in Yaletown.

Vancouver Spray can be found on
Twitter: @VancouverTan 
Facebook: Vancouver Spray Tan
Ring: 604.910.2959

As well, Amy would love to extend the same service that I received here to one lucky recipient!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on the blog here letting us know a little something you wish your 16 yr old self knew. – 1 Entry

Tweet: I entered to win a healthy tan from @vancouvertan & @cadijordan http://bit.ly/y4rwig 

Contest open to Vancouver Lower Mainland residents and will close on Wednesday, February 29th, 2012!

It is with great pleasure, as well as an honour, to let you all know that I have partnered with Vancouver based Passion Foundation as my 2012 charity of choice to support. I’ve always had a passion for youth and all that goes with supporting them to be the best that they can be. Passion Foundation just felt so natural to support.

What is Passion Foundation?

Passion Foundation is comprised of a Board that is committed to holistically assisting young women to achieve everything they want in life. Loretta Cella is the Founder and Executive Program Director. Loretta’s background in Child and Youth Care Counselling combined with her work in Vancouver and globally, set her out to begin Passion Foundation. Passion Foundation’s Mission is to support young women to achieve personal success in life by supporting each other. Passion Foundation provides opportunity for self exploration and positive role modelling assisting young women to connect with their life purpose.

A little video here to explain –

PSA – Passion Foundation from Intersections Media on Vimeo.

With no further ado, Jordan Consulting is pleased to donate 5% of monthly earnings for 2012 to the Vancouver Passion Foundation in support of these young women.  You can donate here yourself!  I will also purpose to assist with any events that are upcoming this year to drive awareness for this cause and support Passion Foundation and their endeavours for a better tomorrow for our youth.

You may wish to:

Follow on Twitter : @PassionTeams
Like on Facebook : Passion Foundation
Website: Passion Foundation