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It’s a beautiful day for a facial don’t you think?  Get your butt down to Kiss & Makeup on the North Shore today.  Their fabulous staff will be giving free facials, administering a little Skoah inspired TLC.  There will also be a draw for a fabulous gift basket filled with Skoah goodies!  You are more than welcome to drop by, but to guarantee a spot phone ahead to book an appointment at 604-922-6292.

Almost all of the officially licensed Park Life for Aritzia collection is on sale now!  To get some great deals run down to your neighbourhood Aritzia or TNA.  Go for the Gold and get there first before it’s all gone!

Victoria Beckham and author aren’t words you’d expect to hear in the same sentence; unless separated by the words, “is not”.  When it came out she was writing a book a few years ago, I was shocked.  It made more sense when I heard it was a book on fashion tips.  But it must be said this book is actually delightful!  It answers a multitude of fashion questions and has an astounding amount of useful tips. It’s surprising how much she emphasizes function over fashion.  Victoria stresses the feeling of comfort; style only comes after you feel confident and relaxed in your clothing.  This book talks about it all, from what type of underwear to wear when, to how a v-neck should be paired with an a-line.  She tackles coloring, pairing, hair, make-up, how to get away with wearing sexy shoes in winter; you name it it’s in here.  You can really trust Victoria’s advice on which top designers every woman should invest in. From a woman who wears nothing but the best and has daily wardrobe changes, her words count for a lot.  That Extra Half Inch is educational, practical and entertaining.  You could almost forget who the author was, if she wasn’t photographed on every page!

Gold Hawk is a clothing line based out of Los Angeles that was launched four years ago by the very talented Michele Dahan, who is originally from Montreal.  The line quickly became successful around the globe. Celebrities soon caught on like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Port, and Scarlett Johansson.  Dahan makes beautiful clothing; it’s small pieces of wearable art in the form of tunics, skirts, sweaters and dresses – most adorned with lace and sequins.  Gold Hawk is most famous for their camisoles; Michele brought them back with a passion and has made them an essential for every closet yet again.  This line is contemporary and whimsical, perfect for the woman who wants to look effortlessly breathtaking.  You can find Gold Hawk clothing at Eden Boutique in Yaletown, located at 1042 Hamilton Street.

When decorating your living room, almost more important than the furniture are the accent pieces. How you accessorize your home speaks volumes.  One of the greatest inventions in home decor is the coffee table book.  OK maybe not THE greatest, but it is a great way to show off how stylish and intelligent you are, without you even having to be in the room! Coffee table books are usually bought as a decoration; they’re not often read, but rather admired.  I have a few in my collection and rotate through them; putting out different ones depending on the company I’m having over.  It’s always nice to match the personality with the book.

Normally I would say buy books from a bookstore, that’s a no-brainer.  But when it comes to coffee table books there is only one place to go in Vancouver and that is The Cross.  They have an amazing collection of fashion, art, architecture and design books that are truly spectacular.  So the next time you’re looking for a rather large book to complete your home, or someone else’s (great housewarming gift idea), stop by The Cross Decor & Design located at 1198 Homer Street.

When it comes to prolific Vancouver designers the first name on every list is undoubtedly Jason Matlo.  He makes outstanding pieces that can be worn for every occasion.  Jason Matlo clothing is high-fashion, stunningly tailored and totally wearable.  Part of Matlo’s inspiration comes from 1930s fashion which was all about a ladylike appearance; showcasing a woman’s waist and curves.  Femininity, glamour and classic silhouettes were the order of the day then and now with Jason Matlo’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection.  It’s flattering and elegant but with a cohesive simplicity.

These clothes attract attention in the best way possible.  Jason is a mastermind at silhouettes, creating sexy outfits for all tastes.  He originally wanted to be an artist; he received his degree and moved to Victoria to live the life of one.  But soon realized something was missing and a friend suggested he study fashion at the infamous Helen Lefeaux school of fashion design.  All I can say is THANK GOD for that advice!  You can find Jason Matlo designs all over town in chic boutiques like Jules & Eve, Lola, LYNNsteven, Du Jour and Ingenue.

The last restaurant I went to: Coast.  Best clam chowder in the city!

The last pair of earrings I bought: Carol Lee studs from Blue Ruby.

The last movie I watched: American Beauty.  W-E-I-R-D.

The last lip gloss I bought: Peony by Bobbi Brown.

The last accessory I got: Red Olympic mittens from HBC, who doesn’t have a pair!?

Kenda Haga is the woman behind Mimi & Marge, a line she named after her two Aunts.  M&M is jewellery for the modern girl; hand-made, high-quality, fun pieces.  They make stylish bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings and handbags.  What’s different about this line is that although they incorporate certain trends in their pieces, they mainly focus on what inspires them.  The end product is unique and versatile jewellery; pieces you can dress up or down.

Four years ago I was robbed.  I lost the diamonds my parents’ bought me for my 16^th birthday and the pearls they bought me for graduation.  Thousands of dollars and years of memories all gone in the blink of an eye.  But the one item I was heartbroken over  was my Mimi & Marge necklace.   Their pieces can have that effect on people, they are something to love and cherish, to be worn everyday.  I ended up finding it again a year later at Blue Ruby.  I actually squealed when I saw it, the salesclerk looked at me like I was crazy!  Although locally based their line is worn by women the world over.  With a celebrity following including: Beyonce, Fergie, Britney Spears, Kate Hudson, Reese Witherspoon and Demi Moore.  You can find Mimi & Marge at BeautyMark, Blue Ruby and Hills of Kerrisdale.  You can also find their line of bags at Plenty and Briers.

Other than sushi, there’s only one thing I would eat every single day and that’s hot and sour soup from Urban Thai Bistro. It tops my list of healthy to die for items, I barely believe its nutritional. How can something this good contain a measly 160 calories per cup? Flavours of lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai spices burst from the soup; which is also filled with juicy prawns, mushrooms, green onions, and tomatoes.  Vancouver’s top fitness trainer, fellow protein lover, and my dining partner Anna Wong loved the menu options too. After our soup we chose the prawn and squid rich Rommitr salad – simply dressed with refreshing lime juice and mint. Being major carnivores, the satays were a no-brainer; as was the meat choice of ‘naturally raised, free-range ostrich‘ If you’re struggling to decide between beef or chicken, ditch both and go for ostrich. It’s a salty cross; it’s a tasty red meat like beef, but softer in texture like chicken. Dunk it with as much peanut sauce as possible!

Next we had one of my all-time weaknesses: ‘Kaeng Kari Gai’. It’s a dessert-like, creamy, coconut yellow curry; if the world was perfect I would enjoy this every day and stay skinny. If you’re a fan of rice pudding (as I am) then this one’s for you: coconut milk sweetened sticky rice, wrapped in jackfruit. It’s oddly satisfying and surprisingly to die for. To wash this beautiful feast down, the friendly servers surprised me with a traditional lychee coconut blended drink called ‘Royal Thai’.  Don’t forget to follow me on twitter: @erin_ireland and check out my website www.erin-ireland.com. Ciao for now!

When it comes to choosing cosmetics and beauty products, going to big department stores can be overwhelming – especially if you’re after niche labels.  You’re better off trying boutiques like BeautyMark in Yaletown or Beauty Bar on West 4^th.  Beauty Bar is owned by Tasleem Suleman; she opened her doors in the chic Kitsilano neighbourhood back in 2005.  Suleman has created a welcoming and stylish environment.  Beauty bar carries the best in luxury brands with natural ingredients; it’s all about quality over quantity.  They carry cosmetics, accessories, soaps and beauty products they can stand behind.  Helping each customer to find what works best for them – even if they don’t carry it.  I love their high-spirited staff who are always amazing at creating a stress-free shopping experience.  A few of the labels you can find at Beauty Bar include Paul & Joe, Agent Provocateur, Pink Sugar, Kai and Herve Gamb.  They even carry men’s products, so no more drugstore shaving foam for the man in your life.  Whether you’re looking to spoil yourself or to get a gift for someone else, Beauty Bar is definitely worth checking out.   Get down to Beauty Bar today; it’s an addiction that’s actually good for your body!

If you’ve fought with frizzy hair or are looking to condition dry, damaged locks then you need to try Living Proof hair products.  It’s a revolutionary hair care line that de-frizzes, conditions, adds shine to and protects your hair from dirt and even the rain.  Living Proof was created by MIT professor Dr. Bob Langer and Dr. Dan Anderson.  Instead of using the standard method for creating beauty products they went against the grain and worked with what they knew best – physics.  Living Proof uses advanced technology to help make any hair type resistant to humidity.  What’s amazing about Living Proof is that it makes a whole bunch of products to suit all hair types.  You can find Living Proof at Sephora, prices range anywhere form $15-$50.

Alright ladies it’s time to get personal – VERY personal.  Today I’m talking about taking care of your nether regions.  This post is all about products to help keep your lady bits fresh. Local gal Ritz Clinging has created a fantastic line of feminine care products called I Love My Muff.  The entire line is made with all-natural, non-toxic, vegan ingredients.  There isn’t a single chemical or petroleum based preservative to be found.  Which is important because your skin soaks up what you put on it, so chemical free products are a pretty good idea.  I Love My Muff is jam-packed full of fresh, clean and natural components to help your hoo-haw stay fresh, clean and natural.

Ritz saw a serious lack in feminine care products that fit in with today’s modern woman.  So she set out to create her own line of trendy feminine cleaners; all so other women can show their vajayjay’s some lovin’.  Each product is handmade in Canada with beneficial essential oils, which work for all skin types.  But don’t take my word for it, I Love My Muff products are selling like hotcakes in a teeny, tiny store in New York called HENRY BENDEL!!!!!

For Ritz it’s all about loving your body and taking care of it, so head down to Kiss & Makeup in West Vancouver, or check out www.ilovemymuff.com and treat your lady bits to the freshest products on the market!  Prices range from $18-$35, I recommend the muff maintenance kit.  It comes with washes, sprays, lotions and wipes.  It’s perfect for taking on vacation, that way you can still feel fresh when you’re not at home.

Technically it’s still winter, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that by looking outside or in the stores.  Artizia is starting to bring in their new stock and let’s just say it’s going to be a beautiful spring!  So get down to your local Artizia to get ready for the upcoming fashion season!  All your favourites will be there Wilfred, Community, TNA, Talula Babaton and Talula.  So much to choose from and it’s only going to get better and the weeks go by!

Travellers Deck is a deck of cards that lists the 100 best places to eat and shop in Vancouver.  Each card has a mini-bio of the store or restaurant complete with the address, phone number, price range and hours.  The best part about these decks is that each card is also a coupon for great discounts and even some freebies!

The deck is color coded based on location: Downtown, South Main & Cambie Village, South Granville & Granville Island, Commercial Drive and Kitsilano.  It’s filled to the brim with fabulous places to eat and shop, stores you’ve heard of and some you haven’t.  These cards are a great way to add to your shopping repertoire.  Instead of heading out to the same places you always do, pull out your deck, shuffle the cards and pick your destination. (Just don’t forget to bring the cards with you, treat them the same as you would a regular coupon).

This decadent deck of discounts includes stores like: Gum Drops, Plenty, Gravity Pope, Zebra Club, Medina Café, The Block, Nood, 212, Vasanji, BeautyMark, Glowbal, Fine Finds, Chambar, Sophie’s Cosmic café and about 85 others!  Travellers Deck is the perfect gift for anyone in your life, including yourself!  It costs around $12 and can be found in many stores scattered throughout the city like Chapters, Fine Finds, The Bay, Country Furniture and a few others.  For more information visit www.travellersdeck.com.

The last song stuck in my head: “The Song is You” by Bing Crosby.

The last pair of heels I bought: Black patent Michael Kors.  Super sexy.

The last item I bought off Ebay: Purse hooks.  Greatest invention ever.

The last mascara I bought: Dior DiorShow Iconic.  The only mascara a girl needs.

The last store I was addicted to: Blubird.  Great assortment of decadent designers.

Yesterday I had my first Olympic experience.  I attended the women’s 500m speed skating event at the Richmond Oval.  WOW.  It was such a rush being there and watching those ladies.  I couldn’t get over their muscles; they had thighs that could crack boulders!  They were skating up to 60km/hr, making it look effortless.  I have to say though, seeing all those muscular legs made me feel a little inadequate.  I’ve been running 5km, 3 times a week and was beginning to think I was this fit chick.  After only 5 minutes of watching the speed skaters I was on my way to the concession for a greasy pizza to console myself.

At the first intermission I ran to see what fashions were to be had.  You can’t go to an Olympic event without picking up a few souvenirs – well I can’t anyways.  (I’m the person who spends more time in the museum gift shop than in the exhibits).  I ended up buying an adorable white and red toque and three Olympic pins.  DON’T LAUGH, I am NOT a collector.  I actually have no idea what came over me.  I bought one just as a keepsake, but another caught my eye so I bought it.  At the second intermission I ran back and bought a third!  It was like crack, I couldn’t stop myself.  I spent $30 on pins, that’s nine chai latte’s, that’s a blo out, that’s a Wilfred hat from Aritzia for god sakes!

OK back to the event itself.  When did the Dutch take over Vancouver?  The entire oval was PACKED with Dutch fans, they almost outnumbered the Canadians!  It was hurting my eyes seeing all that color in the stands.  Red and orange totally clash and should never be that close together.  Besides getting to see the athletes race first-hand; the best part was the crowd coming together to cheer Canada on.  As soon as a Canadian was up, everyone was screaming and jumping.  Such an amazing experience; I loved every minute of it.  Except the pepperoni pizza I had, that was the low point of the day.  So much for going organic.  My next Olympic experience is tomorrow, I’ll be at the Canada vs. Switzerland hockey game.  I’m heading down early to soak up all the touristy things one can do.  I’m chomping at the bit to try the zip line.  I’ll have to wait and see if I have the patience to stand in line for 4hrs with actual tourists.  Who knows maybe I’ll make some Dutch friends.

I love buying jewellery that has a bit of history behind it; it makes the pieces much more unique.  Pyrrha designs is a perfect example of breathing new life into antique seals.  Created by Vancouverites Wade Papin and Danielle Wilmore in 1993, the entire collection is handmade in Vancouver from 19^th century wax seals.  Every design has a symbolic meaning and is taken from family heraldry. The name Pyrrha comes from the myth of Pyrrha and Deucalion.  Coles Notes version is they were the only two survivors after the great floods and the tale goes that in order to repopulate the earth Pyrrha and Deucalion had to throw stones over their shoulders.  The stones thrown by Pyrrha became women and Deucalion’s became men.

This line is all about connecting with the past, you can pick a necklace you like the look of, or one you feel fits your personality.  There are plenty to choose from; with over 200 pieces in the collection you can wear one, or a few to create a deeper meaning.  You can find Pyrrha almost anywhere, at stores like Barefoot Contessa, BeautyMark, Hills, Blue Ruby and Beauty Bar.  For Wade and Danielle it’s very important to be environmentally responsible, so they make their jewellery with reclaimed silver and gold.  They choose to not use chemical cleaners and the pieces are packaged in recyclable containers and biodegradable bags.  Join the long list of celebrities who adorn themselves with Pyrrha, stars like: Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, Emma Thompson, Taylor Swift, Ashton Kutcher, Taylor Lautner, Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johansson.  To read more about the meaning of the seals you can check out their website at www.pyrrha.com.