Fugly or Fabulous?

How was everyone's Christmas? Mine was filled with an excess of food, drink, and merriment. It's always good to return home and catch up with loved ones. Hope all of yours was the same!

While at my parent's house, I had some time to do some lazy web surfing catch up and I came across these two items in my inbox. Both of these items are things that I can't quite decide if they are awfully cool, or just awful - like couldn't they go either way? So I leave it up to you readers to tell me: are these fugly or fabulous?

Topshop Peacock jumper, $34

I actually saw this sweater (or jumper) in Fine Finds the other day! It really looks better in real life and I have to admit I kinda enjoy the OTT-ness of it. I think it has potential to look cute when paired with a pencil skirt, tights, and some cute booties!

If you can believe it, this is a bottle of tequila worth 3.5 MILLION dollars!! Created by Ami Mesika, the Tequila Ley 925 is now in the Guiness World Records as the world's most expensive bottle of tequila and is constructed out of platinum and 6400 diamonds! No word on whether the tequila is any good though.

Product Review: Blistop anti-blister spray

The Product
Since I live in the downtown core, I tend to do a lot of walking: from work, to home, to run errands, to meet friends and attend events - it can all get a little hard on one's precious feet! Any product that would help me maintain comfort and prevent those painful blisters, while allowing me to wear whatever stupid heels I like is something that I definitely have to try. Enter Blistop, an innovative spray that is formulated to prevent pesky blisters!

The Guts
The spray works as a "second skin," by creating an invisible barrier between your skin and whatever aggravating surface it's in contact with. You simply spray, dry, and go! Blistop contains less than 10 ingredients, none of which I recognize except oddly enough, menthol (perhaps to give a nice smell??).

Price & Packaging
This product is pretty cheap at under $10 for a 32 mL bottle. It comes in a compact aerosol can that could easily be stored into one's purse if touch-ups are needed during a long night.

Effectiveness
I tried this out recently with a pair of flats that always tend to rub badly against my ankles. A quick, single spray on each ankle sufficiently made the back of my feet very wet; however seconds later it was bone dry! Just in case, I repeated the application - a little thicker layer never hurt right? To test it out, I wore the flats for walking to and from a dinner with friends, at approximately 30 minutes each way. I would say that this was actually successful! My feet did not turn red and raw as they usually would with these flats and I was able to comfortably walk without a care. By the end, my feet were beginning to feel a tad bit tender, but I think this product could manage a whole 24 hours, if you reapplied as the day went.

Buy or Ditch?
For the sake of good footwear, buy for heaven's sake.

Final Verdict: B+

Happy non-denominational winter celebratory festival!

Dress: some random store in Toronto
Pink tights, sweater coat: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Olivia Boutique, Montreal
Necklace: Guess

Yay for the holidays!! Now that I've finally finished my Christmas shopping and am now on vacation from work, I feel a lot less stressed. Now I can concentrate on not over-doing the holiday eating and taking some much needed downtime with family and friends. Am still not sure what to do for NYE. I kinda dread NYE just because of all the pressure to HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS POSSIBLE!!!11 when really I just feel like having fun with my friends and not having to plan anything. That is what I consider an amazing time now - when I can just go to something with friends without having to plan it all for everyone.

In other news, here is a photo from my recent work with Schema where we did a video interview with Canadian pop star, Elise Estrada! A local Vancouver gal, Elise has come a long from her roots when she was discovered on a local radio station's singing competition. This girl really surprised me with how sweet she was, and her beautiful pipes! I'll be posting up the whole video interview soon, and there will also be an exclusive giveaway with Elise, so be sure to keep visiting for news!



Now, I'll be taking a nice long break until the new year, so unfortunately there won't be many new posts here on BHMnB. However, I've provided you a long list of oldies, but goodies, you can read! Hope you all have an awesome holiday filled with cookies, family and friends. See you all in 2011!

How to: An easy purple eyeshadow look for day
The Theory of Sexual Inflation
Current Inspirations: Lady, you got class
Getting to Know: Fox, Fluevog & friends Part 1
My interview with Far East Movement!!
White = right? The controversy over skin lightening
Dear MizzJ: what are your top budget beauty recommendations?
Ways to work that turtleneck
Hot coats for cold winters
Move bitch, get out the way!

Metropolis Hot Seats: Good Ol' Hockey Game

Last weekend I had an amazing, life changing experience. I became a real Canadian: I watched a hockey game live. And not just live, but from an exclusive box seat at Rogers Arena. AND it was a game between bitter rivals the Vancouver Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs. I know this may not mean much to anyone who isn't Canadian, but trust me, it is very cool. So how did I get this lucky opportunity? Well, it was all thanks to Metropolis at Metrotown!

Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest mall in Greater Vancouver, featuring many of the best shopping stores in the city. In the past year, Metropolis has started a cool campaign called Metropolis Hot Seats where mall patrons can enter to win free ticket giveaways to watch hockey games and concerts from Metropolis' exclusive executive suite. Not only do winners get some of the best views in the arena, they also get delicious free catered food! As for me, I was invited as the "guest blogger" for the game.

Having never been to a game before, I was pretty excited. At first I was totally lost as I had no idea where to go, but when I finally found the executive suite, I was ushered in to a roar of noise. The Canucks were just hitting the ice and the crowd was going wild. It was like being at a rock concert, except that the rock stars here were big, strong athletes, rather than skinny, pale musicians. Hmm which would you rather have protecting you in a dark alley ladies?

The game itself was awesome. Singing O'Canada, our national anthem, in a crowded arena with hockey players below and everyone's voices ringing out, I hadn't felt such national pride since the Olympics. Watching the game on TV was nothing compared to this; the energy, the speed and the strength of the players was at least 10x higher than say, watching at home, or at a bar. When Vancouver scored, I screamed with the best of them, and when they had a penalty, I hissed with the best of them. It didn't matter that I wasn't a hockey expert, we were all in it together. I would definitely recommend entering for a Metropolis Hot Seat - it is a fantastic experience!

Driving a Zamboni has always been a fantasy of mine. It's a Canadian thing.

The plush executive suite owned by Metropolis. And check out my cute Johnny Canuck shirt I'm wearing which is by Mr. Artist!

Free food!! The best eats were the shrimp tempura and the freshly baked giant cookies.

View from the box.

My ticket

A video I took with my camera of all the action! Go Canucks go!

At every game, you can see a pair of green suited guys sitting beside the opposing team's penalty box. These "Green Men" have become famous in Vancouver for their hilarious antics heckling the opposing team. Here's a great video of them heckling a Toronto Maple Leaf:

Thanks so much to Sarah and Tish of Metropolis for a memorable evening!

Snow covered squirrell

Is it a squirrel? A chipmunk? An unlucky mouse who climbed a tree and got his dumb self stuck? I don't know and frankly does it even matter? All I know is that it is CUTE. I love how Mr. Artist likes to fuel my obsession for cute animals by sending me daily injections of adorableness. When I'm feeling down, I just shoot myself back up again by looking at a cute teeny animal with excessive fuzziness and huge eyes. Oddly enough, this also could describe me when I first wake up in the morning with bedhead.

I've been having a great time reading all your horrid hair stories on my latest giveaway - keep them coming! When the winner is announced next week, I'll be sharing my horrible hair moment! Hopefully tonight will not be making that list as it is my office's Christmas party. I've been pondering the last couple weeks on how to do my hair and scouring for the perfect LBD for the party's black & white theme. Alas, I saw no LBD or LWD that made go "ooh" so I'm opting to shop in my own closet. Also my wallet would scream at me because I just bought 2 pairs of leather boots, and a pair of Michael Kors clogs (all on sale though)! As for hair, I'm opting for a soft curls pulled into a bun. Wish me luck readers!

Lust of the Week: everything at Fine Finds & Vasanji Boutique

A couple weeks ago I was invited out to the 20th anniversary for Yaletown boutique institution, Vasanji for their Holiday Glam Shopping Soiree. This exclusive shopping event hosted an eclectic blend of fashionistas, industry insiders, and bloggers. Attendees were offered sparkling wines, delicious appetizers, and shopping delights galore by hosts Vasanji and Fine Finds.

Both boutiques offer a variety of beautiful things that are guaranteed to make your fingers twitch for your wallet (or is that just me?). I swear, I was lucky to make it out alive with just a couple sheets of nail art stickers! Partial proceeds from the event went to The Province's Empty Stocking fund, which helps support various goodwill charities around Vancouver. Now, feast your eyes on some of the goodies that caught my eye:

One girl there wore her neck cowl with a deep emerald dress. Smoking hot.

Holiday Giveaway Bonanza Part 4: Curly or straight?

The grass is truly greener on the other side. Most of my life, I've been like most girls and pined for that which I didn't have: long legs, blue eyes, blond locks, and curly hair. The last one was the easiest to achieve with all the plethora of hair frying implements out there. There were even yes, a few brief periods where I let my yearning for curls drive me into getting a perm at various salons, to varying degrees of success. Let's just say that after a month, I longed for my sleek locks again.

Now I never have to commit to a style again now that I discovered small barrel flat irons a year ago. My previous thought was that flat irons were essentially a hand-held, higher-quality version of the one you use for clothes, but technology was way ahead of my archaic perceptions. Today's flat irons promise sleek shine, or loose waves in minutes and without damaging your hair excessively.

In part 4 of my Holiday Giveaway Bonanza, I am offering you the chance to change your hair life with this awesome Karmin G3 Salon Pro Tourmaline Flat Iron care of Hair Products Pro. The retail price is normally $300, but you could win this highly rated flat iron FOR FREE!



Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment telling me what was your worst hair moment story
• Follow me via Google Blog Connect, Bloglovin, RSS, Twitter!
  

Contest open to residents of Canada and US only. Deadline is 12 AM PST, December 22, 2010! This is the last giveaway I'll have for 2010 so you don't want to miss out!


Also, the winner of part 3's Garnier Rock Your Style gift pack is...

Beverley

How to reduce stretch marks by... eating?

It can be hard to be a lady. Everyone in magazines, movies, and hell even people's Facebook photos, are getting increasingly further away from reality. It seems that nowadays there is no excuse to look anything less than flawless. Life is more messy than that unfortunately and real women have real bodies. I for instance am secretly scared every time I don a bathing suit because I have stretch marks on my thighs. Causes of stretch marks include weight loss or gain, growth spurts, and body-building. They are natural, but oh man are they a pain to get rid of!

If like me, surgery isn't your thing, treatments for stretch marks include massage, creams, exercise and food. Yes, eating certain foods can apparently help reduce stretch marks. The key ingredients to target are Vitamins C, A, E, zinc, and fatty acids. If these ingredients sound familiar, it's because they are commonly cited as Nature's anti-aging defenders. Here are some common food sources for each:

• Vitamin A: carrots, broccoli, spinach, eggs, mango, pumpkin, milk
• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, blueberries, oysters, guava, parsley, red peppers
• Vitamin E: almonds, spinach, tomatoes, asparagus, papayas
  
• Zinc: bran & whole grains, almonds, pumpkin seeds
• Fatty acids: soya oil, leafy vegetables, fish, shellfish
  

This simple soup I made the other day is a great idea to incorporate many of these great stretch mark fighters. Just mix in a tablespoon of miso paste into a bowl of boiling water, crack in an egg, throw in a few fistfuls of spinach, tofu and rice to taste.



Do you have any tips on getting rid of pesky body marks like stretch marks and scars?

Don't forget, you have one day left to enter part 3 of my Holiday Giveaway Bonanza!

The sound is so deafening

Tee: Forever 21
Boyfriend cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Smart Set?
Pants: McQ by Alexander McQueen

Welcome to my walk-in closet. Obviously this outfit was worn in slightly warmer times (well, October) because currently I am half drowning in all the recent rain we've been getting. The other half of me is drowning in holiday stress. I kinda hate holidays now. Before Christmas was my favourite time of year because I was a kid and I got presents and there were bright lights on trees and tons of cookies!! Now I'm too old to get a mountain of stuff - now I buy the mountain of stuff for others, and am too lazy to decorate haha! But don't think I've gone totally Scrooge; I still have a soft spot for bright lights and dancing Santa animatronic decorations. How are you faring this holiday season? Any tips for detoxing off holiday stress? So far, my way of coping is buying too many clothes and shoes - very unhealthy!

Also, check out my latest Killahbeez article on French street artist C215 here!

Delicate treasures at FriedaSophie

What better inspiration is there than the world around us. Recently I've been watching many nature documentaries and I am continually stunned and saddened by the bittersweet observing of nature on film. The color combinations in furs, flowers, and play of light are to say the least, inspiring. When I was first alerted by San Franciscan jewelry artist FriedaSophie, I immediately wondered if she too was also an appreciator of nature. Her delicate line of earrings, necklaces and rings certainly evoke the color and grace of wintry mornings and dewy springs. Everything in her store made me want to click Buy and like most Etsy artists, her handicrafts are available at a steal!

Take a look at what caught my eye at her store and fall in love yourself.

Ocean Tide necklace, $24

Made of gold plated leaf and an aqua chalcedony stone, this necklace is soothing and peaceful to the eye. I love how simple and elegant it is; there is nothing overdone or ornate about this necklace as each element is made in such a way to say much, with little.

Lemon drops earrings, $29

Resembling a cluster of frosted white grapes, these pretty yellow chalcedony earrings are a cloudy almost non-color that evokes morning fog.

Emerald green opal necklace, $49

This is probably one of the most expensive items in FriedaSophie's store, but what a stunner! Featuring a bright green emerald opal and 24K gold, this necklace would look amazing against a simple black dress. Argh, I want, I want!

Tree leaf branch necklace, $28

Another girly girl number caught my fancy with this gold and misty aqua chalcedony stone setting. I think this necklace would look great on those who are a bit younger with its cute, rounded leafs. If you're not a fan of the aqua, custom orders are available too!

Flying bird necklace, $24

Finally, I had to feature this adorable necklace as its little bird pendant totally reminds me of the infamous Twitter bird! I know, so nerdy, but isn't this a much prettier way to celebrate one's nerdy side than the typical "I <3 style="text-align: left;">Check out the rest of FriedaSophie's beautiful designs at her Etsy store!

Lust of the Week: Minna Claudia dress

via Minna, 350 £

Doesn't this dress just remind you of Alexa Chung's recent Elle Magazine cover? I was never much a fan of her style until very very recently. Like, as of that cover. That cat-eye eyeliner, the stuffy I'm-so-cool-I-can-dress-like-a-granny shirt, the hot ass leather shorts and those sparkly shoes - I was feeling that outfit like a pervy old man eyes a stripper. More and more I am finding subtle, unexpected things sexy. What could be hotter at this moment than a school-marm dress like the one above with a pair of chunky, thoroughly modern shoes, tousled bangs and smoky eyes? Tell me, because I seriously don't know.

Holiday Bonana Part 3: Garnier Fructis Rock Your Style

Music and fashion. Fashion and music. What is it about the two that fascinates the mind and soul? Many have tried to explain, and I'll leave the eloquent explanations to them. For me, music makes the body move and fashion clothes the body, of course it makes perfect sense that the two go hand in hand.

One such upcoming musician ready to take on the fashion/music worlds is the young soul singer Diane Birch. With one glance at her gorgeously rich brunette bangs, pillowy lips, and vintage style, Diane is reminiscent of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Liv Tyler etc. Her voice is just as beautiful, with a rich soulful sound that echoes that of our parent's generation. Take a cue from her mix of the old and new by mixing funky patterns, with battered classics, a touch of androgyny, and one perfect hat.

The inspiration

The perfect outfit:
Asos Fantasy Leather leopard belt
Urban Outfitters Dallin Chase Suede dress
Urban Outfitters Asymmetrical felt fedora
Urban Outfitters Cooperative canvas lace oxford wedges

Garnier knows how to spot great style and they had a chance to talk to the lovely Diane Birch herself about her music and style:

Now it's your turn to receive the Garnier special treatment! As part of Part 3 of my Holiday Giveaway Bonanza, you could win a special hair care prize pack containing great Garnier Rock Your Style products for each step of your hair regimen, from wash to styling! All you have to do to win is:

• Leave a comment telling me how you'll be styling your hair for that special holiday party or New Years Eve
• Tell me how you subscribe to my blog: Google Friend Connect, RSS, or Bloglovin!
• Send me a photo of yourself and a photo of your inspiration hairdo! Doing this will be worth 2 free entries!

The deadline to enter is 12 am PST, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010! US and Canada entrants only please.




Thank you to everyone who entered the previous parts of my Holiday Giveaway Bonanza. This series of giveaways is my special way of thanking my readers for every comment and every visit you've all made this year. Stay tuned for part 4 next week! And finally, here is the winner for part 2! Congratulations go out to:

Flora

You've won the free gift card from GiftCardRescue!

and

Elisse

You've won the free handmade calendar from HammyPie!


Please contact me within 24 hours of this post to collect :)

Where to eat, what to wear: a perfect dinner date

The two things I tell people that Vancouver is known for is its shopping and its restaurants. Native Vancouverites may not appreciate this, but Vancouver restaurants and retailers are pretty damn good for a city its size and considering its laid back, nature-y vibe.

One great find I am raring to return to is the European bistro of Les Faux Bourgeois. Initially I really wanted to visit there because I translated it as "the fake Bourgeois" which happens to be the surname of one of my closest friends, but luckily this place also has been gathering quite the rep as one of the best places to get French/European cuisine. Les Faux Bourgois is one of those intimate, authentic places that gives you good food, good presentation, AND good prices. I highly recommend the mussels and the frites - lip-smacking deeelish!

If you happen to be visiting there with a special someone, don't just let the candlelight make him look at you in admiration - dress up for the occasion! The French are renowned for their chic ways, so echo their unique sensibilities by opting for an outfit that is at once sophisticated, romantic, and simplistic. Pair the below items with a smoky eye, softly tousled hair and a nude lip for maximum effect.

TopShop Silk cowl back dress, £40

This gorgeously simple shift dress is on sale, is silk, and comes in one of the hottest colours of the season. The cowl neck will flatter your neck and collarbones, while its loose, yet fitted silhouette will give you an air of mystery.

Susi D. Jewelry earrings, $48

These pearl, crystal, and 14K gold earrings will reflect the dancing candlelight. The perfect feminine touch, dangling earrings such as this one will draw eyes to your face. I love how the simple, large, globular crystals are offset with a crown of delicate pearls. The earrings also come in sterling silver, but I think gold has a much warmer feel that looks better in candlelight.

TopShop Amelda booties, £80

Finally you need a pair of great shoes to complete this outfit. These booties add an edgy accent to this outfit that keeps it from being too girly and fancy. Heels would be too formal, and booties are good for keeping one's toes warm in chilly weather! These booties also have a very cute tasseled zipper detail on the back.


I hope this helps you decide what to eat and what to wear when going out on a wintry evening! If you are looking for a great Vancouver restaurant to check out, be sure to visit Granville Magazine's dining section; it's full of detailed reviews on the hottest dining spots in town! And if you have any pressing fashion and/or beauty questions, please leave me a comment or shoot me an email! I always love to help!


** Please note that this post was sponsored on behalf of Granville Magazine. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post though are the author's.

Cancun

It is with great nostalgia that I post up these photos from my recent Cancun trip. Here are the highlights of this wonderful week:

• Buffet. Anytime. Anywhere.
• Drunken running on the beach
• Having an utterly trippy moment staring at the stars and feeling the vastness of space
• Staying up all night talking and watching the sun rise
• Late-night confessions with my roomie
  
• Reppin Vancouver hotties hard on stage at Coco Bongo
• Wifi on the beach = amazing
• "Rachel"
• Kissing a dolphin. Best kiss I ever had. Sorry boys.
  

Lust of the Week: Y-3 Quilted Down Coat

via Outnet, $165

I'm not normally a fan of puffers. Resembling too closely the physique of a certain tire spokesman, the puffer keeps one warm, but hardly stylish. Enter in this Y-3 quilted down coat. It wipes away all your misconceptions about puffers with one swipe of its comfy hotness. I can just imagine myself swishing gracefully down the mountain slopes, or hanging out as the hottest ski-bunny at the local ski chalet. Is this coat even waterproof? Does it even matter? Fantasies don't need to be practical ladies.

Holiday Giveaway Bonanza Part 2: GiftCardRescue + HammyPie!

If you haven't heard yet, I'm doing a series of giveaways this holiday season as a way to thank my readers for another great year. Your comments mean me so much to me and motivate me to keep on blogging better & better! In part 1 of the giveaways, the prize on offer was a pair of House of Harlow earrings. Thanks to everyone who entered part 1 of my Holiday Giveaway Bonanza! Without further ado, the winner is...

angel

Please contact me within 24 hours of this post to collect your prize!

Now it's my pleasure to move onto the next giveaway, which will feature TWO amazing prizes! The first prize is a $50 gift credit from GiftCardRescue.com This ingenious site solves the problem that many of us face every holiday and birthday when we receive well-meaning gift cards to stores we don't visit: What's a person to do with these kinds of gifts? You could re-gift them, or stroll the aisles endlessly trying to find a way to use them up, OR you could visit GiftCardRescue.com and sell those cards for cash! Here's how it works:





So what does GiftCardRescue do with all those unwanted cards? Why they sell them back to those who want them at a discounted price! It's one of those rare occasions where everybody wins.

The winner of this giveaway will win a $50 credit towards any gift card they like on the site, including such retailers like Anthropologie, Neiman Marcus, and DSW!

The second prize available to win is a specially handmade calendar by HammyPie! This locally handcrafted line of calendars and knit goods is made by two lovely sisters who I am lucky enough to personally know: Harmony and Eunice Cheung. HammyPie is quickly making a name for themselves at local craft fairs, including the hugely popular Shiny Fuzzy Muddy show happening on Dec. 11 and 12 - be sure to check out their stall featuring the most stylish vintage suitcases I've ever seen!





So how can you win these cool prizes? Here are the rules:

• Leave a comment telling me which GiftCardRescue retailer you'd like to win a gift card to (1 entry)
  
• Be a follower of Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin, or RSS! Just be sure to tell me how you follow in the comments (1 entry)
• Follow me on Twitter! (1 entry)

Prize 1 is available to US residents only, but the calendar prize is open internationally! This giveaway will run until 12 am PST, Dec. 8, 2010. Good luck everyone and stay tuned for part 3!