Archive for 2016

L'Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal

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I recently got selected by Influenster to try out a brightening line by L'Oreal. At first I was sceptical because I've always heard subpar things about L'Oreal. This would be my first time actually trying their skin care line.

After trying the entire line for a week, I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, the scent is not very strong, which is what I like. I don't like the scent to be overbearing. It had a nice citrousy smell which was refreshing. Each of the applications were easy to use.

I was intrigued with the overnight moisturizer. While it pumped out inconsistently at times, I love the design to incorporate the serum and moisturizer.

My favorite product was the peeling pad. It was really easy to use and fast. I'm all about the efficiency. Which is why I liked it so much

My least favorite was the daily lotion. I found it to be slightly greasy when applied. I have tried other products that are less so. However the upside is it has spf 30. I feel with the other products giving the same results, this was one product I could do without.

The scrub was nice to use too. I loved the texture and the scent. I used it 2 or 3 times a week and by the end of the week you could really tell that my skin was smoother and brighter.

Annual "Lets Torture Myself Day"

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It's been a while since a post. This year was not a great year in terms of hiking. With weddings and other things, I got caught up and before I even realized, the season just flew by. Originally set for late August, but changed at the last minute, We conquered the Lions on September 10 2016. 

It was a huge battle, physically and mentally. Just imagine 1200 meters of elevation change over 8 km route. Add another 2 km for the distance it took to walk from where our car was parked to the trail head. At the top, there is more hiking to be done as the trail extends further and we just went with it. That day I hiked a total of 43 thousand steps or roughly 29 kms. 

The planned hike had ended up on a day that a roller coaster of ups and downs. I had gotten cramps that morning and didn't want to have to postpone the hike once again. I pushed through and met up with my hiking friend. On the way to Lions Bay, we got caught in traffic due to a bike race from Vancouver to Whistler and got detoured. We didn't end up arriving until 10:30 am. We were already behind by 1.5 hours. As previously mentioned we parked over 1 km away because there was no parking available at the trail head. Good warm up I guess. Once we hit the trail head the trail was a gravel uphill climb for the first hour or so. This for me was the most difficult portion of the entire hike. I had to fight myself not to turn back and just keep telling myself to take a couple more steps. The trail eventually leveled out and was easy going. This didn't last long because as soon as that was over, the hard steep decent followed shortly thereafter. We made our way up slowly. When we finally made it through a section of landslide area into a clearing and finally saw the majestic lions towering over us for the first time, we were in awe. Excitement and Relief were a couple of the emotions. We continued thinking we must be almost there. We weren't. Far from it. Along the way we ran into a lot of hikers heading back down. Asking each of them, everyone would say how hard the actual summit was and how far we were from it. We had to traverse over a rock slide until we reached a plateau before the lions. By this time it was already close to 3 in the afternoon. We were cutting it pretty close in terms of time. We decided that since we had come all this way, we wanted to take a stab at summiting the actual lions. Sadly it wasn't meant to be as we ended up getting lost and going the wrong way, continuing along the Howe Crest Trail getting to the portion between the East and West Lions. We decided to turn back as we were now battling against time to head down the mountain before nightfall. I didn't want to be the one that Search and Rescue send out a team for. 

The descent was a lot worse than I expected. The jagged rocks and fallen trees added to the difficulty and as we were in a rush, we put our knees and body through a beating. We made it back to the gravelly sloped section of the hike near the beginning when we were enveloped in complete darkness. This made me glad I was totally prepared for this hike. So many firsts on this trip included making sure I had my headlamp, more than enough water and food, extra layers for warmth, spare battery, whistle and actual hiking shoes! We made it through the last hour in complete darkness with the help of my headlamp.

I was never as sore as I was after this hike. It took an entire week for my body to fully recover. But the views and the feeling of accomplishment for getting as far as I have far exceeded the pain and suffering.

Good Morning, Oh Canada!

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This recent Canada Day weekend was an absolute blur. It came and went so fast, I was grateful and sad at the same time. Weekend started early as I got off work early to help out at the Ronald McDonald House, making and serving food to the families living there. It was a true blessing to be able to do so. That was quickly followed by a rehearsal for the wedding that same weekend. Finally getting home around 9 pm I had a quick dinner before heading to bed. Canada Day was about to start early courtesy of Chasing Sunrise.


When I woke at around 1:40 am, I almost didn't want to get up. I thought that oh what the heck, why not just skip the hike and enjoy my sleep? The adventurer won out and I got up and raced out the door. I literally flew to the mountain, arriving at 2:20 am. There was already a crowd by this time. You read that right! I volunteered for waiver duty and before anyone knew it, it was 3:15. The official start time to the hike. Now see if you can imagine 800+ hikers up on a mountain. Now picture that before light out. Can you imagine what that's like? It's amazing. There were stragglers so we didn't start our hike till 3:45. We managed to catch up with the crowd and make it up the mountain for the sunrise. Something we didn't think was possible given the amount of people on the mountain. That moment when you watch the sun break through the mountains and everyone on the mountain joins in for O Canada is surreal. I've never been part of a better Canada Day celebration. I'm so glad to be part of such an amazing community. People that strive to do more in life than just pay bills. People who go for what they want in life. I encourage those in the city to try a Chasing Sunrise hike at least once. You won't regret it.





My day had just started and I went from being on top of a mountain to picking cherries in Kelowna in a matter of hours. While the weather wasn't with us we certainly had lots of fun.


To end the day, I was fortunate enough to see the sunset on our way home. How many can say they watched the sun rise and set in the same day?

Peace <3






Ultimate Guide to Escape Games: Vancouver Edition

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For those of you who don't know, I am a huge fan of escape games. Escape games are the latest thing in recent years, where you and a group of friends are locked in a room for upwards of an hour and the objective is to find your way out. Each room are themed differently with different mechanisms to solve. We are blessed, here in the lower mainland, to have access to over a dozen places to play such games. Having been to a majority of these places, here is my guide to the escape rooms in Greater Vancouver. Feel free to comment on what you think is the best/worst. If you've never been and want to try. I recommend going in a group of no more than 4 people. Over 4 people tends to be too many cooks, which spoils the broth :P

 Countdown Escape Rooms

 This is one of the newest places to hit the scene. They currently have 4 rooms to choose from. My friends and I played the House of Horrors room, and after getting stuck initially, had no problem getting through the rest of the room. Mechanisms at this place were not limited to just number locks. However, we did feel the room to be too short. The room was, however, well decorated and looked very well planned out

  • Location: 3-2700 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam BC
  • Players: 1-6 people
  • Game Length: 45 minutes
  • Cost: $20/person (10% off groups of 6)
  • Rooms: Wild West, Inferno, Underwater adventures, House of Horrors
  • Website: http://www.countdownescaperooms.com/

Krakit

We went to this location a whiles back. Our first impressions of it was not so great. The decor in the waiting area was meager. We did the Zombie apocalypse and they had forgotten to replace some required props which set us back a bit. There was only a single room to the escape and we felt really unsatisfied coming out of it. 

  • Location: 4035 North Road, Coquitlam BC
  • Players: 1-6 people
  • Game Length: 45 Minutes
  • Cost: $25/person ($13.33 on Tuesdays)
  • Rooms: Zombie Apocalypse, The One Night Stand, Asylum, Saw Room
  • Website: http://www.krakit.ca/

Locked Canada

We've been to this location quite a bit. Primarily because they constantly have special offers making the games much more affordable to play. The rooms are well designed and the themes are interesting. Some of their rooms though are not very straightforward though. They also use quite a bit of locks, although there are plenty of other mechanisms as well. We've played 4 of the 5 rooms and only failed one of the rooms. Parking can be difficult at times as well. Groupon available. 
  • Location: 200 - 1050 Kingsway, Vancouver BC
  • Players: 2-6 people (8 for Z apocalypse)
  • Game Length: 45 Minutes
  • Cost: $25/person
  • Rooms: Crimson Room, The Asylum, The Ruins, Z apocalypse, Mary
  • Website: http://www.lockedcanada.com/

i-Exit

This was another one of the latest places my friends and I tried out. There is a groupon available for this place that allows you to add certain add-ons to your game like unlimited reattempts, extra hints, smart wallets and extra time . This is one of the few places that provide you with 1 hour of entertainment. The room we played was Doomed to Win in Vegas, and I quite enjoyed it. The room had minimal combination locks and plenty of other mechanisms to get you through the rooms. While we found it a tad too easy and short, it was a refreshing change. I wouldn't recommend though unless you use the groupon. 
  • Location: 1129 Granvile Street, Vancouver BC
  • Players: 2-6 people
  • Game Length: 60 Minutes
  • Cost: $30/person
  • Rooms: Doomed to Win in Vegas, Party at the Studio, Pirates on the Rocks, The Matrix
  • Website: http://i-exit.com/


This location was very different from the other escape rooms I've been to. Check out my dedicated post here. They have actors that get into character as part of the game, which adds another level of intrigue to the game. It was very interesting to play as such. The room had a good mixture of locks and other mechanisms that you have to get through to progress in the game. Design and rooms were one of the best I've seen. 
  • Location: 100 - 289 abbott Street, Vancouver BC
  • Players: varies depending on game
  • Game Length: 45 Minutes
  • Cost: $25/person
  • Rooms: Doomed Submarine, Spies and Lies, Dream'scape, Morning Never Comes, Thirst for Murder
  • Website: http://smartypantz.ca/

Guess HQ

One of my favorite locations, but unfortunately only 2 rooms so far. Their rooms are very well decorated and looks surreal. They don't use locks (or many at all), but instead use mechanisms that you would expect in that type of setting. Lasers and alarms and all. a con that I would note is that they give you a list to follow so you know exactly what to do next. This took away from the difficulty of the game. This place has a groupon available though so be sure to use it before you come. Don't forget your door code. 
  • Location: 150 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC
  • Players: 2-8
  • Game Length: 45 Minutes
  • Cost: $30/person
  • Rooms: The Heist, Into the Depth
  • Website: http://www.guesshq.com/

Go Find and Seek

The newest place on the scene. I have not had a chance to check this place out. So for now nothing to say other than there is only one room. 
  • Location: 2075 - 88 West Pender Street, Vancouver BC
  • Players: 2-10
  • Game Length: 45 Minutes
  • Cost: $26/person
  • Rooms: The Mystery at the Majestic Theater
  • Website: http://www.gofindandseek.com/

E-Exit

One of the first to bring escape games to the scene in North america. They have a lot, and I mean a lot of combination locks. It is very hard to successfully escape here. We have yet to do so, although it is the first place we've been to and haven't gone back recently. We found the clues were often irrelevant to the themes of the room. They have four locations locally and each have different themed rooms. Do these if you feel up to the challenge and you like locks. If you do, make sure to use the groupon as well. 


  • Locations: 2115 - 4653 Garden City Road, Richmond BC // 106 - 15345 Hwy 10, Surrey BC // 9111 Beckwith Road, Richmond BC // 309 West Broadway, Vancouver BC
  • Players: 2-6
  • Game Length: 45 Minutes
  • Cost: $25/person (20% Off Students on Mondays)
  • Rooms: Lost Ship (GC), Ancient Egypt (GC), Illusions (BR), Trannsylvania (BR), antique Museum (Hwy10), Military Base (Hwy10), Prison Escape (GC), Circus (BR), Cabin 13 (Hwy10), Butcher Shop (BR), Pyschiatric Unit (Hwy10), 
  • Website: http://e-exit.ca/

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    Xc    ape Vancouver

    One of the e    arliest places on the scene. The design of the rooms are only soso, in my opinions, doesn't seem to be much effort in the setup. Here, its not just about getting out, but solving the specifics of the room, whether it is to figure out who the murder is or find the cure. There are groupons for this place which also makes it more affordable. I don't think I would come otherwise. 
    • Location: 200 - 7800 Alderbridge Way, Richmond BC
    • Players: 4-10 (varies by game)
    • Game Length: 45 Minutes
    • Cost: $22+tax/person (discount with membership)
    • Rooms: The Breakout, The Kidnap, Sherlock's Mystery, Secret Chamber
    • Website: http://www.xcapevancouver.com/

    Trapped Vancouver

    We've been to all but one room at this place, with us holding the record to one of the rooms! Rooms are simply decorated, not too elaborate. There are quite some locks at this location as well, but the clues to the locks are cleverly plotted. This is another of those with the groupons, which makes the rooms more worthwhile. We've succeeded at all the rooms here so its not hard. It's a good place to start if you've never been. 
    • Location: 160 - 8351 Alexandra Road, Richmond BC
    • Players: 2-8
    • Game Length: 45 Minutes
    • Cost: $20/person (30% off Tuesdays)
    • Rooms: Lost Child, Detective Mission II, The Enchanted Lamp, Diamond Thief
    • Website: http://trappedvancouver.com/

    Time Escape

    This is another one of those places where we've been to a lot. We've lost track but have probably attempted all. With one exception, we've succeeded in escaping all the rooms. The rooms are well designed and cleverly puzzled. There is a good mixture of locks and other mechanisms in play. Hint, don't lock yourself in a capsule like my brother. They have many rooms to choose from and it helps they have coupons and groupons available. 
    • Location: 140 - 2471 No. 3 Road, Richmond BC
    • Players: 2-8
    • Game Length: 50 Minutes
    • Cost: $24.50/person
    • Rooms: The Imperial Palace, Castle Secrets, The Haunted Cabin, Presidential Assassination, Lethal Virus, Operation Rescue, Spaceship Mysteries, Time Warp
    • Website: http://www.timeescape.ca/

    Tixe
    They toot themselves to be the Biggest Esc
    ape place in the area. They do have a nice waiting area, but I wasn't too thrilled about the one room I tried there. It was a room that was changed, but it seemed like they just recycled the props and puzzles, but simply changed the theme. Clues in the room were not set, which was confusing as previous players had fiddled with it. We easily passed the themed room, which if I remember correctly, was only one room to that specific theme. They do occasionally have Groupon available, but I would not recommend the place. Service was subpar. Not worth the price, IMO.
    • Location: 1 - 8960 River Dr., Richmond BC
    • Players: 2-10
    • Game Length: 45 Minutes
    • Cost: $30/person
    • Rooms: Exile District, Hyperbolic Chamber, Raven Citadel, Harry Potter
    • Website: http://tixe.ca/

    Myst Escape
    This is one of the only pl
    aces I've never been to, so I can't say much about. Will update when I go, however, they don't have discounts or groupons, which is probably why I haven't been yet. I do like that they do Running Man events there. I am a huge fan and will be giving that a try as well. 
    • Location: 140 - 6851 Elmbridge Way, Richmond BC
    • Players: 2-10
    • Game Length: 45 Minutes
    • Cost: $25/person
    • Rooms: Treasure Hunt, Dream Hacker, Jail Break, Haunted School, Saw
    • Website: http://mystescape.ca/


    Before coming here, I've he    ard people rave about this place. after coming here, I kinda understand why. This place is well designed, with lots (heavy emphasis) on mechanisms that aren't locks. The one room we played, it was well paced. Only beef I have is that the last thing we had to do, was not explained properly, and we spent more than 10 minutes trying to do it. and failing. I think otherwise, this place is top notch and definitely for those that really like a good escape. 
    • Location: 170 - 12571 Bridgeport Road, Richmond BC
    • Players: 2-8
    • Game Length: 45 Minutes
    • Cost: $25+tax/person ($15/person under 12)
    • Rooms: Abandoned Dormitory, Deathtrap, Prison Detective, Nuclear Crisis
    • Website: http://www.lockdownescape.com/

    Escape Key

    This pl    ace only has one room each time. We tried out the first room when they first opened. It is a one man show. It is one room and a bit. I didn't feel the room was well planned and decorated. There was a lot of things to solve, and clever puzzles, but it felt very sequential and no theme to it. I didn't like very much, and feel it's not really worth the money. (Coupons available)
    • Location: 165 - 5951 Minoru Blvd, Richmond BC
    • Players: 2-12
    • Game Length: 60 Minutes
    • Cost: $25/person (discount with membership)
    • Rooms: World Traveler
    • Website: http://www.escapekey.rocks/

    Freeing Canada

    One of our top r    anked places. We've played every single room. They give you prizes if you make it to the top 3 for the room, which we've managed for 3 different rooms. With the exception of one room, which we failed to get country right, we were able to get senior agent. The rooms are well designed and has a combination of different types of mechanisms. Very straightforward and didn't find too difficult. They also have groupons available and are usually doing promotions which has them giving away gifts which is a lovely bonus. 
    • Location: 173 - 11860 Hammersmith Way
    • Players: 2-10
    • Game Length: 45/60 Minutes
    • Cost: $20/$26/person
    • Rooms: UnMasked, Black Swan, Rainboworld, Secret of the Asylum, War of Tomorrow, Forgotten Crypt
    • Website: http://freeingcanada.ca/

    Mr J Escape Club
    This place is relatively new, having being one of the last to the scene. It only has three rooms open, which we've played and passed. I don't think they're particularly hard. They are different in that they don't use locks (minimally) and rely on other mechanisms. One of their rooms is more mission based, meaning you're not trying to escape, but assassinate someone. Very Interesting. This is another one of those with Groupons. 
    • Location: 205 - 8077 Alexandra Road, Richmond BC
    • Players: 2-6
    • Game Length: 45/80 Minutes
    • Cost: $25/$35/person
    • Rooms: Vampire Hunter, The Lost Tomb, assassination
    • Website: http://www.mrj.club/

    My Own Business: Blessings Weddings and Events

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    It has been a dream to own my own business. That dream was recently realized. It was almost 3 to 4 years in the making.  I remember thinking that events is the way I want to go. Weddings would be interesting and could be fun. I was blessed to find opportunities in the industry that allowed me to see hands on what its like and how busy the day can be. I went to school for Wedding and Event Management at VCC and came out of it more knowledgeable than when I went in. However it was the experiences that really built my confidence and skills.

    After coming together with a few classmates a few month back, we finally managed to get to where we are today. Website and Business Card at the ready. Our company, Blessings Weddings and Events, is founded on the idea that we treat each wedding as a blessing and do everything in our power to make the bride and groom feel that way as well. I look forward to the growth and opportunities to come that will allow us to create unforgettable memories for each couple that comes to us.

    Check us out at: www.weddingsbyblessings.com

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