Dolch Designs aka IMPAPER.CO

There is a definite theme emerging on my blog right now….art. Coming up in the next few weeks, I’ll be showcasing some great artists (emerging and established) and I can’t wait (there is something that makes me smile about great design)! Plus, it will give you the excuse to exchange those tacky office prints (or dated Children’s artwork)  for something modern and inspirational.

Dolch Designs is a company created by two current university students specializing in typography and graphic art prints. First of all, they are in school. I know I wasn’t running my own business while studying – I was folding jeans at the Gap.

And second – it’s great art. Sure you can get something massed produced  at your local Chapters or IKEA, but it’s always nice to know that you are purchasing something unique/limited (custom orders are available). As an aside – you get the prints in the mail (I love getting mail!) which is always a nice treat.

Here is a promo code so you can get 20% off your entire purchase: elenam

Don’t forget to follow Dolch Designs on twitter/instagram: @DolchDesigns and ‘Like’ them on Facebook too!

ELENA:)

Nectar Juicery Review

BIG THINGS are happening to my site this month! Can’t wait… until then – let’s talk about juice.

Nectar juicery, a local company, offers up cold pressed juices. And let me tell you – they are tasty! They are camping out all month at Holt Renfrew Vancouver on the skybridge with free customized cleansing consultations! A win win in my books:) My trainer would call me lazy – but who wants to spend their half their day with a blender in a room full of vegetables concocting the perfect juice – especially when it’s sunny?

I’ve been drinking the Chlorophyll Aid post and pre workouts. The juice contains 9.5 alkaline water, chlorophyll, minerals, manuka honey, +26, lemon. It’s great for the skin and lowers the pH of the body (read: it’s a good thing!).

Don’t worry if you can’t get around to picking up juice at the stand this month – you can sign up for delivery service to your business/residence as well as find them at YYoga.

Make sure you follow Nectar juicery on twitter/instagram: @NECTARjuicery and ‘Like’ them on Facebook too and let them know where they should pop up next!

ELENA:)

Maison Du Soir Review

Have you ever wanted to roll out of bed and go out for dinner without changing your outfit? With Maison du Soir, now you can! Former ballerina turned fashion designer, Courtney is the creative designer behind this SoCal line of loungewear which can double as a day to night outfit.

Pure genius!

I purchased my own silk black shorts with a cute pink trim and it arrived with two surprises! An eye mask and handwritten note from Courtney herself! Very classy and sweet considering the line has already been featured on the Zoe Report! I was going to take a picture of me wearing the shorts – but now I want the top as well so you’ll have to wait until those arrive;)

PS: If silk isn’t your thing (I’m converted now!) the line carries loungewear in cotton as well!

Get your own regular priced sleepwear from Maison Du Soir at 15% with the discount code: NEWFRIENDS15

Don’t forget to follow Courtney on twitter and instagram: @Maison_Du_Soir and ‘Like’ her page on Facebook

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Amy Gilson

You know when you shop too much when you have your favourite go-to sales associates in your contact list.

Amy Gilson, a luxury lingerie connoisseur and writer/blogger has sold me a pair of knickers (or maybe a few) and she’s definitely changed the way I see something as basic as underwear – as well as writing. Her blog posts are raw/honest and I enjoy the candid nature of her storytelling. Overall, I’m super excited, as Amy is the first writer that I have ever interviewed and her work will be featured in an online magazine soon (details to follow). Yay!

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the fun and creative Amy Gilson:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

I will have been in Vancouver 3 years August 1st. I am always flipping back and forth between feeling like a “city girl” and like I just moved here and still get lost on the bus.

2) What is your favorite thing about writing?
My favorite thing about writing is all the places it can take you. I typically post a lot of rant-like material and strong opinions so I love writing because it gives me this avenue to express myself in a calm and thought out way rather than screaming at strangers on the bus.
I also write fiction and I think that is a really great release because you can create something that is an escape from the real world. You can explore thoughts or themes that maybe your real life isn’t going to create for you. I am a pretty big homebody so writing is in a lot of ways how I get “out”.
3) What is your single best piece advice for aspiring writers?
Read! Write! Repeat!
I am not the most talented writer, however I do it constantly and can only hope that will help me improve. I read every single day and I wish I could push that habit on everyone around me.
4) What is your favorite piece of lingerie and why?
I love a good high-waist knicker. I have one pair that is fairly simple, black power-mesh with a silk panel at the center front and the waistband is above my belly button. I have been told specifically that it is a man-repellent number but it is my favorite because I do not wear it to be attractive I wear it because it makes me happy.
5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?
1- Timing: I personally have no interest in finding a partner currently so anyone who would work out needs to be in that place as well. I would not want to meet someone who may be otherwise “perfect” for me only to have them express a desire to be married within the next year.
2- Communication & Passion : These two go together as one for me because though I would want someone who can communicate with me on all things I need someone who is going to not only have strong opinions but who is willing to talk about them. If I cannot have a lively debate with someone I tend to not even do well attempting friendships let alone a romantic path. Indifferent individuals do not tend to last long in my life.
3- Must Love Dogs (and not want children) : I often say that this is actually my only requirement in a future partner. I have never been overly picky when it comes to physical appearance, I have dated everyone from uptight engineers to stoner-types who spend more time skateboarding than actually working (and yes as adults), and I do not require my partner to think like me simply to think. My big deal breakers revolve around dogs and children. . I have small dogs and whenever a guy says they “only like big dogs” I see a giant red X floating above their head. Whenever someone says they want children a similar effect happens except with slightly less resentment. If a man feels the need to tell me I will change my mind about children the red X is accompanied with flashing lights and a siren.
I feel when it comes to finding a partner for myself it isn’t so much what I am looking for in a partner as what I am looking for in my life and what kind of person could fit inside that life. The concept of a “perfect man” is so dehumanizing and puts the concept of a partner on a pedestal. I would want someone to share my life with not someone to be my life.

With that said I fairly recently wrote about how I do not want a partner at this point and genuinely mean that so I may be the worst person to ask haha.

ELENA:)

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