Book Review: Goddess of Love Incarnate

December 27, 2015

After finishing the book last night, I thought it was due time to get rolling with my late review. (I have a new respect for Kindles’ though – the book was heavy to cart around on transit). All the stories and the photographs included in the book made for an interesting read. Lili had lived and Leslie Zemeckis did a fantastic job capturing her roller coaster of a life.

Before the book, I had never heard of Lili St. Cyr and the differences between us are obvious. But after reading Lili’s bio I couldn’t help but to pull some similarities:

We both have affection for white roses, pearls, and champagne. I know Instagram accounts built on this love.
Fans of great fashion designers like Balenciaga and Dior (Although my goal is to actually wear the clothes one day like Lili – My Dior espadrilles are magnificent. The perfume they sprayed on them at Le Bon Marche in Paris lingered all the way home).
We like to keep busy, are disciplined and are always working on something. Lili was continually trying to improve and worked hard to be stand out.
We don’t like the feeling of being claustrophobic or tied down. Lili did have 5 or 6 marriages by the time she was my age, which seems like a lot – but I figured she was into the euphoria of romance rather than a lifelong commitment.
We like adventure. I seem to enjoy international travel more than Lili did but then again I’m also not carting around vintage trunks when travel either.
We both have been to the Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood and the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco (it’s now the Westin St. Francis – but it’s kept it’s charm) and Bergdorf Goodman.
She spent a large amount of time in Canada – Montreal to be exact. I’m from the west coast of Canada.
Lili made a Love List (sort of)! On page 329, I was delighted to read that for an interview she broke down her lovers/friends and the qualities she admired about them such as wit, sex appeal and generosity.

At the high point in her career, Lili was pulling a 6-figure salary (maybe the equivalent of almost a million now?) but sadly spending through all her earnings at a rapid rate. Like a bad business case, if she only invested a small portion of her millions she wouldn’t have to sell her beloved house. A collaboration with a company like Agent Provocateur or Dom Pérignon would have been a lucrative deal (this is easy to propose as an outsider!). She did have her own lingerie line at one point. It’s a shame her club in NYC, Boudoir never made it. I’m sure the décor and design was amazing. Many opportunities sadly lost.

I enjoyed reading this well written biography full of details and packed with research. And although her demise was tragic and unpleasant, the story of the stripteuse can live on in The Goddess of Love Incarnate, as glamorous, passionate and full of joie de vivre as Lili St. Cyr herself.

ELENA:) ps: I had a short 5 minute 5 question interview with author, Leslie Zemeckis posted on my News & Events page.

NYC Photo shoot

December 26, 2015

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I’m actually enjoying catching up on old TV episodes and sleeping. I have finally finished the Lili St. Cyr biography I have been reading as well (read all about it in a future post).

Back in NYC, I teamed up with my friends from Flytographer to shoot in the streets of Soho. This time, the fabulous Mayleen was behind the camera and we had a lot of fun. She schooled me all about Miami, shooting notable clients and how to be fearless in a “coat that looks like a shag bear that didn’t stand a chance.” Here are some shots with hair and makeup by Bianca and Anthony. As you can see, I’m a fan of the profile shot;)

ELENA:)

Fun times with Fruit

December 22, 2015

(Note: If you are viewing this on a mobile device – I am aware that the photo is sideways).

I’m not going to lie. Usually I’m not a fan of dried fruit. Yet ever since I flushed out my system with Bikrams my tastebuds now crave for natural sugars in fruit – say hello to Stoneridge Orchards from our neighbours in Royal City, Washington State. The family (third generation) owned farm has been growing and producing all natural and organic premium products, such as cherries, blueberries, raspberries, apples and strawberries, since 1962.

Here are some easy, simple recipes to try (if you aren’t a fan of just eating dried fruit on its own – it is a great post workout snack though). I’m going to test out the cranberry granola bars next week. So glad its not actual baking – as i don’t bake, I burn 😉

CHERRY ALMOND POWER BITES
INGREDIENTS

2 ½ cups unblanched slivered almonds
1/3 cup ground flaxseed
2/3 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup dried cranberries
3 tablespoon raw hemp seeds
2 tablespoons honey
1 pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoon water

DIRECTIONS

Place almonds, flax meal, cherries, cranberries, hemp seeds, honey and salt in food processor.
Pulse until ground and then pulse in water until the mixture begins to form a solid ball.
Press mixture firmly into an 8 x 8 inch baking dish -lined with wax paper.
Slice into bars and serve.
Makes 15 small bars.

DRIED CHERRY COCONUT GRANOLA
INGREDIENTS

4 cups rolled oats
1-1/2 cups slivered almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup toasted coconut chips
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cups honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups dried cherries

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, line a cookie chest with parchment paper. Combine everything but the cherries in a large bowl. Spread the mixture onto pan and bake for 30-40 minutes rotating pan every 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let pan sit in oven uncovered for 5 hours or overnight. Transfer the granola to a large bowl, breaking up the big clumps, Add the dried cherries and store in an air tight container for up to a month.

CRANBERRY GRANOLA BARS
INGREDIENTS

1 cup peanut butter (organic is best)
1/2 cup honey
2 1/2 cups oats, granola or cereal–or all combined
1/2 cup Stoneridge Orchards dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS

Line an 8″ x 8″ pan with foil
Spray foil with non stick spray
Melt peanut butter and honey on the stovetop
Add in granola and dried fruits (other fruits work well too!)
Mix it all together well until the berries and granola are well coated
Pour into pan and spread granola evenly
Cut into squares
Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge for an hour
Can be served over 5 days

ELENA:)

NYC in December

December 20, 2015

I can’t believe that there is 5 days until Christmas!!!

I used the last of my vacation time to venture off to NYC in early December and I thought you might want to know a little about my adventures. This is a short summary with more details to follow!

TUESDAY: Checked into The Renwick, (a cool new boutique hotel on east 40th in between Park and Lex) and went to visit my friend Nizim from Labeling Men and had dinner at Bill’s Food & Drink on 54th. Bill’s Food and Drink is one of Chef John Delucie’s restaurant. Bedford & Co is his latest venture at the Renwick which is slated to open very very soon! (Comment: Actually it’s not going to open until spring 2016) Things to note – my room had a lovely floral arrangement from Uprooted Flower Truck (NYC’s first flower truck) to brighten my stay and I got to snack on some yummy ginger people made by Sweets by Olivia (which only lasted a night!).

WEDNESDAY: Hair and makeup with Anthony and Bianca for a Flytographer shoot in Soho. I got to wear my new Christmas/Birthday present to myself, a Proenza Schouler cashmere coat which I love. (More photos in a future post). Uber was crashed when I needed to rush to an important meeting at the Surrey Hotel but I managed to get there eventually after walking 20 blocks in heels and paying $30 for car service. Sheesh. Dinner at Marta with a friend from BluBird Vancouver.

THURSDAY: A breakfast meeting at Le Pain Quotidien followed by an amazing tour of Ciner manufacturing (future post coming up) was on the schedule. In the evening, I surprised the creative fashion illustrator Elaine Biss at her French Connection event. After, I got to meet Alexis Bittar at his holiday meet and greet. Then finally, to my trainers delight, I got to eat a chicken burger at Fuku.

FRIDAY: A breakfast meeting at The Smith (I totally recommend) and a stop in with Editor-In -Chief, Courtenay C. Hall from Bella New York Magazine. I made a pit stop at Century 21 of course and had a few moments uptown to take some photos of beautiful Bergdorf window displays before heading downtown to dinner at Hundred Acres.

SATURDAY: A stop into Creeds Collective Pop Up Shop which was conveniently located across the street from the brunch spot Santina under the High Line. I managed to pick up some salt water taffy from Salty Road from Brooklyn. With an hour to spare to leave to airport, I went to & Other Stories new 5th avenue spot and bought a pair of booties.

ELENA:)

Paris Fashion Week (Sept 29-Oct 7)

October 8, 2015

And just like that, Paris Fashion Week is over. Here are some highlights…

ELENA:)

LFW (Sept 21-22) and MFW (Sept 23-Sept 28)

September 29, 2015

Tomorrow starts Paris Fashion Week! Here is my final two days of coverage of London Fashion Week with the entire Milan Fashion Week. Again, calendar for reference….

London Fashion Week….

Milan Fashion Week…

Giamba

Giorgio Armani

ELENA:)

LFW SS16 (Sept 18-20)

September 21, 2015

Just for the record London Fashion Week runs until the 22 but I thought that I would post a glimpse of some of the fashion finds I have found. Here is the calendar again for reference…

ELENA:)

NYFW SS16 (Sept 14 – 17)

September 19, 2015

This concludes my NYFW fashion finds. Loving Delpozo , Marchesa and Reem Acra! Can’t wait to see what London Fashion Week (Sept 18-22) brings!

Marchesa

Marc Jacobs

ELENA:)

NYFW SS16 (Sept 8 – 13)

September 14, 2015

Just in case you couldn’t catch any shows in person here are some of my favourite looks from a few designers. I always think – what would look good on a 5″2 hourglass girl with an endless budget? This is collection of fine fashion finds. Photos from Vogue.com. Here is the Fashion Calendar to keep you up to date too!

Diane von Furstenberg

Jenny Packham

ELENA:)

Orox Leather Co. Review

April 22, 2015

When I finished grad school, I vowed to
upgrade certain well-utilized belongings that screamed undergrad/high school
student. My laptop sleeve was one of these items. Months passed as I searched
for something that was C-suite worthy and combined both fashion and function.
Alas, I could not find anything that I loved without breaking the bank (Chanel
came out with a great notepad holder which I thought could serve dual purpose –
but the price tag made me feel queasy).

As an avid traveller, I find myself appreciating
the dual function of items; like a laptop sleeve that could also serve as a
clutch. If you’re a shopper like myself, you know that having extra room in
your luggage for new purchases is key. In the case of my Paris trip – this
meant my new jacket, shoes, sunglasses and gifts for colleagues/friends could
easily fit in my luggage and I did not have to say a small prayer when my
luggage was placed on the scale at Charles de Gaulle.

Orox Leather Co., owned and operated
by the Martinez family in Portland, Oregon handcrafts beautiful leather goods. The
name Orox, is derived from the fusion of the Martinez family’s origin from
Oaxaca, Mexico to Oregon. I had the opportunity to take an Orox laptop sleeve
and a couple cord minders on my recent trip to test out the quality
craftsmanship first hand.

When the products arrived at
my house pre trip, I was blown away at the oil tanned tan leather. To say it is
beautiful is definitely an understatement and like most things, I expect it to
get better with age. There is something
to be said when your flight neighbour in 14C asks you, “Where did you get
that?!?”

Classic and elegant, the
style of the laptop sleeve is so timeless and clean – I couldn’t help but to
double it as my clutch as I roamed the streets of Montmartre. It served well,
both protecting my laptop throughout the trip and giving my shoulders a rest
from my cross body bag. I was so impressed that when I got home, I immediately
checked out the belts and other fabulous accessories.

Speaking of accessories, the
cord minders proved to have multiple uses as well. A solution for those unruly computer/phone
chargers; the cord minders are so strong you can even secure a dress or pants
to hanger (using the clothing straps) after a steam. Brilliant.

It’s safe to say the Orox
Leather Co. offers something rare in the mass production of leather goods –
quality products perfected with rich traditional techniques, which will, just
like the Martinez family last for generations to come.

Be sure to follow Orox Leather Co. on Instagram/Twitter/Tumblr: oroxleatherco and ‘Like’ them on Facebook.

ELENA:)

Fatty Cakes NY Review

March 17, 2015

Let it be known that I can’t be trusted with reviews about food. Especially anything that contains sugar, as my sweet tooth makes things biased. So I look to people with incredible palates and have constructive foodie thoughts to aid in such reviews.

Meet Gillian: New mom, wife of Meat & Bread mogul, boxer, baker, nurse, friend and food blogger. I can’t think of anyone who is more qualified to give me a honest opinion on cookies. And these aren’t just any cookies!

FattyCakesNY offers a multitude of scrumptious cookies all available in full cookie cakes which is a huge win-win. Keep her in mind for your next event as owner, Jennifer Taylor Miller can also can assemble mouth watering dessert tables and customize your very own FattyCake.

Shipping is usually only available to the US, so I jumped at the chance to have this unique taste test opportunity north of the 49th parallel. And once the cookies arrived from their home in Brooklyn, NY to Vancouver (Thanks Jennifer and Heather!) I split them up and we handed out the awards….

Note: I must say that’s its kind of odd that last summer I was introduced to Fatty Sundays, also from Brooklyn. Coincidence? Perhaps.

Drumroll please! The FattyCakeNY Awards…..

The Betty Jo (Red Velvet cookies with white chocolate chips & cream cheese fudge filling).

Gillian: Winner of the best all-around cookie. Great cookie filling ratio.Nice cookie.

Elena: Winner of best cookie to claim that you baked on your own. Can you really go wrong with Red Velvet anything?

Build me up, buttercup (Peanut butter chocolate brownie cookie with peanut butter cups).

Gillian: Winner of the best in show cookie. Delicious. Guilty Pleasure cookie. Love the crumbly texture and good with a cup of tea.

Elena: Winner of best cookie to get rid of the Monday blahs. So wonderful. I wish I had another!

The Original Fattycake (Chocolate chips, oats, oreos, pretzels, & potato chips with peanut butter).

Gillian: Winner of the best cookie to eat when you are stoned. The pretzels and chips become stale and chewy (not in a good way).

Elena: Winner of the best cookie to eat on a long 8 hour flight. It’s like the everything bagel (but better). And there is a certain time on a long flight where you crave everything at once. This cookie will help.

The Chipwich (Salted chocolate chip cookies with beer caramel and vanilla cream filling).

Gillian: Winner of best cookie to cure a hangover. Too much salt and vanilla in the filling.

Elena: Winner of best cookie to eat after Bikrams yoga. Yup, the salt will help with your pH Balance.

Dark-n-Stormy (Ginger molasses cookies with Sailor Jerry rum cream filling and a hint of lime).

Gillian: Winner of best present for a drunk uncle. Too much cinnamon and too sweet.

Elena: Winner of best cookie to give someone who actually likes molasses. Molasses reminds me of the part in To Kill a Mockingbird when the kids invite a friend over and he pours syrup all over his dinner. Unnecessary.

The Drunken Piglet (Maple cookie with bourbon bacon brittle, Brooklyn Blast! beer caramel, finished with maple, brown sugar & sea salt).

Gillian: Winner of the cookie you will immediately regret eating. Maple is overpowering.

Elena: Winner of the cookie to eat if you miss Sunday Brunch. A little less maple and a little more bacon.

Thanks again for allowing us to review:)

Be sure to check out FattyCakesNY and share your thoughts on social. Follow FattyCakesNY on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @Fattycakesny

ELENA:)

Orox Leather Comment

March 15, 2015

oroxleatherco:

Thanks to @elenamurzello for sharing how you’re using our products. We love how you’ve used our Citus Cord Minder as a pencil holder – we hadn’t thought of that. And in the background is our Macbook Pro sleeve.

http://www.oroxleather.com/collections/tech-goods/products/macbook-13-sleeve-pro-air-tan

Yay! I can’t wait to put everything to good use!

ELENA:)

eLo Review

March 2, 2015

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of hosting a Love List Lounge sponsored by SkinnyGirl Sparklers at TechStyleNYC. Besides chatting with media and fashionistas, I met Timothy George of eLo Lipcare. We actually bonded over the fact we were silver shoe twins – but I digress 😉

I was so busy during TechStyleNYC that I didn’t have a chance to try out any eLo products until this weekend! Little did I know, that I was definitely in for a treat.

With less than 6 ingredients per product, it leaves your lips moist and smooth. It also has a smell that makes you want to eat the entire tube. That last reason alone makes eLo a winner in my books!

Here is the ingredients in the products I ordered (full list of products and their corresponding ingredients can be found on the site).

DAY – avocado oil, jojoba oil, spf15, peach extracts

NIGHT – shea oil, jojoba oil, vitamin e, spearmint oil, vanilla extracts

SANGRIA – shea oil, jojoba oil, spf15, coconut oil, watermelon extracts, Bordeaux mica

MINT – macadamia oil, jojoba oil, organic raw cane sugar, organic agave nectar, spearmint extracts

The not-so-secret secret to ELo’s success, is that products are made in small batches of 40. No mass production here! The extra bonus is that this yummy, curated lip care now ships to Canada! Win win! Yay!

ELENA:)

C+C Lifestyles by Design Interview

January 20, 2015

I find that some things cannot be taught in school. Inspiration, being one of them. You can learn different skills/tools and the history that have inspired others – but your own inspiration is usually mesh between your reality and fantasy with a healthy dose of experience.

I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with Chrissy, a Vancouver Interior designer and Cory (and their cute poodle Buttons) from C+C Lifestyles by Design to understand their inspiration behind their beautiful timepiece collection.

1) Why did you launch a luxury timepiece collection?

It all began while watch shopping; Cory and I were in the market for a new timepiece. I was sick of seeing everyone sporting the same Michael Kors watch that I had and I didn’t want another mainstream piece. I wanted something that was higher quality and stylish with a vintage appeal. Everything that I fell in love with was well past the 5K mark and I didn’t want to buy something just for name brand sake. Our date night conversations turned into watch design conversations and so we decided to take the budget that we planned on spending on a watch and put it towards designing our very own line.

2) What was your inspiration for the C+C logo?

Cory and I wanted to create a brand that really resonated with our values. We love the finer things, not the pretentious things; we wanted beautiful design, high quality with equally high ethics. C+C seemed fitting as it represents our love story in both romance and business. The name C+C was named after us… Chrissy and Cory. We wanted to create something that was meaningful, elegant, sophisticated and slightly whimsical. The crown represents a dream to build our own legacy and the two birds represent our love story. Our first collection, the Meraki series truly embodies our brand, as Meraki by definition is to create something with creativity and love, to put the essence of yourself into your work. That’s where Lifestyle By Design comes in.

3) Dream collaborations in the future?

For us, our collaborative ambitions are geared towards concepts rather than individuals. I think it’s so important to align oneself with others who share the same values. We are all about building something of integrity and beauty. To us Luxury is measured by time, taste and ethics and so we are looking to see C+C in circles where people echo the same values. There are a lot of amazing artists and designers out there that we would love to one day have the opportunity to work along side with but for now we are having fun just dreaming up and developing our next beautiful design.

To purchase your own timepiece, visit C+C Lifestyles by Design. A % of proceeds from each watch sold goes to the Paws for Hope Animal Foundation.

Be sure to follow C+C Lifestyles by Design on Instagram: @CCLifestyles as well as Chrissy’s design adventures, also on Instagram: @ChrissyCoDesign

ELENA:)

NYC Trip

December 27, 2014

This was my fifth time this year to head over to NYC. And i definitely had fun but full schedule. I checked into the lovely Ace Hotel and for all the places I have stayed this year, I would actually stay there again. Great Flatiron area, Stumptown coffee and the Breslin. Although I was unable to eat at the Breslin (it’s definitely on my list for a future – that actually is one criticism I have for they Ace – they need to have tables for people staying in the hotel!).

I managed to check a few holiday parties including one for the Centre for Social Innovation NYC and BellaNYC Magazine. Also some great new restaurants including Rosemary’s (where I had brunch with the funny,talented and sweet Alex of What’s Bakin’ NYC) and Chalk point Kitchen which was the most vegetable filled meal I have EVER had in NY. And it wasn’t the normal lame veggies either. I would definitely make sure to put them back on the list for a revisit.

ELENA:)

Old Joy Gift Box Review

November 2, 2014

I travel a fair bit and when I meet someone new they always ask me, “What’s Vancouver like anyway?” I never struggle in saying it’s calm and clean. I mention the trees, the mountains, the ocean and the rain. All things environmental. Now, thanks to Old Joy Gift Boxes – I have an answer that captures both the atmosphere and the flavor of Vancouver.

Melissa Mills has taken the best of the best of Vancouver artisans (Woodlot, Vancouver Olive Oil Company, Lissu Linen and Minimocs to name just a few!) and thoughtfully curated her gift boxes with an accent of an old joy – a vintage item that ties whole box together. She painstakingly handpicks her products to align with the interest of the recipient (like a cool vintage camera for my friends at Flytographer).

Melissa has a keen eye for aesthetic and design and don’t even get me started on the ribbon she uses! I lust after this classic black and white grosgrain ribbon that I feel Coco Chanel would use in the early days making her hats (Note to Melissa: Find more of that ribbon!).

The boxes themselves are made out of reclaimed wood and lined with an OLFCO flower arrangement (dried flowers in shipped boxes) which make the boxes very west coast.

After ordering a number of boxes, I began to realize that the real secret behind the boxes – is actually Melissa herself. Mother of a beautiful girl, she is always with a smile and a sunny disposition. Melissa is the true definition of joy and the passion she has for her craft radiates like the sun in every box she delivers – much like a glorious day in city of Vancouver.

ELENA:)

Photo shoot with Joey Armstrong

August 31, 2014

To end off the summer, I wanted to do a photo shoot incorporating all the products I have blogged about this summer for pure fun. Why not? I enlisted Joey Armstrong – a fabulous lifestyle photographer here in Vancouver (along with her awesome assistant Alison Page – who is a photographer herself) who helped me create a wonderful photo shoot that was placed products organically and featured yours truly. I think that the pictures turned out wonderfully and its always cool to see how different photographers work their magic and really get you to shine. Thanks Joey, Alison and Diana (makeup artist) for the fun shoot and fabulous pics!

ELENA:)

Sophie’s Closet Review

August 5, 2014

I have to admit – I only found out about Sophie’s Closet through Instagram when designer, Kenneth Jay Lane gave a shout out to the online store. I clicked on the handle and I was hooked like a magpie to a shiny piece of metal. Sophie’s Closet is an online mecca for rare, vintage (read: Chanel, Dior, YSL!) and contemporary jewlery from both established and up-and-coming designers.

Not only is Sophie’s Closet a great shop (I just purchased the last Joanna Laura Constantine Gold Double Leaf ring), but I feel like founder, Sophie Katirai could be my friend. We have so many similarities! – Huge love of jewelry/accessories, MBA grads, and have both travelled a fair bit (yet – I can’t say that I’ve lived in 6 countries).

I really wish that I was able to visit showroom when I was in Dubai (which seems like ages ago). But I guess that means I need to plan another trip!

Check out Sophie’s Closet on Twitter/Instagram: Sophiescloset and don’t forget to ‘Like’ Sophie’s page on Facebook too!

ELENA:)

Tiggy Ross Review

July 27, 2014

The art theme continues with the introduction to Vancouver artist, Tiggy Ross. I have to say – Instagram is perfect for connecting people via hashtag.

I’m intrigued by Tiggy’s use of watercolour combo’s and can’t wait to see what other elements of nature Tiggy uses in her art.

I’ll be waiting along with everyone else for the big reveal of her website on July 30!

Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram: @TiggyRoss and ‘Like’ her page on Facebook.

ELENA:)

Panty by Post Review

July 22, 2014

I love mail. All sorts. Magazines. Greeting cards. Flyers. Even the occasional bill.

Panty by Post is a subscription service which sends you a pretty panty in the mail. Yay! FYI: these aren’t your average $5 for $25 Victoria Secret finds either – Panty by Post features brands like Blush and Hanky Panky.

Out of all the subscription services – this has to be the most novel. And it’s not just for ladies – guys can get their underwear too.

Receive $15 off a 3,6,12 month subscription with the promo code:IMNEW15

Don’t forget to follow them on twitter: pantybypost and instagram: pantybypostca and ‘Like’ them on Facebook!

ELENA:)

Janelle Burger

July 19, 2014

It wouldn’t be fair to showcase artists and not highlight one of my favourites – Janelle Burger. She does fabulous fashion illustrations, stationery, iPhone cases and even shirts. Check out her online store. I was lucky that she was able to do illustrations and the cover for my own book, The Love List.

Located in Paris, I had the opportunity to meet up with her early this year and visit one of her favourite places, Le Bon Marche. It was fantastic!

Don’t forget to follow her on twitter: janelleburgers and instagram: janelleburger (ps: that’s not her real name:)

ELENA:)

Dolch Designs aka IMPAPER.CO

July 15, 2014

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

July 13, 2014

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

July 5, 2014

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:)

Beautulleful Review

July 3, 2014

Many people know that I’m girly. I love a great skirt that twirls. And nothing gives rise to my inner ballerina than Beautulleful skirts. I’m so excited that they are a local Vancouver find!

The Beautulleful gals are 2 BFFs that have worked on their collection for 2 years, producing 4 colours of skirts in 3 different styles (knee, tea and full) – each with 6 layers of tulle! And don’t worry about being itchy – they are all lined! Phew! The skirts are truly the perfect POUF.

I think that the graceful grey tea skirt would look amazing with my pink Valentino’s and All Saints black leather moto jacket! You can wear them day or night. So many style options – I can’t wait to order mine 🙂

And to make sure you get yours asap, the lovely Beautulleful gals have given me a pre sale 30% discount code to share: SECRETSUMMER14 This is a day early because the sale officially begins on July 4-6!

Make sure to add them to your Twitter/Instagram to stay in the loop: @Beautulleful and ‘Like’ them on Facebook

ELENA:)

Mini Bar Delivery App Review

June 26, 2014

I was going to save this post for the weekend – but it’s Wednesday and since the weather is heating up all I can thinking about is cocktails poolside or patio dinners on a lovely summer night.

I came across an ingenious app a few weeks ago. It’s called the Mini Bar Delivery App (available on both US and Canadian iTunes). Once you download the app, you can purchase wine, beer, spirits and get it delivered for free within an hour anywhere in NYC and the Hamptons! Such a great idea for an impromptu party or last minute gift giving.

Here is a discount code you can use for your next purchase: em052829

Don’t forget to add them on twitter and instagram: minibardelivery too!

Enjoy!

ELENA:)

Manslations Book Review

September 27, 2011

MANSLATIONS!!! Best book to decoding the secret language of men….thank you Jeff Mac!

I’m not going to ruin the book for you but there is this thing called the Anger Smokescreen that a guy used on me… multiple times actually….

“It goes like this: You catch him doing something wrong; you have all the evidence; and yet he flips out as if you’re the one being outrageous. He’s banking on you not being confident enough to defend your point in the face of furious anger” (or in my case a wagging water bottle).

“So what he’ll do is this: He’ll get twice as mad at you as you are at him. His hope is that you’ll suddenly wonder if it isn’t all your fault after all.”

“Usually the guys who are heavy into this one date women with terrible enough self-esteem that is actually works – he can actually convince these ladies that it’s all their issue and he’s the victim. Oftentimes they will even apologize to him!”

Wow… sounds all too familiar doesn’t it 😉

ELENA:)

Vancouver Day Spa Review

September 6, 2011

Today i checked out the Sense Spa at the Rosewood Georgia Hotel. It was awesome. So awesome, in fact i’m typing this post wearing a new neck pillow I bought at the spa. Spas are fun. Here are my Vancouver winners:

Best Spa Lounge/Best Steam Shower: Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. It’s huge and there is a choice of three lounges. The patio is amazing. I believe the steam shower has 16 shower heads (or something like that).

Best Spa Food: This one is kind of hard, but the Absolute Spa at the Century actually gave me a full salad one time. Runners up include Spa Utopia and Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim where you can find an assortment of nuts, dried fruit, fresh baked cookies and juice/tea.

Best Group Spa: I’ve gone with a 5 girl friends and Spa Utopia accommodates groups well.

Best Quick manicure/pedicure: My go to is Pure Nail Bar. Clean, good job and cheap. Done and done.

Best scrub: Miraj Hammam. Steam and then a super scrub. You end up smelling sweet and spicy.

Best Relaxation Spa/Best Spa to spot Celebrities: Chi Spa at the Shangri-la. You get your own room complete with a fireplace and steam shower. So tranquil.

Best Spa to bring your boyfriend to introduce him to spas: Maybe his hands are dry, or his feet need some attention. Skoah, is the best non spa out there. There is also the Absolute Spa at the Hotel Vancouver which is Canada’s 1st men’s concept spa which is worth a mention.

ELENA:)

Boston: The Conference

August 2, 2011

Day one was a right off. Day two of the conference was the best. We heard Dr. Atul Gawande, Dr. Robert Cima and my favorite speaker of the entire conference hands down was Dr. Martin Makary from Johns Hopkins. He talked about the culture of safety and transparency in health care. It was so interesting. The best part is that he is on face book… i think i’m going to add him.

After the reception, we went for a run to Mike’s Pastry for some Cannoli. 4 different kinds. It evens out the run for sure.

ELENA:)

Discovery Communications Rejection

July 23, 2010

So because i was not allowed to enter the contest put on by Oprah, i decided to submit my video as a pitch to the new west coast head of programming development for Discovery Communications. Guess what? I got my very first rejection email. Yeah! I’m just happy i got a response…. here is the video and the email below. Claire is a Production Assistant for Discovery Communications.

Dear Elena,

Thank you very much for sending us your materials. Simon had a chance to review your submission, and while interesting, it’s just not right for us at this time.

Best of luck to you.

Sincerely,
Claire

Beginning July 12, Discovery Health delivers viewers from the summer repeat doldrums with an all-new BABY WEEK! Featuring the riveting, real-life drama of babies born under extraordinary circumstances through six captivating specials, BABY WEEK will also unveil the network’s next breakthrough series, NICU, premiering Thursday, July 15 at 10 PM.
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