5 minutes 5 questions: Kara Yoo

August 28, 2015

Overall I’m a big accessories fan. Statement necklaces and earrings are my favorite. Kara Yoo Jewelry is the quite the opposite – its more understated chic. Nevertheless, I’m a fan of her stacking rings, which have tiny ridges making the sparkle subtle yet effective.

So happy to share a few Kara Yoo rings with my favourite friends here in NYC. Here is 5 minutes 5 questions with the sweet, talented Kara Yoo

1. How long have you lived in Vancouver?

I’ve lived in Vancouver since 2001. I was born in Edmonton, and grew up in Oakville, Ontario. Vancouver is home!

2. When did you start your jewellery line?

I started Kara Yoo in 2012 at the end of the 2-year program I took in jewellery making and design.

3. Are you gold or silver?

Definitely gold, although I do like mixing metals and wearing a combo of yellow gold, rose gold and silver.

4. What is your favourite piece of jewellery?

My favourite every day piece is the Single Neck Cuff in yellow gold. I wear it every day and it goes with virtually everything from a t-shirt to a formal dress.

5. What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or current mate)?

Humorous, Caring, Genuine

Make sure you follow Kara on IG and Twitter: @karayoojewelry and ‘Like’ her on FB.

ELENA:)

5 minutes 5 questions: Product of Science and Art

August 27, 2015

I give a Gold star to Matthew and Adriana from Product of Science and Art because they know where Wetaskiwin is 🙂 (my birthplace!). These two are definitely working their magic in the soap world, the design of each bar is a work of art and smell is amazing! I have wildflower and lemongrass green tea in tow for this trip.

Here is 5 minutes 5 questions with the fun, sweet duo of Product of Science and Art, Adriana and Matthew:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

We moved to Vancouver on Halloween close to three years ago.

2) How did you start Product of Science and Art?

(A) – P.S.A. was founded in the early 2000’s by Matthews mother (Judy), when she grew tired of the lack of local skincare for sensitive types. Using her education and experience in the realm of Horticulture, (specifically Medicinal Herb Plant Health), she began to study the interaction of plants and skin.

3) What is the best part of your soap?

Our Signature Organic and Vegan formula, We purposely use 8 different Vegetable Oils and Butters to increase plant diversity and not rely on a single Mono crop. Our Formula is sourced for sustainability and sensitivity, so no matter which soap you get it is purely awesome!

4) Describe your favourite scent in a sentence.

Nothing beats a West Coast Forest Bath, walking deep in the forest with Fir resin and Cedar in the air.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or current mate)?

M – chill , centred and outgoing.
A – Fun, real, sweet.

Don’t forget to follow Product of Science and Art on IG: @productofscienceandart and ‘like’ them on FB!

ELENA:)

5 minutes 5 questions: Vancouver Candle Co.

August 25, 2015

I first met Nick and his partner Farouk, when I co hosted the Summer St. Soirée at the end of June with Modern Fort. I was immediately drawn to the design of the packaging and liked how the communities of Vancouver were incorporated into the candle scent names. Perfect for travel – the candles also come in tins too (thank goodness because my bag already weighs a ton!)

Here is 5 minutes 5 questions with talented candle maker, Nick from Vancouver Candle Co.:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

I permanently settled in Vancouver in 2012 from San Diego, California. I went to UBC, and after I met Farouk, settled here.
2) How did you start Vancouver Candle Co.?

I started Vancouver Candle Co. to share my love of candles. I purchased an expensive candle from an interior design store that burned poorly. After researching why, I discovered a lot of candle companies use nasty, potentially harmful ingredients in the candles. I decided to make my own.
3) What is your favourite neighbourhood in Vancouver and why?

My favourite neighbourhood is Strathcona. We just bought a cute heritage home there and can’t wait to move (Sept 4 and counting down the days). We love the old-meets-new and friendly mix of people. The neighbourhood is so magical!
4) Describe your favourite scent in a sentence.

My favourite scent is Point Grey. I love the earthiness of it.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or current mate)?

Sense of humour, generosity, integrity.

Don’t forget to follow Vancouver Candle Co. on IG: @VancouverCandleCo. Twitter: VanCandleCo. and ‘Like’ them on FB!

ELENA:)

Photos from the Summer St. Soiree

August 1, 2015

Here are some photos from the Summer St. Soiree cohosted with Modern Fort that benefited the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund Burn Camp.

It was a great time and a HUGE thank you goes out to all the vendors and volunteers. Read Modern Fort’s rundown of the event here

ELENA:)

The Summer St. Soiree

June 3, 2015

I’m SO excited. People that know me well, know that I throw a mean party. And I haven’t thrown one in a long time.

I’ve been trying to figure out a way to collaborate with my friends at Modern Fort and like magic… The Summer Street Soiree was born!

My first 8 years of my nursing career started on the Burns, Plastics and Trauma unit where I learned many clinical and life skills. I can’t think of a better way to give back.

We curated the best of Vancouver’s vendors to be a part of the day – and of course there will be some surprises in store.

Besides the Summer Street Soiree – we are also selling this beautiful wooden notebook. Buy yours here!

ELENA:)