If you're a pet owner like me, you know how hard it can be to find a pet grooming salon that actually does a job that both you and your pet are happy with.
We've all experienced various forms of 'grooming nightmares'. Pets who have been left bleeding (and you aren't told about it), hair cuts gone totally awry, and then there's this....
This atrocity happened to my little Maslow at a groomers home in Calgary. The sad thing is, not only did I pay for it, I even left a tip!!! (IDIOT!!! **slaps forehead**). I guess I felt sorry for the person who hacked my dog's hair. I've seriously gotta toughen up.
Moving on....
The good news is, not only have I found a place that does a FANTASTIC job, they're also really well priced, AND they use all natural products on your furry little amigo.
The place is called 'Rejoice Pet Salon' and it's located in Kitsilano (Jericho Village - corner of 4rth and Alma). They've been around for a couple of years now, and not only does their work impress me, so does their customer service! They have super friendly staff, and if you're not 100% happy with your pup's cut, you can bring them in with no problem and no attitude.
The one thing I love the most about this place is the fact that they use social media to keep you updated on your dog's 'grooming experience'. They actually have a facebook page where they post pictures of your canine, before, during and after their grooming. I thought this was a brilliant idea. And yes, little Maslow has his own album from his last visit.
**Side Note: Is it just me, or do you find your dog looks hilarious/ rat-like/ creepy when soaking wet? Yeah.... **
This place also gets bonus points for helping rescue dogs find new homes.
I highly recommend you check out Rejoice Pet Salon. It's pretty awesome.
Besos,
CC.
**Just a heads up - They always keep their front door locked to avoid having any dogs on the run, so make sure you always call ahead**
It's called 'The Mistress'.
The show's host is a woman (from Wales) named Sarah Symonds. She's most notably known as the former mistress of prominent men such as Chef Gordon Ramsay and Lord Jeffrey Archer.
Was she a professional mistress? Yes.
Has she since kicked these men to the curb, changed her ways, and moved on? Yes.
Sarah wrote a fairly controversial book called "Having An Affair? A Handbook For The Other Woman". She's since made it her goal to help women (all over the world) who are involved with married men to change their ways, leave their 'toxic relationships' and move forward (and AWAY from any romantic involvement with married men or MM's as she likes to call them). Sarah has become, what some like to call, an 'infidelity expert'. She's been featured/ interviewed on Oprah, The View, 20/20, Dr. Phil, Dateline, and many other shows.
The show 'The Mistress' is largely based here in Vancouver with only a handful of episodes taking place in Toronto. These women and their stories are real, and some of them are pretty heart-breaking. Before you jump up and yell 'HARLOT!!!!', I recommend you watch the show. You might be surprised.
Another reason I'll be watching tonight is because the very first episode was filmed at my apartment. It was a stand-in place for the actual featured mistress' home, and was merely a safety precaution for the participant. Am I genuinely excited to see my home/belongings on national TV. Yeah. Kinda sad, but true.
Why should you watch tonight? Because A) While you (and I) would never condone infidelity, this show will shatter many illusions you might have when it comes to the secret world of mistresses, and B) Vancouver is the backdrop for the ENTIRE show. Chances are, you'll see many of your favourite places featured on the show... and who knows? You might even see yourself, or someone you know.
That's tonight, on Slice Network at 8PM (PDT).
Enjoy!
Besos,
CC.
p.s: Turns out Sarah not only has a way with men! My dog (Maslow) was absolutely in love with her. Look at him. What a suck!!!!
I was running along the seawall last night, enjoying the fresh, clean, salty sea air, and I happened to pass a young couple (clearly in the early stages of their relationship). As I ran past, the young guy's cologne literally slapped me in the face. It was SO STRONG that I could taste it in my mouth, even after I'd already passed him.
*gag*
Fail.
Boys, here's my advice to you. The concept of cologne is to smell yummy, right? You definitely DO NOT want to bathe in it. You have to do the cheesy spritz it in the air, and walk through it. There's nothing sexier than a man who smells good (it's one of my weaknesses, actually), but you wanna put on the cologne sparingly so that we ladies get a hint of your smelly goodness, and then want to get closer for more... and getting closer is good, right?
Besos,
CC.
*
p.s: Joop is the worst cologne ever made on the planet, and I can't believe that some guys out there still wear that sludge. Don't. Just.... don't.
Section 3 is one of my favourite places to hang out at. Despite the fact that it's in Yaletown, the scene here is laid back and completely unpretentious. Arturo (my favourite bartender) makes the BEST mojito's in the city and J (the manager) gives amazing and friendly service - ALWAYS.
Their 'Nerd' sign has to be one of the most photographed bar signs in Vancouver (It's actually my wallpaper on my computer).
And their food! It's a little known fact that the food here is 'off the hizzle'. They've got stuff like....
Pulled Pork and Goat Cheese Poutine
House-cut Kennebec Fries, Port Demi-Glace
$12.95
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Four Cheese Macaroni and Coleslaw
$21.95
**They've also got gluten free options. Nice!**
I've had my birthday, going away and welcome back parties, all at this lovely place. I've even spent a new years eve here.
Now... it's closing it's doors for good. The owners have decided to sell the place and move on to new adventures. You have about a month to head out to Section 3 and take advantage of their amazing drinks, yummy food and awesome atmosphere. I have to say that I'll genuinely miss this place.
Maybe, if you're lucky, one of the staff there will tell you the story behind their 'nerd' sign and how they decided to name the restaurant 'Section 3'. (Let's just say it involved being sued by Robert De Niro. True Story).
As of September 23, Section 3 will be no more.
Sad.
It truly was one of the Bestest Of Vancouver.
Besos,
CC.
*
P.S: For more info on Section 3, check out their facebook page.
Raise your hand if the movie 'Labyrinth' scared the bejesus outta you when you were a kid.....
Yeah, me too. And yet, like most of you, I loved watching it over and over.
Today, we get to relive the magic. You can catch the free outdoor movie at the park directly across from second beach. The movie starts around sunset, but I recommend getting there between 7:30pm and 8pm to make sure you get a prime spot.
Bring you blanket, your friends and some popcorn... and prepare to be transported to the Labyrinth, or worse, the bog of eternal stench (nooooooooo!!!!).
Now that I think about it, I think it was David Bowie who scared me the most in this movie... and the little dog who rode the sheepdog. So weird...
In that time, a new site has been created that is hip, trendy, and something you MUST (*sarcastic*) join in order to become more successful, popular, better able share your ideas, etc.
People seem to flock to these sites, joining them at lighting speed and recommending them to all their friends.
Here are a few sites I'm still trying to figure out.
1) Klout.com
This site is designed to show your influence on the net. I've joined it, but honestly? Meh. I don't really see how the site itself would influence your 'net-fluence' (I just made that up. Nerd). The saving grace of the site is the fact that as your Klout number rises, so do your perks. More popularity = freebies, like business cards, links to view TV shows online (before anyone else has a chance to see them), free products, etc. Klout.com is pretty smart that way.
I joined this one about a month ago (under : thecarmencruz), and I STILL need help with this one. When I think of Pinterest, I think of scrapbooking. Maybe I'm way off base, but I'm just not pumped about it. If you actually look at my Pinterest page, you'll most likely be disappointed. I've put zero effort into it. What makes Pinterest so great?
3) Foursquare.com
I'm just starting to get into this one, but I find it's a lot like Yelp (which I'm a big fan of). I like the basic concept of it (see video) but so far, I find that Yelp seems to have a more solid sense of community... plus they tend to have tons of perks, like free parties (free food, free drinks, free swag) for all their Elite members. Cool.
While I'll never influence the world a la Oprah,I'd still like to share some of my favourite things with you. These things will range from restaurants and stores to products, places and people, special events, and everything else in between. I'll tell you now that nope, I'm not getting paid to endorse any of these things. I just wanna share. While my main goal will be to focus on Vancouver based stuff (on a weekly basis), I may stray to something or someone from a far away place. No biggie, right? And so, here begins 'The Bestest Of Vancouver'...
I'm kicking it all off with 2 bath and body products I'm absolutely addicted to. They're from Lush (which FYI, have their North American headquarters based right here in Vancouver!). The 2 products in question are: It's Raining Men Shower Gel It has a bit of an unfortunate name, but it's honestly the bees knees! If you like sweet and creamy scents, you'll love this stuff. It's a blend of caramel, honey and toffee, with a hint of bergamot and orange. It smells almost edible. The label on the bottle says that you can also use this as a shampoo, but I say, only use it if you're out of shampoo and desperate. I've tried it on my hair before, and after rinsing it out, I could barely run my fingers through my hair. small (100ml) = $9.95 medium (250ml) = $17.95 large (500ml) = $27.95 Ro's Argan Body Conditioner
I was pretty hesitant when the sales gal asked me if I wanted to try the 'New and AMAZING Body Conditioner!!!!!', but I gave in and walked over to the store's sink. Basically, this stuff works like a conditioner, but instead of using it in your hair, you use it on your body. It has the super popular ingredient of argan oil in it, (the stuff that's in the Moroccan Oil hair line) and it smells like roses and honey. You use it after your soap or shower gel, just before you get outta the shower. You step away from the water stream, rub it all over, and then rinse it away. Get out of the tub, pat dry, and you're good to go. Not only does it leave you smelling freaking GLORIOUS, you'll also be left with baby soft skin... but it doesn't come cheap. A sampler of this stuff costs about $6.00, but a full container will cost ya $30. If you end up trying this stuff out, let me know whatcha think!!! Enjoy! Besos, CC. *
I freaking love Jenna Marbles. There's nothing quite like a gal who's willing to poke fun at herself, and still 'Keep It Real'.
While this video might not necessarily be 'WTF', the reaction you'd get from doing what she instructs would definitely get a solid 'WTF' from everyone around you.
We've all got them...
You know, those songs that come on the radio /your iPod while you're driving that you LOOOOVE singing to. You really get into it too. Your head starts bobbing, and you throw in the odd dance move (while trying to continue driving normally). You absolutely MUST sing your heart and soul out to this song... but here's the thing - You want absolutely NO ONE to know about this.
It's the song that you LOOOOVE to sing to, but you make sure you roll up your car window (nice and tight!) so no one can hear the song in question. I call that "Shame Music".
I find it funny how we go to such great lengths to hide our "Shame Music". For example, I had a friend admit to me that he hides all his "Shame Music" on his iPod under 'Los Lonely Boys', because he figures that no one will ever look to see what songs he has by this band. Kinda smart, huh? I managed to get out of him a small sample of what HE has hidden there (note how I emphasize the word 'HE'). If you're interested, click here and/or here.
Anywho...
I've decided to share some of my "Shame Music" with you. I figure that it'll either take you back to the 'good ol' days' or make you laugh... and both are good, no?
Here goes...
Ace of Base ~ The Sign - I used to think this band was the end all, be all. I still kinda do...
Taylor Swift ~ Mean - Damn you Taylor Swift! Why ya gotta write such catchy tunes? P.s: This song was written about Joe Jonas. Is it sad that I know that? Yes. Yes it is.
Color Me Badd ~ Sexual Capacity - I can feel your judgement. It burns...
Infant Sorrow ~ Furry Walls - From the movie 'Get Him To The Greek'. Awesome/hilarious tune.
ABBA ~ Fernando - I know what you're thinking... ABBA isn't that horrible, right? Try singing along to it, full blast, in your car. Not so cool now, huh?!
My Chemical Romance ~ I'm Not Okay (I Promise) - I love these guys, and I don't care that the lead singer looks like an angry 12 year old girl. There. I said it.
What's that you say? Ace of Base, AGAIN? Yup. I likes me my Ace Of Base..... What?!?!?!
Ace Of Base ~ It's a Beautiful Life
So if you ever see me driving around, passionately singing and throwing the odd fist pump, all with the windows rolled up (on a day when it's 30 degrees plus - and I have no AC), you'll know why...
Enjoy!
Besos,
CC.
*
p.s: Feel free to share any of your "Shame Music" with me. This is a safe place.... ;D
Japadog will be holding a hotdog eating contest at their YVR airport location. The goal is to scarf down as many hotdogs as possible in 10 minutes. Only 6 lucky (and hungry) people will be selected to compete. Wanna be a part of this? Here's the deal:
You've gotta visit the Japadog stand at YVR’s Chester Johnson Park (outside
International Arrivals on Level 2) and enter your name in a draw. Deadline to enter is THIS Wednesday, August 8th.
The final 6 competitors will be randomly selected THIS Thursday, August 9th .
So whatcha gonna win? All 6 participants will receive $15 YVR bucks (that should be enough to cover one hour of parking at the airport terminal) and a $10
Japadog gift certificate (nice!).
The BIG winner will receive $250 YVR bucks (enough to cover a solid day of parking at YVR... jk!) and a
$50 Japadog gift certificate (SUPER nice!).
You can watch the hotdog eating action take place on Friday,
August 17 from 12:30pm-1:00pm at International Departures, Level
3.
All this hotdog talk has me craving some street right now....
Hannah Georgas has finished working on the follow up to her insanely
amazing album called 'This is Good'. Her self-titled sophomore album
comes out October 2nd.
The talented little lady performed a
sample of what you can expect on her new record. Here she is at CBC,
singing her new tune called 'Enemies'.
You Likey? If so, you can download this tune for free. Yaaaaayyy!!! I love free :)
More good news! Miss Georgas will be
performing at this years Shorefest. You can check her out on Saturday
(August 4rth) at 7:30pm on the Shore 104 Stage (the bathhouse roof in
English bay).
If you've never seen Hannah perform live, I highly recommend it. She's seriously awesome.
I've had my birthday, going away and welcome back parties, all at this lovely place. I've even spent a new years eve here.
Maybe, if you're lucky, one of the staff there will tell you the story behind their 'nerd' sign and how they decided to name the restaurant 'Section 3'. (Let's just say it involved being sued by Robert De Niro. True Story). 
Weeeird.
Raise your hand if the movie 'Labyrinth' scared the bejesus outta you when you were a kid..... 
Bring you blanket, your friends and some popcorn... and prepare to be transported to the Labyrinth, or worse, the bog of eternal stench (nooooooooo!!!!).
I walked into Superstore today and... SWEET HEY-ZEUS!!! Lactose free milk is on sale.
I'm kicking it all off with 2 bath and body products I'm absolutely addicted to. They're from Lush (which FYI, have their North American headquarters based right here in Vancouver!). 
