A couple weeks ago I was twirling my hair like I usually do only to find some unusually short pieces in the back. As my fingers searched, I found a few more small sections that were more than six inches shorter than the rest of my hair. Panic. I’ve always had long, strong, soft hair and never experienced any breakage.

A few weeks before this incident, I started using the shampoo bars from Lush in an effort to save cash. Though I know that shampoo that excessively lathers generally isn’t good for your hair, I liked the smell and felt squeaky clean afterwards, so I kept with it. That is, however, until I found tons of broken, thirsty, stripped and damaged hair.

I didn’t waste a single minute booking with Mari at Lounge Hair Studio. While most people would like to sugarcoat a situation, Mari simply shook her head and told me it’s “really bad.” An hour and a half, a follicle treatment, deep conditioning and almost six inches later, this is the result:

Shorter? Yes, but with new layers, swing and softness – and thankful I didn’t walk away with hair as short as Betty Draper. I’ve been forbidden from using Lush’s shampoo bars ever again and cautioned against any other cheap-quality shampoos. Keep your meat-eating snickering to yourself because this is the first time this has ever happened to me. As much as I’d like to save money, I’m indefinitely back on the Bumble train.

Check back in a few weeks… Mari’s giving me Cameron Diaz’s colour.

I’d better not get that cold that is starting to go around. I slept a lot yesterday. Not lots of photos because, well, I just wasn’t feelin’ it. In a feeble attempt to appease, I snapped one with Photo Booth last night. I don’t like it. I do like my hair though.

Bye.

The appointment is next Saturday. Tell me what to do.

You know how you wake up each day, go through the usual morning routine of showering, washing your hair, moisturizing, blah blah blah? And then one day, as you’re in the middle of said routine, a glance in the mirror causes an “ewww…what’s with my hair?”

Long and straight doesn’t require much maintenance, and I normally only get my hair cut about three times a year. A week ago, I had that “ewww…” reaction and promptly booked an appointment with my favourite pro.

I was supposed to go yesterday, but being that I spent two days holed up in bed with wicked food poisoning (or maybe a flu bug?), I had to postpone until this afternoon. I’ve been seeing Mari at The Lounge Hair Studio for almost two years, and it would take somethin’ fierce to convince me to see anyone else when it comes to my tresses. It’s like she told me today, working with me is more like working with a girlfriend than a client; we can talk, share things with each other and indulge in some good old-fashioned celebrity juiciness.

Not only does she do a wicked job each and every single time, she knows her stuff. Plus, it’s the place to hit up if you’re seeking out some Bumble-y goodness. I know I’ve already sent one satisfied client Mari’s way. Let the sun shine in, indeed!

Considering the amount of rain Vancouver’s had lately, the trip I was to make with friends today to Playland was subsequently cancelled, leaving us all to make other plans. My buddy Duane is headed to California in the morning for a week of sun and fun, and his closet was desperately depleted of cargo shorts. When he suggested hitting up the mall, I was definitely game. Being that I want to save most of my cash for my Tofino surf trip in July, I was very good when it came to spending. Aside from picking up a few Bumble items (which I am dying to use), I came home mostly empty-handed.

Neither of us had eaten prior to meeting up, and I’d been wanting to check out the new Cactus Club in Vancouver’s business district. We sat on the patio with cold drinks and while I ate my chicken fajitas, Duane consumed what he considers to be “breakfast.”

It was bigger than it looks. Yum.

Oui, c’est vrai! Sometimes a girl needs a little retail therapy to make herself feel better, and sometimes she needs it for no reason whatsoever. Today was one of those “no reason whatsoever” days. A quick lunchtime trip to Holt Renfrew allowed me to cross off an item on my summertime list of wants. Daisy by Marc Jacobs was being offered in a gift set for a little over one hundred smackers, so it was a deal I couldn’t quite pass up.

My day of delicious-smelling fortune didn’t end there. A few weeks ago, I found my way to my usual salon in an attempt to re-stock up on my Bumble and bumble staples, only to be disappointed that their Gentle shampoo and Alojoba conditioner were on back order. To tide myself over, I grabbed a travel size bottle of each and made my way home again. However, I soon discovered that something wasn’t quite right with the shampoo. Worried that B&b had changed the formula of the one shampoo I’ve used for years on end (with no build-up, I must add), I fired off an e-mail to B&b in New York. There’s a rotten apple in every sack, and it seems I must’ve simply got a bogus bottle through no fault of B&b’s. I know for a fact that their products are rigorously tested in an effort to maintain top quality, and so as a token of goodwill and excellent customer service, B&b offered to send me a full-size replacement bottle.

Naturally, I gladly accepted.

My next beauty product-related dilemma isn’t too far away. I’m dangerously close to being completely out of my Kiehl’s products, but to be honest, it’s not the end of the world. After a few months’ use, I’m less than impressed and am now trying to decide between going back to old, affordable faithful (Clinique) or revisiting new, yet expensive, stellar-liciousness (Ren). Any input, ladies and gentlemen?

My brain is bursting at the seams with stuff to write to you all about, so hang on to your skivvies because here we go…

I am in a new relationship – with myself. Actually, with my body in particular. I am a firm believer that if you love your body by nurturing it and filling it with good things, as you would a relationship, goodness will be reciprocated.

I couldn’t wait for the work day to end because I knew that a budget-busting trip to Capers Market was going to occupy my evening. I very briefly touched down on some personal goals for myself without expanding on them a few days ago on my blog. One of these goals is as I just mentioned – loving my body by filling it with wholesomeness (I said my body, not my mind).

Tonight’s haul…

$100 and change later, my fridge and cupboards are now filled with an armful of organic vegetables and fruits, organic peanut butter, organic honey, organic coconut oil (good for cooking and just about everything you can think of – insert obvious wink here), cottage cheese, goat cheese, greens and herbs, applewood smoked cheddar cheese, bio-active yogurt, nuts, grains, mixed sprouts and so much more.

When I was in the Comox Valley and shopping at Edible Island Foods (no website, sorry) just about every chance I got, I discovered “Hornby Island Energy Balls.” They’re made of entirely organic ingredients by a woman on Hornby Island, and I was hooked instantly. I snagged two to scarf down before snowboarding. Fantastically enough, I found the recipe online and made up a dozen and a few tonight.

Sooo…tasty!

Before the night was through, I also managed to cook up a huge pot of organic turkey soup. One thing I did almost instantly upon returning to Vancouver was reorganize my kitchen in small ways. I figured that if I made the space more conducive to cooking, I’d want to spend more time in there making meals, even if only just for myself. On New Year’s Eve, I couldn’t help but continuously marvel at my Aunt Fran’s kitchen. It’s my dream kitchen, without a doubt. So in reorganizing my kitchen, I was inspired in little ways by her kitchen. I’m most excited about my new “tea drawer.”

There are more than a few other ways in which I’m making “body changes” in keeping with this new goal, so head on over to my Flickr for illustrations.

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Becky, you’re going to “go nuts, go apeshit” when you hear what I’m about to share with everyone.

Question: What is better than a combination of moonlight, shredding in powder and watching hot boys on snowboards?

Answer: A combination of moonlight, shredding in powder, watching hot boys on snowboards and a free lift pass!

Monday nights at Mt. Seymour is now known as “Guys Night Out” – and the girls ride free!

Every Monday night, between January 7, 2008 and March 24, 2008, the ladies can snag a free lift pass in an effort to “bring the pretty” to boys’ night. For more information on this and other events and excitements, visit Mt. Seymour’s website, and for a complete list of where you can get a voucher, click here.

So, um, Jack…can I have the car on Mondays? Okay, thanks.

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Being the lover of Bumble products that I am, I can absolutely never be without. I skipped over to The Lounge Hair Studio today at lunch, since that’s where I normally go. However, I was dismayed to find that with a new year comes new prices.

One 8 oz. bottle of Gentle Shampoo, one 8 oz. bottle of Alojoba Conditioner and $63.01 later, this girl can rest tonight knowing that she has a full-stocked supply in her shower once again. I think next time it might be time to consider investing in the 1L size – I’ll save money in the long run. I’m sure some of you are choking at the price, but let’s face it…my hair is soft, silky, long, strong, smells amazing and is all-around pretty effing rad.

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The solution to beat those back-to-reality blues after a holiday and Christmas vacation? Keep your schedule packed!

Tomorrow I’m hitting up Fifth Avenue Cinemas with Amy to make use of our memberships and finally see Juno. We’ve been gushing over Michael Cera for about two weeks and the time is now.

On Saturday I’m going to hit up an art gallery with my Becky, but which one I’m not sure. I’ve got my fingers crossed for the Vancouver Art Gallery because one of my favourite Emily Carr pieces, Strangled By Growth, is there and I’d love to see it again. However, something tells me she has a different gallery in mind…

Sunday’s wide open. Any ideas?

Forget Sunday…as it turns out, I have to come into the office. However, in a weird twist of fate this works to my advantage because now I can take February 1st off without consequence. Stay tuned and I’ll fill you in on my upcoming adventure.

It’s winter and it’s cold. With the cold air comes the dry air and with the dry air comes dry hair. My hair has been very dry…not to mention over-processed. On a daily basis, I use no less than Gentle Shampoo, Alojoba Conditioner, Tonic, Brilliantine Cream and Does-It-All Hairspray, all from the Bumble & Bumble line. What can I say? I’m an addict.

Photo courtesy of Bumble & Bumble

This week is a no-blowdry/no-product week. Aside from shampoo, conditioner and my Tonic spray, my hair is going wild and free. It’s been two days and already it feels ridiculously softer. Just thought you needed to know that.

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On the weekend, I popped into my local SPCA shelter to support the Toy Drive for the Animals. I was, without a doubt, incredibly impressed by the outpouring of support from the community. There were toys, treats, blankets, beds, kennels and so much more, stacked as high as the ceiling. Touring the facility was encouraging in that there are a lot of people out there that care about lost, abandoned or hurt animals. It was, at the same time, heartbreaking because I just wanted to cuddle and hold each one I saw.

To those of you that were able to help out on Sunday’s Toy Drive, I extend to you a huge thank you! As I mentioned, there is a great need year-round, so if you’re in Vancouver, visit our shelter to find out ways in which you can help.

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And lastly, this Friday sees the beginning of my very-much-needed Christmas vacation. My work-related stress level is most certainly at its peak, and I need a few days to let that drop off. It will be two glorious weeks free of meetings, dress pants, agreements, orders, transcriptions and Chambers applications. It will be two glorious weeks full of baking, music, pajamas, Charley, my family, friends, Christmas tea, twinkling lights, falling snow and, undoubtedly, snowboarding at Mt. Washington with cute boys men.

HOT DAMN!

Photo courtesy of Mount Washington Alpine Resort

That photo was taken at 10:14 a.m. today. The mid-mountain base is already at 181 cm. I hopped into HMV yesterday to pick up some new music to ride to because my record collection has a serious case of complacency. I’m bored with it. I grabbed Jay-Z’s “American Gangster” and both “College Dropout” and “Late Registration” from Kanye West. I haven’t listened to either Kanye record yet, but gave Jay-Z’s a spin after work for a bit. Don’t get me wrong, there’s always room for Big Pimpin’, but he has most certainly evolved as both an artist and producer. The record is laced with rich beats and smart lyrics, so I’m already stoked to shred the slopes just listening to the record.

Today, I did a whole lot of nothing. I didn’t think I’d have anything to write about, and as I type this, I still really don’t. But you’re here and I’m here and you’re already reading anyways, so let’s go with the flow, shall we?

It’s been raining in Vancouver all day. I stayed in bed until 11:00 a.m. and awoke only to do nothing. That, and listen to new wave music while eating last night’s pizza.

I ventured to Shopper’s Drug Mart, and I swear I could spend a fortune there every single day if I had the means to. I also bought my dinner for tonight. This is what it looked like before I cooked it:

And here’s the after:

The roll magically appeared. If you’re curious, I tosssed the vegetables with organic olive oil and sea salt and roasted them in the oven to maintain their nutrient value. Why the plate full of veggies?

Thursday dinner: Tandoori chicken pizza
Friday lunch: Tandoori chicken pizza
Friday dinner: Hawaiian pizza
Saturday lunch: Hawaiian pizza

Enough said.

You know what I love about rainy days? The aforementioned “doing nothing.” I’m wearing my Roots thermals (which, Jack, were made in Canada, thank you very much…unlike my Roots leg warmers which were made in China so we both win), made some hot apple cider and wrote out some more Christmas cards.

This is my Christmas card writing station:

Soon after I retired to my cozy couch for a little “keeping warm” without the heater on…

You’d be amazed at how much heat those little tealight candles can radiate.

I really want to bake cookies right now but there is no butter to be found in my apartment. Does anyone want to bring me butter?

You know what I’m excited about? This:

My hair is addicted to Tonic. The bottle on the right, which is now empty, was purchased two months ago. Bumble and Bumble had decided to change the formula for their Tonic and made it smell much less like tea tree oil. Problem for me because I adore tea tree oil. The bottle on the left I purchased on Thursday night and guess what? The old formula’s back! Yes!

I’m going to bed pretty soon because my alarm clock will be going off around 4:30. I’m leaving again at 6:00 a.m. to go to the States with Susan. I’m going to join 2005 and get some Uggs. As much as I adore my mukluks, they’ve really worn through and it’s time for some new warm winter boots. Plus they’re ridiculously cheaper at Nordstrom.

Stay tuned for tomorrow night. I will probably post a picture of myself in my new Uggs, some (maybe) new panties and…a scarf? Who knows?

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Since I’m already in the middle of an arguably narcissistic post, I’d like to point out that my birthday is exactly two weeks from tomorrow. I’ve never been much of one for birthdays, but I’ve decided that I want mine this year to be really special. I have already bought a pretty party dress that shows off my legs that, let’s be honest, really don’t quit. I want to feel like a princess and I might even wear a tiara. I don’t want to go out and party. I want to eat a ridiculously good dinner with a whole bunch of fantastic friends. I want to drink some deliciously divine wine. I want to laugh the entire time. I want to eat a huge piece of sinful birthday cake.

You know why? I deserve it.

Dreamy Pink Balloons graciously provided by Pink Sherbert Photography on Flickr

I wrote a post earlier today that positively reeked of testosterone, sweat and dirt. Mind you, not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’ll be the first girl to raise her hand and declare that she prefers the way a man naturally smells rather than doused in cologne. However, that’s an entirely different post.

When I open my medicine cabinet, I feel just as Charlie Bucket did the instant he pushed through the lumbering door of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

It’s a wonder of bright colours, silky lotions, sweetly-smelling perfumes, nail polish, luxury for my locks and tons of little surprises. Sure it doesn’t look organized, but I know exactly where everything is and exactly what it’s for.

In your upper left corner you’ve got fast first aid when you can’t be bothered to open the kit. This includes pain killers, throat lozenges and Tums. Below that is every girl’s necessary stash of nail polish, preferrably OPI because it goes on oh-so-smoothly. Word to the glitterati: check out their new Russian-inspired line for the fall…I snagged “Boris and Natasha” last weekend. On the bottom you’ve got the first of the practical items like nail polish remover, sunblock and mouth wash.

Behind Door Number 2 (*snicker*), from top to bottom (*snicker again*) you can find base cosmetics, various deodorants – it’s good to switch it up sometimes – and hair care on the bottom. Anyone that knows me knows that I whore myself out for Bumble & Bumble products. The stash in my shower is even bigger.

Last, but certainly not least, we have The Essentials. Life Brand natural cocoa butter lotion is my cheapcheapcheap beauty bargain that’s a must. Also to be found are eye make-up remover, hydrocortisone cream (I don’t condone this, but it’s good for under-eye puffiness), toner, floss, tooth brush and paste and depilatory cream (because everyone knows that body hair on women is unnatural – yes, even arm hair).

Yah, I’m bored tonight.

P.S. And for the record, I have never seen the newer, Tim Burton-directed version of the above-mentioned movie because – let’s face it – Freddy Highmore was a brat supreme in “Finding Neverland” and I just couldn’t bear to see him in a role as precious and classic as Charlie Bucket.