Vionic's #SoleStory campaign

I just received my new pair of Orthaheel shoes by Vionic in the mail; I just love getting things in the mail!

Here is a little blurb about these new shoes, that I had no idea about:

The Orthaheel Technology built into every pair of Vionic shoes and sandals (and that was previously built into Orthaheel and Dr. Weil Integrative Footwear) has been truly life changing for many. It not only alleviates foot, back and leg pain, but also prevents it. One of the most notable conditions Orthaheel Technology relieves is plantar fasciitis. The often debilitating foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis affects people of all ages and athletic conditions - and Vionic with Orthaheel Technology has these sufferers regain their walking lives without pain!

I ordered the Catarina model in a size 9, purple color. I opened them up and they were so pretty! Much nicer than the picture.

We were on our way out so I thought I'd wear them to the night market with the kids. Lots of walking and standing involved, so a  good test. They were very comfortable when I slipped them on; nice cushioning in the heel unlike my other wedges.

By the end of the evening they were still feeling good, but my feet were getting a little swollen from the heat.

I wore them again the next night Salsa dancing (for 3 hours!) and I had a great time. No worries! I saw some of the other ladies dancing in high wedges and was so glad I had on my comfortable sandals instead.

These shoes are super versatile and stylish; I wore them with a dress and capris, around the grocery store and and on the dance floor.

*I received these shoes as a gift from Vionic; I did not pay of them.

Walk of Shame Movie

WALK OF SHAME

In Select Theaters & VOD on Friday, May 2nd, 2014

Official Site // Facebook // Twitter // Tumblr // YouTube

Official Trailer // Official Poster // Official Images

#WalkOfShame

Fish Works in North Vancouver

I was looking for a new restaurant to try out on the North Shore; sometimes it seems like I've tried them all!

I'd heard from a few friends over the past few months that Fishworks down on 91 Londsale Avenue was pretty good, so I invited a friend to go and try it out with me on a Saturday night.

I easily made a reservation for 6:30 a few days before, and found parking just one block up on 1st street.

The hostess greeted us right away and offered to take our jackets. The restaurant was inviting and warm; dark woods and nice lighting.

It wasn't too busy yet, but was starting to fill up.

We were seated and helped out right away by our server. He was very welcoming and told us a number of specials for that evening. Many of them sounded very delicious, but after perusing the menu I was torn between the bouillabaisse and the ling cod.

The server suggested the bouillabaisse as a better choice as it was very popular, so I chose that along with a 1/2 pound of mussels with jalapeno, coconut milk and lemongrass. Yum!

The drinks we ordered came out quickly, but my friend's beer wasn't very good. Not the fault of the restaurant, but our server was very on top of things and offered to bring her something else. That's the kind of service I like.

We got our delicious mussels and polished them off without delay. The flavours were very nice together.

Our mains came out soon after; the bouillabaisse for me, and a salmon Wellington for my friend.

Both dishes were piping hot and full of flavour. My dish was lovely to look at; lots of colour and nicely presented. We enjoyed our meals very much and the bill came to around $70 before tip. I thought that was reasonable considering the service, and the quality of the food. 

By the time we left, there were no available tables. It was around 7:30pm.

I would recommend Fishworks if you're looking for yummy seafood, and excellent service. We left full and with no complaints.

Fishworks
91 Lonsdale Avenue
North Vancouver
BC V7M 2E5

T. 778 340 3449

F. 778 340 3449

E. info@fishworks.ca

***I wrote this review without being paid, or invited to do the review. It is my own opinion.

DVC Indoor Shooting Range; It's a Blast!

I never thought that shooting a gun would be something fun for a Friday night with my ladies, but boy, was I wrong!

I organized an outing with some friends to go to the shooting range, and we picked a Friday because it was ladies night. That's right, ladies night Friday night; we saved $30 each!

We pulled up to DVC indoor shooting range in Port Coquitlam, and found ample parking outside. There was a line up outside the locked door, so we got ready to wait.

There is a cap on how many people are allowed in the building at a time, so we waited until we were let in. We then filled in a waiver (which can be printed ahead of time and brought in), and were given the low down on the guns by an employee.

The employee was professional and friendly, and explained all the options to us. He was very helpful and well trained. He helped us pick out the right guns for us and we decided to share five different guns.

We were then brought into a small room for a safety talk, where one of the employees took us through the steps on how to hold the gun, how to set it down, and all the other protocol. It was a bit overwhelming! We were starting to get nervous and excited.

Finally the time came when we could enter the range. We were given eye and ear protection and brought into the range. The man assigned to us was very friendly and helpful and walked us through it every step of the way. We ended up having to employees assist us in two different "lanes" as there were five of us shooting and we were alternating guns.

Not once did I feel unsafe or unsupervised; it was very controlled, safe and fun!

We arrived around 8pm and were done at 10. I'm sure it would be faster if you weren't trading weapons, and were just sticking to one per person.

I would recommend DVC indoor shooting range if you're looking for something different to do, and want to learn how to shoot in a controlled environment.

If you have 10 or more people, you can make a reservation. Otherwise, it's first come, first served.

Unit #201-1655 Broadway Street, Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 2M7

Tel: 604-941-6933



*****This is my own opinion; I paid to go and did not get asked to write this review.

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Black and Blue

If you're like me and you enjoy a good steak dinner, then you may like Black and Blue.

A downtown eatery on Alberni Street, Black and Blue is upscale and sophisticated for today's picky diner.

We chose this restaurant because we'd heard great things about it; apparently I would have my best steak ever here! (It was not the best I've ever had...)

We tried to make a reservation a few days in advance for Saturday night. I suggest you call with at least two weeks if you have a time preference. They could only give us 3:30 or 9:45, so we chose 9:45.

Dine out Vancouver was on during our visit, but we did not partake.

We parked further away to avoid valet (they appeared to have it) and went right in. We were helped right away and whisked up in an elevator with the hostess to our table.

The ambiance is very nice; deep, dark colors, nice lighting, meat hanging up in a clear glass case near the kitchen. Very interesting and inviting.

The upstairs is like a square with tables all around the sides of the square, and opening up to the downstairs; you can see the whole restaurant (save the rooftop) from upstairs.

It was VERY loud when we walked in; felt like a nightclub. Upstairs it wasn't quite as bad. I would not sit at the bar if you want to have a conversation.

We were seated behind the elevator at a solitary table; it felt very private and looked out over the street.

Unfortunately, it was very solitary, and our server never saw us for the first 12 minutes we were seated (yes, I timed it!)

When he did finally realize we were there, he was very apologetic and made it up to us right away with a complimentary appetizer (Tomato & Burrata Salad....16 seasonal tomatoes, pickled shallots olive oil, sea salt)

That was a nice touch. Of course, we were visited by a manager after that which was a little embarassing...the appie was enough, but he wanted to check in and make sure we'd been helped. Then came the complimentary bread (B+B Blue Cheese Bread....3 chive oil, roquefort butter)

which was also very nice.

We placed our orders (New York Strip for me, a 24 oz ribeye for my husband). The steaks come alone, and we didn't order any sides. Our drinks came out quickly, and when we ordered another (hey, it was a Saturday night out with no kids!) we were told again by the manager to enjoy them, as they were on the house! Wow, the service was extraordinary to say the least.

Our steaks arrived cooked perfectly. I usually order the Ribeye wherever I go, but as it was $59 for a 24 oz steak, I opted for the less expensive $39 12 oz. It was good, but not amazing. I have had better. My husband's ribeye was delicious.

We were encouraged to order dessert, our server suggested the Black+Blue Butter Cake....12 crème chantilly, caramel sauce

But we instead opted for the 20 Layer Chocolate Espresso Cake....12 whipping cream, brandied cherries

It was not the most amazing cake I've had, but it was good. We didn't bother with coffee as it was now after 11pm and I wanted to be able to get to sleep!

So all in all, we had great service following the original seating mishap. Good food, great vibe and atmosphere, and watching the drunk lady being held up by her husband in the elevator on the way back down was just icing on the cake.

I would recommend Black and Blue for a fun and different dining experience Downtown. Bring your credit card!

Toby's in North Vancouver

Good afternoon!

We saw in ad in the paper for a new restaurant in North Vancouver called Toby's. Saw they offered breakfast and decided to try it out!

Their website showed their menu and it all looked good.

We headed down there this morning (well, afternoon I guess as it was 12!) and found a spot outside the restaurant.

It's an Irish theme inside, lots of wood and dark colors; very pub-ish looking but also family oriented. We spotted two kids eating with special kids cups, so thought that there is probably a kids menu as well (there is).

Nice decor, soccer on all the tv's (not your usual restaurant!) and plenty of servers all wearing black.

We were helped out right away and got our drink orders in.

I ordered a veggie omelet (comes with toast, hashbrowns or pancakes) and my husband ordered the Irishman's breakfast.

Food came out quickly, and was very appealing looking and fresh. The portions were generous.

I enjoyed my omelet, but not so much the pancakes (they were buckwheat and had not much flavour). Maybe it was because they were not traditional white flour pancakes.

Service was efficient and friendly and the place was quite busy.