3 Months in Vancouver

It's hard to believe that this week marks the 3 months since I got on a plane in Dublin and moved to Canada, it has just flown by so far. There's so much that I've done and seen since I got here and a lot of nights out but here's a few things that I've really loved.

Stanley Park and the Totem Poles.

The parks huge and has a walkway the whole way around the outside which is quite a walk but worth doing especially if the sun is out.

The sea wall going into the park and a cannon in the park that faces the water and goes off at 9pm every night. 

Watching the sun setting at sunset beach in English Bay.

 

This is literally the perfect spot to watch the sun setting and the beach is full of big logs to sit on and enjoy the view. Below of the sunset walking towards English Bay.

Seeing the city at night. 

The views of the city at night are really something. As you walk along the water the buildings are all lit up as is science world, the stadium and even the trees in Yaletown.

 

 

Birthday in Vancouver.

My birthday was in February and I wasn't in canada all that long. I spent the day with Family at Granville Island and went out for a lovely dinner. Of course being my birthday it poured down, just like at home. I had a great day, the meal was gorgeous and I got a gorgeous surprise of present from my family here and cards from home. 

A rainy Granville island. 

Whistler

The hostel that I was staying at had a whistler day trip that I decided to go on. We left early that morning stopping along the way at a few lookouts and waterfalls. 

When we got to whistler there was a few activities to choose from but I was definitely not brave enough to try the bungee jumping or anything like it so ended up going snow tubing. 

Snow tubing is so much fun I wasn't sure if I would even like it at first but after the first time down I couldn't wait to try the bigger lanes, the gondola up the mountain was the worst part or maybe going back down.

I loved seeing so much snow I have honestly never seen so much in my life and loved it even if i nearly fell over almost every minute.

Starting a new job and moving into a house. 

After a while it was time to get a job and a place to live. Within a couple of weeks I found a job and a place to live and moved in, until then I had been staying downtown but moved out a little so now I travel by skytrain everyday which is really handy for where I live and where I work. The most exciting part was unpacking and having drawers and a wardrobe to put everything in.

Paddy's Day.

Since I now have a job I spent my Paddy's day in work. I was lucky enough to have the morning off though so I went to the Blarney Stone pub in Gastown to meet Family for a gorgeous Irish breakfast before going to work. 

I released the day before that I didn't even own any green clothes so quickly ran into H&M on my way home to see f they had any green tops, lucky they did and I ended up getting a green jumper for $10. The breakfast was great with rashers, white and black pudding sausages and even some fried bread and scrambled eggs. I had a great morning and a sober Paddy's day but it was really good and different from anything I've done before and I even saw pitchers of green beer! That I've never seen before. 

Holi Festival.

 

Last Friday which happened to be good friday I went to a holi festivel. I didn't know much about t apart from throwing coloured powder at each other and who could have thought that would be so much fun.

I think I was mainly covered in red some even getting in my mouth yuck and got some strange looks from other bus passengers on the way home and on the skytrain. It took a while to wash it out of my hair and my white top is now pink but it was worth it.

W7 The Cheeky Trio

I have been admiring my sisters one of these for a little while now but just never got around to getting one. Lucky me though because she bought me one as part of my Christmas present. 

I had a little go of this the other night when I was going out and it very nice on. The shade of bronzer, blusher and highlighter suit me perfectly and the pink tin they come in is too cute. They are nice subtle shades that I think I will get more use out of on a daily bases. The highlighter is really nice and not too sparkly I love sparkly ones but it's nice to be able to get one thats not going to be seen from a mile away. The blusher is so nice and looks very natural on it's just like a nice glow on my cheeks. The same kinda goes for the bronzer. It's a nice subtle shade nice for daytime but can be built up for a darker night time look. I love lots of contouring for night time looks. There is actually a lot of product in this tin and I think it might take awhile to get thru it so it's great value too.

The shades are Dream Machine (bronzer), 5th Avenue (blusher) and Hot Stuff (highlighter). 

My First Week in Canada

This is how I travel light!

I've been in Canada a week today and it's gone by very fast. I had a flight from Dublin last Friday to London then Vancouver. When I arrived in Vancouver I had to wait to be given my visa and then was on my way. I was met at the Airport by some family members and went to stay with them for the weekend.

Premium?? Ye don't think so unfortunately 

Saturday

On Saturday I went to get a new phone as mine didn't work her it was the wrong frequency or something. Most of the other Family members came over on Saturday for dinner and it was great getting to meet them all and I really enjoyed it. I have only ever seen pictures of some of them on Facebook or from my Granny when I was younger. While all the family where over for dinner I watched my first hockey match. I wasn't quite sure what was going on in it but  looks like a good sport unfortunately the Canucks lost.

Sunday 

On Sunday I went into the city and went to the Flyover Canada at Canada Place. It's a simulated helicopter ride over Canada. It even has mist and wind and smells too so it feels like you're actually flying over everywhere. The mountains looked gorgeous and it's given me great ideas of places I would like to go to. If you're going to Vancouver I recommend going to this I really enjoyed it even though I'm usually a nervous flyer and afraid of height I was fine on it.

We also took a stroll along the sea wall which is a walking  and biking track that goes for miles around the outside of the city and Stanley park. We stopped for a bite to eat and a hot drink then headed back through Gastown to the car then drove to stanley park. 

I was so amazed at how big the park is. The view from there are amazing and you can see the Lions Gate Bridge from Prospect Point.

I have since heard that the bridge was actually built by Guinness. Oh I also visited David's Tea which is a tea shop that sells so many flavours I actually can't believe it.

Monday

On Monday I headed into the city where I'm now staying in a backpackers hostel. I also sorted out my new bank account which was a little easier then I thought. I settled in at the hostel and had a little look around the area. I have also discovered that there is a Sephora a few minutes away woop, this could be dangerous haha.

Not allowed in here with my card it's too tempting !!

Tuesday

Tuesday it rained all day but I didn't let it stop me, Sure it's only a bit of rain. I wandered around looking at all the huge buildings and ended up at Canada place.

I had a walk around and I think I was the only one there haha. I also went to Gastown which is really nice and saw the Steam Clock.

I was walking past it and it start to whistle a song. It does this every half hour and is a must see so my travel book says so I stopped to record it but the video didn't save so I went back a half an hour later. I know that sounds a little crazy but I had to do it.

I find this city very easy to walk around and not get lost in too much the layout is really easy to navigate and there are sign posts everywhere. I was soaked by the time I got back that evening, my coat had even started to soak through, as soon as I got in and changed I had a cup of Red Velvet tea. If you ever get a chance to visit David's teas try the Red Velvet and the Sweet lime they are amazing.

Wednesday

Wednesday was not so cold and dry out so I went so many places. I was up early and ready to see as much as I can. I went to Yaletown, Coal Harbour, False Creek, then went on a Hop on Hop off sightseeing tour. 

I also found this train carriage parked on the road on a track because why not. 

I did see a lot of already but it brought me to loads I hadn't been to ye. I also heard a lot of little facts about the place and  suggestions on where else to see. So it was worth it even though it was freezing on the bus. On the way back I stopped for a hot chocolate to warm myself up before going back to the hostel.

Not so great with the selfies

Thursday

Thursday I went to go to get my phone looked at as I can't make calls without my ends sound going. They told me to keep turning it off and on and see if it helps, it hasn't so I think I have to go back again.

Anyway after that I wanted to visit the museum but ended up taking a wrong turn. I ended up walking for ages down Davie street and eventually ended up at english bay then ended up at Stanley park.

There were some lovely ducs in the water that looked lovely until they came out of the water and chased me, then the seagulls followed, I had to run away fast. Here are some of the perpetrators before they wanted to eat me.

I went for a walk along the Lost Lagoon and what I thought was a cat looking at me was actually a raccoon which then tried to follow me. 

Here he is leaving 

I don't know much about racoons like if they are friendly for not so I didn't stay around it long .... actually I may have run away towards a group of people I didn't even know, because yes I am that random weirdo you sometimes come across.  

Even though I went completely off my plan it turned into a nice day I found some really nice areas I didn't think I would be gone all day but it was really nice. I did have to use my google maps app to find my way back and thanks to google I had to walk up a huge hill but was the most direct way back.

Friday

I made it a weeks so far and I've seen so much. I'm having a off all the sightseeing today. I have been very lucky not to have gotten jet lag but today I am feeling a bit tired probably from a busy week so today I am looking up some ideas I have had about what to do next or where I would like to go or live or work all of those things haha. 

I'm not sure if this means the same thing here!

When I went out for dinner I padded this bus and couldn't stop giggling to myself I'm such a child somethings. So so far I've settled in nicely apart from always forgetting the code for the door and have to ask at reception and only realising after being here for five days that I actually don't know the names of anyone in my room even though we talk to each other everyday or not knowing where the light switch is ( it's behind the coat rack ... clever).

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Skintruth Rejuvenating Hot Cloth Cleanser

I've never used a hot cloth cleanser before but since I've been trying out some of the skintruth range after buying a face mask and loving it I wanted to give it ago. It came recommended from the sales woman who uses it herself and it not being all that expensive I bought it to try. 

It's suitable for all skin types and contains eucalyptus and aloe vera which has a strongish but pleasant smell. It's used for deep cleaning and for removing dirt, impurities and makeup. It comes with a face cloth and has a pump on the bottle which I though was broken at first but it just takes a bit to get it working. I think mine was a bit clogged up but it's fine now. 

How it works is that your apply it to or face and neck and massage it in then using the cloth wet it with warm water and remove it all from your skin. Straight away it feels nice and when you remove it wit the war cloth it's like it melt the make up away. It left my skin lovely and soft and felt so clean. 

Sleek Brow Perfector

Found this in Boots when I had a voucher and wanted to use it try out some new makeup. I have heard and seen so much about Sleek makeup but haven't used or bought anything before. I have used brow pencils and powders with a wax before but not this type of brow product. I tint my eyebrows as they are naturally lighter then my hair so I bought the dark brown shade 042. 

It's like a mascara with the same type of wand. When I used it it went on well and was able to keep the shape I like. It was different from anything I've ever used before and felt a bit hard when it dried but that doesn't bother me at all. The shade was a good match for my brows a bit darker but I like that kind of look. They also stayed in place and didn't rub off over the day or the night when I've worn it. It comes off well with my normal cleanser without having to scrub at it. I used the smaller end of the want to apply it to the ends of eyebrow and the thicker part for the inner parts. 

This is what it was like on.

Going to Canada

Well 2016 is finally here and it's not long now until I'm off to Canada for a couple of years. The last two weeks have flown by and now I'm sorting out all the last bits like my insurance, ordering currency which I collect on Wednesday and sorting out which clothes I'm taking while having a clear out of what I'm not. I doubt I'll still wear them when I come back so I'm sorting out what to keep, what to take and what to give to the charity shop. I leave on Friday morning and arrive on Friday afternoon. This time I'm going back in time in a way as they are behind us which will be sort of the same as Australia except for behind not forward.

I had thought about going before but wanted to give Australia a go first then in February I looked back into it and in March decided to stay put and applied for the visa back in April when they opened and after 2 stages with filling out lots of forms and a two month wait I finally got my Point of entry letter at the end of June. So that was it I had one year to activate it. I hadn't made up my mind when I was going until later in the the year and in November I broke the news to my family and start making plans. It worked out a lot cheaper for me to book a return flight then a one way so I booked it and will change the date later.

Over the last weekend I had some leaving drinks with some family and family friends in the local pub and turned out to be a great night with the pub organising food for our group which was a lovely thing to do. My sister did my eye makeup for the night and it was amazing. I usually go with a very light and subtle eye but that's mainly because I'm a bit crap at it but since she was doing I told her to do what she wanted.

My suitcase is ready to be packed but can't really start that yet I have to much organising to do yet and some washing. I was trying to figure out whether to go with a backpack or a suitcase, I'm taking a suitcase because it easer to pack but a backpack is easier for travelling around.

I'm going to visit some family when I first get there, a lot I've never met before which is very exciting and I can't wait. Other then that my plan is to stay in the city at a backpackers hostel for a bit while looking for a job and a place to live. For the first couple of weeks though I want to be a proper tourist and see as much as I can. I love wandering around big cities finding things to see and do.

Charcoal nose pore strips and eye gel patches

Charcoal Nose Pore Strips

I've used other nose pore strips before but these looked a little different than the other ones. This is probably because of the charcoal which makes them black. They work the same though with the same type directions which are wetting your nose and applying the strip, leave it for 10-15 minutes then gently peel it off. The results for me where good and removed a lot from the sides of my nose. They do leave a black mark around the outside of where the strip was but it comes off easily with water. I didn't see any difference in these charcoal strips then with the normal ones I've used before. I thought maybe they would draw more out or something but the result although good were the same as I usually get with other strips. They were only €1.50 so for that price I recommend giving them a go as they do work and there is 6 in the box so works out as only 25 cents per strip. I bought these in Mr. Price as well as the eye gel patches which were also €1.50

                                                   Eye gel patches

Was so hard to take a photo of them on they are so slippy!! 

These are something I've been dying to try for ages. They seem to be everywhere lately but that doesn't always mean they're good or they work. I've seen some online that are really expensive but sound exactly like these ones so I got these to try. They look and sound great but when I opened them the feel of them almost put me off, but I kept going and tried them anyway. Basically you put them on under your eyes on clean skin, leave them for a while and remove them. These ones are anti-aging and hydrating. It's the hydrating part I'm after, my eyes are so dry and puffy lately from the winter weather kicking in. The night I used them I was really tired and my eyes were so sore. I found these really cooling and strangely comfortable. I don't know what I was expecting they just seemed really strange at first until I put them on my face. My eyes were definitely less puffy after using these and they still looked like that the next morning. They suggest using them often which would be handy for tired eyes.

Chocolate biscuit cake tutorial

Filmed this ages ago but have only gotten around to editing it now. I don't have any editing software on my chromebook and can't download any so  used wevideo which I didn't find that great actually. Think I'll be finding myself something else next time. Anyway here it is the easiest cake you will ever make.

All you need fot this is a few ingredients and the most you will do is melt then and mix them. Here is what you need 200g chocolate (50%), 50g unsalted butter, 1 can condensed milk, 175g rich tea biscuits.

I make this a little different somethings adding a spoonful of honey and mix the biscuits up by using different kinds with different flavours you could also add marshmallows too if you would like.