Locally Made – Rich Hot Blog

Sugaring Hair Removal

November 25, 2018 No Comments

Have you ever seen someone look so happy after getting a Brazilian wax? No? Me neither – and I swear this was actually taken AFTER my service, not before. No sneaky tricks here. I had the pleasure of getting a Brazilian sugaring treatment from the Lily Bar Body Sugaring salon and left smiling.

Sugaring is a hair removal method, like waxing, but sugaring uses an all natural combination of only three ingredients – lemon, sugar, and water. You could actually eat the sugar if you wanted to! The sugaring solution will only adhere to dead skin cells and not your live ones which eliminates the possibility of painful removal of live skin cells. Sugaring also goes on the opposite way that waxing does, and is removed in the direction of hair growth which can reduce the amount of breakage and thus reduce the amount of ingrown hairs you experience.

In all honesty, I didn’t find that it was much less painful than getting a wax BUT that being said, I hadn’t gotten a Brazilian in about six months which is probably why it was so painful. Those root systems had a lot of time to grow and take hold! However, what I did find was that there was significantly less irritation to my skin afterwards and I didn’t suffer as many ingrown hairs. Thus far, I actually haven’t seen a single ingrown hair, which is ideal.

And if that’s not enough, the Lily Bar Body Sugaring salon is actually one of the most aesthetic hair removal salons I’ve ever stepped foot in. Their waiting area is gorgeous and the treatment rooms are super spacious and relaxing. The Lily Bar also carries their own brand of aftercare products to keep your sugared skin happy!

What’s your preferred method of hair removal? Let me know in the comments below.

Gift Guide, Locally Made, Reviews

Discover Lifestyle FV Subscription Box

September 23, 2018 No Comments

Subscription boxes are everywhere these days – there’s one for every niche interest you could imagine, including plenty of subscription boxes touting locally made goodies. Discover Lifestyle FV is one such subscription box which sources only the best health and wellness goods from, you guessed it, the Fraser Valley! I was so excited to get my hands on the fall sampler box to review for you guys!

What Is It?

The Discover Lifestyle FV Subscription Box is, at its core, a box to connect you with locally and ethically made goods, that not only support local artisans, but are also truly beautiful and unique. The creator, Christina, started making the Discover Lifestyle FV box because she wanted to share these stunning finds with like-minded people who might not be lucky enough to have such great products easily available to them. When a brand is truly passionate about their mission – to share beautiful, ethical, natural goods with everyone – it really shows. This subscription box is carefully curated so that each product goes beautifully together.

With these niche boxes, it’s less hit or miss when you receive a box where you don’t get a say in what’s inside – you know that you’ll love everything because they’re all great, locally sourced lifestyle goods. The boxes are valued at $140 CAD each with the seasonal subscription price ringing in at $89.95 or an annual subscription price of $319.80 for four boxes sent out seasonally. Locally made goods at a discount, who doesn’t love that?

What’s Inside?

Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside! If I was to describe the vibe of this box I would call it “quintessentially cosy” which is perfect with fall rolling in. As soon as it’s September, all I want to do is bundle up and drink hot tea. This box features the perfect essentials for enjoying a cosy autumn.

My personal favorite items are the Harvest Blend Herbal Tea made with 100% organic herbs from New Moon Tea Co. and the super cute knit toque from Strings & Things, made locally in Abbotsford BC. Toques are one of my autumn and winter staple pieces – you’ll rarely find me with a bare head between October and March – and I just love the chunky knit and fluffy pom pom on this one! Plus there’s the cutest knit bookmark made by Knot Your Granny’s Stitches to coordinate with the toque(if you check out their Instagram page you might just find the cutest crochet pumpkins too). Perfection!

The box also includes a candle from The 6th Scent Candle which is absolutely divine. These soy candles are like little tins full of yummy-smelling joy – no over powering chemical-y and perfume-y candles here! Plus, burning soy candles (or other alternative wax candles) are so much better for you. The size of this candle is just perfect for burning in your bathroom while you’re getting your pamper on!

There are two pieces of jewelry included in this tester box – a pair of earrings created in Maple Ridge by Sweet Caroline Creative and a lovely bracelet by North Pacific Co. and inspired by the Chief in Squamish BC. I’m not really one for jewelry myself, but I find myself falling for the lovely, dainty floral pattern of these earrings. They’re also nickel free which is really important as my ears are extremely sensitive. The bracelet is a classic beaded bracelet that is honestly perfect for the Lower Mainland’s laid back and outdoorsy vibes. It’s beautiful without trying to hard, with lots of lovely greens and earth tones.

Lastly, we have a couple of bath and body goods for an extra relaxation factor. The lip balm from Dual Peaks Soap Co. is the perfect size to slip into even the tiniest of purses or clutch bags – trust me, you’re gonna be reaching for it all winter long! Also from Dual Peaks is a great little bath bomb (you know I love a good fizzy bath) which smells just divine – seriously, when I opened up this box I couldn’t wait to figure out where the gorgeous berry scent was coming from. And from True Products comes the most gorgeous and ALL NATURAL perfume in a sweet, sunny scent. For me, an all natural perfume means NO SNEEZING and NO ITCHY FACE from whatever chemicals are in traditional perfume. Who knew I was so sensitive?!

Now, I would LOVE to keep all these goodies for myself and shoot endless cute and cosy photos for the coming fall and winter season, but I wanted to give back to all my Canadian followers! So check out my instagram to win this fall sampler box! Good Luck!

Locally Made

Luna Nectar Moon Boost Serum – Your Lashes’ Saving Grace

February 8, 2018 No Comments

Ever since I was young I have been OBSESSED with long, thick, (this is not going where you think it’s going) fluttery lashes. Seriously – I used to wear strip lashes on the daily to get that super full look and I felt absolutely naked without them. While that might be for some people, it definitely was not for me. Firstly, it’s a huge hassle. Secondly, the strip lashes ruined my natural lashes and left them lifeless and sparse, which left me sad.

My saving grace was getting into lash extensions – they’re so much more convenient than gluing a strip of little hairs to my eyelids every morning and they don’t totally ruin my natural lashes. That being said, I’m still not perfect and I’m definitely not the perfect lash extension client. I tend to rub my eyes, sleep face down (sorry, can’t control this one) and just generally do stuff I should avoid with lash extensions.

In my quest for perfect, convenient, full lashes I’ve started using Luna Nectar’s Moon Boost Lash and Brow Serum. When Mia from Luna Nectar contacted me, I was devastated; I thought I would never be able to try the product because of my lash extensions. It was such a relief when Mia let me know that even lash extension wearers can benefit from Moon Boost. This serum is actually recommended for people with lash extensions! When you use the serum to keep your natural lashes strong and healthy, your lash extensions will last longer.

As the lash destroyer I am, I could not turn this opportunity down.

Luna Nectar focuses on using Eastern herbal healing principles and ingredients to bring us a super-charged lash and brow boosting serum that is all natural, vegan, AND organic. Check out Mia’s story behind this – it’s some seriously ingenious thinking. Moon Boost is also fragrance free which is amazing because I have the most sensitive baby eyes and any chemical-y fragrance can really irritate them.

I’ve noticed that after three weeks of using the Moon Boost Serum in the evenings (I keep forgetting to use it in the morning, sorry Mia!) my lash extensions are looking way fuller than usual and I’m LOVING it.

Moon Boost also looks gorgeous on my vanity – Luna Nectar uses the cutest bamboo packaging which is beautiful, fair-trade crafted, and super sustainable. Even the boxes are made from recycled paper! That’s some serious commitment to the environment and I’m here for it.

If you want healthier lashes and brows, I seriously cannot recommend Luna Nectar enough – the company and the founder, Mia, are so genuine, down to earth, and innovative. Get the full and fluttery lashes of your dreams, without the irritation of hormone laden and chemical rich products, at Luna Nectar’s website or at one of their many stockists.

Gift Guide, Locally Made

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

December 21, 2017 No Comments

For that Person who’s always on time (or that person who’s always late and wants to be on time)

Berg + Betts

Berg + Betts is a Canadian based company dedicated to creating ethical and sustainable timepieces for the modern woman. Their watch straps are made using leather scraps which would otherwise go unused which reduces the amount of textile waste produced. Berg + Betts also sources their watch parts ethically from Dongguan.

They offer both a rectangular and circular watch face with a variety of strap colours. Berg + Betts also offers a double wrap style strap for their rectangular watches as well as a 2-year warranty and free shipping!

My top picks: the round silver and black for a classic touch or the rectangular black on black watch for an elegant minimalist look.

Medium Watches

Medium is another Canadian company, this one inspired by the Rocky Mountains. I’m absolutely infatuated with almost every single watch produced by Medium – they offer so many different styles, colours, and sizes that there’s really something to suit everyone’s taste. As a bonus, Medium also offers engraving to really personalise your piece for yourself or for a loved one.

My top picks: The Summit watch ($55 off right now!) in white and black is my top pick from Medium’s men’s watches where for women I would go with The Debut in black, rose gold and greige leather. If you’re looking for something classic or a statement piece – Medium is definitely a great choice!

For the Bath Aficionado

Bare Skin Bar

I could not be more jazzed to have found out about Bare Skin Bar and it’s founder, Cynthia, this year. Bare Skin Bar was created by women who want to produce skin care that’s both pretty and beneficial. Not only are the Bare Skin Bars amazing (seriously – they leave my skin softer than it’s ever been in my entire life) but they’re also handcrafted using ingredients sourced within Canada and are free of any animal testing. I could honestly go on and on about all great things that Bare Skin Bar is a part of, because seriously, there are so many!

My top picks: the Calming Bar and the Softening Bar. You can order online or find the Bare Skin Bars at any of these stockists (I definitely recommend checking out Gatley on Commercial Drive – so cute!).

For the Person Who Always Has a Candle Lit (so, anyone like me)

You + Me Candles

If you didn’t already know – I used to work in the mass produced home goods sector and, as someone who LOVES a good discount, was always buying mass produced candles using my employee discount. It wasn’t until recently that I started thinking about what was actually in those candles and whether it was healthy to be burning them at home.

When You + Me Candles approached me to collaborate, I was so happy to try out toxin free clean burning candles made with apricot and coconut wax. Mass produced candles pale in comparison to these hand made ones – the scent throw on these bad boys is actually incredible. They also have a line of room sprays which are DIVINE (seriously they keep my whole house smelling like I just cleaned vigorously).

My top picks: Vanilla Bourbon Glass Candle (perfectly deep and a little bit sweet) or Gun Smoke Tin Candle

For that Person with or Aspiring to have Perfect Skin

Midnight Paloma

This is another local Vancouver brand that creates skincare and body care products using charcoal to help naturally detoxify the skin. Midnight Paloma is natural, gluten free, and cruelty free. I originally waffled about whether or not to put Midnight Paloma under the bath category or under the skin care category, but I think that the real star of the line is the Charcoal and Rose Detox Mask, so skincare it is! You can mix it with your choice of water, honey, or yogurt depending on your skin’s needs (I like to just use water) for a detoxifying and hydrating experience.

Make sure to check out the gift sets for the holiday season!

My top picks: Charcoal + Rose Detox Mask (duh) and the Charcoal + Grapefruit Fizzy Bath Soak

WHYLD Skincare

Based out of California, WHYLD Skincare is one of the first companies I had the pleasure of partnering with. WHYLD’s core values are to create natural products of the highest quality that will actually work for your skin! WHYLD’s products are unisex, formulated to be effective on all skin types and the value for money is incredible – especially these days when a serum can go for $100CAD+. I received my bottle of Youth Activating Elixir back in June and I still have so much left! WHYLD is vegan and cruelty free and in my experience, their customer service is amazing!

My top picks: Youth Activating Elixir (the one that lasts forever) + Active Botanical Cleanse

Ativo Skincare

Ativo is such a brilliant female-led business run in the lower mainland. All of their products are made with natural and organic ingredients. I love the story behind the brand – at eleven years old the founder, Jayda, suffered from cystic acne due to health issues. Being WAY smarter and cooler than I was in my tweens and teens, Jayda actually did something about it and formulated a detox soap for her skin. I can’t even believe how awesome that is! I’m putting Ativo in the skincare category because that’s where their line started, but they have such a wide variety of products that you could probably buy all of your self care products exclusively from them and never be lacking!

My top picks: Makeup brush cleaner (because we all need to wash our makeup brushes more often) and the serenity stress spray (I need this more than anyone knows).

For the Blingy Person in your Life

Foe & Dear

You know me, I love minimalist jewellery more than anything. That’s why I chose to share a brand I only found out about last week – Foe & Dear. Each piece you buy is handcrafted in Vancouver and utilises materials from sterling silver to 14 karat gold to precious stones. What I love most about Foe & Dear is that there are so many beautiful pieces in every price range – you may think that buying a diamond is out of your price range, but think again!

My top picks: Classic Hammered Stacker (for broke me) and the Baby Diamond Stacker Ring or Cuff Bracelet (for bougie me)