Dump it OR Pump it – Part 1

Hey guys,

I thought I create a new title for my blog ‘Pump it or dump it’; I hear a lot about it on the the radio and I believe it is a perfect way of telling you how I feel about a  product without hurting anyone’s feelings.

All these products are purchased by myself and below are my opinions. Keep in mind, sometimes products work great on some people and vice versa, so lets give the benefit of the doubt. Today’s topic is (drum roll please), ‘Dry Shampoos’ .

DRY SHAMPOOS

GOSH Dry Shampoo

Product: GOSH Freshen up Dry Shampoo
Pros: Definitely works no doubt about it
Cons: Wish it created more volume to my crown, more whitish (but can be removed when brushed and massaged well); harsher on the nose, I end up coughing when spray on the hair, so I usually leave that place and come back in a minute.
Price (approx.): $9 (purchased from Shoppers Drug Mart)
Ruling: PUMP IT

Beyond the Zone
Dry Shampoo

Product: Beyong the Zone (Pro Formula) Rock On Dry Shampoo
Pros: lighter on the nose when spray, bigger bottle
Cons: Cant really smell anything, does not do anything, have to shake it real for it to come out; costly if you dont have the pro-card at Sallys;
Price (approx.): $7 (purchased from Sallys)
Ruling: DUMP IT

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Product: Batiste Dry Shampoo
Pros: Smells great (feel like I just took a shower, so fresh), lighter on the nose after spraying, hair is no more oily, and creates more volume in my crown area
Cons: abit pricey therefore I wait for sale (Usually once in 5 weeks)
Price (approx.): $11 and lower when on sale (purchased from Shoppers Drug Mart)
Ruling: PUMP IT***

NOTE:

Remember to read the directions on the bottle.
At least try twice to see what you think, giving the benefit of the doubt.
When using an aerosol can, it should be held at about 20-30 cm from hair when spraying;
Wait at least 15 seconds, before massaging your hair and then brush it out.

If you have any suggestions, let me know.

Torontonians heads to Paris – 2012 – Part 4

As per my readers request, I finally made few collages for the foods we tried in Paris and Brussels trip and would like to share with you all. All these pictures were taken by my Iphone 4S and then uploaded to Picasa and made a collage of 8-12 pictures at a time, so we could see clearly what we ate.

Food Collage 1

I have to admit, food in France is amazing especially other cultural foods. As you guys know, I am very picky with food but overall I had mind blowing foods, may it be soup or dessert. Most of the time, we ate at cafe’s, and we tried 3 high end restaurants and maybe 3 mom/pops restaurants – and all of them were awesome.

 

Food Collage 2

I would rate food in France/Belguim 9 out of 10; the reason is, I disliked their tea and coffee, so I used to have Cafe au lait or mocha instead, but I missed my tea from starbucks/timmys for a while.

Food Collage 3

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Winterlicious 2013 – Part 2

The second restaurant we tried is Bangkok Garden. I have to apologize that I do not have pictures for all the dishes for two reasons, one is we were with another couple, and two, I totally forgot because we were continuously talking. Now the other couple had picked this restaurant, and I am glad they picked this since I never tried Thai food and I loved it. The other couple rating was 7/10 and we  rated this restaurant 8/10 and would love to come back and try again.

2. Bangkok Garden (Thai food)

(Located on: 18 Elm Street)

Menu is available at:

http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Winterlicious/93874AF6886C2A8F852574DC006FC558?OpenDocument

We picked the $25 dinner and the dishes are as follow:

Crab Bisque
Crab broth infused with lemongrass, wild ginger and lime leaves spices and a hint of red curry paste
Rating: 8/10 (too salty for me)
Partners Rating: 9/10 (too salty)

Yellow Curry with Vegetables (Gang Kari Pak) (vegan)
Yukon gold potatoes, fresh vegetables and tofu in a silky yellow curry, served with Thai jasmine rice
Rating: 9/10 (It was really good but the sauce did not have the kick to it)

Main Course

Thai Tea Crème Caramel
Rating: 8/10 (too sweet but delicious)
Partners Rating: 8/10 (too sweet)

Dessert

You could tell appetizers and dessert were same for both of us, but our main course was different, here is my partners main course:

Steamed Rainbow Trout with Coconut Lemon Sauce (Pla Nung Kati Ma Now)
Fish delicately steamed with fresh galangal, lime leaves and lemongrass, bathed in a mild coconut lemon sauce,
Served with Thai jasmine rice
Partners Rating: 8/10

Main Course

So if you guys got a chance to try a restaurant and would like to share, do let me know, thanks!

Winterlicious 2013 – Part 1

Hey Everyone,

Today I will be talking about Toronto’s Winterlicious. Winterlicious is one of the biggest culinary celebrations in Toronto where more than 100 restaurants participate. As you can tell by the name, it is held in winter; this year it was held from January 25^th to February 7^th, 2013, and then there is a similar summerlicious event held in summer.  They have a set menu for lunch and dinner, and the price varies from $20 and above. This time, I tried two restaurants and will provide reviews for them.

1. Far Niente (Continental and more)

(Located at 187 Bay Street, Toronto)

Menu is available at:

http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Winterlicious/66E4E1F796291F46852570BB007266B3?OpenDocument

My hubby and I picked the $35 Dinner (plus taxes and gratuity) and my dishes were as follows:

Roasted Cauliflower Soup (vegetarian)
Hazelnut Oil, Lovage Cream
Rating: 10/10

Appetizer

Foraged Mushroom Linguine (vegetarian)
Mushroom & Parmigiano Fonduta, Spinach & Leek Puree
Rating: 9/10 (-1 for too much salt)

Main Course

Banana & Nutella S’more
Graham Crackers, Caramelized Bananas, Nutella Mousse, Hazelnut Caramel
Rating: 8/10 (It could have been better, not what I had expected in mind)

Dessert

My partner’s dishes are as follows:

Many Beet Salad (vegetarian)
Goat Cheese & Poppy Vinaigrette, Spiced Pecans
Rating: 10/10 (dressing was amazing)

Appetizer

Pan Roasted Basa Filet
Beluga Lentils, Olives, Tomato Broth, Fried Capers
Rating: 8/10 (loved the sauce but the fish was not too great)

Main Course

Miniature Abbeys Butter Tart
Maple Gelato, Sage & Dried Cranberry Butter Crumble
Rating: 10/10

Dessert

Note: Always ask the waiter if you are unsure about a dish since they work there and they know what and how a certain dish is made. Specially when you are vegetarian, vegan or have other dietary restrictions. We both had amazing time there, they took our coats when we entered and we didn’t have to wait to get seated.  Overall, I would give Far Niente a 9 out of 10 (Including service and ambience). Keep up the good work!