Solo Lisa Tries: A Pure Barre Vancouver Fitness Class

Readers of this blog know that in the last year I've become a diehard Bar Method devotee, but last week I found myself cheating on the Bar Method to try the newest barre fitness studio in Vancouver, Pure Barre. This is Pure Barre's second location in Canada and its first in Vancouver, and in trying out the 55-minute class, I learned that not all barre workouts are created equal. So how does Pure Barre compare to my regular Bar Method classes? All the details are in an in-depth review after the jump!

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New & Noteworthy: THEFACESHOP Hydro Cushion Blush

With International Macaron Day behind us and Easter long weekend coming up, I thought it'd be fun to feature a seemingly dessert-inspired beauty product. THEFACESHOP Hydro Cushion Blush ($15, at THEFACESHOP stores nationwide) is one of the sweetest new launches I've come across—and I'm not just talking about its resemblance to a macaron.

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Product Review: Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer

Does a girl really need to wear primer on a daily basis? If you're a Lazy Girl like me, the answer's probably no, but the new Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer ($62)—with its skincare benefits and smooth, velvety, lightweight texture—just might surprise you and change your mind like it did mine.

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New This Month: Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss

There was once a time when you couldn't pry the matte lipstick out of this beauty junkie's hands. These days though, you'll find me wearing soft shades and clear lip balms a lot more often, which is why the newly launched Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss ($36 at Dior counters, Sephora, Holt Renfrew, and The Bay nationwide) is more appealing than ever. The formula delivers ultimate shine and hydration with a volumizing, plumping effect—all with zero stickiness. More photos and details after the jump!

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3 Things I Do To Shop Less

Photo via Modern Legacy

So you've decluttered your home and KonMari'd your way into a more minimalist lifestyle. Congratulations! You probably feel much lighter as you survey your suddenly spacious digs and revel in how fresh and clean everything feels. Soon enough though, that sense of elation begins to fade. You might find yourself eyeing shiny new things in your favourite stores or the sale newsletters filling up your email inbox. And hey, that's normal. I should know because I've experienced that temptation myself after our KonMari tidying marathon.

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Spring Decor Refresh: Q&A With Samantha Pynn About Her New Simons Home Collection

Lattice blush duvet cover set (starting at $225)

Spring: a time for fresh-cut tulips, seasonal allergies, deep cleaning—and perhaps a few design updates around the home? I couldn't help but be inspired to make a few tweaks to the condo after seeing the new Samantha Pynn for Simons home collection. Think patterns ranging from nature-inspired to geometrics, lattices, and stripes; light neutrals and pastels that will add an airy touch to a dark winter palette; and jewel-toned accents of saffron, sapphire, and magenta for fun. The best part? The Samantha Pynn for Simons collection starts as low as $5 and has something for everyone. I caught up with the Canadian design darling—whose resume boasts stints at HGTV, Chatelaine, the National Post, and CityLine on CityTV—to find out more about her inspirations, her best spring decor tips, and what DIY project she really wants to tackle this season.

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Things I Bought That I Love: New Balance 620 Sneakers

I aspire to minimalism, but I suck at asceticism. I still have too many clothes, lipsticks, necklaces, and books to count, and despite our KonMari tidying session last spring and my best efforts to save more money and shop less, inevitably new purchases trickled in to our home and my wardrobe. This prospect troubled me until I realized that: 1) I really don't want to be the sort of self-flagellating minimalist who berates herself over every purchase, and 2) I'd like to think that the KonMari method has sharpened my senses for what really sparks joy in my life. So without further ado, I present a new semi-regular feature on the blog. Things I Bought That I Love will highlight the (hopefully) rare, carefully considered new purchases that spark joy and contribute to my overall sense of contentment and well-being. Let's kick things off with these New Balance 620 sneakers.

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Drugstore Delight: Revlon ColorStay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer

The new Revlon ColorStay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer ($19.99 at London Drugs) deserves the title of Drugstore Delight for many reasons: long-lasting, build-able demi-matte coverage available in 12 shades; the ease of having foundation and concealer in one portable product; an affordable price tag (made doubly so because it's a concealer and a foundation).

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Inside My February 2016 Birchbox

Between family matters, a trip to Toronto, and a cold that's knocked me down the last 4 days, once again I was late in reviewing my most recent Birchbox. (#badbeautyblogger) February's Birchbox seems so apropos for Valentine's Day, from the pink box to the overall theme: getting ready for special occasions and mastering "not-quite-everyday" looks. My samples definitely seemed like they were geared towards effortless date night beauty while helping me brave the last ravages of winter. And even though I haven't tried all the goodies yet, I'm excited to! Ready for a closer look?

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