AlexJC
Member Since: May 22, 2011Reviews
Das Gasthuas
Das Gasthuas is a relatively new, contemporary German cuisine restaurant in Toronto. I read reviews online before going and they seemed weirdly mixed and there were some complaints about the service. However, being a new restaurant, I understood... +
Das Gasthuas is a relatively new, contemporary German cuisine restaurant in Toronto. I read reviews online before going and they seemed weirdly mixed and there were some complaints about the service. However, being a new restaurant, I understood that it would be unfair to judge them within the first month so I went ahead and gave it a try. First, the place is SMALL. Like 10 seats small. So, when we arrived and had to wait, it was understandable albeit annoying. We were told it would be 30 min wait so we left our name and number and said we would return. We called about 20 minutes later to see how the wait was (just in case they left early) and they said it would be a 15 minute wait more but if we wanted we could come have a drink at the bar. When we arrived, the bar was full. So we waited patiently to the side while NO ONE acknowledged us for another 15 mins, then they let us know it would be a little longer. I completely get that they were busy and short staffed but having that experience upfront doesn't put you in a good mood. When we were finally seated, I ordered a caesar and it was extremely disappointing. So I was even grumpier. When the food arrived, I started to get into a much better mood. It was really delicious, but quite pricey. The chacuterie board was pricey for the quality and quantity. However, there were a few standout, super yummy dishes I would go again for. The atmosphere is really fun too. It's set up like a small, very european feeling cafe. Mismatched chairs, cute art etc. The waitress was very friendly and they made sure we were doing well. I would recommend them, but I would be careful about what I am ordering and I would not go there for a last minute dinner, you won't get in. They also have specials and happy hour so I would go again and instead take advantage of that. -
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
First off, CeraVe has a few different types of moisturizer but my favourite, and the one I find the most effective (and you get the most bang for your buck) is the large one in the tub. What's awesome about this cream is that it's supppperrr... +
First off, CeraVe has a few different types of moisturizer but my favourite, and the one I find the most effective (and you get the most bang for your buck) is the large one in the tub. What's awesome about this cream is that it's supppperrr emollient without being too heavy or breaking you out. It contains hyaluronic acid to replace lost lipids. I use this day and night and I find that's really helped to not just temporarily cure but help solve my blemish issues because my skin is generally not as dry on a regular basis. -
Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner
I was in desperate need of a good conditioner or a cream to help soothe my hair, help repair it and just generally keep it in check. My curls tend to fall flat or just get frizzy or they do this thing where it's super loose and frizzy together. I... +
I was in desperate need of a good conditioner or a cream to help soothe my hair, help repair it and just generally keep it in check. My curls tend to fall flat or just get frizzy or they do this thing where it's super loose and frizzy together. I wanted something to keep my curls intact, keep frizz minimal and hold the curl. I had heard a lot Mixed Chicks and I thought for my coarser hair texture, it would work. I decided to test out the leave in conditioner first and at $25, it was a splurge for me. I use about a dime size amount on wet hair, scrunch and comb through and then go to bed with my hair wet and loose, when I wake up, my hair is dry and my curls are bouncy and pretty intact! It's a lot softer too. It just keeps everything up, where it should be, if that makes sense? Instead of looser waves, it creates more curls. I really like this and it's one of the only products that I've found that does this so I think I will buy again, I just wish it weren't so $$$$! -
Dirty Duck Soap
I found about this soap by word of mouth and immediately, I was intrigued! The soap is handmade, all natural and made from only a few ingredients. The soap is made from the animal fats leftover from local businesses and the culinary program at... +
I found about this soap by word of mouth and immediately, I was intrigued! The soap is handmade, all natural and made from only a few ingredients. The soap is made from the animal fats leftover from local businesses and the culinary program at Algonquin college. I know it sounds a bit odd, but fats are excellent for moisture and I was really interested in how the soap smelled. The soaps come in scents like Foul Fowl made with chicken fats and orange oil and one of my favourite scents, Cafe au Confit which is made with duck and pork with espresso and cinnamon. I love the grounds which make for a great exfoliator. I love the fact that the soaps are not made with purchased fats but repurposed fats, locally sourced which means that they are responsibly produced. Definitely check them out and give them a go! They smell surprisingly delicious and at $4 a bar, it won't break the bank. You can find them online or if you're an Ottawa native, in local stores. -
Babyliss Miracurl Nano Titanium
I'm kind of on the fence about this one. It definitely isn't for me or my hair type. It works best on straight, less voluminous hair for sure. On my rats nest, not so much. You need to have small sections of unknotted hair and when I tried this on... +
I'm kind of on the fence about this one. It definitely isn't for me or my hair type. It works best on straight, less voluminous hair for sure. On my rats nest, not so much. You need to have small sections of unknotted hair and when I tried this on myself, my hair got caught and it was pretty unpleasant. I did use this on Renee, our intern though and with her straight hair, it worked really nicely. We did have to use the highest settings, but the curls lasted pretty much all day and looked great. Its suppperrrr simple to use. My one complaint is the price. Its about 100 too much for me to buy. -
Clarins Instant Concealer
This concealer is not something I would usually go for, but I found myself really liking it. It's quite lightweight but has a nice colour to it and is very brightening. I really enjoy using it under my eyes. It is almost watery in consistency and... +
This concealer is not something I would usually go for, but I found myself really liking it. It's quite lightweight but has a nice colour to it and is very brightening. I really enjoy using it under my eyes. It is almost watery in consistency and even though it has decent coverage, it isn't heavy at all so this wouldn't be my first choice for red bumps and blemishes. It evens out skintone but if you have a bump, its best to use a thicker, creamier concealer. I've been using a few dots of this all over my face, over top a lightweight foundation and then just covering any spots with a cream concealer. What I like about the concealer is that it is pretty moisturizing and it has a natural finish. Because it's a bit pricey, I am not sure if I would rebuy, especially because this isn't the best for my skin type but I do like this and I like that its a larger bottle. -
YETI Nail Salon
I have been to Yeti about three times for shellac manis. At $30 it definitely is one of the more affordable but good quality shellac salons. Plus, it's got a great location! The first time I went, I could tell they were super inexperienced with... +
I have been to Yeti about three times for shellac manis. At $30 it definitely is one of the more affordable but good quality shellac salons. Plus, it's got a great location! The first time I went, I could tell they were super inexperienced with shellac but since going back, they've done excellent jobs. Don't be afraid to speak up here and tell them what you want exactly, they'll do it. They aren't too chatty either, which I appreciate. That doesn't mean they aren't friendly. It's not the nicest atmosphere, it's busy usually, not relaxing but it's a well done mani and affordable. -
Allure Body Bar
I was invited by Allure Body Bar to come down and try out their 'Quickzillian' service. Allure specializes in waxing but it also has facial and massage services. Their quickzillian is a fast version of their Brazillian that takes only about... +
I was invited by Allure Body Bar to come down and try out their 'Quickzillian' service. Allure specializes in waxing but it also has facial and massage services. Their quickzillian is a fast version of their Brazillian that takes only about 30 mins! Pretty great, and perfect for those gals on the go. I had Alaa do my waxing and she was amazing. She made me feel at ease and totally comfortable. She walked me through everything. The space itself was fun (cute sayings on the wall) and smelled awesome (lavender, super relaxing!). Everything was clean and tidy.
The service itself was relatively painless (as far as waxes go!), again it was super quick which made it even more painless. Alaa seemed to really know her stuff and had her technique down. The one thing I would have liked is a little more trimming and cleaning up afterwards. I had a few stray leftover hairs here and there and there was a little wax leftover. When I got home I trimmed it down myself. After my wax, I followed her instructions (mostly) and got one or two ingrown hairs but they quickly went away. She gave me an exfoliating glove and a roll on treatment that work wonderfully. The quickzillian is about $35, a decent price! I think I will be headed back here.
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Shiseido Ultimate Cleansing Oil
I've been using the Shiseido Ultimate Cleansing Oil for about a month now. I've been using it on my face only, but it's also made for your body. I've heard that this cleansing oil is too strong for your face and especially using it daily, but I... +
I've been using the Shiseido Ultimate Cleansing Oil for about a month now. I've been using it on my face only, but it's also made for your body. I've heard that this cleansing oil is too strong for your face and especially using it daily, but I haven't found anything to show this. The oil cleanser is great for removing any excess dirt, oils or beauty products. In fact, you can even use it to remove sunscreen. It's lightweight and leaves no residue. I was scared my skin would feel oily afterwards but it doesn't at all. When used with warm water after, it turns into a milk cleanser and just washes away, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. It feels super purifying. For the amount, it's a bit pricey. I think I would buy this again but I'm not sure I would buy it continuously. Maybe every so often. Compared to other oil cleansers though, this isn't actually that much. -
NYX Eyebrow Marker
I was using a eyebrow pencil and decided to switch it up to a marker. The marker is very easy to use and I like the thinner tip. It's quite subtle and just adds a bit more fullness and colour to my brow. It looks very natural. I found it didn't last... +
I was using a eyebrow pencil and decided to switch it up to a marker. The marker is very easy to use and I like the thinner tip. It's quite subtle and just adds a bit more fullness and colour to my brow. It looks very natural. I found it didn't last as long though and it wasn't very pigmented. If you already have darker brows, and just need a bit of filling at the end, then this would be a good product but if you need lots of filling in, opt for a wax or pencil. -
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