Latte Moment | Matcha Lattes are the New Morning Coffee!

Goodmorning Dolls!

have you had a matcha latte before? If not, please go out and try one because they are absolutely amazing! My smart list on all the Matcha Latte spots across the lower mainland can now be found at YP Vancouver. 

A little back story on why I named my blog Pink Tea Latte! Matcha Lattes are also known as Green Tea Lattes by some. They are used interchangeable by most. I like Matcha because I just love pronouncing the word hehe. Since Green Tea Lattes are my all time favourite go to hot beverage, I decided to swap the green for pink and voila --> we have Pink Tea Latte. 

How did I become so obsessed with matcha lattes? I am restricted in the amount of caffeine I can have due to its effects on the daily medication I take. Even a decaffeinated beverage has a fair bit of caffeine in it, but if I need a pumpkin spice latte fix, then I would have have it at least decaf. One day, a barista suggested I try their green tea latte. Needless to say, it was love at first sip! 


Matcha Lattes are not as widespread as the classic latte or coffee beverages are. However, do not fret, matcha is taking Vancouver with a frenzy. One example has to be Basho Cafe! It is a cafe located on East Hastings in Vancouver solely dedicated to bringing you everything matcha. Not just matcha lattes, I am taking about matcha shakes, matcha madeleines, cookies, pastries the list goes on! If you are a serious matcha lover, you need to go to Basho now! 

My favourite place for a classic unsweetened pure matcha latte is actually from 33 Acres Brewing. I know, a little odd since they are expert craft beer brewers. But they make an excellent matcha latte. And I love how they serve it in a clear glass handles mug. I just love wrapping my hands around it and letting it warm me up head to toe in between my bites of their to do die for weekend waffles! 

Other go to favourite places for my matcha fix is Le Marche St George, Cafe Medina and Prado. Especially Le Marche since their whimsical atmosphere makes me feel like I am a princess sitting under the iconic Eiffel Tower. Plus they have the same string globe lights as me! 

A new place in town is the Buro! It is a cool hip new cafe in the bustling historic area of Gastown. It sits at a point of three streets crossing giving this cafe a unique triangular shape! Matcha Lattes -- Thumbs Up From ME! A great place to get work done! 

Small Victory does serve up a great matcha latte, but they do not have wifi there. I generally enjoy my matcha lattes while I am doing some work. And it is not mind blowing enough for me to just go there to sit and sip a latte. 

Let me know where you get your Matcha Latte from in Vancouver!!! As I must try it for myself! Hehe!

BYES

Latte Moment | De-stressing during finals

Kit And Ace's awesome neon sign! 

Hi Dolls!

Before I get into this post, I just want to apologize for not being as active on my blog! I am in the middle of finals at UBC and I unfortunately am swamped with studying :( I am almost done all my exams and will have lots of posts coming your way soon! I love you all Dolls! 

I am in the midst of final exams at UBC now and it can be quite nerve racking. My stress levels are high and it is uncomfortable being constantly anxious. The more irritated and worried I am, the harder it is to absorb the material I am studying. 

I find it very important to de-stress during the high stress finals week. This includes setting boundaries. I do NOT do any work past 9 PM. When the clock strikes 9, time is up, pens down and that is it. I will watch TV or go hang out with my family and just relax! 

Setting boundaries like when you are going to stop doing work are crucial because far too many of my fellow peers get into the awful habit of staying up late and studying into the wee hours of the morning. Then they go to bed and will wake up mid afternoon. Sleep is really important and not just getting 8 hours, but maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Doing the night owl during finals wreaks havoc on your body. It gets confused and you will find when you do finally get to bed, it will not be a restful sleep. 

Another thing I do to reduce my anxiety is to eat! When I get overwhelmed, I tend to not eat. I literally have done days where I will only have had one egg for breakfast and will not eat until I am feeling dizzy, irritable which increases my anxiety late evening. This is terrible! Our body needs fuel and the way it gets it is through dietary intake. When I do not eat, I am depriving not only my body, but my brain of glucose. If my brain is hungry, I really do not think my mind is going to want to absorb information. Not only do I try to eat, but eat food I enjoy! I will spoil myself and have comfort food like pasta and mashed potatoes and nachos. I know, not the greatest diet, but eating yummy food makes me happy and in turn reduces my irritability from stress. 

The gorgeous Koi Fish at the Telus Gardens - Downtown Vancouver

Once lectures are done, I go into hardcore study mode and practically live at the library. Which also means I arrive before the doors open and leave at closing. That is a bit insane considering on weekdays, the library is open 9 to 9... 12 hours of just sitting and sloughing through material. Do you not just feel stressed reading that? When I just sit and study study study study study, the words on the page begin to blur together and I grow tired of the boring library environment. I just become lethargic and bored. 

At that point, I really am not getting the most out of my studying. Taking breaks are important! Not just to keep sitting in your chair at the library mindlessly roaming the internet. Your brain is not relaxing because it is probably still thinking about the material you were studying because the book are still open your table and you sitting still in the library. Get OUT! Go and get some fresh air. Make your break an actual break where you enjoy time and not continue feeling stressed. I love visiting the gorgeous Koi Fish at the Telus Gardens because the open water and high ceilings with the fish swimming through the water is calming and serene. Plus, I kind of act like a little child and get super happy and excited to see the fish up so close! But hey... It gets me relaxed! 

I know a lot of people like to take a hot bath with relaxing lush bath products, but it means I am alone and have nothing to do in the bathtub which ends up meaning my mind will be focused on how I could be spending that time studying. For me to truly relax, I need to get some social time because alone, I continue to fret. 

These are just a few things that I do to De-Stress during the absurdly high anxiety period of finals week. Just because these work for me does NOT necessarily mean it will work for you. Everyone is different! Do let me know in the comments below what you do to stay calm and relaxed to get the most out of your studying! 

Follow me on Instagram @PinkTeaLatte to keep up with all my daily adventures! 

BYES

Latte Moment | Basho

Hey Dolls!

I finally got out Basho - the epicentre of all things Matcha in Vancouver! No secret here that I love my matcha lattes. And that my blog's name, Pink Tea Latte, stems from Green Tea Latte! You can read all about it in my post on Branding! 

This adorable family-run japanese food cafe is located on East Hastings and has such a cute cozy atmosphere. I love working in places where I just feel at ease because if I am overwhelmed, I find it hard to get any work completed. 

Casual - Getting some blogging done with my matcha latte

I had such a lovely time at this fabulous little cafe. I spent the afternoon getting some work done with a friend as I nibbled on some matcha yummies like no DUHH. We got an assortment of their matcha baked goodies which ranged from cookies to mochi (a japanese treat where rice is pounded until it becomes stretchy and chewy) treats to madeleines. 

The Matcha Madeleine was AMAZING! I could have ate a dozen of those shell shaped cakes alone. It was soft and fluffy and had excellent matcha flavour. My next favourite, perhaps biased by its cute look, is the Shiba Inu Matcha Cookie. I had a hard time taking a bite into it because it was too pretty! 

Lastly, the matcha latte itself. They served it steaming hot - which I like because I love to savour my warm drinks - in a beautiful handless mug. I pretty much just sat there for a few minutes with my hands wrapped around the cup and took in its warmth. It was an unsweetened classic matcha latte with excellent flavour. The depth of flavour was amazing! Plus, gotta love the latte art! 

Side Note - Basho does NOT have Wifi. I am lucky to have a Shaw Go account; therefore, generally have internet everywhere which is great because a lot of my work does require me to have internet. 

Will be visiting Basho soon for more yummy matcha treats - like a giant box of Madeleines! 

Let me know in the comments below if you have ever been to Basho and if you liked it?

BYES

Boutique Bliss | Old Faithful Shop

I love their slogan - Good Quality Goods!!!! A Genius came up with that for sure. 

Hey Dolls!

The last weeks have been really busy for me with my semester coming to an end. It is like the end of semester stress most University students tend to encounter. Over this week, I am going to be pushing out a lot of blog posts that back-logged on me since I was too caught up in school and when you are stressed - it is tres difficult to be creative!

Old Faithful Shop, is located in historic Gastown and is a super cool store that I need to visit when I am in the area. Even if I know I am not purchasing anything, the urge to visit it is just too strong. Because I love them oh so much, I even made my YP Smartest for Gorgeous Home Decor! 

The inside Old Faithful Shop is absolutely gorgeous. I love how they embraced the original brick walls of the building built in 1903 and used it to give the shop a charming vibe. The exposed brick walls do not make Old Faithful rustic because all of the furnishings are modern and contemporary in style. Such as the to die for wood shelves with black metal. This shop gives me so much inspiration! 

The one thing that can either make me love or hate a store is their customer service. Employees are the heart and soul of a brand. Old Faithful Shop have some of the coolest sales associates ever. When he saw I was looking at the Greff Growler (in my 2015 Holiday Gift Guide!!) he immediately offered to be my model. Now that is Customer Service y'all! 

With their charming sales associates and perfect balance of antique and contemporary shop setup, Old Faithful sort of stole my heart.... Figuratively speaking no duhhh. Old Faithful Shop's owner, Walter, envisioned a store that provided everyday goods, but of unbeatable quality that stood the test of time. The world has become far too accustomed to disposing and replacing items without a second thought. The pieces Old Faithful Shop carries are heirloom worthy and gives you appreciation for the craftsmen ship that went into it. 

Also, did I mention Old Faithful Shop has a store puppy, an adorable fawn frenchie who I seems to never be there when I visit :( . I am a huge dog lover and frenchie's are one of my all time favourite breeds. Still wishing for the day I meet this much talked about loveable furball. 

So what type of items does Old Faithful Shop carry? They carry a wide variety from 100% wool blankets made in America to gorgeous leather pet accessories. Something I never expected when entering Old Faithful was their impressive array of cocktail and coffee syrups and cocktail mixes and beer making kits. Like wow! I really just like looking at the ornate bottles with colourful syrups and beautiful labels. What really enticed and tested my will power is their selection of infused caramels. Like how can I resist their lavender syrup in the beautiful glass bottle?! 

If you are in Vancouver and happen to be in Gastown, you really must check out Old Faithful Shop. Visiting them is an experience in its own! And you will be getting "Good Quality Goods"!!!!

Let me know in the comments below if you love OFS as much as I do!!!

BYES

7 Lattes and Wishes | Holiday Gift Guide for your friends and family

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Hey Dolls!
This gift guide has been a long time coming. Just took a little longer then I had expected to get it up! I decided to combine my gift guides into one big post. That way I do not have several different posts on a gift guide for her, him or your dog lover and the list goes on and on and on as I am sure you have noticed from other bloggers. 

My goal was to choose a mixture of local/Canadian-based items as well as some items from bigger stores because not everyone would have access to the local items. As well, I am not a big "gag" gift giver. If I am going to give a gift to someone, I want them to be able to use it versus it just going directly into the trash or sitting in the corner harbouring dust. 

At the end of the day, you know the person best, so I have decided to go with a wide spectrum of items with varying price points! I hope my gift guide may even help inspire you towards something you did not realize your recipient may really want or love! 

THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Instead of doing a his and her guide, I combined it into one and tried to keep things a little unisexual. However, I am a girl so some of the items are a little more feminine. 

The A'hoy Goods crewneck is made local in North Vancouver is sold in A'hoy Goods shop in the gorgeous Deep Cove! A super soft cozy sweat shirt and it comes in both mens and women sizes so yay! Might be a fun "matching" piece for you and your sweetheart for when you spend days inside. 

Bag charms have been all the rage. The moment I spotted this Rebecca Minkoff one.... I kind of wanted it for myself! I would probably use it more as a keychain and the claw clip is great to just snap on to the inside of your bag so you do not spend a millennium rooting around for your keys. 

Know any craft beer fanatics? Do you rely on them to bring a growler of craft beer to your soirees? They will probably appreciate this ultra chic hand crafted in Vancouver Greff Growler carrier. Haha you can now turn your growler into an accessory! Plus makes it far easier to carry your growler. 

I realize a giant inflatable gold sawn pool floaty perhaps is a bit weird in the dead of winter, but IT IS JUST SO MAGNIFICENT! That is all I have to say :) 

Otto Textiles is a Vancouver-based company that makes some beautiful pieces. The zippered pouch can be used in infinite ways. I would also check out their lavender sachets pillows! They are so cute and smell even more fabulous! 

I had to include the blanket scarf from Aritzia on my gift guide because I really want it myself!!!! Any lucky lady would be thrilled to receive this as a present! It keeps you room and makes you look tres chic! 

I saved the best for last - Nocturnal Workshop's After Hours Backpack. It is chic, made from high quality materials and will make you feel safe during the dark hours. I take transit everywhere and with the sunsetting some times even before 4pm, I feel a little bit anxious that a driver may not see me when I am crossing the road. (I will be doing a full feature on Nocturnal Workshop in the weeks to come!!!) 

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Stocking Stuffers for HER

All the stocking stuffers are $25 dollars and under. I wanted to go a little silly for the stocking stuffers and make them fun, but for the most part, all the items are function-based except for Edmond the Pug - He is just cool like that. 

The Stathcona candle in the travel tin from Vancouver Candle Co will be greatly appreciated by your friends who are huge candle connoisseurs. As well Dry Bar's Lemon Drop hair brush is absolutely magical! I am obsessed with mine and how cute is its name - Lemon Drop! 

I think this forest critters eye-mask is adorable. Perfect for a friend who loves to travel. I need one whenever I am on an airplane. And they will probably love the emoji zipper pouch too! Cheeky yet cute! 

If they are ring lovers, they will appreciate the gold antler ring dish. It will keep all of their rings in one place. Speaking of rings - Giant Diamond Ring bottle opener. It all about doing the everyday things in style 

Lastly, Edmond the Pug. He waves and chills because he is just cool like that. Anyone who receives Edmond will feel like the luckiest person in the world! 

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Stocking Stuffers for HIM

Again, all items are under $25 and are functional versus gag gifts. 

Everyone needs a power bar with phone batteries these days only lasting mere couple of hours. I think this white marbled power bar is super chic and compact so he can carry it in his jean pocket. 

A tea lover is going to love this pipe tea infuser! It hangs off of the rim of the cup! GENIUS! Also, this beard comb is going to make your bearded friend the coolest guy on the block. Never again will they need to suffer from an unruly beard. 

Know a guy who loves his timberlands? Old Faithful Shop makes a pair of pretty rad thick socks. I just like socks okay--- My toes are chronically cold :( 

Card holder from Hershel is chic and will definitely be used. And if you know of a budding cocktail mixologist, they are going to love Cahoot's Lemon Simple Syrup. It is made right here in Vancouver! 

Lastly, every man needs Siracha on hand at any given moment of time. With this refillable mini Siracha bottle, all their food will always taste amazing. 

This is the end of my Gift Guides!!! I hope they gave you some gift ideas or inspired you! Let me know what you thought of my gift guide in the comments below!

BYES

Gurly's Life | December 2015 Goals

Hello Dolls!

We are entering the 12th and final month for the year 2015. I am really happy that the year is almost over because 2015 has not been kind to me or my family or to many of my friends. There were far too many unfortunate events that took place this year. 

I do not want to keep dwelling on the past, but need to push forward and finish 2015 off on a good note. 

My goals for December 2015!!!!

• blog 15x !!!
• Cherish and spend quality time with my friends and family
• make it a point to connect with friends I have not been in touch since busy life
• Go and have hot cocoa outside in the snow - yes, I am hoping for snow!
• Just relax as I have final exams for the first half of December

I have lots of fun stuff planned for December. Just need to get through this crazy last week of lectures for the semester and I promise there are so many post ideas I have in my mind! If there is something in particular you want me to blog about - leave it in the comments below!!!

BYES

7 Lattes and Wishes | December 2015 Wishlist

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Hello Dolls!

I cannot believe it, we are into the last month of 2015! The year has gone by so quick, but I am glad because it means we are into the holiday season! 

Lately, I have been obsessing over knot & bow goodies. They do a lot of chic craft and stationary type of items. Anyways, I really need to get some of their super cute tags with twine as well as confetti balloons and anything else knot & bow related like all of their fabulous confetti! 

Holiday season means holiday parties so I am going to need some cute outfits! Velvet is this season's fabric and that deep maroon colour makes this dress perfect for the festivities! Plus it is Aritzia which is always amazing quality. I also want to pick up another Wilfred sweater from Aritzia in the durandal style. I currently have it in the light taupe grey and it is AMAZING. This sweater is 100% merino wool from Italy. It is the warmest coziest most amazing sweater ever and the high faux turtleneck is amazing because turtlenecks always make me feel like I am choking gah!

I turned 22 this year and I think it is time I get myself a perfume with a mature scent. I love my Vera Wang Princess, but it is a sweet white chocolate fragrance. I think J'Adore Eau de Parfum by Dior with a pleasant scent and also makes me feel so mature! Haha

I am obsessed with my Lemon Drop hair brush from the Dry Bar and I cannot believe it comes in a MINI TRAVEL SIZE! Yup, I pretty much just need to get it for the fact that it comes in a miniature version. And keeping with the sweets, some more Sugarfina please! My friend had given me a box of the champagne baby gummies and they were yumm! Maybe a couple more cube boxes full of deliciousness?

Lastly, that accent pillow, Just Believe in Your #Selfie,  just makes me giggle. I do take selfies, but I generally just keep them for myself on my phone so even though I do not share them with you - I do take selfies! Plus it sends a positive message in a cheeky way! 

That is it for my December wishlist! Got anything on your December wishlist that you hope to receive? Let me know in the comments below! I am just curious to see what you guys like! 

BYES