It’s time to shed those winter coats and boots in favor of light jackets, floral prints (groundbreaking), and sunglasses. Spring is all about growth and lightness; it’s the beauty of renewal. Here are some of our favorite things for celebrating the season this year.
Sandhill 2021 Rose
Nothing says spring quite like a crisp glass of chilled rose (though, of course, this is a wine varietal that can be enjoyed year-round). Sandhill’s 2021 offering is a Provence-style rose that is light pink in color due to its minimal skin contact; grapes from two vineyards in different parts of the Okanagan were harvested to make it, resulting in a balanced palate that starts delicate and has a strong finish. “I feel so privileged to be working for this brand,” says winemaker Sandy Leier, who took over Sandhill in 2018, on a recent video call. With about 60 percent merlot and 40 percent gamay noir, Sandhill’s 2021 rose has notes of nectarine and peach, with a decent level of acidity and a touch of sweetness. Grab a bottle for your next garden party.
Menya Itto
Popular Japanese ramen shop Menya Itto has opened its first North American location in Vancouver. Known for its dipping ramen—where you are served a bowl of hot broth and a separate bowl of cold noodles and toppings, and you dip the latter in the former as you go—this is sure to be an instant hit in the city’s West End. The space itself is gorgeous, too, with light wood paneling and backlighting giving it all a warm, happy glow. Which is exactly what you’ll have when you leave here satisfied and full of soup.
Foxy Box
Lower Mainlanders seeking a wax, brow tint, or laser treatment should look no further than Foxy Box. This welcoming studio offers a friendly, no-shame atmosphere (really), pain management during treatment, and even memberships for those who know they want appointments on the regular. Dash in for a lash tint to give your eyes a little extra pop sans makeup, or go for a Brazilian if that’s your body’s vibe (or both). It’s quick, friendly, and effective service—the dream.
Amass Riverine
Artfully and expertly blended, Riverine by Amass is a gorgeous non-alcoholic spirit. Distilled with juniper, orris root, and coriander, it’s fragrant, full-bodied, and incredibly drinkable—both on its own over ice, or mixed with soda and bitters. Amass is a California-based company that focuses on botanicals for modern rituals; don’t sleep on their Four Thieves body lotion or Pseudo Citrine hand soap, either.
The Unscented Company laundry detergent
Most of the time, laundry detergents smell terrible. They’re synthetic, headache-inducing aromas that cling to our clothing long after the load is done. For something neutral, consider The Unscented Company’s liquid or pod detergent; biodegradable and made with plant-based ingredients, it’s a great choice for clean, soft clothes. Save scents for your body and your air.
Odele Moisture Mask
The latest hair care product from natural beauty brand Odele is a gorgeous Moisture Mask. Made with a natural vegetable protein called keravis that increases hair strength, this easy in-shower treatment results in less breakage and more shine. Silicone-free, vegan, and gender-neutral, this is a no-brainer addition to your weekly hair-washing routine.
Okoko Cosmétiques Summer Mist
Sunshine in a bottle is exactly what the season calls for. The Summer Mist from Okoko Cosmétiques features microalgae, green tea, carrot cells, and lycopene (a powerful antioxidant) to help naturally protect the skin from UV damage while also boosting hydration and giving a luxurious cooling effect. The fine mist soothes without making the skin feel wet, plus it smells amazing—all good reasons to keep it on your vanity, or at your desk, or in your purse.
The Other Skincare Company
Launching on the clean beauty scene in 2021 was The Other Skincare Company: a line of natural essentials focused on skin immunity. Using skin-identical ingredients that are more compatible with our complexions, The Other products focus on improved barrier, more moisture, and decreased inflammation. The brand’s Flora micellar water is a must-try for cleansing and toning; meanwhile, the Phantom spray moisturizer is an easy favorite for adding a boost of hydration to the skin with an emulsion that is smooth but not oily. Founded by Vancouver’s Elitsa MiIanova, The Other Skincare Company works like a dream and looks cute on your vanity.
A Few Fun Moves
Those looking to change up their fitness routines can do so from the comfort of home with A Few Fun Moves. The Vancouver-based digital exercise studio offers a range of classes focusing on strength, cardio, and stretching that come in three levels of difficulty. It’s a safe, affordable, and welcoming way to sweat.
The Dalmore 12
Looking to feel fancy at your next dinner party? Bust out a bottle of The Dalmore 12 for a nightcap. This single-malt Scotch whisky is aged in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and finished in sherry casks, giving it a complex, decadent, and slightly sweet flavor profile. With a palate of citrus and vanilla pod and finishing notes of coffee and dark chocolate, this is one luxurious sip.
Kotn Vancouver
Sustainable basics brand Kotn has opened up a new store in Vancouver. Expect everything you know and love about these ethical fashion staples, all in a gorgeous room in Mount Pleasant—one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. We’re eyeing the Rib High Neck Tank to get us ready for warmer weather.
Alimentaria Mexicana
Vancouverites hankering for the flavors of Mexico can find them at Alimentaria Mexicana, a new restaurant on Granville Island. Start with a spicy mezcal margarita and guacamole topped with feta, pea shoots, and pumpkin seeds; then move onto the halloumi and grilled cactus cazuelas, which offer a saucy, spicy, rich sauce topped with creamy avocado and piled onto corn tortillas. For something Vancouver-inspired, the smoked salmon tostada with crispy capers, salsa matcha, and cucumber crema is a surprising delight. Finish your meal with house-made churros dipped in dulce de leche and leave very, very happy.
vitruvi Mixed Feelings Blend
Spicy and sweet, masculine and feminine—Mixed Feelings is a juxtaposing aroma that perfectly matches its name. The latest all-natural scent from vitruvi is sure to get you in the spring mood with its notes of Cardamom, Ginger, Cinnamon, and Fir.
Spring, baby—we made it.
