GO BATTY
Nails are lacquered, hair is just so, now what about some eyelash bling? At the Shu Uemura counter at Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir St., 604-681-3121) get a pair of designer false lashes (like the limited-edition Viktor & Rolf collection starting at $115).
GET SHOD
Ken Rice sources the finest calfskin from Poland as the base material for his handmade shoes. Predesigned models start at $595 for women and $750 for men. Custom fits tag $500 onto the price. By appointment only, 604-590-0131. Kenriceshoestudio.com
HEAL THYSELF
Was that bump always there? Indulge your inner hypochondriac with a full-body scan (whenever you damn well feel like it) at a private health site. Basic screening: $1,200; full Monty: $3,900. 555 W. 12 Ave. Specialistclinic.ca
FLY AWAY
A three-day weekend on Salt Spring Island is popularly conceived as a rustic minibreak, characterized by ferry lineups, seven-layer dip—and, if you’re lucky, an hour in a rented kayak. Live a little. Entrée Canada offers a romantic package that flies you to the island, drives you to Hastings House, sets you up with gourmet meals, a private driver, and practically tucks you into bed. $4,330 for a couple. Entreecanada.com
SHELL OUT
The best dried abalone has deeply sweet umami flavours and hints of leather that evoke a fine Islay Scotch. At Sun Sui Wah in Richmond, the multiday preparation of abalone from the Middle East includes a slow braise in chicken broth enriched with dried scallops and air-cured jinhua ham. For a mere $88 per two-ounce portion. 102–4940 No. 3 Rd., 604-273-8208
Craziest Splurges
HEAVY PETTING
After a hard day’s lying around, Fido requires pampering. Give him a massage with Nicola Way (she’s been at it for eight years); $40 buys up to an hour of relief. Sessions are at the animal’s home, to maximize relaxation, and may include Tellington Touch or deep tissue techniques. Vancouver Animal Massage, 604-733-0013. Vancouveranimalmassage.com
DOMESTIC HELP
For the right price, Christa Lynn, a Reiki professional, will perform an environmental cleansing of your vibrationally challenged abode. Shift psychic negativity out of a new home by paying around $100 per hour. Your chakras will thank you. (Animal Communication is also available, at $80 per hour, so clients can access the trauma and separation anxiety their dogs and cats are experiencing.) 604-837-5125. Christalynn.ca
BLANKET STATEMENT
Never too early to instill an abhorrence of synthetics. Swaddle your newborn in cashmere baby blankets ($325) and sweater/leggings sets ($274) by Oscar et Valentine or Bon Point (in suitably subdued greys and creams). Isola Bella, 5692 Yew St., 604-266-8808. Isolabella.ca
