Mashed Thoughts of dPotato

#VanIndigoTweets with @IndigoGreenRoom at @CRestaurant

2012-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday night, I participated in the Chapters Indigo tweet up at C Restaurant. This was my first tweet up and I had expected a large group of people but it was actually quite personal. Our group consisted of 7 guests and 3 people from Chapters. We had a private room in the Wine Cellar! We were encouraged to tweet during dinner using the hashtag #VanIndigoTweets

I finally got the pleasure of meeting Jeremy Cammy, Captain Awesome of @IndigoGreenRoom on Twitter. Follow him for entertaining tweets and contests! He is an amazing person to get to know and his personality is as big in person as it is on Twitter.

Complimentary Bread and Butter

We started off with bread and Smoked Salmon Lollipops as Cammy calls them. C Restaurant was serving us a modified version of their Dine Out Vancouver menu which consisted of five instead of four courses and two other small tasters.

Amuse Bouche

Our conversation started off deciding which companies on social media are the best and why. Some suggestions were @LondonDrugs @Translink @CanadianBeef @CactusClubCafe and of course @ChaptersIndigo and @IndigoGreenRoom. Why? All of them interact with their followers and are very helpful at answering questions in a timely manner. It is the engagement that people like.

Throughout the night the topics went from vegetarianism to the hotel industry to contesting to books.

C Restaurant took very good of us and our server Jason was very enthusiastic and informative when it came to all the dishes. C Restaurant is an Oceanwise restaurant and they pride themselves on serving sustainable food. Jason was very well informed and gave interesting descriptions and facts about each dish. Everything was delicious beyond compare. I'll let the photos to the talking.

First Course:

North Arm Farms Beet Panzanella Salad

Second Course:

Seared Albacore Tuna

Third Course:

Seared Lake Babine Salmon

Fourth Course:

Roast Beef Tenderloin

Sauteed Spot Prawns? This was an alternative to the Roast Beef. It ended up at our end of the table.

For dessert:

Spiced Chocolate Pudding

Lemon Poppyseed Biscotti

Prior to the tweetup, each one of us were asked to bring in our favourite book and a picture of an animal that represented our personality. We all had to guess who was what. There were two wolves, who coincidentally sat next to each other, a platypus, two kittens, a puppy, a dog and a tarsier.

Favourite books of all time? Little Women, The Giver, Beautiful Joe, Calculating God, The Andromeda Strain, The Golden Compass (but actually Alice in Wonderland), Something Borrowed, Star Trek, The Demon's Lexicon.

Group photo time!

These are an amazing group of intelligent people. We are YA lovers, animal lovers, contest addicts, and most of we all enjoy a good book to read (sometimes several at a time).

At the end of the evening we were all given a swag bag filled with awesome gifts which included a limited edition cook book C Food!

Thank you Chapters Indigo for an amazing evening!

#CherryTreeTour Concert featuring #LMFAO

2012-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, I went to the Cherry Tree Tour Concert which features the artists from Ubisoft's awesome game Just Dance 3. I was lucky enough to score VIP tickets which included a meet and greet with Far East Movement and LMFAO! We were given glowsticks too!

We weren't allowed to take photos with our own cameras so the two photos below were taken by a professional photographer.

Because we were backstage, we missed part of the opening acts. Natasha Kills' songs were quite catchy!

Far East Movement! The only song I really like of theirs is Rocketeer. I know a lot of people like Like a G6 but I don't.

There was a short pause after Far East Movement performed then some performers started throwing out glowsticks into the crowd!

It was only half of LMFAO since Skyblu injured his back wiggling.

I've seen LMFAO in concert three times now and they are still know how to throw an awesome party.

I Am Not A Whore

I'm Sexy and I Know It

Party Rock Anthem!

Everyday I'm shufflin'.

Free Weekend Events (Feb10 - 12)

2012-02-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm out of hibernation. Time to go to events again!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Illuminate Yaletown 2012
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Yaletown, Vancouver
From Feb 10 to 11, enjoy contemporary light art installations throughout the streets of Yaletown. Come enjoy beautiful lights used in innovative ways, interact with exhibits, and capture Illuminations in photos. Bring your A-game to your photos because there is also a photo contest!

Book Launch: Stan Douglas: Abbott & Cordova, 7 August 1971
7:30pm
READ Books at the Charles H. Scott Gallery
1399 Johnson Street, near Emily Carr University on Granville Island
Official launch of the new art book on the politics of urban conflict, is based on the work of Stan Douglas, one of Canada's most revered contemporary artists. Mr. Douglas will be in attendance -- Refreshments will be served

Starbucks Roast Spectrum Tasting

All day

Any Starbucks store

Until the end of Feb 11, go to Starbucks for a free coffee tasting and vote for the roast you love most. They will send you home with a little something as a thank you.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada
10:30am - 10:00pm
Richmond Olympic Oval, 6111 River Road
Celebrate all things hockey at the Richmond Oval! Meet Trevor Linden, Canucks mascot Fin and other Canucks alumni including Dave Babych, Tony Tanti, Orland Kurtenbach and Jack McIlhargey.Win a trip for 2 to Japan, Canucks hockey tickets and more!Stroll through the Hockey Hall of Fame exhibits and over 50 vendors of collectibles and memorabiliaPlay Games, enter contests, test your hockey skills.

Cinder Book Signing
2:00pm
Chapters at Metrotown, Burnaby
Join Cinder author Marissa Meyer as she autographs her new book for fans and possibly do some Q&A. Seating is first come first serve basis.

Illuminate Yaletown 2012

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Yaletown, Vancouver

From Feb 10 to 11, enjoy contemporary light art installations throughout the streets of Yaletown. Come enjoy beautiful lights used in innovative ways, interact with exhibits, and capture Illuminations in photos. Bring your A-game to your photos because there is also a photo contest!

Starbucks Roast Spectrum Tasting

All day

Any Starbucks store

Go to Starbucks for a free coffee tasting and vote for the roast you love most. They will send you home with a little something as a thank you.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Vancouver 2010 Legacy Celebration
11:00am - 3:00pm
Creekside Community Recreation Centre
1 Athletes WayVancouver, BC V5Y 0B1
Commemorate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in the former Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Village! Pin trading, play back of Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, craft stations for children and more! A great event for all ages.

Family Storytime: Stories About Joe Fortes
2:00pm
Vancouver Public Library - Joe Fortes Branch
870 West Denman Street
Celebrate Black History Month at the library named after Vancouver's most famous black historical figure, Joe Fortes. Enjoy books and stories from African history and find out more about Joe Fortes!

Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical

2012-02-09T01:16:00.000-08:00

Just came back from opening night of Disney's Beauty and the Beast performing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. I've wanted to go see this musical since I found out about it back when I was in university! It was well worth the wait! It was an amazing show with an amazing cast.

All the songs from the Disney movie are in the musical but with some tweaks. There are a lot bunch that are exclusive to the musical too. My favourite is "If I Can't Love Her" that the Beast sings. I have it on CD but it was nice to hear it live.

The story was almost the same. The people in the castle are turning slowly into objects instead of fully like in the animated movie. My fave fave character in the musical was Lumiere! Michael Haller played him and I loved his performance. It was so funny! In fact there were a lot of laughs put into the musical. Everyone of all ages are bound to enjoy it.

Beauty and the Beast received a standing ovation. Go see it. Performances are on daily until Sunday, Feb 12, 2012. You can purchase your tickets at Ticketmaster.ca

Lunarfest 2012

2012-02-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Lunarfest was back again this weekend and it was still the aquarium theme.

It's the Chinese Year of the Dragon so where were paper dragon hats everywhere!

It is basically almost the same display...There were a few additions but there wasn't a lot of community-made lanterns. Those were adhered to the sides of the exhibit. Here were some of my favourites:

There was a shadow puppet show and buckets that moved up and down...I'm guessing they are suppose to be hermit crabs? It was hard to tell what they were suppose to be. =/

These lanterns were cool. I like the colours.

Heehee I liked the grey white shark. Kids could climb in from its side and they were pretending to be eaten!

Later the shark swam out to Granville and Georgia Street to lead people to the Lunarfest! lol

Dine Out 2012 - Prestons

2012-02-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

My last Dine Out this year is at Prestons at Coast Coal Harbour Hotel. I've been meaning to try out this place for a while now so was very excited to go last night.

I thought it was a small place but there is additional dining area inside. The wall changes colours!

Prestons can accommodate big parties too. They have a long table just for the occasion.

Prawn Gyoza and Seared Scallops

Show your waiter that you follow Prestons on Twitter and you can either get a free starter or dessert! We opted to try the prawn gyoza and seared scallops. Yummy! Someone else at another table ordered Yam Fries and those looked very delicious too.

K and I ordered the same things today, starting with the Chicken Karaage which one of our friends recommended. It was pretty good!

These ribs were fall off the bone delicious! The potatoes were very good as well. I wasn't too fond of the coleslaw though since there was already slaw in the appetizer.

To clean our fingers after having the ribs, they gave us a small tablet pill and some warm water. Watch as we drop it in the water:

It's fascinating to watch. LOL

Dessert was THE BEST. Moist brownie, vanilla ice cream with the specks - not the fake one, chocolate drizzle. It's a swirl of sweet sweet heaven in my mouth. *drools*

It is so delicious it deserves another photo. OMG just looking at it again makes my mouth water. If nothing else you have to try this. I'd say it rivals my favourite Cactus Club's Apple Galette!

Dine Out Vancouver is on until the end of this weekend but Prestons has extended their Dine Out menu to February 13th!

Here is Prestons' full $28 Dine Out Vancouver menu:

Appetizer

Entree

Dessert

Dine Out 2012 - Le Gavroche

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Went to my second Dine Out Vancouver dinner last night with some friends. This time it was a Le Gavroche, a French restaurant at the fringes of downtown Vancouver. It is actually a house that they made into a restaurant!

There are a lot of awards that the restaurant has won hanging on the wall in the doorway. Looked promising.

The dining area was upstairs and is pretty cosy. Each table was decorated with a candle and two flowers for a centrepiece. Later on in the evening they dimmed the lights even more. Ooo romantic.

We were given this complementary chicken (?) pâté to start. It was quite tasty! Next came the complementary baguette bread accompanied with olive oil and basalmic vinegar.

I started off with the terrine. It was kind of like a fish cake but looser. Pretty good though I'd prefer a whole scallop. hahah forgive me for being uncultured!

L ordered the Tomato Soup. She said it was good but it was way too much of it!

Ok I have never experienced this before! Next we were given a dollop of lemon sorbet to clear our palette! So yummy! I want more palette cleansers!

For the main, I had the salmon and I tell you it was so delicious! Cooked to perfection!

My other friends had the short ribs which was a big hunk of meat. The waiter got one of my friend's order wrong so gave her a complementary drink to make up for it! That was really nice of them!

A. opted to order the 4-course tasting meal for $55 + $10 extra for the lobster. I tried a little of it and it was very rich.

I usually order crème brûlée so I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and order the lemon tiramisu. So good. It was very light and citrus-y. It tasted a bit like cheese cake but lighter.

I had a great time and a delicious meal. It is a bit on the pricey side but well worth it. Yum! Here is Le Gavroche's full $38 Dine Out menu:

Appetizer

Entree

Dessert

Dine Out 2012 - Monk McQueens

2012-01-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

Took the family out to Monk McQueens for our first Dine Out Vancouver dinner of the year last Saturday. There was a wedding banquet happening at the same time so all the street parking was gone! We had to suck it up and pay the $8 valet parking in the front of the restaurant.

We were given a complimentary baguette bread basket to start - fresh from the oven.

Buck-a-shuck was also available so I tried one of each of the oysters available: Pacific Rim, Summer Breeze(?) and some other one I don't remember the name of. I liked the Pacific Rim one the best. It is the smallest one.

For appetizer, I tried the roasted parsnip & duck veloute

Spring Lamb Chop & Pot Pie

Cedar Jelly Glazed Roasted Sockeye Salmon

The salmon as great too. I tried a little of it and it comes with a few tiny pieces of candied salmon. Yum!

Chocolate brownie creme brule

I loved the dessert. The brownie was imbedded in creme brule was so yummy! I liked the fact that there was gelato in addition to the creme brule. I wasn't really a big fan of the chunks of avacado in it though.

All in all a great meal and we were all stuffed in the end! Here is their full $28 Dine Out menu:

Appetizer

Entree

Dessert

Harrison Hot Springs

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, my sister and I left for a mini-trip down to Harrison Hot Springs for a over-night stay courtesy of Harrison Resort from a contest I won on Twitter in November.

We stayed at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa. It was so relaxing and peaceful there that I want to come back in the summer!

Plenty of seating area in the lobby to relax.

We arrived just in time for afternoon tea! The hotel serves complementary tea and cakes and cookies in the lobby which happens every day from 4:00 to 4:30pm.

We were given a room on the fourth floor (there are six floors in total) with lake-side view. After checking in we went outside to walk around and to see if we could find some dinner.

It was pretty quiet this time of year. Lights were still up from Christmas, I presume. We walked around the Harrison village but there wasn't a whole lot to see or do since the shop close early.

This was pretty cool. There were Sasquatch footprints on the ground which we followed and look who we found!

We had fun hanging out with the big guy and also bought a bag of smoked salmon from a local store which we promptly devoured.

Back in the hotel, we explored around some more. There was a hallway full of displays in the basement that showed off the rich history of the springs and hotel.

The Copper Room was the only restaurant at the hotel that we didn't try out on this trip. They have a dress-code they like to adhere to: no jeans or runners. Whoops, I didn't have any dressy clothes with me!

The outdoor pools at Harrison Hot Springs. They are open from 4am until 1am at night so almost 24 hours!

We ended off the day having dinner at Island Bar. We shared a meal of mussels and salad. The only complaint I had was that they kept forgetting to bring me water! Twice they said they will bring me my water but never did. I guess it is too much to ask for customer service as good as Cactus Club Cafe. lol

PEI Mussels

Fraser Valley Spring Salad (with Goat Cheese on the side)

Woke up the next day to a beautiful view of Harrison Lake.

Isn't it so beautiful and peaceful?!

Prior to heading out to the Harrison Eco-Tour, we had breakfast buffet at the Lakeside Cafe.

Eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausages, danishes, muffins, fresh fruits. Yum!

Lots of cereal and juice to choose from.

There was also a omelette bar.

Mmm-mm! Mushroom, peppers, green onion and shrimp omelette. Deee-lish!

After breakfast, we headed to the dock for our 2-hour eagle tour.

Bill Civic was our tour guide. He took us out on a flat-bottom boat onto Harrison Lake and up the river. He was a very nice, friendly guy and informative too.

The first stop was the pictographs.

See the swirly thing?

Meow! Or...is it an owl?

Old Bubble and Squeak

This was part of a paddle boat that sank way back when.

We saw beautiful coloured lichen on the rocks. Amazing isn't it?

Indian Cemetary

I cannot stress how nice and peaceful it was here. If you want to relax, this was is the place to do it. Our guide said we should back in the summer, it's even more beautiful there.

This was suppose to be an eagle tour and we saw a few but mostly young ones. It think the rest have probably gone onto Brackendale since they just held their eagle fest last week.

Most of the eagles were in the trees just hanging out and drying their wings.

They call these trees the Christmas trees because in November (when the eagle festival was on) they would be covered in eagles hanging off the branches.

Beautiful birds. They got spooked easily though so it was hard to get close to them. I wish I had a telephoto lens!

Some other birds we saw were herons, different types of ducks, loons and a lot of seagulls. Bill says there are resident seals that live in the lake, lynx and bobcats also have been sighted before but we didn't see any. I wasn't expecting much since it is the dead of winter.

After the tour, we walked down to where the source of the hot springs was. The water here is fed into a pipe and heats the water down that the resort.

The last stop before heading out: Miss Margaret's. They serve hot drinks, sandwiches, salads, paninis, etc.

We decided to split a panini. I forgot what it was called...pepper ham something. It was SO GOOD! I wish I had gotten a whole one for myself!

Coming here to Harrison Hot Springs makes me wonder why I don't come more often. It is only slightly less than a 2 hour drive away from Vancouver!

Disclosure: I won this trip from a contest held by Harrison Resort. I was not expected to write anything in return and all opinions expressed are honest and of my own.

Dine Out Vancouver 2012 (Jan20 - Feb5)

2012-01-08T18:25:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again! The 10th annual Dine Out
Vancouver is will be starting soon. From January 20th to February 5th, hundreds of restaurants in Vancouver will be offering three-course dinners for $18, $28, or $38! It is a great way to try out great restaurant menus at a low price. I know there are a few I want to try out! Menus will be posted and reservations opened starting January 9th, 2012 (that's tomorrow!).

Bloedel Jewel Box of Lights

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

It was the last day of the Jewel Box of Lights display yesterday at the Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park and M invited me to go see them. We went at a great time since we got to see the conservatory when it was still light enough to find the plants and birds on the self-guided tour and when we went around the second time, it was dark enough to fully enjoy the lights on display.

Heehee surfing Santa!

So many beautiful types of poinsettias were around the conservatory! The regular plants are cool looking too. We learned a lot from the self-guided tour. It was a little hard to locate some of the plants though and the I'm sure we didn't see all the types of birds are free to fly around the dome.

Carmen & Maria, Green Winged Macaws

Sylvester, the Silver Pheasant

Casey, Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot

Rosie, African Gray Parrot

We stood by the feeding station for just a little while when all the birds started to land there to our delight!

Ruby, Eclectus Parrot (female)

Kiwi, Eclectus Parrot (male)

Once the sun set, the place started to look a lot more festive.

The fountain outside is so pretty!

The Bloedel Conservatory is beautiful outside as well. We could see the lights shining through the dome and it does make it look like a jewel!

Vancouver Christmas Market 2011 - Photos

2011-12-23T01:03:00.001-08:00

It is the last few days that the Vancouver Christmas Market is open and this is the first time I've ever visited it in my life. It is so Christmassy and whimsical!

I love how the reindeer are leaping off the rooftops.

The lineups for food were pretty long. We decided to try the pork knuckle which was quite popular. By the time I got to the front of the line they had already run out of the XXL ones and the popular chicken was also gone.

We also tried a Bratwurst and some noodle like food with sauerkraut. I'm not a big fan of sauerkraut but the pork knuckle on the other hand was SO GOOD! Finger-licking good.

I love carousels.

The inside of Queen Elizabeth Theatre is transformed into a Christmas decoration store. We aren't allowed to take photos inside but all the decorations look amazing. The store is from Rothenburg ob der Tauber which we've been to a couple of years ago. We even went into the Christmas Village there! It was pretty much like this except bigger!

Live entertainment was playing throughout the night.

There were a lot of stalls of decorations for sale:

As well as other beautiful things:

Can you believe these fruits are soap? They are made by the Art of Soap and they smell really good! The seeds and pits are real!

The apple cider smells so good. They actually give you a cinnamon stick with the drink. It is welcome warmth in the cold weather.

The market itself isn't really big, but the atmosphere is enjoyable and food is good and it is a nice way to spend the evening. I really enjoyed my time there.

The last day of the Vancouver Christmas Market is Dec 24, 2011 so only have two more days to enjoy this event! It is open Daily 11am to 9pm and costs $5 for adult entry fee.

Festival of Trees Photos

2011-12-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Festival of Trees is an annual fundraising event for the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Each year, sponsors decorate trees and visitors can vote for their favourite by submitting a donation. This is their 25th year and this time the trees are displayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and Pacific Centre mall. Be sure to take a look at these beautifully decorated trees! Also by voting, you could win one of three prizes donated by West Jet, Atlantis Programs and Pedalheads Bike Camp.

The Festival of Trees will be up on display until January 4th, 2012.

I love the stuffed owls in the Telus tree!

Dec 21 - Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this free family-friendly event which will have lanterns glowing in five Vancouver neighbourhoods. The 18th annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival celebrates the longest night of the year with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, music and dancing!

Where
Various locations, processions usually start at 6:00pm check website for specific times and locations.

BRITANNIA COMMUNITY CENTRE
1661 Napier St.

ROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE
181 Roundhouse Mews

FALSE CREEK COMMUNITY CENTRE
1318 Cartwright St.

CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE
1 Athletes Way

DR. SUN YAT-SEN CLASSICAL CHINESE GARDEN
578 Carrall St.

When
Various times but generally 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Website: http://secretlantern.org/index.html

Gingerbread Lane Photos

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hyatt Regency Vancouver once again transformed their lobby into a winter wonderland with Gingerbread Lane. Schools, amateur and professional chefs all participated in creating over 40 gingerbread displays. I went to take a look Saturday and I was very impressed by the creativity of gingerbread village.

This storybook creation looks amazing. Can you see the witch in the pot?

Several houses were filled with interior decoration!

This Toyland cake was made my students from my old high school - David Thompson!

This one below is my favourite. It is the most intricate and detailed display of them all. You have to look closely to appreciate the work put into this creation.

A lot more:

The Peanuts!

The gingerbread village will be on display until Monday, Dec 26th. While you are there you can vote for your favourite and also donate to the Make a Wish foundation. Go see it while you can!

Bistro Sakana

2011-12-18T00:39:00.000-08:00

I went to Bistro Sakana in Yaletown on Friday night to celebrate a M`s birthday with some other friends. Without the outdoor seating area, the restaurant is quite small. The back wall is decorated with sake bottles and the right wall has a silent black and white movie projected on it. Sometimes the images are not exactly suitable for dinner but almost nobody notices anyways.

Bistro Sakana has a large varied menu. It was hard to choose only a few things to try! I ended up trying a fresh oyster (which has made me craving more), tuna and salmon sashimi, unagi roll and the restaurant's special Super 7 combo which includes 7 different types of sushi.

The oyster was so refreshing. I want more.

Tuna and Salmon Sashimi

The tuna and salmon sashimi was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Black cod

Unagi Roll

Caterpillar Roll

Teppan Roll

Super 7 Combo

After all the rolls were finished, we didn't stop and went on to dessert. Yummy!

Cream "Panko" Chestnuts

I tried the Cream "Panko Chestnuts and it is visually amazing dish! What I think are noodles swirl around the vanilla ice cream like a Lady Gaga galaxy dress. It was pretty good. The chestnuts were quite bland though but I guess the ice cream and the caramel drizzle takes care of the sweetness.

Banana Tempura Ice Cream Surprise

Creme Brulee Trio

The meal was delicious and visually appealing but a little small. We were joking that we should get ramen afterwards. The service was friendly and polite but so slow! Our rolls took a very long time to come. We think it may be due to what I ordered since they have to wait until someone orders each roll?! But that doesn't really make sense. Still it was a delicious meal and the seafood is fresh. I'd recommend trying it out if you haven't yet!

Free Weekend Events Dec 16-18

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Can you believe there's less than 10 days until Christmas! O=

Friday, December 16, 2011

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt
9:00am - 9:00pm everyday until the 27th
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, hotel lobby
View the indoor village of over 40 intricately designed gingerbread homes made by schools, as well as amateur and professional chefs throughout the Lower Mainland. Admission by donation to Make a Wish foundation.

Petite Feet Designer Shoe Sample Sale
10:00am - 9:00pm
Vancouver Convention Centre, 999 Canada Place, Hall C
30,000 pairs of designer shoes sizes 5-11. 'Nuf said. Ladies bring lots of cash.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt
9:00am - 9:00pm everyday until the 27th
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, hotel lobby
View the indoor village of over 40 intricately designed gingerbread homes made by schools, as well as amateur and professional chefs throughout the Lower Mainland. Admission by donation to Make a Wish foundation.

Science World Free Day
10:00am - 6:00pm
Science World has undergone a $35 million renovation and now thanks to the presenting sponsor, the James Dyson Foundation, the supporting sponsor, Encana Corporation, you can go see all the new galleries for free this Saturday!

Petite Feet Designer Shoe Sample Sale
10:00am - 6:00pm
Vancouver Convention Centre, 999 Canada Place, Hall C
30,000 pairs of designer shoes sizes 5-11. 'Nuf said. Ladies bring lots of cash.

Live Animal Christmas Manger
11:00am - 5:00pm
London Heritage Farm6511 Dyke Rd, Richmond
Come join the animals in celebrating Christmas in the stable at London Heritage Farm. A chance to make the personal acquaintance of Jacko a Sicilian Donkey, a descendant of the patient donkey that carried Mary through Bethlehem and some of his stable mates including a sheep, goats, miniature horses and bunnies.

Vancouver's Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - 2:00pm
Plaza of Nat Bailey Stadium
4601 Ontario Street & 30th, Vancouver

Holiday Market
$1 admission if you print out this ticket: http://www.eatlocal.org/images/discount-coupon.jpg
10:00am - 5:00pm
Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive at 16th
High quality crafts, artisan food gifts, giant raffle.

Yuletide on Granville Island
12pm – 1pm: Tuba Christmas
2pm – 3pm: Opera in the Market
4pm – 5pm: Thunderbird
Various locations around Granville Island.
Musicians will be featured inside the Public Market and Net Loft, and outdoors in Triangle Square and Railspur Alley, while the Gingerbread Boy will be running as fast as he can in and around the Public Market.

Christmas Wassail & Bonfire Night
2:00pm - 9:30pm (Carol Ships sail past between 7-9pm)
Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver
Join the West Vancouver tradition this season of the Dundarave Festival of Lights. Spend time around bonfires burning bright on the beaches to ward off the longest nights of the year and gather together the community in a spirit of friendship.

Carol Ships Celebration in North Van
8:00pm
Panorama Park, North Vancouver
The Carol Ships, with their holiday themed decorations and festive lights, will sail past the shores of Panorama Park. Musical entertainment by The VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir. Enjoy warm refreshments, roving performers, free holiday craft workshops, face painting, and a blazing bonfire.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt
9:00am - 9:00pm everyday until the 27th
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, hotel lobby
View the indoor village of over 40 intricately designed gingerbread homes made by schools, as well as amateur and professional chefs throughout the Lower Mainland. Admission by donation to Make a Wish foundation.

Petite Feet Designer Shoe Sample Sale
10:00am - 6:00pm
Vancouver Convention Centre, 999 Canada Place, Hall C
30,000 pairs of designer shoes sizes 5-11. 'Nuf said. Ladies bring lots of cash.

Live Animal Christmas Manger
11:00am - 5:00pm
London Heritage Farm6511 Dyke Rd, Richmond
Come join the animals in celebrating Christmas in the stable at London Heritage Farm. A chance to make the personal acquaintance of Jacko a Sicilian Donkey, a descendant of the patient donkey that carried Mary through Bethlehem and some of his stable mates including a sheep, goats, miniature horses and bunnies.

Blim Monthly Community Market
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Chinese Cultural Center (W. Pender St. × Carrall St.)
70 vendors, music, hot food, beverages, and entertainment. Vendors will include food, fashion, accessories, supplies, fine art, vintage items and records, and crafts, with a focus on nurturing and promoting creative production in the community.

Yuletide on Granville Island
12pm – 1pm: Scrooge Horns
2pm – 3pm: Little Mountain Brass Band
4pm – 5pm: Fandango
Various locations around Granville Island.
Musicians will be featured inside the Public Market and Net Loft, and outdoors in Triangle Square and Railspur Alley, while the Gingerbread Boy will be running as fast as he can in and around the Public Market.

Carol Ships
7:20pm Lions Gate Bridge
735pm Ambleside
7:50pm Dundarave
8:00pm Caulfield Cove
8:15pm Dundarave
8:30pm Ambleside
8:45pm Lions Gate Bridge
9:30pm Coal Harbour

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - Movie Review

2011-12-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

Robert Downey Jr. is back as Sherlock Holmes in the action-packed sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. This time, the whole of England and her surrounding countries find themselves in a caught in a twisted invisible web of Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), a genius mathematician, who Holmes is convinced is behind recent bombings around the world. Holmes and Dr. Watson (Jude Law) find themselves playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with a mastermind that leaves no traceable evidence behind. They will have to outwit and outplay their opponent before he succeeds in plunging the developed world into war.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows starts off running with disguises, betrayal and fights. It was a little confusing in the beginning as my brain scrambled to remember that had happened in the first movie in order to piece together what I was seeing in the second. In this sequel, Sherlock Holmes seems to a master of disguises as well and was he always this crazy? If he was then he is more so in this sequel! This of course works well for laughs but he doesn't seem to be a rational, intellectual being anymore - instead he is portrayed as an autistic formaldehyde-drinking madman, doing whatever he wants! That said, Dr. Watson is thankfully very grounded - the complete opposite to the off-the-rocker antics of Holmes. We also see the talented Noomi Rapace who plays Madam Simza Heron, a gypsy woman who aids the duo in their quest to bring down Professor Moriarty. The director must be a fan of slow-motion because the movie is full of them. Almost any action is precursored by a slow-motion run down.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a hilarious movie that will delight fans of the original. Lots of explosions, laughs, action, special effects, good story, and all around good time in this movie. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is in theatres this Friday, December 15, 2011.

StarCraft 2 Unboxing Photos

2011-12-11T17:54:00.001-08:00

Yep. I'm officially a geek. If I already wasn't before, unboxing photos of a video game will make me one. This is what I was doing after my vacation to Hawaii - posts on that coming soon.

I got the game finally during the US Black Friday sale for $29.99. It is regularly $59.99 so I thought it would be a good time to get it. I've actually finished playing this game today. I spent 3 days/nights playing. It is SO ADDICTIVE. I can understand why people play this in tournaments now! It's HUGE in Korea there's even a TV show where pros play against each other for the ultimate supremacy!

Well anyways, here are the unboxing photos. The box has a flap that opens up.

Inside, there are a couple of guest passes for me to give to friends so they can try out the game, a notepad, instruction manual and the installation CD.

It was so worth the $29.99. I've only gone through the solo campaign and there are still paths in the game I haven't played yet and the multiplayer. I'm also looking forward to the expansion Heart of the Swarm which should be coming out in 2012 sometime.

Healthy Choices with CarrotLines App

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Food is complicated. There are so many different ingredients in foods that it takes time to decipher what will meet your individual needs. CarrotLines is a free mobile app that simplifies the decision making process and helps you make the right healthy food choices faster!

You set your nutritional profile (e.g. Organic, Vegan, low fat, high fibre, amount of sugar, allergies, etc.) and use the camera on your mobile device to scan the bar code on a product in store. The app will let you know automatically if that food is right for you! Pretty cool, huh? Now you don't have to spend the time squinting at the label and spend that time eating the food you love instead! It is a pretty innovative app that health conscience people will find very useful.

I found out about this app when I was at the Vancouver Health Show last month and I also entered a contest there and guess what? I won the grand prize which includes a Sunrise Tofu prize pack and a $100 Visa giftcard! Thank you CarrotLines and Sunrise Tofu!

When picking up my prize, I met the developers behind the CarrotLines app. They are three amazing people that made all of this into what it is! CarrotLines is currently nominated for "Best Concept" in Small Business BC's Successful You Awards. You can vote for them here. Voting closes at the end of the month so make sure you make your vote count and support some home-grown talent!

Watch CarrotLines app in action here:

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CarrotLines is available right now on the Apple App Store but don't worry Android users, your app is currently in the pipeline!

Check out the CarrotLines website for more information on the app and follow on their Facebook page and Twitter feed to get the latest news.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this post are honest and of my own and have not been influenced in any other way.

508 Social Bistro

2011-11-27T22:46:00.001-08:00

A bunch of friends invited us to dinner and bubble tea Saturday night to bid us bonne voyage. We ended up eating at White Spot which was the only place still available at 8pm near Metrotown. The Canucks were playing and all the other restaurants were packed! So after dinner, we went across the street to have bubble tea at 508 Social Bistro.

We were given complementary spicy peanuts when we sat down. They were so spicy but I couldn't stop eating them!

They have typical Taiwanese food available on their menu but we were more interested in the beverages since we were still full from dinner! They have a good selection of drinks and also alcoholic ones! Some of the names of the drinks are quite unique and funny. One of the is called "Orgasm". HA! This prompted the obligated jokes: "I'll have an Orgasm, please." and "I hear they are quite good."

I ended up choosing a Hawaiian Holiday (non-alcoholic since I needed to drive). Some of the waitresses there do not speak English very well and they tend to confuse you and themselves when you are ordering. When my friend ordered and pointed to the item on the menu she said " You must be." Ok. That makes a whole lot of sense. But later on we figured out that she might have been trying to say "you must be 19 or older" since it was an alcoholic drink.

A weird thing was that the drinks came in different formats. Two of my friends got something similar to the photo above with a twisty straw twisted in a funky way, in a glass cup. My friend who ordered pearls with hers got a bigger glass cup than the one above. Mine and other was in a take-a-way sealed plastic cup. Weird.

Another weird thing that happened was some guys came in who wanted alcoholic drinks (but it was after last call) and when the girl went in the back to presumably ask the manager, the guys took off with a plastic Heineken display. O_o

Despite those weird occurrences, I loved the Hawaiian Holiday. It was delicious. It tasted similar to a pina colada with a hint of peach and banana. Yum.

Free Weekend Events Nov 25-27

2011-11-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 25

Grey Cup Festival
Downtown Vancouver

Saturday, November 26

Grey Cup Festival
Downtown Vancouver

Brock House Christmas Fair
10:00am - 2:30pm
3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver

MEC Snowfest Vancouver
10:00am - 4:00pm
130 West Broadway, Vancouver

Christmas at Leigh Square
11:00am - 5:00 pm
Leigh Square Community Arts Village
Port Coquitlam

Green Men at Pepper Wireless
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Pepper Wireless Broadway and Cambie location
519 West Broadway, Vancouver

Sunday, November 27

Grey Cup Festival
Downtown Vancouver

Stevenston Christmas Craft Fair
10:00am to 4:00pm.
Steveston Community Centre4111 Moncton
Admission is by cash/food bank donation.

Stevenston Winter Market

Dec 1 - Samsung Holiday Meet-up

2011-11-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wavefront presents the Vancouver Samsung Holiday WaveGuide Meet-Up on Thursday December 1st. Learn about the latest gadgets from Samsung while enjoying assorted drinks and appies. Samsung's Galaxy S II and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be there for you to try out.

It's free to attend but pre-registration is required which you can do here. Plus when you register, you'll be automatically entered in a drawing to win a Galaxy Tab 10.1 of your very own! The winner must be attending the event in order to win. Don't miss out!

When
Thursday, December 1st
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Where
1035 West Pender St, Vancouver
Lobby Level, Oceanic Plaza Hastings Room

Source: http://www.wavefrontac.com/news-events/waveguide-training/SamsungMeetup_Dec01_2011/meetup-2011-12-01

Nov 26 - Green Men at Pepper Wireless

2011-11-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Love the Canucks Green Men? You can meet them in person at Broadway Pepper Wireless this Saturday! While you are there, you can enter to win one of two $50 Monk M0cQueens gift cards, drawn every game day!

When
Saturday, November 26
1:00pm - 2:00pm

Where
Pepper Wireless Broadway and Cambie location
519 West Broadway, Vancouver

RSVP to the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/201534219918614/

Nov 24-27 Grey Cup Festival

2011-11-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Something big is happening this weekend and it's not about hockey. This time it's football! I'm not really into football but our home team, the BC Lions, are going to battle the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the 99th Grey Cup Championship on Sunday at BC Place! If When the Lions win, they are going to be just the third CFL team to win the Grey Cup at home in the last 34 years!

To celebrate, the BC Lions Football Club and the 2011 Grey Cup Festival Committee, along with countless of sponsors, will be putting on the biggest Grey Cup Festival this weekend! Starting on Thursday, the four days of the festival will include more than 25 events to experience from family-friendly activities and entertainment to concerts and beer gardens!

Contests:

If you want to win some 3-day passes to the Molson Canadian House, Canada Place is hosting a contest! Find out how here.
If you have Twitter, retweet this BCLions update and be entered to win two priority access passes to Lions Den!

Here is the schedule of events:

Thursday, November 24

Friday, November 25

TELUS StreetFest
11:00am-10:30pm at Beatty and Robson Streets
- PlayNow.com Main Stage 3:00pm - 10:30pm
- CN Field
- Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfast 11:00am - 1:00pm

Scotiabank Football Experience
11:00am-9:00pm at Vancouver Convention Centre West
Molson Canadian House
12:00pm - 1:00am at Vancouver Convention Centre West
Vanier Cup Championship
6:00pm at BC Place

Nissan Family Zone
11:00am - 6:30pm at Jack Poole Plaza
- Entertainment on Canadian Direct Insurance Stage 11:00am - 5:30pm

Team Parties

Saturday, November 26

Safeway Grey Cup Festival Parade
10:00 am on Smithe Street at Hornby Street, ends 12:00 pm at Jack Poole Plaza
TELUS StreetFest
11:00am-10:30pm at Beatty and Robson Streets
- PlayNow.com Main Stage 3:00pm - 10:30pm
- CN Field
- Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfast 11:00am - 1:00pm

Scotiabank Football Experience
11:00am-5:00pm at Vancouver Convention Centre West
Molson Canadian House
12:00pm - 1:00am at Vancouver Convention Centre West
Scotiabank Show Your Colours Gala
Nissan Family Zone
11:00am - 6:30pm at Jack Poole Plaza
- Vancouver Sun FanFest 11:00am - 5:00pm
Team Parties

Sunday, November 27

TELUS StreetFest
11:00am - 3:00pm at Beatty and Robson Streets
- PlayNow.com Main Stage 11:00am - 2:30pm
- CN Field
Scotiabank Football Experience
11:00am-3:30pm at Vancouver Convention Centre West
Molson Canadian House
11:00pm - 3:00pm at Vancouver Convention Centre West
Nissan Family Zone
11:00am - 6:30pm at Jack Poole Plaza
- Vancouver Sun FanFest 11:00am - 5:00pm
Team Parties

99th Grey Cup Championship GO BC LIONS!
3:30pm at BC Place Stadium

Source: http://2011greycupfestival.ca/

The Muppets - Movie Review

2011-11-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Gary (Jason Segel) and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) are brothers who are the best friends. Walter is a huge fan of the Muppets and when Gary invites him along on his trip to Los Angeles with his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams), Walter is ecstatic. However, he is crestfallen when he finds out that the original Muppets Studios have been long abandoned and fallen into ruin. While wandering around the studios, Walter overhears a plot by rich business man, Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), who wants to drill under the Muppet theater for oil. Now it's up to the three friends to find and reunite the Muppets so they can put on one last show to raise $10 million needed to save the Muppet Studios!

Original Muppet fans are not going to be disappointed with this one. The Muppets is full of cheeky humour that will have you laughing throughout the movie. Funny references that you are watching a movie are littered throughout the movie and they that are bound to amuse you. Also look out for celebrity cameos! There are so many that it is hard to list them all! I loved the choice of human-version Walter - you're going to have to watch the movie in order to find out who it is! Heehee.

A Muppet movie wouldn't be complete with song and dance numbers and there are a lot of them - new ones and old favourites. They are all integrated nicely in between scenes and it doesn't feel weird when someone suddenly breaks out into song. In fact you expect it! I love all the songs especially "Life's a Happy Song" which is so good it is played twice! I'm going to get myself the soundtrack now.

The Muppets will please original fans and create new ones. The movie is more targeted to older audiences but children will probably enjoy it as well - they just won't get a lot of the jokes. Give yourself the 3rd best gift in the world and go see it in theatres! You'll also be able to watch a Toy Story short before the movie! The Muppets is coming out in theatres on Wednesday, November 23, 2011! It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights!

Cupcake Eating Contest at Bakers Market

2011-11-21T00:33:00.001-08:00

Bakers Market held their cupcake eating contest yesterday and I decided to check it out and support the contestants. I arrived just before the contest started so I was in the back of the huge crowd that had gathered to watch the event.

The contestants had to eat as many cupcakes as they could in 5 minutes. Everyone did their best and in the end there was a tie! The two contestants, Mario and some other guy had tied with 12 cupcakes! So a second round was held to determine the winner. They had to eat as many cupcakes in 1 minute - but guess what? That ALSO ended up in a tie! It was decided that the ultimate tie-breaker would involve the two eating 1 cupcake...without the aid of their hands! Who ever finished first will be declared the winner.

Mario dreading that cupcake.

Mario was not looking forward to eating that last cupcake and almost forfeited but with a little encouragement from his friends, he decided to give it one last try. Here's the video of the last showdown:

(Sorry for the out of focus, the camera focused on the girl's sleeve when she moved in front and didn't refocus back until the end.)

Mario won and took home a cute trophy and a goodie bag which included more cupcakes much to his dismay. lol

Walking around the market afterwards, I saw there were a lot of sweets and even cupcake making accessories! If you are interested in snagging some of these delicious baked goods, check out the Bakers Market next Saturday! They will be there every Saturday until Dec 10!

Burgoo Bistro

2011-11-20T02:54:00.001-08:00

Met up with friends last night for dinner at Burgoo, a small soup and stewhouse serving delicious comfort foods from international origins. I like how they showed the country of the food on their menu. They were very busy when I arrived at 7pm. The wait time was 45 minutes but some people left on the waiting list so we got our table faster. There were still people waiting two hours later so it goes to show you that this place is really popular!

We snacked on Guacamole while we waited for our other friend to arrive.

Guacamole $6

I ordered the Jambalaya but we tasted a bit of each others' dishes. I think I'll get the mussels next time I'm there. They are so delicious! The Jambalaya was good, it had chicken, sausages, and prawns mixed in the rice. It was a bit spicy maybe because of the Andouille sausages but it was at a tolerable level.

I'll definitely go back, there are so many other dishes I want to try. They all sound so yummy!

Beef Bourguignon $18

Jambalaya $17

Cocotte Mussels $17

The Muppets Bus Tour

2011-11-20T02:07:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we managed to chase down the Muppet Motorcoach when it stopped by Metrotown in Burnaby. Friends of Gary and Mary were there handing out mini-posters and promoting Disney's new movie, the Muppets, coming out on November 23rd!

We even got to meet Kermit and Miss Piggy! Miniaturized for travel convenience. Heheheh.

The Muppet bus will still be out on today driving around Vancouver so if you missed them yesterday you still have a chance to see them!

VANCOUVER STOPS on Sunday, Nov 20th
11:00am to 11:45am – English Bay @ Denman Street
12:00pm to 2:00pm – BC Place/Robson and Beatty @ 777 Pacific Blvd
2:15pm to 2:45pm – Robson Street @ Denman Street to Burrard Street
3:00pm to 3:30pm – Granville Street @ Davie Street to Dunsmuir
3:45pm to 4:15pm – Davie Street @ Bute Street to Pacific Blvd
4:30pm to 6:30pm – West Georgia Street/Rogers Arena @ West Georgia Street & Howe-Expo Blvd
6:30pm to 7:00pm – Yaletown @ Cambie Street & Davie Street

Free Weekend Events - Nov 18-20

2011-11-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

Remember to vote!

Friday, November 18, 2011

The Muppet Bus Tour
8:45am - 7:30pm
Various locations around Lower Mainland

Eastside Culture Crawl
5:00pm - 10:00pm
Various locations in area bounded by Main St., 1st Ave., Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront, Vancouver

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Vancouver Votes!
Everyone should be doing this! No excuses!
8:45am - 8:00pm
Various polling stations around Vancouver

Vancouver's Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - 2:00pm
Plaza of Nat Bailey Stadium
4601 Ontario Street & 30th, Vancouver

Christmas Craft Fair
10:00am - 3:00pm
Bonsor Recreation Complex
6550 Bonsor AvenueBurnaby

ZoomerShow
Print out this voucher for free admission for two
10:00am - 5:00pm
Vancouver Convention CentreHall A
1055 Canada Place,Vancouver

Nikkei Place Craft & Bake Fair
11:00am - 4:00pm
National Nikkei Heritage Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby

Eastside Culture Crawl
11:00pm - 6:00pm
Various locations in area bounded by Main St., 1st Ave., Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront, Vancouver

The Muppet Bus Tour
11:00am - 7:00pm
Various locations around Lower Mainland

Festival de la Poutine de Vancouver
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Hellenic Community Center
4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver

1st Anniversary at Osaka Supermarket
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Osaka Supermarket, Park Royal, North Vancouver

Canucks Ryan Kesler Autograph Signing
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Fraser Valley Wireless
1022 Mainland St, Vancouver

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Baker's Market
11:00am - 3:00pm
Cupcake Eating Contest at 2pm! - Registration is still open!
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre
7646 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver

Nikkei Place Craft & Bake Fair
11:00am - 4:00pm
National Nikkei Heritage Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby

ZoomerShow
Print out this voucher for free admission for two
11:00am - 5:00pm
Vancouver Convention CentreHall A
1055 Canada Place,Vancouver

Eastside Culture Crawl
11:00pm - 6:00pm
Various locations in area bounded by Main St., 1st Ave., Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront, Vancouver

The Muppet Bus Tour
11:00am - 7:00pm
Various locations around Lower Mainland

Blim Community Market
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Chinese Cultural Center
50 East Pender Street, Vancouver

1st Anniversary at Osaka Supermarket
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Osaka Supermarket, Park Royal, North Vancouver

Sugarlime's Holiday Jewelery Show
1:00 - 3:00pm
Hart House6664 Deer Lake Avenue,Burnaby

Nov 18-20 - Eastside Culture Crawl

2011-11-17T09:00:00.001-08:00

Go celebrate the 15th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl - a FREE 3-day event that involves artists in Vancouver's east side opening in their studios to the public in the area bounded by Main Street and Victoria Drive north of First Avenue in Vancouver. Go see the works of painters, jewelers, sculptors, furniture makers, musicians, weavers, potters, writers, printmakers, photographers, and glassblowers!

Download the program guide here: Eastside Culture Crawl Program Guide

When
Friday, November 18th, 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday, November 19th, 11:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, November 20th, 11:00am - 6:00pm

Where
Area bounded by Main St., 1st Ave., Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront, Vancouver
See the various art studios here: http://www.eastsideculturecrawl.com/map or print out the map here: http://www.eastsideculturecrawl.com/sites/default/files/ecc_2011_map.pdf

Source: http://www.eastsideculturecrawl.com/

Nov 18-20 - Muppet Domination!

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights! You know what time it is Muppet fans! The new Muppet movie is coming to theatres on November 23rd and to celebrate, Disney is dispatching a fully Muppetized Motorcoach to select cities in Canada on ! Fans can participate in Muppet trivia, listen to Muppet music and other Muppet games such as Muppet Monopoly and Muppet Yahtzee. Did I mention there will be prizes and giveaways? Yes you could win mini movie posters, plush Muppet toys and iPhone covers (while supplies last) just for participating!

Here's where you can find the Muppet Motocoach!

The Muppet Bus Tour Schedule*

Friday, November 18, 2011

VANCOUVER STOPS
8:45am to 9:15am – The Burrard Skytrain Station @ Burrard Street & Dunsmuir
9:15am to 10:00am – The Granville Skytrain Station between Georgia & Dunsmuir
3:00pm to 3:30pm – Waterfront Skytrain Station @ West Hastings & West Cordova Street
3:45pm to 4:45pm – Burrard Street @ Burrard & Robson Street near West Georgia
5:00pm to 5:30pm – Robson Square @ Robson & St. Howe
5:45pm to 6:15pm – Granville Street @ Davie Street & Dunsmuir
6:30pm to 7:30pm – Gastown @ Powell & West Cordova

Saturday, November 19, 2011

CALGARY STOPS
11:00am to 12:00pm – Canada Olympic Park @ 88 Olympic Square Road
12:30pm to 1:15pm – Eau Claire Market @ 4th Avenue & 1st Avenue Southwest
1:30pm to 2:15pm – 9th Avenue @ 9th Street Southwest & 7th Street Southeast
2:30pm to 3:30pm – Chinook Centre & MacLeod Trail Southwest
4:00pm to 4:30pm – Heritage Park @ Heritage Drive Southwest
4:45pm to 5:15pm – Stephen Ave @ MacLeod Trail & 1st Street Southwest
5:45pm to 6:00pm – 17th Avenue @ 9th Street SW & MacLeod Trail Southeast

MONTREAL STOPS
12:30pm to 1:30pm – Place des Arts/Rue Saint Urbain @ Rue Saint Urbain & Sainte Catherine
1:45pm to 2:30pm – Boul. De Maisonneuve @ Rue Guy to Rue Saint Urbain
2:45pm to 3:30pm – Boul. Saint Laurent @ Ave Mont Royal to Boul. Rene Levesque
3:45pm to 4:30pm – Boul. Rene Levesque @ Ave Atwater to Rue Berri
4:45pm to 5:30pm – Rue Sherbrooke @ Rue Berri to Rue Peel
5:45pm to 7:30pm – Bell Centre @ Boul. Rene Levesque & Rue De La Montagne

VANCOUVER STOPS
11:00am to 11:30am – English Bay @ Denman Street
11:45am to 12:15pm – Robson Street @ Denman Street to Burrard Street
12:30pm to 1:15pm – Howe Street @ West Hastings to Pacific Street
1:45pm to 2:45pm – Metropolis at Metrotown @ 604-4720 Kingsway, Burnaby
3:15pm to 3:45pm – Main Street @ Kingsway to Georgia
4:00pm to 4:30pm – Granville Island @ Granville Street
4:45pm to 5:15pm – Robson Square @ Robson Street & Howe Street
5:30pm to 6:00pm – Dunsmuir Street @ Expo Blvd to Thurlow
6:15pm to 7:00pm – Gastown @ West Cordova Street

Sunday, November 20, 2011

EDMONTON STOPS
12:00pm to 1:30pm – South Edmonton Common @ Gateway Boulevard & 99th Street
2:00pm to 2:30pm – Whyte Avenue @ 99th Street Northwest to 110th Street Northwest
2:45pm – 3:30pm – Winston Churchill Square @ 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
3:45pm to 5:00pm – West Edmonton Mall @ 170th Street Northwest & 87th Avenue Northwest
5:15pm to 6:00pm – 104th Avenue Northwest @ 100th Street Northwest to 116th Street Northwest
6:15pm to 7:00pm – Jasper Avenue @ 100th Street Northwest to 116th Street Northwest

MONTREAL STOPS
11:00am to 11:45am – Marche Jean-Talon @ Rue Jean Talon
12:00pm to 12:45pm – Old Montreal @ Rue Notre Dame
1:00pm to 1:45pm – Rue Sherbrooke @ Rue Berri to Rue Peel
2:15pm to 3:30pm – Centropolis @ Boulevard Saint Martin (Laval)
4:00pm to 4:45pm – Boulevard Saint Laurent @ Ave Mont Royal to Boul. Rene Levesque
5:00pm to 6:00pm – Rue Saint Catherine @ Atwater to De La Montagne

VANCOUVER STOPS
11:00am to 11:45am – English Bay @ Denman Street
12:00pm to 2:00pm – BC Place/Robson and Beatty @ 777 Pacific Blvd
2:15pm to 2:45pm – Robson Street @ Denman Street to Burrard Street
3:00pm to 3:30pm – Granville Street @ Davie Street to Dunsmuir
3:45pm to 4:15pm – Davie Street @ Bute Street to Pacific Blvd
4:30pm to 6:30pm – West Georgia Street/Rogers Arena @ West Georgia Street & Howe-Expo Blvd
6:30pm to 7:00pm – Yaletown @ Cambie Street & Davie Street

*Schedule subject to change

Source: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada Facebook

Flo Tea Room (RIchmond)

2011-11-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

In the evening our family headed out to Flo Tea Room in Richmond. I know there's a Granville location and I always wanted to try it out.

My cousin ordered a curry dish that she had before while the rest of us ordered a set meal.

My meal came with soup and a drink. We could pick two items from the menu so I chose the Korean BBQ short ribs and prawn skewers. The Borsch soup was really salty. I think the Chinese soup was the better one to order. I didn't see my parents complaining about it. The prawns and short ribs were good. The only complaint about it was that the short ribs were quite fatty.

My sister ordered a mango slush for her drink (added $2) and she thought it was good and now regrets not getting the groupon they had previously ($20 for 10 bubble tea). I didn't think it was thaaat good. I've tasted better elsewhere.

All in all, the place has good portions and reasonable prices.

Provence Marinaside

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Had a late lunch with friends yesterday at Provence Marinaside. We were suppose to go to Twisted Forks but it was so busy!

We had warm bread and my friends ordered Wild Mushroom Ravioli and Bennis.

Smoked Salmon Egg Benedict

I had the Crab and Lobster omelette. It was quite pricey but it was so good! I couldn't taste the crab all that much though. The potatoes that came with it were awesome.

Crab and Lobster Omelette.

Samsung Galaxy SII X Unboxing Photos

2011-11-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yay! I finally upgraded from a BlackBerry Curve to a Samsung Galaxy SII X. I received this anticipated package on Monday, unlocked it on Tuesday and now am fully on Android!

Here are my unboxing photos. Heheh. Am I a geek for taking photos? Yes. Yes. I probably am...

8MP camera! Can't wait to go out and use it. I love the feel of the backing.

It's pretty thin and light. It is a much bigger phone than I am use to, but big phones are standard nowadays. I'm just behind on the times. lol

Ooo turning it on...

I love the screen. It is so vivid, clear and crisp. Even at the lowest brightness settings it is still quite bright.

Yeah, that date isn't right...

Woo! I'm so excited to finally own a Galaxy S2!

Toast to the Coast 2011

2011-11-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

Toast to the Coast is a fundraising event at the Vancouver Aquarium in support of conservation and education programs. The event was sold out and was a huge success! A lot of amazing people attended the event and I think over $60,000 was raised on Friday night! Ocean wise restaurants were serving delicious canapés and guest sampled wine from local BC wineries. Everything was so delicious and it was nice to know that all the food was sustainable and ocean-friendly!

There were a lot of silent auction items. I was most interested in the jewelery which was generously donated by Birks! I was eying one of the bracelets but unfortunately so were a lot of other people! Thank you to Toast to the Coast and the Vancouver Aquarium for hosting a wonderful event for such a worthy cause.

Free Weekend Events - Nov 4-6

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Friday, November 4th, 2011

Vancouver Yoga Show

Admission is $15 at the door but you can print out your free pass to the show here or you can get complimentary passes at local Lululemon stores: : Kitsilano, Robson, Park Royal, Oakridge and The Lab
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre - Hall A

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

Technology Fair at Lansdowne Mall
Access the newest and latest technology. Hands on demos, seminars and activities on digital photography, computers, tablets, smartphones and home entertainment. Companies present include Epson, Microsoft, Toshiba, Targus, Acer, and more! There are also chances to win prizes throughout the day!
9:30am - 6:00pm
5300 No.3 Road, Richmond

Vancouver's Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - 2:00pm
Plaza of Nat Bailey Stadium
4601 Ontario Street & 30th, Vancouver

Kids Market's 27th Birthday
Cake, balloons, and a chance to win $250 shopping spree!
10:00am - 6:00pm
Kids Market
1496 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver

Walk Richmond - Stevenson Village
Stroll through Steveston's historic fishing village while passing markets, galleries and shops.
10:00am
Garry Point Park
12011 7th Avenue, Richmond

Vancouver Yoga Show
Admission is $15 at the door but you can print out your free pass to the show here or you can get complimentary passes at local Lululemon stores: : Kitsilano, Robson, Park Royal, Oakridge and The Lab
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre - Hall A

Wedding Parfait Bridal Showcase
The Wedding Parfait is an informative wedding show featuring wedding service displays, mini workshops and spectacular fashion shows! Brides and grooms will also have a chance to win a “Round Trip for two Vancouver to Mexico” with Air Canada
11:00am - 9:00pm
Aberdeen Centre
4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond

Vertical Orchestra
TWO SHOWS: 7:00 & 9:00 PM
Promenade of the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch
350 West Georgia Street

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

Happy Feet Two Skating Event
Join Warner Brothers at 8 Rinks in their promotion for their upcoming movie Happy Feet Two. There will be face painting, swag and quite possibly advance screening passes to be given out at this event so don't miss it! Bring a food donation for the a delicious Bonchaz bun.
1:15pm - 3:15pm
8 Rinks
6501 Sprott Street, Burnaby

Vancouver Yoga Show
Admission is $15 at the door but you can print out your free pass to the show here or you can get complimentary passes at local Lululemon stores: : Kitsilano, Robson, Park Royal, Oakridge and The Lab
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre - Hall A

Urban Wedding Show
10:00am - 6:00pm
Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel
1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Taste of Yaletown - Goldfish

2011-11-01T11:29:00.001-07:00

Last Monday, I went to was Goldfish Seafood & Chop House for Taste of Yaletown. I heard a lot of good things about it and it seems to be always busy so I was pretty eager to try it out.

Complimentary Herb Bread with Balsamic Vinegar

We decided to order different items from the menu to be able to try out as many as possible. We started with Clam Chowder and Tempura Squid. K thought the chowder wasn't that good. It was seemed watered and I thought it was overpowered with parsley. Not sure if it was suppose to be like that. The tempura squid was quite good though.

For our mains, we ordered Pan Roasted Halibut Cheeks (which was featured on Breakfast Television) and the Seafood Bouillabaisse. Out of the two dishes, I loved the Halibut Cheeks the best! Mmmmm.

Pan Roasted Halibut Cheeks

Seafood Bouillabaisse

After the appetizers and mains, we were so stuffed that it was hard to eat anymore but there's always room for dessert!

Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla ice cream

Citrus Creme Brûlée

All in all, it was a delicious dinner and very filling! Here was the Goldfish's full Taste of Yaletown $35 menu:

Appetizer

Tempura Fried Wok Squid
fresh jalapeños, lemon black pepper sauce

-OR-

Beet and Spinach Anti-oxidant Salad
quinoa, chickpeas, feta, sunflower seeds, berry vinaigrette

-OR-

Clam Chowder

Entrée

Seafood Bouillabaisse
lobster, prawns, scallops, mussels, clams, halibut and cod in a rich tomato pernod broth atop broad noodles

-OR-

Pan Roasted Halibut Cheeks
leeks, potato, tomato herb confit

-OR-

Short Rib & Mash
braised beef, cashew brittle, radish, scallions, mash potato

Dessert

Lava Cake

roasted marshmallow, cashew brittle, caramel gelato

-OR-

Citrus Brûlée

lime zest, ginger, shortbread

-OR-

Apple Pot Pie

Free Weekend Events Oct 28-31

2011-10-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Kesler Autograph Signing at Canucks Team Store
First 150 fans to show their 11.12 Pharmasave Canucks calendar at the Team Store at 10am will get a voucher. Signing will take place at 4pm.
Team Store at Rogers Arena
800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver

ya

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Halloween Hunt at Cambie Village
Pumpkin decorating, crafts, magic, costume contest for dogs, chance to win XBox at City Square.
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Cambie Street between West 8th and 18th & City Square

Smirnoff Sampling Live on Location with the Beat94.5
Smirnoff sampling and a chance to win Kanye West and Jay-Z tickets.
12:30pm - 4:30pm

BC Liqor Store

768 Bute Street, Vancouver

Trick-or-Treating at Steveston Village

Kids are invited to go trick-or-treating at participating businesses. There is a costume contest as well. Photos will be taken at Brechin Maclean Photography at 200-3580 Moncton Street.
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Steveston Village, Richmond

7th Annual Night For All Souls
A night of music, flowers, tea, candles and prayers to remember the dead at Mountain View Cemetery.
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Celebration Hall, 5445 Fraser Street at 39th. Avenue, Vancouver

Black Rose Cemetery
Go through the haunted cemetery in the evening. Scary. Suggested $2 donation or a non perishable food (given towards the Vancouver Food Bank)
6:00pm - 10:00pm
2426 Harrison Drive, Vancouver

Thrill the World 2011
Witness zombies dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller simultaneously all over the world!
7:00pm
Roundhouse Turntable Plaza, on Davie St. at Pacific Blvd., Vancouver

Halloween Fireworks
~8:00pm
Gilmore Community School
50 S. Gilmore Avenue, Burnaby

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Threshold Singers
Honouring the tradition of bedside singing
7:00pm
Celebration Hall, 5445 Fraser Street at 39th. Avenue, Vancouver

Black Rose Cemetery
Go through the haunted cemetery in the evening. Scary. Suggested $2 donation or a non perishable food (given towards the Vancouver Food Bank)
6:00pm - 10:00pm
2426 Harrison Drive, Vancouver

Monday, October 31, 2011

Film Screening: Forever
A film about Pere lachaise cemetery in Paris
7:00pm
Celebration Hall, 5445 Fraser Street at 39th. Avenue, Vancouver

Black Rose Cemetary
Go through the haunted cemetery in the evening. Scary. Suggested $2 donation or a non perishable food (given towards the Vancouver Food Bank)
5:00pm - 12:00am
2426 Harrison Drive, Vancouver

Oct 25 - Meet Kevin O'Leary at Chapters

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dragon's Den fans take note! Kevin O'Leary will be at the Chapters on Robson this Tuesday, October 25th. There will be a Q&A session with the ruthless Dragon, followed by a signing of his new book: Cold Hard Truth.

Word of caution: Occupy Vancouver might show up to protest but everything should be peaceful.

When

Tuesday, October 25

7:00pm - 10:00pm

Where

Chapters Robson
788 Robson St, Vancouver, BC

RSVP to the Facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=280151775330452

VanDusen Garden Visitor Centre Grand Opening

2011-10-23T23:49:00.000-07:00

The new Visitor Centre at the VanDusen Botanical Garden is finally open! After several years of planning and construction, the opening ceremony of the 22 million dollar building took place Sunday afternoon with hundreds of people in attendance. Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson, Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore, and Vancouver Park Board chair Aaron Jasper were just some of the people that showed up for this spectacular event.

After the speeches were done, the green ribbon made up of different leaves was cut.

Cutting of the green "ribbon"

Mayor Gregor signing autograph

Live Jazz music

Donor Wall

This amazing building is the greenest building in Vancouver and on it's way to becoming Canada's first certified living building. The unique undulating shape of the building is inspired by an orchid leaf and is designed by renowned architecture firm Perkins+Will. It is solar powered, 100% water-independent and completely carbon and energy neutral. It really is a beautiful and amazing building. If you haven't had a chance to go take a look at it, I recommend that you do.

As part of the celebration, admission to the beautiful VanDusen Garden was free. It was a perfect day to visit the gardens too. The autumn colours are so beautiful, it really is one of the best times to visit the garden.
The garden store was also having a moving sale and I took home some bulbs and spent the rest of the day weeding my garden. Such a beautiful day!

I love, love the reds and yellows of the maples. The colours are so vivid that you have to be there to fully enjoy the experience. It is breathtakingly beautiful.

Taste of Yaletown - Section (3)

2011-10-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Went out to eat on an impulse last night with my sis and coworker. I decided I wanted to try out a restaurant for Taste of Yaletown and looking at Open Table and saw that several restaurants still had reservations available. I choose to go with Section (3) mainly because of the Jumbo Prawns they offered on their menu. Hahah.

The decor was in the spirit of Halloween with skulls hanging from the lights. (Sorry for the red photos. There was a red fluorescent light right above me.)

My sis and I choose to order from the Taste of Yaletown menu while my coworker opted for the traditional menu.

We both ordered the same appetizer: Grilled Lamb Chop with potatoes au gratin. I liked it though K said that it was a tiny bit gamey. I don't know since it doesn't bother me. Eat the lamb chop first because the potatoes are more flavoured than the lamb.

Grilled Lamb Chop
with potatoes au gratin

For my main, I ordered the Butter Poached Jumbo Prawns bacon and lemon garlic cream. SO DELICIOUS. The reason I went to this restaurant did not disappoint. The black stuff you see in the photo is actually spinach. Under the red light, green looks black. lol

Butter Poached Jumbo Prawns
bacon and lemon garlic cream

K ordered the "Shepherd's Pie" and that was pretty good too. I prefer my prawns though.

Braised Beef Short Rib "Shepherd's Pie"
buttermilk whipped mashed potatoes

My coworker ordered yummy ribs which was accompanied by Mac n' Cheese. As you can see his portion was much bigger...but he didn't have an appetizer or dessert.

Ribs and Mac n' Cheese

For dessert, we had Crème Brûlée, which was delicious. The only thing was that the sugar was burnt and SO THICK! It was so hard that it took a lot of force just to break through meanwhile the cream was squishing out. lol

Kahlua Crème Brûlée
caramelized sugar

All in all it was a satisfying meal and the service wasn't bad either.

Here is Section (3)'s full Taste of Yaletown $25 menu:

Appetizer

Grilled Lamb Chop
with potatoes au gratin

-OR-

Golden Beet and Shaved Fennel Salad
with orange segments and fresh dill

Entrée

Butter Poached Jumbo Prawns
bacon and lemon garlic cream

-OR-

Braised Beef Short Rib "Shepherd's Pie"
buttermilk whipped mashed potatoes

-OR-

Pesto Cauliflower Gnocchi
sun-dried tomatoes, Asiago cheese and parsnip crisps

Dessert

Traditional Carrot Cake
cream cheese icing

-OR-

Kahlua Crème Brûlée
caramelized sugar

Free Weekend Events - Oct 21-23

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Not a lot happening this weekend. The biggest event is the Free movies at Cineplex theatres on Saturday. There are also several food related events going on. Remember that Taste of Yaletown is happening until the 30th! So it's a great opportunity to try some Yaletown restaurants out!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Tossed® Grand Opening
769 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Raincity Rap
7:00 – 11:00pm
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre
7646 Prince Albert St. Vancouver

Drambuie Den Vancouver Tasting Event
10:00pm - 1:00am
The New Oxford
1144 Homer StreetVancouver, BC

Savour at Lonsdale Quay
12:00pm - 5:00pm (various activity times)
Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Community Day at Cineplex Theatres
starting at 8:30am (various showtimes)
Various Cineplex theatres across Canada

Burnaby's Farmer's Market
9:00am-2:00pm
Burnaby Village Museum (Carousel Meadow)
6501 Deer Lake Avenue

York House School Fall Market
$4 admission but free if you print out ticket (http://www.yorkhouse.ca/document.doc?id=1201)
10:00am - 4:00pm
York House School
Granville St. and King Edward Ave., Vancouver

10-Kilo Gold Coin Display at Royal Canadian Mint
10:00am - 6:00pm
752 Granville Street
(between Georgia and Robson)

Savour at Lonsdale Quay
11:00am - 3:00pm (various activity times)
Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver

Baker's Market
11:00am - 3:00pm
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre
7646 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver

Raincity Rap
4:00 – 11:00pm
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre
7646 Prince Albert St. Vancouver

Sunday, October 23, 2011

10-Kilo Gold Coin Display at Royal Canadian Mint
11:00am - 5:00pm
752 Granville Street
(between Georgia and Robson)

Savour at Lonsdale Quay
12:00pm - 2:00pm (various activity times)
Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver

“Diwali Downtown” Cultural Extravaganza - I think admission is by donation?
12:00pm – 6:00pm
Roundhouse Community Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver

VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre Open House & Ribbon Cutting
1:00 - 2:00pm (Admission to the Garden is free all day for this day)

Visitor Centre 5151 Oak Street

Vancouver, BC

The Three Musketeers - Movie Review

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

A cocky, young man named D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) leaves home to fulfill his dream to join the Musketeers. Unfortunately, due to a disastrous mission a year ago, the three legendary Musketeers, Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson), and Aramis (Luke Evans), have become cynical, drunk, poor and quite down on their luck. France is now being run by a young boy king who seems to be more interested in the latest fashion than ruling so the church Cardinal holds most of the power who is only held in check by the queen. In hopes of seizing the throne, the Cardinal tries turn the king against the queen with the help of Milady de Winter (Milla Jovovich) by stealing the queen's necklace to implicate her having relations with the Duke of Buckingham (Orlando Bloom) who is currently in the midst of peace talks with the king. Now it is up to D'Artagnan and the Musketeers to retrieve back the stolen jewels and prevent the take over of the throne and all out war.

The movie is amazing! It is full of action, adventure and romance. All the stuff I like. Heheh. Despite being French story, all the characters sounded English to me. Superb acting by the cast. It was hard to image Orlando Bloom as being evil but he was SO EVIL. Being shot in 3D, it is expected that Three Musketeers had lots of cool 3D effects throughout the movie. I wasn't disappointed. Expect to see flying ships, espionage, betrayal and all around good time fun. There were some nice group sword fighting sequences as well as a nail-biting one-on-one between D'Artagnan and Buckingham. The movie is also nicely set up for a sequel. I can't wait!

The Three Musketeers is in theatres this Friday, October 21st, 2011

Free Ticket to Urban Wedding Show (Nov 6)

2011-10-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Getting married or know someone who is? The Urban Wedding Show is offering free tickets to people looking for ideas for their wedding! You'll be able to meet the industry’s hottest vendors and learn about table décor, jewelry, honeymoon ideas, invitations, musicians, photographers, florists and more to plan that perfect wedding at this event so don't miss out! There's also a chance to win over $15,000.00 in prizes!

Just type in 'urban' for the coupon code when registering for the event. Note that one registration will only allow one person to attend. If you wish to bring a friend they must also register with a unique phone number and email address. Enjoy!

When
November 6, 2011
10:00am - 6:00pm

Where
Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel
1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

Source: http://weddingshowvancouver.com/menus/show-pass-coupon-code/

Here's a video preview of what to expect:

Urban Vancouver Wedding Show from Urban Vid on Vimeo.

Oct 20-21 - Tossed® Free Food Gala + Grand Opening

2011-10-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

The first Canadian franchise of Tossed, the healthy meal store will be opening its doors on Friday, October 21st! Made-to-order gourmet salads, crepe wraps and sandwiches are just some of the healthy foods they serve. This is great for people who work downtown and want an alternative to all the fast foods available.

But wait! There's more! On Thursday, October 20th (one day prior to their grand opening), Tossed will hosting a "Free Food Day" and offering customers a free entree from 11am - 2pm! Go and try out their food! While quantities last and I'm sure it'll be popular so get there early!

When
Thursday, October 20th, 2011 11am - 2pm - "Free Food Day" event
Friday, October 21st, 2011 - Grand Opening

Where
Tossed®

769 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Follow Tossed on Twitter and Facebook for up to date details.

Source: http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/860517/tossed-celebrates-its-vancouver-grand-opening-with-free-food-day-on-october-20th

Oct 22 - Community Day at Cineplex Theatres

2011-10-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning, all Cineplex theatres across Canada will be showing free movies for Community Day in support of Starlight Children's Foundation. Regular popcorn, regular fountain drink, and selected candy will be sold for only $2 each with all of the proceeds donated to Starlight Children’s Foundation! Doors open at 8:30 am with the first showing at 9:00 am. Check the website for showtimes at a theatre nearest you: http://www.cineplex.com/Promos/Starlight/Community.aspx

Films include:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Happy Feet
Yogi Bear
Green Lantern
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore

When
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011
8:30am

Where
Various Cineplex theatres across Canada

Oct 21-22 - Raincity Rap

2011-10-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

Learn about the history of Hip Hop in Vancouver. This event will feature key players in the development of Vancouver’s hip hop scene talking about their experiences and expertise. DJ She will providing music all night. Get your tickets to this free event here: raincityrap.eventbrite.com

Featuring:
* Sol Guy * Chin Injeti * DJ Flipout * Ndidi Cascade * Jonathan Simkin * Rob the Viking of the Swollen Members * Moka Only * Red1 of the Rascalz * Discreet Da Chosen 1 * Emotionz * JB the First Lady * Jonathan Simkin * Dr. Charity Marsh * Bill Miller * Ari Wise and more!

When
Friday, October 21st
7:00–11pm

Saturday, October 22nd
4:00–11pm

Where
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre
7646 Prince Albert St. Vancouver

Schedule:

Friday, October 21st

7:00 – 8pm: Open Rehearsal Performance of “Kutz & Dawgs”
8:00 – 8:30/9pm: Keynote SpeakerSol Guy
8:45/9pm – Pioneers Panel: Moderator DJ FlipoutRob the Viking and Moka Only of Swollen Members * Red1 of The Rascalz * Ndidi Cascade * Jeet K * Sol Guy
11:30pm – Networking event, Calabash Bistro, 428 Carrall St. (between Hastings & Pender)**informal, open to public

Saturday, October 22nd

4:00 – 6pm: Music Industry PanelJonathan Simkin * Bill Miller * Martha Rans * Glen Lougheed * Ari Wise * Sarah Webster
7:30 – 8pm: Keynote Speaker Dr. Charity Marsh
8:00 - 10pm: Groundbreakers PanelChin Injeti * Discreet Da Chosen 1 * JB The First Lady * DJ Flipout * Emotionz * Natasha Gorrie
10:00 – 10:45: Youth Hip Hop BattleAges 14 – 24
11:00pm: THE CYPHER official after partyPresented by W2 and The Hastings Set, hosted by Chin Injeti and Ndidi CascadeW2 Woodwards Building, 111 W Hastings St

Oct 20-21 - Drambuie Den Vancouver Tasting Event

2011-10-18T06:00:00.001-07:00

Love Skotch whiskies? DRAMBUIE® is hosting two tasting events in Vancouver! Come out for an evening of original cocktails, snacks, and giveaways on October 20th at The Morrissey Pub and October 21st at The New Oxford.

Thursday, October 20th
8:00pm - 1:00am
The Morrissey Pub
1227 Granville Street,Vancouver, BC
RSVP to the Fadebook event here:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114629895309631

Friday, October 21st
10:00pm - 1:00am
The New Oxford
1144 Homer StreetVancouver, BC
RSVP to the Fadebook event here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=209744579089421

Oct 19-23 - Savour at Lonsdale Quay

2011-10-18T05:59:00.000-07:00

Taste Tours, Lunch & Learn Seminars, Chef Demo, Wine & Cheese, Kids Activities and more!...
Lonsdale Quay Market is sponsoring Savour, a food and beverage festival from Wed Oct 19th until Sun Oct 23rd. Experience fine foods from locally grown produce to imported delicacies. Join the Market Taste Tours, attend Lunch & Learn Seminars, watch Chef demos, savour some wine & cheese and more at this free family friendly event.

Email events@lonsdalequay.com to register for activities. Space is limited so sign up ASAP!

Schedule
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
12pm: Lunch & Learn Seminar - Healthy Snacks Presented by: Vitamin K Nutrition Consulting
5pm: Market Taste Tour

Thursday, October 20, 2011
12pm: Lunch & Learn Seminar - Seafood Tips & Tricks Presented by: Kosta the Fishmonger
5pm: Market Taste Tour

Friday, October 21, 2011
12pm: Lunch & Learn Seminar - Chef Demonstration Presented by: Sharky’s Chophouse
5pm: Market Taste Tour

Saturday, October 22, 2011
11am: Market Taste Tour
12-3pm: Cordon Bleu Kids - Chef Hat Decorating
1-3pm: Lunch & Learn Seminar Wine & Cheese Tasting Presented by: Artisan Wine Shop & Prima Italian Market

Sunday, October 23, 2011
12-3pm: Cordon Bleu Kids - Chef Hat Decorating
1pm: Lunch & Learn Seminar Healthy Eating for Kids Presented by: Vitamin K Nutrition Consulting
2pm: Market Taste Tour

Where
Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver

Source: http://www.lonsdalequay.com/events.cfm

Oct 19-30 - Taste of Yaletown

2011-10-18T00:46:00.000-07:00

The 7th annual Taste of Yaletown will starting this Wednesday. Your favourite restaurants in Yaletown Vancouver will be offering fix-priced 3 course menus. This is a great time to try out that restaurant you've always wanted! Also, a portion of the profits from this event will be donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank!

Here's the list of restaurants and their menus:

Bistro Sakana
View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Brix Restaurant
View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Cento Notti
View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Charm Modern Thai & Bar
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Earl’s Kitchen & Bar
View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

George Lounge
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Glowbal Grill Steaks & Satay
View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Goldfish Seafood & Chops
View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Hamilton Street Grill
View $25 Menu | View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Hapa Izakaya
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Hurricane Grill
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Milestone’s Grill & Bar
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

The New Oxford Public House
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

PHAT (Pretty Hot & Tasty)
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Provence Marinaside
View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Rodney’s Oyster House
View $45 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

r.tl
View $25 Menu | View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Section (3)
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Simply Thai
View $35 Menu | View $45 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Society
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Urban Thai Bistro
View $25 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Yaletown Brewing Company
View $35 Menu | Contact the Restaurant

Here's a teaser on what to expect:

Vancouver Home + Design Show 2011

2011-10-17T00:29:00.000-07:00

So I went to the Vancouver Home + Design show on Saturday with my family. This was perfect timing since we are considering doing major renos on our home and there were a couple of presentations I was interested in seeing.

Watching Ramsin's Reno gave us a lot of ideas on how to save energy and heat.

After that Jillian Harris came on to talk about decorating in your own style. She was pretty popular and drew a large crowd early on. I also found out that one of my co-workers is actually friends with Jillian! What a small world, eh?

Didn't stay to watch any cooking demos but the dishes being prepared looked delicious!

Outside the Fortis house some bacteria were walking around. lol so cute. My dad spent a lot of time inside that house looking at all the energy saving plumbing options.

How cool are these?! These chairs were on display in the centre of the aisle. Each had a before picture on the bottom. There were some pretty creatively decorated ones!

Free Weekend Events - Oct14-16

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 14, 2011

Vancouver Home + Design Show
12:00pm - 9:00pm
Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Fido Casting Call
8:00am - 6:00pm
Coopers Park, Nelson St, Vancouver

Harvest Festival
9:00am-2:00pm
West End Farmer's Market
1100 Block of Comox Street, Vancouver
(across from Nelson Park at Mole Hill)

Burnaby's Farmer's Market
9:00am-2:00pm
Burnaby Village Museum (Carousel Meadow)
6501 Deer Lake Avenue

Travel Expo
10:00am - 5:00pm
Vancouver Convention CentreEast Building
999 Canada Place,Vancouver

Baker's Market - $1 donation to Breast Cancer
11:00am - 3:00pm
Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre
7646 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver

UBC Applefest - $4 admission
11:00am - 4:00pm
UBC Botanical Garden
6804 SW Marine DriveVancouver

Richmond Film "Feastival"
11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm (three movies)
Richmond Cultural Centre
7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond

Pumpkin Fest Sponsored by Park Royal
11:30am- 5:00pm
West Vancouver Community Centre
2121 Marine Drive,West Vancouver

Steveston Scarecrow Crawl and Hayday
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Fisherman's Park (grassy area in front of the Cannery, Steveston, Richmond

Vancouver Home + Design Show
10:00am - 9:00pm
Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Travel Expo
11:00am - 5:00pm
Vancouver Convention CentreEast Building
999 Canada Place,Vancouver

2011 Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market
10:00am - 4:00pm
Corner of Third Avenue & Moncton Street, Richmond, BC

UBC Applefest - $4 admission
11:00am - 4:00pm
UBC Botanical Garden
6804 SW Marine DriveVancouver

Pumpkin Fest Sponsored by Park Royal
11:30am- 5:00pm
West Vancouver Community Centre
2121 Marine Drive,West Vancouver

Vancouver Home + Design Show
10:00am - 6:00pm
Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Footloose - Movie Review

2011-10-13T23:37:00.001-07:00

Footloose is a remake of the 1984 film of the same name which follows Ren McCormack (Kenny Wormald) who moves from Boston to small town Bomont to live with his aunt and uncle after the death of his mother. He makes friends with Willard (Miles Teller) at school and quickly becomes smitten on Rev. Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid)'s rebel daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) who has a bad boyfriend. Through Willard and his classmates, he discovers that dancing and loud rock 'n' roll music is outlawed and decides it is his duty to bring the fun back into town.

I must confess as a person who has never seen the original before, the movie was kind of ho-hum. I think the problem was that they tried to update the movie yet still keep it in the 80s style so it didn't quite mesh. Sure they put in iPods but the rest of the movie seemed to be straight from the 80s including hairstyles and clothing. I also wasn't keen on the dancing style. I loved the footwork but the rest is so...flingy...almost like a seizure.

Ren kind of reminds me of Wade Walker from Crybaby in his looks for some reason. I thought the scene where Ren dances angrily alone in the warehouse was kind of strange and out of the blue but apparently the original movie also had this scene...so it makes sense.

One thing I really loved was the soundtrack! Especially the opening and closing song: Footloose. It is such an awesome song to dance to!

Footloose opens in theatres Friday, October 14, 2011.

FREE Tickets to Vancouver Home + Design Show

2011-10-13T17:04:00.001-07:00

Home and Garden Events on Facebook is awesome enough to give its followers free tickets to the show!
Get a pair of FREE TICKETS with promo code FBFRIEND! Hurry, this special offer is only available to the first 500 people. Click here to get your tix: http://bit.ly/kQWAMn.

Find out more about the show here: http://vancouverhomeanddesignshow.com/.

And remember to follow them on Facebook and thank them! http://www.facebook.com/homeandgardenevents

When
Thursday, October 13 - Sunday, October 16

Where
Vancouver Convention Centre
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Oct 15 - Richmond Film Feastival

2011-10-11T05:00:00.003-07:00

Join Richmond's first film festival featuring food! The Richmond Food Security Society brings you three films for viewing free of charge. Bring your own popcorn!

11 am - Food Security - It's in Your Hands
1pm - Dirt!
3pm - The Garden

Movie details are below (descriptions taken from FB page):

Food Security - It's in Your Hands
This documentary features food producers and farmers of Vancouver Island and how they struggle to provide a continuous, healthy food supply for Island residents in the face of corporate agricultural conglomerates and a population that seems to prefer cheaper, imported food.

Dirt!
Industrial farming, mining, and urban development have endangered the soil and resulted in cataclysmic droughts, starvation, floods, and climate change. How can humans reconnect to dirt — the living skin of the Earth?

The Garden
From the ashes of the L.A. riots arose a lush, 14-acre community garden, the largest of its kind in the United States. Now bulldozers threaten its future.

When
Saturday, October 15th
11:00am - 5:00pm

Where
Richmond Cultural Centre
7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond

RSVP to the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=278505478845920