On today’s Foto Friday, we’ve invited Benee Rubin to share some of her amazing photos of street art that she has taken on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. If you are unfamiliar with the name, Benee Rubin is a local jewellery designer and goldsmith. One of her projects that previously caught our eye was the East Van Cross Jewellery which she created to help raise funds for Crabtree Corner. Crabtree Corner helps marginalized women and families living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Benee has also takes amazing photographs of graffiti art which we would like to share with you today. If you would like to check out more of Benee’s work, whether her jewellery or her photos, we invite you to check out her website Benee.com. We hope you enjoy the amazing art she is able to capture in these photos.
Foto Friday – We Feature Photos of Graffiti Art In East Van By Benee Rubin
29 Apr
Treat Your Mom To A Brunch Tour Saturday May 7th
28 Apr
Want to do something tasty and fun with your mom for Mother’s Day? Well Off The Eaten Track Tours is offering their Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour in the heart of the East Village with a discount on Saturday, May 7th. You are invited to join them on Saturday morning at 9:30 am to meet some local businesses and nosh your way through a progressive brunch. On this tour, you will visit 5 culinary spots including a 35-year old Italian deli, a funky southern restaurant, a bakery, a local butcher shop and Vancouver’s smallest tea shop. There are only 10 spaces available on this tour. If you wish to get your seats, be sure to use the promo code TREATMOM to receive a 10% discount. For more information on the tour, or to purchase your spots, visit Vancouver’s Best Brunch Tour.
Photo Credit: Off The Eaten Track
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Some Great Ways To Shop Local This Weekend
27 Apr
If you have some gift shopping to do whether a baby shower, wedding shower, birthday or Mother’s Day, there are some great opportunities to shop local this weekend. Each spot will have perfect items for gift giving whatever you may be shopping for. First up, there is the:
Modern Fort – The Market That Gives Back – Saturday, April 30th
The Modern Fort is hosting The Market That Gives Back which is also a fundraising event benefitting families with austism. The market happens this Saturday, April 30th at The Aviary, 637 East 15th Avenue from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. All participating vendors will be donating a percentage of their sales to Canucks Autism Network. Some of the local businesses on hand include Loulou Lollipop, Emerson Apparel, Giving Gifts, Linden’s Art Gallery, K’Pure and a photo session with East Van’s Klik Photographic.
Giving Gifts 3rd Anniversary Party – Sunday, May 1st
Giving Gifts is a great cooperative shop with an ethical focus located at 4075 Main Street. This Sunday, May 1st they are having their 3rd Anniversary Party so along with balloons and treats, there will be some deals to be had as well as an opportunity to win a $300 gift certificate to the store. The celebration gets under way at 2:00 pm and goes till 5:00 pm.
June Hunter Spring Studio Sale April 29th – May 1st
June Hunter is opening up her East Van Studio for a Spring Sale this weekend from April 29th to May 1st. June’s studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew Street). You can expect to find jewellery, tiles, wood panel prints, photo prints and unique pieces of art and yes, sale prices as well. Nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic spots around East Van. You can check it out for yourself on Friday, April 29th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday this weekend from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Winter Farmers Market – Hastings Park Sunday May 1st
Lastly, if you have a foodie in your life, we recommend the last winter farmers market of the season at Hastings Park which happens this Sunday, May 1st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. You are sure to find something delectable that makes a great gift, or a collection of a few items from this market.
Photo Credit: June Hunter Images
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Spring & Summer Farmer Markets In East Van
26 Apr
The warm Spring weather is now here which also means more great local produce. We are fortunate to have yet another season of farmers markets lined up which offers us not only produce, but handmade goods, artisans breads, locally made jams, cheese, free range and organic eggs and of course wineries, breweries and makers of spirits are now on hand offering tastings as well. Each market is unique and offers a little something different. Trout Lake is the largest and a great place to sit down and have a picnic on the spot at the park with your new purchases. River District is one of the smaller markets situated just below Marine Drive at the foot of Kerr Street in SE Vancouver, but generally different vendors than the markets organized by Vancouver Farmers Market. Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is also smaller than Trout Lake, but we love that it’s on a Sunday so giving some options when faced with a busy weekend. The Italian Market is held on Friday afternoons in front of the Italian Cultural Centre and is a personal favourite. Along with produce, you will find artisans, food trucks, coffee and more. The added bonus is the Italian Cultural Centre usually has a number of other events going on including art on display, live music and/or dancing. The Main Street Farmers Market is a great afternoon market and perfect for those just leaving downtown for home, or a quick cycle from Mount Pleasant and the Olympic Village. We have set out below the dates when the markets begin and end for the Spring/Summer season.
Trout Lake Farmers Market:
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday May 7th – October 22nd
Location: North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake between Templeton and Lakewood south of the 13th Avenue Alley
Main Street Station Farmers Market:
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday June 1st to October 5th
Location: 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park across from the VIA Rail Station and near the Main St Skytrain Station
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market:
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Sunday June 12th – October 9th
Location: Guelph Street between 7th & 8th Avenues (on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park)
River District Farmers Market:
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Every Saturday May 14th – October 15th
Location: 8683 Kerr Street (at E. Kent Avenue S.)
Il Mercato: Italian Market:
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
June 17th, July 15th and August 19th
Location: Il Centro, Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street (off Grandview Highway)
We encourage you to come out and support these local producers and vendors.
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Main Street Vinyl Record Fair XIII May 1 At The Heritage Hall
25 Apr
If you love vinyl, you may wish to check out the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair on Sunday, May 1st.. The event takes place at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or trade new and/or used vinyl records, this is certainly the place to be. You can expect to find LPs, 45s, 78s, turntables, vintage audio gear, record storage and more with over 50 independent vendors. That translates to over 50,000 vinyl records on sale. If you are looking to discover rare records and/or stock up on bargain classics, we invite you to stop by the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair on May 1st. Admission is $4.00 for adults, kids are free.
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Foto Friday – The Ethereal Clouds Over East Van
22 Apr
On this week’s Foto Friday we would like to feature some of the amazing cloud formations that cast an ethereal glow over East Van every now and again. Full disclosure though, we’ve had a fascination with clouds from a very young age. I have fond memories of lying on the front lawn of our East Van home and guessing what each cloud formation shape represented, was it a sheep, a dog, a horse or rabbit, it was free flowing brainstorming at a very young age. So we’ve managed to capture a few pics of some of the beautiful cloud formations over East Van and share them with you today. Happy Friday.
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Rescue Me: Tuxedo Cat Ruby Looking For Her Forever Home
21 Apr
Welcome to the next installment of Rescue Me in which we feature pets waiting for adoption at the Vancouver SPCA. Today we would like to introduce you to a darling cat, Ruby. This sweet friendly girl is desperately hoping for her forever home this time around. Ruby who is 4 years old was adopted 3 years ago from the Vancouver SPCA but was returned when her guardians had a baby. She’s an active girl who loves to play. Thus, a home with lots of toys and climbing posts to keep her stimulated is best. Ruby can be a little shy with strangers, but we hear once she warms up to you, she will be rolling around for your attention and pets. If you think you could give this tuxedo beauty a forever home the Vancouver SPCA Shelter would love to hear from you. You can find them at 1205 East 7th Avenue or by telephone at 604-879-7721 or by email at vancouver@spca.bc.ca.
UPDATED May 2, 2016: Ruby found her forever home.
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Make It Vancouver! At The PNE Forum April 22-24
20 Apr
In case you hadn’t heard, one of Vancouver’s biggest showcases for one-of-a-kind handmade goods comes to East Van this weekend, Make It Vancouver! It’s their Spring show with almost 200 makers, designers, artisans and crafters. As you might expect, there will be an amazing selection of items including fashion, accessories, jewellery, art, baby items, home décor and our personal favourite, food! There is great line up of vendors including some favourites such as French Made Baking, Rootables, The Salt Dispensary, Trudy Ann’s Chai & Spices, Jules & Kent and The Local Churn to a name a few. On deck for home décor is another strong line up and includes a personal favourite we’ve featured here previously on the site East Van Light. If you are looking for some gift items whether for Mother’s Day or an upcoming birthday, this is the place to be. And if you think it’s all for the women, think again. There will be something for everyone on hand. Add to that, for all you hungry shoppers, there will be food trucks and a beer garden. Make It Vancouver! takes place at the PNE Forum on Friday, April 22nd from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, then continues on Saturday, April 23rd from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm with their last day being, Sunday, April 24th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $5 at the door which allows you to shop all of the 3 days, admission is free for kids 12 and under. See you there.
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New In Town: Me & Monty Dog Spa Products
19 Apr
Here at ILiveInEastVan.com we love featuring local East Van businesses and makers. Today we would like to introduce you to Marina Hebert and her new business, Me & Monty Dog Spa Products. As a dog owner, Marina’s product caught our eye. Marina lives in East Van off Commercial Drive with her partner, daughter, Isabel, their dog Monty (pictured) and a rotating cast of foster animals. Marina has a passion for animals and animal welfare and has been volunteering in this area for several years. Her professional background is in non-profit administration and development which should bode well as she embarks on this new adventure featuring natural care products for dogs. She has been making soap as a hobby for a number of years and began taking classes at Vancouver Soap Making School. She considered starting a business after adopting her Chihuahua, Monty. Marina had difficulty locating natural, organic grooming products for him that were dog-safe. So Marina embarked on a course at EMBERS Eastside Movement For Business and Economic Renewal Society from which she continues to receive mentorship as her business grows.
Marina sources all her products locally and purchases organic whenever possible. We like that Me & Monty Dog Spa Products do not contain any palm oil, artificial scents, preservatives, sulfates or animal ingredients. Marina currently makes 3 products, bar soap, dog shampoo and nose & paw butter. All the products are 100% safe for consumption should the dogs lick or ingest any of the product. Prices range from $14 for the 5 ounce bar soap, $14.50 for the nose & paw butter and $13.50 for the 8 ounce dog shampoo and $26 for the 16 ounce bottle. You can find Me & Monty Dog Spa Products at The Bloom Bloom Room in New Westminster, The Moonlight Dog Cafe and Long Live Cats and Dogs on East Hastings Street. You can also purchase products online via her Etsy Shop with pick up available in East Vancouver. You can also expect to see her products available at local groomers soon. Should you be one, she offers free sample packs to try out her products. We invite you to check out Me & Monty Dog Spa Products and look forward to seeing more of Me & Monty Dog Spa Products in and around the City.
Photo Credit: Karla Wakefield Photography
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East Van Bazaar Is At The Wise Hall Sunday May 8th
18 AprT
he East Van Bazaar is back on Sunday, May 8th at the Wise Hall. If you didn’t catch the previous one in March, you missed out on one great event. The organizers put together a really great mix of local makers. This upcoming Bazaar falls on Mother’s Day so it’s a great opportunity to bring mom to check out our thriving community of artists, or pick up something special for mom if you haven’t already. You can expect to find an array of items including hand-crafted jewelry, local wood sculptures, new gadgets, cards, oddities and collectibles, cool handmade items or vintage reworks. They will have over 40 vendors including Tea Lani with specialty teas, jewellery designs by Larki Designs, Shab Nar Jewellery, Rish Jewellery and Crisp Bones, Pinch with all natural deodorant which I know a number of people have been on the hunt for. For a full rundown of vendors, visit East Van Bazaar. There will also be live music and a DJ on hand as well as food and drink vendors. The event kicks off at Noon and runs till 5:00 pm. Admission is a suggested $2 donation. We invite you to pop down and check out this local talent.
ILiveInEastVan.com 