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Le Marche St. George Winter Shop & Pics With Santa Is Moving To Mount Pleasant

1 Dec

LeMarcheSt.GeorgeWinterShop2015It’s Winter time at Le Marche St. George, 4393 St. Georgia (at 28th Avenue). This past weekend, I enjoyed the perfect mocha at this idyllic spot after a leisurely walk around QE Park.  Le Marche St. George is decked out for Christmas in a beautiful under stated way which makes it the perfect spot to get cozy with someone on a cold day. Another reason to go is their Winter Shop located upstairs. This is where they have a beautifully decked out display of items including ceramics by Janakin Larsen, photography by Klee Larsen, women’s outerwear and accessories by Mandula and much more.   They have some beautiful photos online with pricing, if you wish to take a look online. We learnt that due to one disgruntled neighbor, The Winter Shop was moving and have learnt their new location will be 11 East 7th Avenue. It will open this Saturday, December 5th at 10:00 am and will be continue at this location until December 22nd. In the meantime, show some love for this great spot which is a hop, skip and jump away from the Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium and a perfect place to warm up after a shop at the market.  This Saturday, Le Marche St. George had planned to host pictures with Santa from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm by donation with all  proceeds raised going towards assisting Syrian refugees settling in Vancouver. This event may be moved to their new location as well. Stay tuned.

Photo Credit: Le Marche St. George

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Christmas Drive-In Movies At River District December 11 & 12

30 Nov

ElfMovieWell it’s time to bundle up, load up the car and head down to River District to watch a Christmas classic movie.  If you’ve never experienced a drive-in movie, here’s your chance. Happening December 11th and 12th with 2 movies each evening, it will be a nice break from the hustle and bustle that will invariably come with the holiday season.  Fresh Air Cinema will be hosting Canada’s only Christmas Drive-In.  The movie line up includes:

Friday, December 11 at 7:00 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Friday, December 11 at 9:30 pm – A Christmas Story
Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 pm –The Polar Express
Saturday, December 12 at 9:30 pm – Elf

The River District Drive-In is located at 3650 E. Kent Avenue South which is located just west of Boundary Way and before Kinross Street in SE Vancouver.  River District will provide you with the FM station for audio, so a working radio/FM station and free popcorn to round out your experience. The cost is $20 for a carload pass which entitles you to one vehicle, yourself and 7 guests.  Tickets are available for purchase online at Picatic.com or click on the link of the movie you wish to see above.

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Shop Local: Check Out These East Van Businesses With A Great Online Store

27 Nov

WinterChristmasBlueChristmas is officially less than one month away.  We here at IliveInEastVan.com are big fans of supporting local. With that in mind, we would like to highlight some of the many East Van businesses and artisans that have an online shop which of course allows you to shop from your laptop, home computer or your smart phone.  Some will even offer a pick up service so you can save money on shipping costs.   We’ve tried to include a variety of businesses, but if you think there’s one that should be listed that isn’t, we invite you to drop us a line. Note, we have included a link to each business, just click on their name.

ANTIPOD Workshop

ANTIPOD Workshop is a creative design studio with a focus on bold textiles in particular, handmade pillows. They are made by transplanted local Stephanie Symns who hails from New Zealand. Thus, the name of her business. Antipod which is an affectionate term for a Kiwi or Aussie.  Did we mention, Stephanie also holds workshops on how to make the pillows yourself should you be so inclined. Or you can check out her bold collection online anytime.

Bird On A Wire Creations

This is a great shop located in Mount Pleasant at 2535 Main Street. Bird on a Wire Creations supports artists, artisans and the buy local movement. They curate Vancouver’s best art and artisanal objects and all one-of-a-kind and handmade.   They have a large selection instore and online and free shipping in Canada for all orders over $100.

BB Gun Leather

Locally made here in Strathcona by Spencer Baker and Dustin Bentall. BB Gun Leather makes a range of leather products including bags, wallets, belts, guitar straps, purses and small luggage. Did we mention the beautiful designs?  Their working studio is located 1133 Keefer Street and their online store available 24/7.

Beta 5 Chocolates 

Award winning chocolates, need we say more?  Purchases can be made online or you can visit them in person at 413 Industrial Avenue (off Main Street).

Dilly Dally Kids

Dilly Dally is an independent toy store that likes to inspire play and creativity.   They carry toys made from around the world including a great selection of wooden toys which also make great heirlooms to be passed on to future generations.  They are located on The Drive at 1161 Commercial Street and have a great online store.  Note, they are also offering free shipping for orders over $100.

Fable Naturals

Fable Naturals is based in Mount Pleasant and makes a line of fair trade certified bath and body products. They are inspired by locally sourced ingredients as well as ethically sourced ingredients from afar. All of their products are made by hand in small batches in their Mount Pleasant studio. Their line includes organic lip balms, skin exfoliators, moisturizers, soaps, lotions, body wash, sugar scrubs and more. You will find Gwen and Chris at craft and artisan fairs this holiday season including TOQUE on December 5 & 6.  They also have a great online store. Right now, if you sign up for their newsletter, receive $5 off your first order.

June Hunter

Truth be told, we love June Hunter, have for many years.  Many of her pieces whether art or jewellery are inspired by the nature that surrounds us and well that speaks to us.  You will also find June Hunter in many of the craft and artisan fairs this holiday season as well as her Festive Studio Sale on December 11th and 12th at her East Van studio.  Her online shop is currently offering 20% off until Monday, November 30th.

Good Sips Cocktail Emporium

Know someone that loves entertaining and enjoys making great cocktails, then you should check out Good Sips Cocktail Emporium.  They have everything to make the perfect cocktail minus the alcohol, think bitters, syrups, cocktail shakers, martini glasses, flasks, recipe books and so much more. If you can’t decide online, you can check out their store at 339 E. Broadway.  For those wishing to make an online purchase, note they are offering FREE shipping till the end of November for all orders over $20.

Gourmet Warehouse

If you have a foodie in your life, this is the place to go whether in store or online. They have everything for the cook, baker and entertainer. The store is an array of choices which include olive oils, balsamic vinegars, salts, sauces, cookbooks, jams and of course all the utensils needed to cook and bake everything.  You can find their physical location at 1340 East Hastings (at Clark Drive).

Grubwear

Mike Jackson’s Grubwear Brand of clothing was born out of the back of a Honda Civic hatchback way back in the day. Today he is located in Mount Pleasant at 617 Kingsway in a very happening area just around the corner from Robson Park.  He has a great selection of t-shirts, bags, hoodies and hats many that will showcase your East Van pride.   His online store features the full line up clothing.

Marsh&Mallow

Decadent gourmet handmade marshmallows made by Carly Bloch in some truly amazing flavours such as Salted Caramel, Holiday Mint Chocolate and Classic Baileys and Cream. You can order her marshmallows 24/7 online and what a great stocking stuffer or house warming gift these would make.  You can also find her marshmallow at Much & Little at 2541 Main Street or visit Carly at the Baker’s Market on December 6th & 13th at the Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre.

Neighbourhood Threads

Love where you live?  Then you may wish to check out their East Van toque for $35 available online only from Neighbourhood Threads.

The Makerstore

The MakerLabs at 780 East Cordova Street has recently launched a retail space on the first floor of this working studio which is open from Noon to 9:00 pm daily.  If you are unfamiliar with the MakerLabs, it is a 26,000 square foot that provides people with the tools, space and skills to make just about anything.  There are many great artisans working out of this space and their products are also available online 24/7.

If  you wish to give a gift basket this holiday season, whether large or small, practical or not, we invite you to check to check out any one of the following:

By Broken Arrow – An East Van Gifter
Wantful Gift Boxes
SPUD Vancouver
Saul Good Gift Company

We are passionate about supporting local. We hope you are too. Happy shopping.Manu MohanChristmasTree

 

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Cooking Classes: Holiday Entertaining & Sweet Treats To Gift At The Uncommon Cafe

26 Nov

TartineMaplePuffThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting some fun cooking classes which will help you with your holiday entertaining and/or gift giving or possibly both.  Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading two classes this December.  Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park.  This December they are collaborating and offering two cooking classes Holidays Entertaining and Sweet Treats to Gifts.

On December 2nd, the cooking class is all about entertaining for the holidays.  Valentine will show you the endless possibilities of puff pastry. Learn both sweet and savory variations including brie & cranberry squares, palmiers and apple roses to wow your guests.  This is a hands on class and you will get to eat everything that is made during the class. Oh and did we mention, there will be champagne for sipping while you take this class.  You are asked to bring containers so you can take some of creations home, that is if you don’t eat them all. This Holiday Entertaining class is  $60 and runs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  To register, visit Eventbrite. Register by November 29th and save $10.

On December 16th, learn how to make marshmallows, we are hearing much easier than one might think as well as caramels and truffles. All can be tweaked to individual tastes so you can create your own unique flavours to either give away as gifts or keep for entertaining.  Experience is not required for these classes, but a few items would be handy to make these items at home including a good mixer, a cooking thermostat and baking pans. This is also a hands on class and yes again with champagne!  Don’t forget to bring some containers to take home the treats you’ve made.  The Sweet Treats to Gift class is $60 and also runs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  To register, visit Eventbrite. If you register by December 9th, save $10.

CookingClass

Bon appetit!

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Christmas On The Drive – Free Community Event Saturday November 28

25 Nov

XmasTheDriveThe Commercial Drive Business Society is hosting Christmas On The Drive this Saturday, November 28th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.   This popular event is back for another fun filled day with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Christmas.  You can expect pictures with Santa, a Main Stage featuring live music and carolers and horse drawn carriage rides which start across the street from Fets Whiskey Kitchen. There will be also be some food carts on hand, plus an Interactive Kids Area which will have caricatures, face painting and a craft area.   To top everything off, there will be a tree lighting at 5:00 pm.  This is a free community event for residents of the Grandview-Woodland area.  Come on out and get into the Christmas spirit.

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Rescue Me: Pearl & Blue Are Seniors Looking For Their Forever Home

24 Nov

Pearl&BlueDid you know November was adopt a senior month?  In that spirit, in our next installment of Rescue Me, in which we feature pets waiting for adoption at the Vancouver SPCA, we would like to introduce you to Pearl and Blue.  They are 9 years of age and mixed breed dogs German Shepherd Cross and Collie Cross. These two are a bonded pair and are ONLY to be adopted together. Pearl and her sister Blue, have not had the best start in life.  Prior to coming to the BC SPCA, these sisters spent every second together as they were tethered most of their lives. They ate together from the same bowl and were virtually attached at the hip. What is fabulous about these girls, is that everything is new to them like puppies, so they are experiencing the wonders of the world and smells.  These are 2 very sweet dogs that deserve a chance at a happy life.  Our friends at the Vancouver SPCA tell us that Pearl and Blue are both very loving dogs and are ready to enjoy all of the perks a cherished indoor family pet gets to experience. That said, they do need patient and understanding guardians who can help them adjust and settle into cushy retirement paradise. These girls enjoy leisurely walks, but won’t require hours and hours of physical activity. Due to their inexperience, the Vancouver SPCA thinks that small children may not be suitable and they should be the only pets in the home.  We hear that cats have proven to be a little too fun to chase. The girls will shortly be getting a professional groom and then then they will be ready to go to their forever home. If you think you can give these girls a home or know someone that could, the Vancouver SPCA Shelter would love to hear from you. You can find them at 1205 East 7th Avenue or you can reach them by telephone at 604-879-7721 or by email at vancouver@spca.bc.ca.

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Christmas Market At The Italian Cultural Centre November 20

18 Nov

ItalianNightMarketXmasThe Italian Cultural Centre invites you to their first Christmas Market on Friday, November 20th. They have a great line up of vendors for this market. Some you will recognize from their outdoor markets this summer like Bob Ali that makes the most amazing hummus and Orazio’s Olive Oil.  There will be lots of new vendors on hand for those that wish to make a start on their Christmas shopping such as Umbrella Bird Jewellery, Kalala Organic Estate Winery, Birch & Balsam, Thirsty Wale Elixirs, Albert’s Jams, The Little Art Room, Odd Society Spirits and Marc Simpson Wines. For those that get a little hungry while shopping, there will be a few food trucks on hand including Reel Mac & Cheese Food Truck, Cannoli King Food Truck and Cheeses Crust Food Truck.  The Italian Cultural Centre is located at 3075 Slocan Street (at Grandview Highway). The Christmas Market will run from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm  We expect this will be another great market. See you there!

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Rescue Me: Marjorie 9 Year Old Tabby Looking For Her Forever Home

17 Nov

MarjorieWelcome 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 Marjorie.  She is a 9 year old tabby cat.  Our friends at the Vancouver SPCA tell us that Marjorie is a terrific cat.  We hear that she puts the A in affection and heads butts are her specialty. This lovely girl will begin purring as soon as she sees you. Marjorie has lived with a gentle dog in the past, but the Vancouver SPCA thinks she would probably prefer to be just with you. She enjoys watching the goings-on at a busy window and is best suited to a calm home with adults or cat savvy older kids. Marjorie does require a special diet due to some renal issues and will require ongoing vet care with regular blood work. Otherwise, Marjorie is a happy, healthy, loving girl. If you think you can give her a forever home, the Vancouver SPCA Shelter would love to hear from you. You can find them at 1205 East 7th Avenue or you can reach them by telephone at 604-879-7721 or by email at vancouver@spca.bc.ca. UPDATE Marjorie has found her forever home.

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The Baker’s Market Returns This Winter

16 Nov

BakersMarketWinter2015The Baker’s Market is back for just a few markets this holiday season.   This market is truly “one of the sweetest events in Vancouver”.  This community based event brings together local baking enthusiasts, pastry students, mommy bakers as well as budding entrepreneurs. If you are looking for some amazing Christmas baking, but don’t have the time to do it all yourself, this is where you should be headed.   Some of the delicious things you will find include exquisite French macarons by J’adore les Macarons, handmade caramels and chocolates by Caramel & Company with some delish flavours such as Raspberry Earl Grey, Mango Coconut and Smoked Chili Chocolate. The Scone Queen will be on hand and we are hearing quite a bit of buzz about this vendor. Flavours you can expect for the Baker’s Market include aged cheddar and chive, Cardamom and dried currant, dried sour cherry and white chocolate and apple and aged cheddar. Some other vendors on hand include Apricus & Co. with gluten free goodies, Matcha & More and a personal favourite Marsh&Mallow with gourmet handmade marshmallows.  Each week you will find a different group of bakers, so the offerings will vary each week, but some of the goodies you can expect to find include cakes, muffins, brownies, handmade chocolates, Belgian waffles, scones, preserves, breads, tarts, Christmas baking and much more. The Baker’s Market will be held at Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre, 7646 Prince Albert Street (60th & Fraser).  Admission to the market is free, there is ample parking and our favourite part, lots of samples! So come out and support your local talented creative bakers. The markets take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on November 29th, December 6th and 13th.

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Rogue Florist Hosting Wreath Making Workshop At Studio 126

13 Nov

WreathWorkshopStudio 126, located at 126 East Pender Street, is hosting a wreath making workshop on Wednesday, November 25th.  Kerri Pfeifer of Rogue Florist will be leading this 3 hour workshop in which you will learn to make a one-of-a-kind nature inspired wreath for the holiday season.  During the workshop, you will  learn to add and conceal water tubes for adding fresh flowers as well as a few other tips. You will, of course, go home with your own beautiful hand-made wreath.  Samples of Rogue Florist’s wild and natural wreaths will be available for inspiration.  As the workshop has limited seating, you will get plenty of one-on-one time assistance with your wreath.  The workshop is $100 and includes all materials and light refreshments and gets under way at 6:30 pm. To register, visit Studio 126.

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