Tag Archives: ILiveInEastVan

Shop Local: East Van Stores That Support Local Makers

8 Dec

There are lots of opportunities to shop local this holiday season. There are, of course, lots of holiday markets this time of year, but if you prefer a more low key shopping experience, we invite you to check out some of the local East Van stores which regularly stock items for many local makers. We’ve set out a list of some of our favourites below. Whether you visit them in person or online, we are sure they appreciate your support in shopping local.

Arts Off Main (1704 Charles Street)

Arts Off Main is just a few steps from Commercial Drive and is a collective art gallery that features local artists. You will find paintings, art cards, jewellery, ceramics and more.

Esthette Lifestyle Shop (3567 Commercial Street)

Esthette Lifestyle Shop is located directly next door to Second Nature Home on Commercial Street (not Drive) in Cedar Cottage. This boutique features ethically sourced, small batch handmade goods.  Lots of items for the home, gifts for all ages including books, stationary and puzzles.

Second Nature Home (3565 Commercial Street)

Second Nature Home is a home décor boutique located at 3565 Commercial Street in Cedar Cottage.  The store has a wide range of items outside of home décor including  jewellery, gifts for the foodie in your life, something cute for the new baby or new mom and much more. They usually have extended hours running up to Christmas. Be sure to pay them a visit.

Giving Gifts (4570 Main Street)

Giving Gifts is a very cool space located at 4570 Main Street. The store tucked between 30th & 29th Avenue is made of up 5 rooms packed with items from 100 local as well as fair trade artists from around the world.  It is a gift giving boutique so you will easily be able to pick up a few gifts for just about any age.

Jackson’s General Store (1490 Dumfries Street)

Jackson’s General Store located at 1490 Kingsway (at Dumfries) near Knight Street. This space is the epitome of cool with a distinct retro vibe. Store owner, Mike Jackson, has created an eclectic mix of unique items in store which features clothing, gourmet food, books and if you are looking for a candy fix that is a blast from the past, this is your spot.

The Coast Goods (1302 Victoria Drive)

The Coast Goods is a sweet shop nestled away in the heart of the residential area at 1302 Victoria Drive. This is great neighbourhood shop that focuses on ethically sourced home decor and giftware again supporting our local independent artisans. Be sure to check them out and give them a follow on Instagram.

Olive & Wild (4391 Main Street)

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention this beautiful shop located at 4391 Main Street. They have an amazing array of home decor items and lots of great things on hand for gift giving. They feature local as well as international artists.

Why is it important to shop local?  “for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $64 is re-circulated back into our BC economy versus $14 for multi nationals. Why? Because locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.”

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Bring Your Own Bag Now In Effect In Vancouver

2 Jan

In case you missed the memo, a ban on plastic and compostable plastic shopping bags went into effect January 1, 2022. With this also comes fees on paper and new reusable shopping bags, a minimum of $0.15 for paper bags and $1.00 for reusable bags. These fees are scheduled to increase in 2023 to $0.25 for paper bags and $2.00 per reusable shopping bag.  

Why the ban? In case you hadn’t heard waste from plastic bags pose a serious environmental danger to human and animal health.   Did you know in 2018, 89 million plastic shopping bags and 4 million paper shopping bags were thrown away in the garbage in Vancouver. According to the Great Canadian Shore Cleanup, plastics bags with the 6th most common type of litter found on the shorelines in 2019.

For more information on the City’s new by-laws and some exemptions that apply to facilities such as hospitals, pharmacies and community care facilities, visit the City of Vancouver.

If you need to stock up on some styling reusable sturdy totes, visit ILiveInEastVan online for a selection of canvas and nylon totes.

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Happy New Year East Van!

31 Dec

2021 has certainly been a year for the history books. Although there were many positives, it was a challenging year for so many. We truly hope 2022 is a brighter year that brings peace, joy and a little love.

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ILiveInEastVan Collaborates With ScouterWear To Bring You Custom ILIEV Dog Coats

13 Dec

We are excited to share a new and rather unique collaboration for all the dog lovers. Are you crafty with the sewing machine, or want to learn how to be? ILiveInEastVan is collaborating with ScouterWear, Our Social Fabric and Pets & Friends to provide you with the opportunity to create your own custom dog coats featuring the new reflective LiveInEastVan patch.

If you are a dog lover and have tried to purchase a dog coat off the shelf, you will often find that the fit isn’t quite right.  It’s a bit like goldilocks and the 3 bears, this one is too big, this one is too small, but we have solution for a fit that’s just right.

Jill Bartlett, the founder of ScouterWear, has been creating custom dog coats for over 5 years now. Jill soon realized the demand for her custom fit dog coats was high.  She put her extensive design and eLearning background to work and launched SewReady Maker Kits. These kits include everything you need to make your own custom fitting dog coat. This gives you the satisfaction of creating something special with your own hands for your furry best friend. Add to that, it’s also a perfectly custom-fit coat that can be worn for years to come.   

ILiveInEastVan is providing new custom reflective patches for the ILiveInEastVan SewReady Maker Kits. Our Social Fabric, a local non profit fabric stores that sells donated fabrics to keep out of the landfill, has offered generous discounts on the fabrics for the SewReady Maker Kits. Then we have the amazing organization Pets & Friends which is a local non profit that promotes the healing comfort and companionship of animals through therapy visits in hospitals, care facilities and universities since 1982.  Pets & Friends will be receiving 10% of the sale proceeds of all ILiveInEastVan SewReady Maker Kits.

If you already have a dog coat and wish to purchase only the new reflective ILiveInEastVan patch to iron on, or sew on, you can purchase them online in our Etsy Shop – ILiveInEastVan. Are you ready to purchase your ILiveInEastVan SewReady Maker Kit for yourself, or a friend?   We invite you to visit ScouterWear to make your online purchase.

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Shop Local: Great Gift Ideas Under $75

7 Dec

Shopping local has taken on greater meaning during the pandemic for a number reasons and people are embracing it wholeheartedly which is great to see. There are so many great opportunities to support local with gift giving this holiday season. We are highlighting below some of our great local finds under $75 which are perfect for gift giving this holiday season.

Santa Stops Here Gift Box by Swiss Bakery $50

Swiss Bakery, 143 East 3rd Avenue, is a beloved Mount Pleasant destination and long standing business in the community.   This year they are offering a Santa Stops Here Gift Box that includes:

1 Stollen (without marzipan)
2 Gingerbread Man and Woman
1 Just Tea Tin
1 Christmas Cookies Pack

Attending Christmas dinner where someone else is doing all the cooking?  What a perfect hostess gift to bring.   Visit Swiss Bakery to order online. Curbside pick up and delivery is available.

Handcrafted Wooden Lit Stars By Roman & Ash Design $60

If you are looking for a unique sustainable gift that will last for years to come, consider these wooden lit stars handcrafted by Johnny Defazio of Roman & Ash Design.   This star pictured is $60 with lights included. Should you wish a different design or shape say a Christmas tree, Johnny does custom work as well.  Feel free to contact him directly via Instagram @johnny_defazio.

Cocktail Kits By Odd Society Spirits $34 – $58

Local distiller Odd Society Spirits is offering a number of delectable cocktail kits perfect for gift giving this holiday season. Some of the selection includes Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit for $50 using their Commodore Single Malt Whiskey, or there’s the Thornton Park Cocktail Kit using their Wallflower Gin and Crème de Cassis for $58 as well as the Modern Hound Kit using their East Van Vodka for $34. These are just a few, to see all the cocktail kits, visit them at Odd Society Spirits. Curbside pick up is available.

Cheesemonger Gift Box By les amis du FROMAGE $65

Have a cheese lover in your life? If so, check out the Classic Cheesemonger Gift Box from les amis du FROMAGE which includes 3 pieces of cheese, a Divina Orange Fig preserve and Carr’s crackers.   You have the option to add more cheese and characuterie if you wish. Visit them only to place your order to see all the delish options.

ILiveInEastVan Totes $30 – $35

We would be remiss if we didn’t include our ILiveInEastVan totes in the mix. Available online for delivery or curbside pick up.  Prices range from $30 – $35. You can visit our Etsy Shop online and while there, check out the new ILiveInEastVan reflective patches that can be sewn on or ironed on to whatever you choose for $12.50. They make a great stocking stuffer.

East Van Jam Mini Sets $17

We love East Van Jam anytime of the year for their more love, less sugar frame of mind. We are also big fans of edible gifts and what a perfect hostess or holiday gift this season than a mini set of delish spreads with a variety of flavours and unique names. Made locally with BC produce, how much more local can you get? This set is available online from a favourite gift shop, Plenty + Spare in Hastings Sunrise.

June Hunter’s City Crow Calendar 2022 $25

The 7th Annual City Crow Calendar 2022 Edition by June Hunter is now available for sale online for $25. Not only does one get the crow photographs, but also 12 months of crow stories, crow facts and smaller crow photos tucked in among spaces between dates in the calendar. Each month reveals new little crow surprises.  Heads up this does sell out every year, so if interested in picking this item up, best be quick.

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Tugboat Landing Artisan Market December 4th In SE Vancouver

26 Nov

Have you made your way down to the walking trails along the Fraser River in SE Vancouver?  If you have, you will come across an area called Tugboat Landing at the foot of Victoria Drive at East Kent Avenue South.  If you aren’t familiar with this area, it once housed tugboats at this landing on the Fraser River hence the name. It was redeveloped into a community of condos and townhomes that enjoy river front living.  The area is located on a public walkway and cycle path just steps away from Gladstone Park and less than a mile West of the new River District development.

Here you will find the 5th Annual Tugboat Landing Artisan Market which is back for another year.  This is a boutique artisan market that happens at 2010 East Kent Avenue at the foot of Victoria Drive.  Like many markets, this one didn’t happen last year. This year though they are ready to go with all Covid-safety protocols in place including vaccine cards and masking as well as a few less vendors to ensure distancing. Having said that, they still a great line up of vendors that make it fun and easy to shop for gifts in an inviting and cozy space.

Some of what you can expect to find include handmade artisan chocolates by Ladner Artisan Chocolates, custom dog wear by ScouterWear, jewellery by Cord & Stone and ILiveInEastVan will be on site with a selection of totes, t-shirts & toques.   Rawstic Handmade will also be on hand with warm and cozy Alpaca blankets. If you are looking to do some entertaining over the holidays, you will want to visit  Mad Laboratory Distilling who will be hand with their spirits. MadLab’s spirits will pair nicely with Koldie’s Mixers perfect for the next holiday get together with family and friends. Speaking of get togethers, who doesn’t love to have some baking on hand over the holidays? Swiss Bakery will be on site with Gingermen, Gingerwomen, Gingerbread House Kits, sugar cookies and German Stollen.  If you love handcrafted leather goods, be sure to check out DiG Leather which will be back showcasing their new custom leather accessories for E-bikes.  Local artist, Daniel Clegg, will be on site with oil on canvas and watercolours and Speak Art Glitter with prints, art cards, notebooks and more. Bower Fibre Goods will also be on hand with beautifully crafted textiles and LoveandLucyCo with candles, bath salts and gems stones. As you can see, lots of options to shop and support local this holiday season.   

As an added bonus, the fireplace will be on, so will the coffee, tea and hot cocoa along with some pre-packaged sweets. These items will be available by donation with all proceeds going to the Wildlife Rescue Association.  Hours are 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free. To learn more, visit them online at Tugboat Landing Artisan Market, or give them a follow @tugboatlandingartisanmarket on Instagram.

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ILiveInEastVan Nylon Totes Now On Sale Till Sunday

16 Nov

Looking for the perfect tote when heading to out to the next farmers market, or that holiday shopping? If so, our Limited Edition ILiveInEastVan Nylon Totes are now on sale until this Sunday. This sturdy nylon tote has a handscreened original design printed locally in East Vancouver. Whether it’s wine, beer, bread or produce you are picking up, these totes are the perfect carrier. Of course, they also make a great gift. To purchase, visit ILiveInEastVan on Etsy. If you wish to pick up directly from us and skip the shipping charges, contact us directly through Etsy, or email us at ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com. Sale ends Sunday, November 21st.

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Limited Edition Market Totes On Sale Till Sunday

19 Oct

Looking for the perfect tote when heading to the next farmers market? If so, our Limited Edition ILiveInEastVan Market Totes are now on sale until this Sunday. These reusable and washable totes are hand screened locally by the good folks at Hive Printing. Whether it’s produce, bread or wine you are picking up, these totes are the perfect carrier. To purchase, visit ILiveInEastVan on Etsy. If you wish to pick up directly from us and skip the shipping charges, email us directly at ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com. Sale ends Sunday, October 24th.

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ILiveInEastVan Totes On Sale This Weekend Only

3 Sep

Looking for something cool to sling over your shoulder when you head back to school? If so, our Limited Edition ILiveInEastVan totes are on sale this weekend only. They are hand screened locally by the good folks at Hive Printing. We have a few different styles and sizes, but we can assure you they are all sturdy. So whether it’s books or beer, these totes are the perfect carrier. To purchase, visit ILiveInEastVan on Etsy. If you wish to pick up directly from us and skip the shipping charges, email us directly at ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com. Sale ends Monday, September 6th.

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Outdoor Zumba Classes At Trout Lake This August

4 Aug

Looking to work off some Covid pounds? Maybe you consumed a little too much sourdough during the pandemic? OK maybe that’s just us. If you are looking to workout, but maybe not quite ready for indoor group classes, Trout Lake Community Centre has an option. They are offering outdoor Zumba classes this August on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. You can expect a great workout with some Latin rhythms to get you moving that combines Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia. Classes are designed for all fitness levels. Note, no drop-ins for these classes. Registration is required. Visit Recreation.Vancouver.ca for more details and to register.

Photo Credit: Dusan Jovic

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