Stories of Giving

Comments 5 by Rebecca Bollwitt

I received a Christmas card in the mail from OptimumPR along with a little booklet that contained a special gift. I’ve made a video to explain:

Head to Stories of Giving to share a personal message about what you could do/have done to show that a little gesture can go a long way. They’ve even included origami instructions on how to fold the $10 bill, nice!

My gift will be going to the Union Gospel Mission – not only because I believe in the great work that they do, they also have a special place in my heart (especially the New Westminster location).

Phones for Fearless 2008

Comments 5 by Rebecca Bollwitt

I had heard of Fearless City for over a year (from good folks like Lorraine and those at Raincity) but it wasn’t until I saw Irwin speak at Interesting Vancouver that I finally ‘got’ what they were doing.

The purpose of the larger Fearless Media Project is to facilitate community participation in the creation of media and community dialogue on issues relevant to people in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) of Vancouver. This cultural initiative connects documented visions and practices with community priorities and goals. With oversight from the DTES Community Arts Network coordinating body (CANCore), Fearless functions as a portal to arts and culture in “the heart of the city.” [FearlessCity]

The Phone for Fearless campaign is starting today and if you have an old mobile phone (heck, or even a new one) to donate, give these folks a call today as their doing pick-ups from 1:00pm until 4:00pm.

Donate your old mobile phones to help DTES artists share stories, and tap into life, jobs & family [FearlessCity]

Here is a list of ways you can help this initiative:
1. Your used mobile phones – preferably with video, camera, wi-fi 2. Cash donations (* tax deductible) or new phone donations 3. Conversation – tell your friends on your blog, twitter, etc. – post a badge.


Photo: Kris Krug on Flickr / Static Photography

If you have something for collection let the team know via
Twitter: FearlessCity
Email: info (at) fearlessmedia (dot) ca, Phone/SMS: (604) 644-4349
Voicemail: (604) 682-3269 ext 8320.

“We’ll come by on purple Yahoo bikes on Tues. Dec. 23rd & 30th to collect your devices, we’ll take your photo, bring treats, and thank you publicly with a link.”

Drop off after Tuesday the 23rd at the following locations:
Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews
Pathways – 390 Main Street (kitty corner from the Carnegie)
Raincity Studios – 1 Alexander St. @ Water st.

More information can be found on the Fearless City website including a mailing address if you’d like to send your phone in that way. Any further questions you might have can probably be answered here. You can also join Phones for Fearless on Facebook and the Flickr group.

If you are a DTES artist/resident or non-profit organization you can pick up your phone by attending Fearless City’s Wednesday meetings from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Lori Krill Co-op, 65 W Cordova, “to get peer training and find out how to get access to a phone and participate in Fearless City campaigns.”

To be a part of the collection team head over to the Raincity offices…. now to help out this afternoon, gather donations, and spread some cheer.

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2009

Comments 15 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Vancouver’s 89th annual Polar Bear Swim will take place New Years Day at English Bay.

The Vancouver Annual Polar Bear Swim started in 1920 when a dozen hardy swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year’s Day. Since then, the polar bear swim has grown to a couple of thousand swimmers that don colourful costumes, participate in the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim race, or simply take a quick and icy dip, followed by a warming steam sauna on the beach.

Participation is free, but you must register. Registration is from 12:30 – 2:30pm in front of the English Bay Bathhouse on New Year’s Day.

Started by Peter Pantages (the same Pantages as the theatre) this has become a cherished (yet frightfully chilly) tradition in Vancouver for the better part of the last century. John and I won’t be in town then but I look forward to #PolarBearTweetup updates from the web.

Review: Kiss and Makeup

Comments 8 by Rebecca Bollwitt

I love discovering new businesses around town especially when they are formed by ambitious and enterprising local women. I was invited to the Kiss & Makeup boutique at the Village in Park Royal last week for a chance to explore their cosmetic and skin care collections on top of getting a mini makeup makeover.

Got some professional makeup done from Kiss & Makeup at Park Royal

The shop boasts “A-list apothecary, apparel, and accessories,” which they certainly live up to. The brand and shop (both physical and online) was founded by Julie Blanchard and Heather Huntingford, “sisters travel the world to discover the next big thing with an eye for niche products that are conscientiously made.”

Got some professional makeup done from Kiss & Makeup at Park Royal

I received an ‘evening look’ for my makeup since I rarely wear anything very dark on my eyes, wanted to see a ‘smokey’ effect, and was heading out to a party (that ended up being canceled). Side note: You can book an appointment at Kiss & Makeup for your wedding or special occasion as well.

Savannah (assistant manager and makeup artist extraordinaire) used Stila products for my eyes and lips, including their little smudge pots for an accented eyelash line.

Got some professional makeup done from Kiss & Makeup at Park Royal

The shop is definitely high end and the quality of the products makes it worth while. You can even shop their online store and search products based on: Vegan, Natural, Organic, or Paraben Free.

Got some professional makeup done from Kiss & Makeup at Park Royal

They also carry non-cosmetic items such as purses, jewelry, gift items, and men’s products, as well as top of the line hair products such as Keira’s favourite, Bumble and Bumble (which are only guaranteed from approved retailers like Kiss & Makeup).

Got some professional makeup done from Kiss & Makeup at Park Royal

Kiss & Makeup is located at Unit H2-925 Main Street in The Village at Park Royal in West Vancouver (West of Whole Foods) and online. The Village is a really quaint way to shop in the open-air however I would suggest simply taking transit (dozens of buses run right past) as parking can be mayhem in the warmer months.

Got some professional makeup done from Kiss & Makeup at Park Royal

I walked away with a great new makeup look and a few goodies that I cannot share (since they may be Christmas gifts for a few special people).

Disclosure: I was not paid to write this review however my makeup service was on the house.

Liveblogging from GM Place

Comments 5 by Rebecca Bollwitt

I’ve been liveblogging for over 2 years now and it’s something I also do professionally (shameless plug yes, you too can hire me to liveblog your event! end shameless plug). As such, when the Canucks Fan Zone asked their trusted group of bloggers, podcasters, app makers and content creators to moderate some Canucks-sanctioned liveblogs, I was more than happy to accept.

Center Ice

When: Tonight at 7:00pm PT when the Canucks take on the Ducks.

Where: Liveblog will be online here, and we’ll be at GM Place.

Who: My podcast co-host Dave, Richard from the Canucks Fan Facebook app, yours truly, and a few other special guests.

If you’re at tonight’s game please feel free to stop by the Canucks Fan Zone kiosk and give us a shout.