Sometimes to get in the holiday spirit we’ll take a drive around neighbourhoods aglow with Christmas lights across doorways, fences and shrubs while sipping hot chocolate and watching the snow fall (or in most cases, rain). This year you can get your holiday buzz on early with a self-guided tour through festively decorated homes while supporting a very worthy cause.
Inspire yourself for the holidays by touring five elegantly decorated Vancouver West Side homes. Some of Vancouver’s prominent interior designers have partnered with local home décor retailers to create distinctly themed holiday showcases. Experience the ambiance of the season with this self-guided pageant of homes! [Homes for the Holidays
Tickets are available for $40 (online) and all proceeds go to the Kids Help Phone, which is a toll-free, 24-hour anonymous help line along with web counseling for children and youth. Homes for the Holidays runs November 29th and 30th from noon until 5:00 pm each day (although I have this post up a little too late for the 29th). You can call (604) 267-9338 for more information about this event.
For more events around town check out UQ Events for dates, times and listings.
This year’s Teddy Bear Toss will take place Saturday, December 6th at 7:00pm, while the Giants take on the Saskatoon Blades.
If you’re going to attend one Vancouver Giants game this season (although it’s such a great, affordable, and passionate hockey that shouldn’t be missed at all), consider coming out next Saturday to support some great causes.
Our annual Christmas tradition is back for another year! We encourage you to bring a new stuffed animal to the game (or buy one on the concourse with proceeds going to charity). Then, when the Giants score our first goal of the night . . . THROW THEM ON THE ICE!!! We’ll collect the bears and donate them to charity in time for Christmas!
John and I had the pleasure of attending the Teddy Bear Toss with the Vancouver Giants last year and it’s amazing to see thousands of people all donating toys for children this holiday season (all at the same time).
Make sure the toys are of the soft n’ stuffed variety as fans are encouraged to loft them on to the ice rink (from wherever they are in the stands). Volunteers collect the donations and cart them off the ice, often with players assisting as well.
Proceeds benefit the CKNW Orphan’s Fund and The Province Empty Stocking Fund.
Tickets for Giants games start at $16.50 and they have some great deals available like the 5-game holiday pack, and Family Night that includes meals at White Spot before the game.
For more events around town check out UQ Events for dates, times and listings.
Earlier this month I was invited to a demo and info session for Kiss My Face, a line of natural personal care products and cosmetics. I walked away with a huge basket full of goodies to try out and although I haven’t even got to the certified organic whitening toothpaste, lip balms, or the cold & flu eucalyptus and menthol shower gel, here are some of my reviews so far:
Kiss My Face – Lip Gloss
At first I went for the small stick of Sheer Organic Shine tinted lip balm since I’ve had bad experiences with goey lip glosses (ie. my lips stick together and my husband cringes when I kiss him on the cheek and leave sticky mess). The stick is all natural mineral color, 100% natural and 91% organic. I’m in love with the ruby shade which adds just enough colour while refreshing your lips with a pleasant peppermint scent and tiny green tea-like after taste. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
The Whistler Film Festival will be taking place next week, from December 4th until the 7th and Miss604.com has been accredited. I won’t be able to make it up to the snowy cobblestones of the village however freelance journalist, actress, and friend of mine (since before the term ‘BFF’ was even coined), Michelle Kim, will be covering the festivities for the site.
The 2008 Whistler Film Festival will showcase 90+ films, including premieres from some of North America’s top directors, and will award over $42,000 in prizes and commissions. This premier event will also feature innovative industry programming through the Filmmaker Forum as well as several special events…
… The Festival kicks off with the Opening Gala, winds up with the Celebrity Challenge, a free outdoor screening and Tributes to some of the industry’s greatest talents, peaks with parties, and winds down with the Awards Brunch and Closing Film. [WFF08]
Atom Egoyan’s Adoration will be screened, along with Fifty Dead Men Walking, that won an award at the VIFF this year, and Centigrade – the amazing short film by Colin Cunningham whom I got to interview for E! Online last month. [Festival Guide]
I’m looking forward to Michelle’s coverage as she not only knows her way around a gala, she has also published articles for periodicals like the Globe and Mail and the Korea Herald. She spent time working for the BBC World Service in London and has also been seen on stage in local theatre productions.
She’ll have a festival recap before jetting off to Seoul, sharing the atmosphere, the party scene, and of course the film highlights of the WFF 08. Check back in a week for her coverage and if you’d like to attend the festival yourself, tickets for most films are from $10-$12 and passes are available online.
If you’re getting in the holiday spirit and are looking for some music-filled events to fill up your social calendar take note of these two concerts happening back to back next weekend.
December 5, 2008
Time: 7:05pm
Where: Ukrainian Hall, 905 E Pender at Hawks
Tickets: $8 in advance and $10 at the door
Mint Records’ Ridiculously Early Christmas Party Night One
Nardwuar Nite featuring The Evaporators, The Pack A.D., Lois, Kellarissa, Thee Goblins and some goodies from Nardwuar‘s video vault.
December 6, 2008
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Cambrian Hall, 215 E 17th Avenue at Main
Tickets: Available at Zulu, Red Cat and Scratch Records
Mint Records’ Ridiculously Early Christmas Party Night Two
Featuring Novillero, The Ramblin’ Ambassadors, Hot Panda, Young and Sexy, The Awkward Stage, Bella, and Vancougar. Door proceeds go to support the ALS Society of Canada and the first 75 concert-goers to arrive will receive lovely gifts.
For more events around town check out UQ Events for dates, times and listings. Feel free to give yourself a small education on the punk history of Vancouver as well.
