Canadian designer Mark Fast has an intricate design process, relying on handcrafting and endless experimentation. He collaborates with Christian Louboutin, Swarovski, Aldo Shoes, and more. The fashion up-and-comer’s style is a hit, and his Faster collection has been spotted on celebrities from Avril Lavigne to Courtney Love to Kylie Minogue.

Get a Style Boost with Chic Hand-Knit Creations

Fast’s luxurious, ready-to-wear line features chic, Italian-made, hand-knit creations. The collection of sexy, skin-revealing dresses, leggings, and shoes is coming to Vancouver this weekend for a two-day event. The fashion show is a follow-up to his highly successful inaugural event which recently took place in Kelowna, where Fast encouraged show-goers to try on various items to experience the clothes. The result was a fun and relaxed atmosphere where women could style and steer each other toward different, adventurous pieces in the collection. The same format is planned for the Vancouver show.

Fast says, “I want to reach out to the Canadian market because I see so many women excited to challenge and excite presuppositions of how a woman should dress. Vancouver is my favourite Canadian city. Such a diversity in people and landscape. I love the fact that more women can experience the thrill of dressing as if life is a red carpet.” It sounds like a welcome style break from the yoga pants so many of us normally sport around town, don’t you think?

What to do in Vancouver: Fashion Edition

Since Mark Fast is busy gearing up for London Fashion Week, he can’t make the trip to Vancouver. Kim Appelt is going to be in Vancouver as Mark’s rep. She’s mom to a six-year-old and three-year-old twins. She loves fashion, and can’t wait to share Fast’s style with some moms in Vancouver.

Items from the Faster collection will be on sale at the event at 50% off their regular retail prices. You can expect to pay from $80 for a pair of signature cut out tights, to $350 for a signature cut out dress. But bring your cash, because that’s the only form of payment that will be accepted.

Mark Fast “Try and Buy” Event

If you’re ready to step up your style, we have the details for the Faster “Try and Buy” event.

When: Friday, February 3 from 4:00 – 9:00 pm and Saturday, February 4 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: The Westin Bayshore
More Info: Mark Fast on Facebook

Happy shopping!

Mama Needs a Babysitter

In response, Connie Peters, mom of three and founder of Modern Mama, has organized the Mama Needs a Babysitter event. It’s happening on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Nesting Kids in Kerrisdale.

The event features several qualified candidates, all 17 years of age or older, and all with their own transportation. All the candidates will have their resumes ready, and local moms can meet and “speed interview” each one until they find their perfect match. No more scoping out random teens on the street.

Getting Moms out of the House

Connie wants to help get moms out of the house and back into enjoying events and activities that enrich their lives. “The babysitter match is a great event for moms, as most don’t know where to look or who to trust,” says Peters. If you need a little me-time, or you can’t remember the last time you visited a restaurant that doesn’t have crayons on the tables, this evening may be just the ticket.

Modern Mama is new to Vancouver, but has been running in Edmonton for the past four years. Connie’s glad to be a Vancouver mom, saying, “Coming back to Vancouver is great. I look forward to introducing my business, Modern Mama, to Vancouver moms and to bringing moms together at worthwhile events; providing them with much needed me-time.” Most Modern Mama events include nanny services so both moms and kids can enjoy themselves.

If you’d like to attend the Mama Needs a Babysitter event, you can register online at the Modern Mama website.

Modern Mama

www.modernmama.com | Twitter | Facebook

Gung Haggis Fat Choy

Toddish McWong’s Gung Haggis Fat Choy is a unique Vancouver tradition, which has become synonymous with cultural fusion and fun. It combines Robbie Burns Day and Chinese New Year celebrations into a single event, which puts Scottish-Canadian and Chinese-Canadian pioneers on an inclusive and equal platform, while acknowledging historical racism and how we move beyond it. When it comes to what to do in Vancouver to celebrate our diverse cultural heritage, you can’t beat it.

When: January 22 – doors open at 5:00 pm, dinner starts at 6:00 pm
Where: Floata Chinese Restaurant, #400-180 Keefer Street
Cost: Adults – $65 + $5 service charge, Students – $50 + service charge, Kids: $40 + service charge
More info: www.gunghaggis.com

Year of the Dragon Celebration at International Village

This Chinese New Year Festival promises to be memorable and festive, with two levels of exhibition booths, shopping, stage performances, an hourly lucky draw and more. Start the Year of the Dragon off with a blast (and not just from firecrackers)!

When: January 27 and 28 from 12:00 – 10:00 pm and January 29 from 12:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: International Village, 88 West Pender Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.henderson-development.ca/theinternationalvillage/event.php

Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival and Cultural Fair

Chinese New Year festivities abound at the Cultural Fair. The event features multicultural performances, a special lion dance grand finale and martial arts demonstrations.

When: January 28 and 29 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Sun Yat-sen Plaza, 50 East Pender Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.cbavancouver.ca/parade.html

Year of the Dragon Temple Fair

Based on the temple fairs of old, this Chinese New Year celebration is a “Hot & Noisy” mixture of traditional cultural activities. On Saturday a sneak peek gives a taste of the activities to those who prefer the skip the crowds. On Sunday, it gets hot and noisy with traditional Chinese games and activities, fortune-telling, live music, food, drinks and more. Plus, there’s free stroller parking – a must when you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver with your little ones in tow.

When: January 28 from 1:00 – 4:30 pm and January 29 from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-sen Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street
Cost: By donation
More info: www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/calendar/Jan2012.htm

Chinese New Year Parade

The Chinese New Year Parade is the biggest event all year for Chinatown, and an annual Vancouver favourite. It features lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performances and much more. Year after year, the Chinatown parade is a cultural extravaganza not to be missed, and a must-see event if you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver for Chinese New Year.

When: January 29 at 12:00 pm
Where: The parade starts at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street, proceeds east along Pender, turns south onto Gore, turns west onto Keefer and finishes at Keefer and Columbia.
Cost: Free
More info: www.cbavancouver.ca/parade.html

LunarFest

Created as a Vancouver Winter Olympics Legacy event, LunarFest presents a contemporary expression of Asian arts and culture, inviting everyone to share in the cultural diversity of Canada. The event is built on lanterns, an important artistic element for many cultures. Events include kids’ game stations and workshops, Lunar Cafe, a Lunar Skate, the CIBC Pavilion, puppet shows and more.

When: February 1 – 5 from 12:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, 801 West Georgia Street
Cost: By donation
More info: lunarfest.org

No matter how you choose to celebrate Chinese New Year, we hope that the Year of the Dragon brings you health and prosperity!

*Image credit – Carol Browne on Flickr

Foodies, prepare to take a whirlwind 17-day tour of Vancouver restaurants at Dine Out Vancouver. Running from January 20 – February 5, 2012, Dine Out is Canada’s largest restaurant festival. It features over 225 Vancouver restaurants offering three-course, prix-fixe menus for $18, $28 or $38 per person. Many menus also feature suggested wine or beer pairings. When it comes to what to do in Vancouver for the culinary set, this is the biggest event all year.

Even Mayor Gregor is feeling the excitement, saying, “I’m proud that Dine Out Vancouver will be showcasing the best of what we have to offer for the 10th straight year and look forward to welcoming even more restaurant patrons and food aficionados in the years to come.”

Kids at Dine Out Vancouver: Do You Dare?

This all sounds fabulous, but here’s the big question: do you dare bring your kids? We asked our Facebook fans for their thoughts on bringing little ones to Dine Out Vancouver. The responses ranged from, “Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha,” courtesy of Harriet Fancott, to Saadia Organics saying she’d done it and it was, “Excellent!” Of course, you have to know your kids, but with so many Vancouver restaurants to choose from, there are some great, family-friendly options . We’ve rounded up a few suggestions.

Kid-Friendly Vancouver Restaurants

We have it on good authority that these Vancouver restaurants will welcome your children, during Dine Out or anytime:

• The Boathouse Restaurant
• Brasserie Bistro
• Dunn’s Famous Montreal Smoked Meat Restaurant & Delicatessan
• Imperial Chinese Seafood Restaurant
• Milestones Grill + Bar
• The Old Spaghetti Factory
• The Reef
• Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
• Section (3)
• Thai House Restaurant

Street Food City

There are a number of great events happening during Dine Out Vancouver, and we think Street Food City sounds like the most fun of all. On January 24, 25 and 26 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, a collection of Vancouver’s street food carts will all gather on the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Gather and feast on delicious food prepared by these vendors. Special Dine Out Vancouver Festival creations and discounts are available. With everything from juice, tacos and grilled cheese, to Tandoori chicken wraps, Korean/Mexican fusion and BBQ, there’s sure to be something to please everyone.

Have you taken your kids to Dine Out Vancouver? If so, what was it like? What are your favourite kid-friendly (and parent-friendly) Vancouver restaurants? Please leave us a reply with your insider tips!

What to do in Vancouver

The Royal City Kids Fair is happening on Saturday, January 21 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Fraser River Discovery Centre in New Westminster. This free, indoor event brings parents and kids together. The event welcomes all families – expectant parents, new parents, and seasoned ones alike. And bring the kids, because this event is for them, too. There will be engaging and entertaining exhibitors and vendors, in the heart of historic New Westminster. It’s the perfect way to spend a cold Saturday with your kids. Let them play and have fun, and allow yourself the chance to browse the exhibitors and enjoy the event with peace of mind.

Royal City Kids Fair

The event features more than 60 tables, providing parents with information, resources, products and services. Kids of all ages will be entertained by two performances from Vancouver-based, Juno-nominated singers Bobs & Lolo, of Treehouse TV fame! There will also be three bouncy castles to romp in, face-painting, tons of popcorn, and other healthy snacks.

Sapperton Pensioners Hall

The event takes place a few minutes’ walk from the New Westminster SkyTrain, at the New Westminster Quay. If you’re driving, there’s lots of parking at the Quay. The The Fraser River Discovery Centre is an interpretive centre connecting communities in discovery and celebration of the past, present and future of the living, working Fraser River. It’s a bright, open space, and you’ll be able to take in some great views of the river while you attend the fair.

The event will be an informative and entertaining day for you and your kids. When it comes to what to do in Vancouver next weekend, the Royal City Kids Fair is a great choice. Mascots will be on hand, including “Salty the Seagull” from Port Metro Vancouver and the Bear from BMO. Make your own buttons on-site, get your wacky photo taken, and get it printed on your very own mug. Plan to stay for a while, and take it all in – there will be lots to see and do.

If you live in Vancouver, there are tree chipping events coming up this weekend. They’re run by the city and volunteers from the Lions Clubs. Before loading up your tree, remove all decorations and tinsel. Remember to bring a donation of cash or non-perishable food items, as well. Here’s the scoop:

What to do in Vancouver: Tree Chipping Events

When: Saturday, January 7 and Sunday, January 8, 2012, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where:

• Kerrisdale Community Ice Rink parking lot, East Boulevard north of 41st
• Kitsilano Beach parking lot, Cornwall and Arbutus
• Sunset Beach upper parking lot, Beach Avenue and Broughton
• RONA Home and Garden Grandview Store, 2727 East 12th Avenue

More info: vancouver.ca/engsvcs/solidwaste/christmasTree.htm or 604-873-7000

Curbside Christmas Tree Collection

If taking your tree in for chipping just feels like entirely too much work, there’s another option. People who receive city yard trimmings collection may set out their trees on their regular collection day any time until January 31. Remove all the decorations and tinsel, and then set your tree on its side, one meter away from your carts. Don’t bag or bundle it.

Outside of Vancouver

We’ve just outlined what to do in Vancouver with that old tree – but what if you don’t live in Vancouver? Your municipality’s website will probably have the scoop on local tree chipping events and more. Or, check out the Recycling Council of BC. They have compiled a list of all Christmas tree chipping events in Metro Vancouver, as well as instructions for curbside recycling where available. It’s like a one-stop-shop for getting your tree out of your living room the green way.

*Photo credit: Rich on Flickr

What to do in Vancouver: Thousands of Sparkling Lights

Every holiday season, the Capilano Suspension Bridge gets dressed up in thousands and thousands of sparkling lights. This magical scene is known as Canyon Lights. Spanning Capilano Canyon, the suspension bridge itself is a spectacular thing to see and experience at any time of year, but when hung with twinkling white lights it seems to extend off into a fairy land on the other side. The other side is actually Treetops Adventure, a tree house and hanging bridge set up in the rainforest canopy that evokes thoughts of an Ewok village. It too is lit for the holidays, adding some magic to what is already an exciting walk through the tree tops.

This year our kids are particularly obsessed with holiday lights so we jumped at the opportunity to take them for a visit. But Canyon Lights is so much more than lights. Yes, the kids were in awe of the colours and sheer number of lights strung throughout the property, but they also have Christmas music from the Holiday Band, gingerbread decorating, and a glassblowing demonstration where guests can learn how to make icicle decorations. The walkways from the entrance through to the bridge itself have a few photo opportunities of their own – literally. A large wooden “picture frame” has been hung with garlands and lights, perfect for a family photo, and if frames aren’t your thing then you can all climb atop a gorgeous red sleigh in front of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. (Note to self – go to Canyon Lights before sending out the family Christmas card.)

New Cliffwalk Attraction

New this year is the Cliffwalk attraction, an engineering marvel that has 20-inch wide walkways extending out from the granite rock face and over the canyon. It also has plexiglas sides and sturdy rails – no need to panic. For the season the cliffs are bathed in light, making the walk even that much more thrilling. It’s not exactly for the faint of heart, but even our four year old managed it with very little complaining. And as my ever-eloquent husband commented upon reaching the end of Cliffwalk, “It was badass!” When it comes what to do in Vancouver over the holidays, Canyon Lights definitely kicks things up a notch.

Canyon Lights is on until January 1st, 2012 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm nightly. The cost of admission is $25 per adult and $5 per child aged six to 16, but a family (two adults and two children age six or older) can get in for the family rate of $50. Kids under six are free. Proceeds from admission will be donated to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

Canyon Lights is a great family activity for the holiday season, and a great option if you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver this week. I would allow yourself about two hours to fit it all in, which makes the family rate a pretty good deal when all is said and done. Go early as it does get busy and the more people on the suspension bridge the wobblier it gets. Happy holidays and enjoy!

Capilano Suspension Bridge

www.capbridge.com | Twitter | Facebook
3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver

Gillian Behnke is a blogger at Finding My Weigh, where she writes about the joys and challenges of motherhood and her quest to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Gillian is also the marketing manager for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – BC/Yukon Region. She lives in North Vancouver with her husband, her four and a half year old son and two year old daughter.

• November 19-27
• November 28 – December 4
• December 5-11
• December 12-18

Gingerbread House Making

Where: 3696 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
When: December 20 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
The scoop: Make the most incredible gingerbread house, decorated with the most incredible candy. Each student will make their own traditional full-sized house with real gingerbread. Share some holiday stories and hot apple cider. Please make arrangements to transport your gingerbread creation home at the end of the evening.
Cost: $45 + HST
More info: www.christiannehayward.com

Solstice Lantern Festival

Where: Five locations around Vancouver
When: December 21 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm
The scoop: Join the Secret Lantern Society as they light up the longest night of the year in various locations across Vancouver, with lantern processions, candle labyrinths and fire performances. In the event of severely inclement weather, head to the indoor venues.
Admission: Free (donations gratefully accepted)
More info: www.secretlantern.org

Solstice Celebration Lantern Festival

Where: Rocky Point Park, Port Moody
When: December 21 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm
The scoop: For the cool suburbanite who doesn’t want to make the trek downtown. Expect caroling, crafts, dance, meditation, a lantern procession, cookies, soup and tea. Bring your own mugs (BYOM) and bring your own lanterns (BYOL). Please note this is an outdoor event, dress magical but dress for the weather.
Admission: Free
More info: www.facebook.com/events/292759244078731/

Bach Cantata Project: Festive Bach Cantatas for the Holiday Season

Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC
When: December 21 at 8:00 pm
The scoop: The innovative Bach Cantata Project continues with another program of Christmas Cantatas at the Chan. This December, feast your ears on some of Bach’s most glorious music. The program will include cantatas with two natural horns and three oboes, as well as Part Five of the beloved Christmas Oratorio.
Admission: Tickets $32 and up, $3 discount for students
More info: earlymusic.bc.ca/CC2-BachCantatas.html

Chanukah on Ice

Where: Sunset Ice Rink
When: December 26 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
The scoop: Wondering what to do in Vancouver for Chanukah? This event features live ice Menorah carving and lighting, hot dinner, laktkes and donuts, dreidels for the kids, music entertainment and a whole lot of family fun.
Admission: $5 per person, includes skate rental
More info: www.chabadeastvan.com/chanukah

Now you know what to do in Vancouver for the rest of the holiday season. Have a great – and festive – time!

*Image credit – Skyco on Flickr

Making Theatre Accessible to Children

Carousel Theatre specializes in making theatre arts accessible to children. Each season more than 40,000 young people and their families benefit from Carousel Theatre’s unique children’s theatre programming, which includes Literary Classics, a Teen Shakespeare Program and a year-round theatre school for kids between the ages of 3 and 17. Each play has specific age guidelines, and the shows are tailored to those guidelines. The Wizard of Oz, for example, is for children age 4 and up.

When my daughter Beatrice and I arrived at the theatre and found our seats for last night’s show, we were delighted to see how close we were to the stage. With an intimate theatre space only 16 seats wide and 14 rows long at the Waterfront Theatre, no matter where you’re sitting you will be close enough to see the action and emotion of the actors shine through. As soon as the lights went down and the Wizard of Oz music started, five year old Beatrice was enthralled.

Children’s Theatre isn’t Just for Kids

The Wizard of Oz was written in 1900, and the songs, phrases, characters and themes have become part of our cultural consciousness. Young and old alike love Dorothy, and girls from 5 to 50 turned up to the show wearing their french braided pigtails and ruby slippers. As children’s theatre, Carousel’s shows have been designed with kids in mind, but the adults in the audience appeared to love The Wizard of Oz no less than the children, especially the whimsical munchkin scenes.

Backstage at The Wizard of Oz

When the lights went up after the show and the audience cleared, Bea and I waited to meet the actors and have a peek backstage as part of our Blogger Night invitation. I’d assumed that there were wings and dressing rooms along narrow corridors backstage at the Waterfront Theatre, but it turns out that it’s pretty much what-you-see-is-what-you-get. The backstage space is tiny, and the actors skillfully nest stage props, fly through costume changes and navigate past each other while the show is on.

General Manager Jessie van Rijn did a great job explaining everything to the kids and the actors fielding questions like, “Where does the fake snow come from?” (a hidden box above the stage) and, “How do you change clothes so quickly?” (practice and lots of velcro).

As the night drew to a close and we headed back home, I thought about the way Jessie described Carousel Theatre’s role in the community as a “cultural concierge”.  It’s true – by making theatre accessible to young and old alike, Carousel Theatre is helping people learn not only about the dramatic arts and music, but also the themes of family, love and belonging in a show like The Wizard of Oz. When it comes to what to do in Vancouver with your kids this holiday season, this children’s theatre production is definitely worth checking out.

If you want to see The Wizard of Oz before it ends, buy your tickets soon because shows are selling out fast! Contact Carousel Theatre by phone or online to purchase tickets. The show runs until December 31 on Granville Island.

Carousel Theatre

http://www.carouseltheatre.ca/ | Twitter | Facebook | 604.669.3410

What do do in Vancouver? See a Play!

Brilliant? Absurd? A lot of meaningless nonsense? Blackbird Theatre presents that play. It’s Samuel Beckett’s harrowing, funny, and deeply human masterpiece Waiting for Godot, directed by John Wright. Blackbird Theatre is Vancouver’s award-winning and celebrated interpreter of classical theatre. It’s bringing to life a seminal work of the 20th century where nothing happens…twice.

Catch Waiting for Godot in Vancouver

Waiting for Godot runs from December 27, 2011 to January 21, 2012 at The Cultch in East Vancouver. Here’s what others had to say about Blackbird Theatre, and the play:

“Blackbird Theatre has turned everything it’s done so far into gold and… there’s no end in sight.” – The Vancouver Courier

“It’s harrowing, it’s funny, it’s human: go and see it, and laugh till you cry.” – Charles Spencer, Time Out (London) 2010

Giveaway: Tickets to the Play

If you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver on kid-free evening out, this may just be the play for you. Waiting for Godot offers a grown-up night of theatre, perfect for a date night or an evening with a good friend. And Blackbird Theatre is teaming up with VancouverMom.ca with a giveaway for a pair of tickets. One lucky reader will enjoy an evening of grown-up entertainment valued at $80!

How to Enter

Mandatory entry:
Fill out the form below, being sure to answer our trivia question:
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Additional Entry (optional):

Subscribe to our mail list using the form below:

Contest Rules for the Blackbird Theatre Giveaway

• Contest runs until December 26, 2011 at 11:59 pm.
• Winner will be randomly selected from those with a correct answer and contacted by email. If the winner doesn’t claim the prize, then another name will be randomly selected from the list.

Good luck!