Alas, my chapter for the Province Serial Thriller wasn’t selected for print…but it was fun to write nonetheless. I think more talk than action + possible police corruption = a flunk. I have to say I’m a little disappointed that all of the winners so far are older, white men – but that’s the thriller genre, I suppose. Hopefully some younger (and female) writers get their break before the competition is over!
If you’re interested in reading the series so far, go here. If you want to read the chapter I wrote, read on!
Continue reading ‘My Chapter 6′
John Fluevog shoes are marked by a single distinguishing characteristic: personality. These “unique soles for unique souls” channel the vibrant nature of a free spirit, and personify the rebellious nature of their creator, a man who remains true to his “rock and roll roots.” The rampant success of John Fluevog over the past decades illustrates just how successful a disregard for the expected can be, and with the recent opening of a 5,000 square foot retail and design space in Gastown, their second location in Vancouver, Fluevog shows no signs of slowing down or softening up.
Continue reading ‘Fluevog Opens Store and Studio in Gastown’
Nestled within Coal Harbour is an ancient beauty secret that is unprecedented in North America: Vinoterapia, brought to you by Nefér Spa. This magical antioxidant bathing tonic – comprised mainly of rich red wine, moisturizers, and essential oils from the rose and blue lotus flowers – fills a hand cut Egyptian marble tub which rests beneath a ‘starlight’ ceiling in the Vinoterapia room. Pure decadence.
Nefér Spa recently opened in December 2007 and is the brainchild of owner and President Nina Gart, a Reiki master and registered stone therapy massage practitioner who is also proficient in numerous other alternative therapies, including reflexology and crystal healing. When Gart began learning about stone therapy, she immediately saw opportunities for improvement and developed her own distinct treatment method which she teaches at the Stone Therapy School. Her specialized stone therapy technique uses both hot basalt and cool marble, and incorporates Reiki energy work, Shiatsu meridian principles and reflexology points with relaxing Swedish massage. These united properties of the Nefér Spa stone massage are both impressive and unique, and any stone treatment you receive will leave you cleansed and relaxed.
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The 2007 Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design grad show drew an audience of hundreds to the Westin Bayshore on November 26. 43 new designers showed their 3-piece collections, which made their way down an incredibly long t-shaped runway that sliced through the length of the grand ballroom. Student portfolios were available for viewing in the lobby prior to the show, where designs truly ranged from simple classics to stunning, imaginative works of art.
Overall, the construction skill of the entire grad class was evident, and it was inspiring to see some of these young designers – such as Annika Forde, Kathy Dawson and Rachel Parker – using hemp, soy, organic cotton and recycled materials to construct eco-friendly pieces.
Continue reading ‘Blanche Fashion Grad Show’
Fab Clothing started out 7 years ago when they opened up their premium denim store on W. 4th in Kitsilano, and it didn’t take long to earn recognition as one of the top retailers in Vancouver for the hottest jeans in town. In fact, they stock dozens and dozens of brands to ensure that if you want it, they got it. With the November launch of their second location, this one snugly settled in the heart of Kerrisdale, owners Yoel and Anne Farzan now have even more square footage to carry their extensive collection of denim from all over the world. Yoel wanted the new flagship to have a New York or Los Angeles inspired quality to it, so he went on an exploratory trip to LA with designer Ruth Jankelowitz, of Janks Designs, where they scoped out various stores and developed the Fab store concept from there.
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No, it’s not the newest back waxing mecca…Back Bar is an innovative new space in Yaletown that gives you an all-access pass to…well, basically anything you can dream up.
Here’s a little excerpt from one of my own wildest dreams: I enjoy a private lounge space with modern but comfortable furniture, with only the friends and music I want, where I drink wine to my heart’s content. And yet the drunker I get, the more beautiful I become…thanks to the mani, pedi, facial, blow out and eyebrow waxing services that are at my beck and call. Hovering within earshot is my own personal concierge to answer important queries like, “Does this dress make me look frumpy?”, “Where’s the closest shoe store?” and “Can you fetch me another bottle of wine?” And when said concierge tells me that it’s 10pm and all the shoe stores are closed for the night and I should have thought about that earlier, a nice massage will melt away the stress. Ahh, utopia…
Continue reading ‘Back Bar Beauty Lounge’
