Archive for the ‘Rainy Day Recipes’ Category

Festival Fashion-Your go-to Guide

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

With the music-festival season starting soon, the Vancouver Sun is showing you what to stock up on before heading into the crowds at Coachella, Sasquatch, Bonnaroo, etc. Needless to say that umbrellas and wellies are on the list!!!

Wellies: A good pair of rainboots is a necessity at any outdoor festival. It may not rain while you’re there, but after a few days with thousands of people, you may not want to know what you’re stepping on.
Umbrella: Umbrellas aren’t just used for dancing with in the Rihanna video. There’s no need to grab your mother’s boring black one; you can have fun and choose a wild print — not only will it be unique, but it’ll make it easier for your friends to spot you in a large crowd.
Not only that having the right gear will allow to you enjoy the outdoor festivities rain or shine!!!
Read more on what else your style guide suggests!

White Wedding (No not that Sweet 80′s song)

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Now you probably feel like you know us pretty well (you know we love Conan, peanut butter, movies and youtube) but I think we have failed to mention one giant thing that Kathryn and I have in common: We both attend the same fashion school! Although I am about a semester ahead of Kathryn [I'm a senior so she has to do what I tell her to do at school :) ] we both have taken a Visual Display class. However, being the senior that I am, I am currently taking a second Visual Display class that is more focused on window displays! So you can imagine how happy and excited I felt when Shanda told us we would have free reign on the window display this month! All she told us was that it was to be wedding themed and that we had a very small budget :) As soon as she said it I blurted out “Hunter Boot Marriage!” and instantly my Original Tall White Hunters popped into my head, and then slowly the picture dissolved into a wedding scene complete with a bow tie groom, “crazy” coloured brides maid, stock black grooms men and kids boot as the flower girl and ring bearer. Yes the image in my head was glorious and for the next 3 weeks I couldn’t help but bug Kathryn with all the things we could add to it! (lets just say there were many late night emails to each other) It went a little something like this:

Brianna: oh!!!! Lets add rice! Like how they through rice when you come out the church!

Brianna: oh!!!! Lets make little bouquets for the brides maids!

Brianna: oh!!!! Lets make a little pillow with a giant diamond on it to be the ring for the ring bearer!

Brianna: oh!!!! Lets make an arch of all white paper flowers and one bright coloured flower because Kathryn surprise, repetition and colour are 3 of the 12 attention getting devices! (shout out to my lovely teacher Cara for teaching me that!)

Kathryn: Okay , Good ideas B.

White Wedding

Now I know Kathryn won’t be happy that I am making her out to seem like she didn’t contribute much but oh contrair! Kathryn came up with the idea for the “your invited” slogan and she spent a few hours a day making those beautiful little tissue paper flowers! (I would have helped but we discovered I have a bad cutting issue where I can’t cut in a circle so all mine looked terrible!) She also slaved away on the ladder hanging the umbrellas and the arch! I think overall our first window went pretty perfectly! We managed to have a busy selling day and still make the window look great! I am really proud of the window and I confident in saying Kathryn is proud of the window too!

If you guys have walked by the window, let us know what you thought! If you haven’t seen it yet i suggest getting your boot down to West 4th and check it out!

Brianna

Rainy Daze

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

It’s a scientific fact that the sun makes you happier, but since there is no UVB rays to help our bodies get that vitamin D, here are some less scientific reasons and ways to enjoy those rainy days too!

1. Drought, anyone?

No thanks. I think our Australian friends would have a few words to say to us about that one.

2. Puddle Jumping.

Aside from the awkward teenage years, everyone secretly misses the ease of being a kid. And since it’s no longer socially acceptable to throw hissy fits in the grocery store, and we still need to pays our bills, jumping in the puddles is about as close as being a kid as were going to get.

3. That sweet smell of wet pavement.

Living in Vancouver is great, and I’ll be the first to tell you that, but sometimes Vancouver’s smell is well, less than hygienic. You take showers to get clean, and smell great, don’t you? Let’s give our city the same benefit- it takes a little bit more of a beating.

4. Omg, Shoes.

The saying goes ” nobody likes excuses”. Well, here’s to proving it wrong, I will accept any excuse that will help me justify another pair of shoes. And well don’t be preposterous, you’re going to need the coat to go with the shoes. Oh, and where better to hide from the rain, than in the warmth of your favorite boutique. Sigh, isn’t rain great?

5. Veg out.

Don’t you feel a little obligated to go out an enjoy the rays in the summer? Even though in reality you just want to snuggle up on the couch, eat some french fries, and watch the entire season of your favorite sitcom? Thank you, rain!

I hope some of these will help to get you out of your rainy day rut!  Please share all your rainy remedies, I think we all know, no matter the season Vancouver’s got a few rainy days up it’s sleeve.

-Kathryn

My Top 6 Rainy Movie Scenes

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

With the next week forecasted for rain (at least here in Vancouver) I though it only appropriate to share my top 6 rainy movies scenes. Why 6? Because I couldn’t chose between The Notebook or Spiderman!

6.) Spiderman (2002)
The Spiderman scene where MJ (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) have the mind blowing kiss (where Spiderman is hanging upside down) looks pretty amazing on film…but in all actuality it isn’t that “hot” in real life. In fact its really awkward and unless he is really hanging from a building in a Spiderman outfit then all the magic is gone. However, the scene is hot and undoubtedly the best part of the movie (after all it did win Best Kiss at the years MTV movie awards haha) and is definitely a memorable one!

5.) Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
The last 5 minutes of Breakfast at Tiffany’s are by far the best. As Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) searches the dirty New York Streets for Cat, in her cute raincoat and flats, you can see the desperation that is oozing out of her. But it is when the rain is pouring down and the silhouette of Paul Varjak (George Peppard) holding Cat appears does your heart melt. And lets not forget the swoon worthy kiss at the end. Meow!


4.) Forest Gump (1994)
Everyone always remembers that “life is like a box of chocolates,” but I bet you everyone also left the theater after seeing this remembering the different types of shrimp and types of rainstorms there are. When Forrest (Tom Hanks) is fighting in Vietnam, he narrates, “One day it started raining, and it didn’t quit for four months. We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin’ rain … and big ol’ fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath. And then one day it just stopped.” This scene is one of my favorite because it gives insight into the war but in a humorous “forest” kind of way.

3.) Lord of the Rings (2002)
The battle for Helm’s Deep during the second of Peter Jackson’s movie adaptation of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy was the best combat scene from the entire thing. The whole amazing war happened while sheets of rain fell from the sky. You would think a fight scene would be hard to follow during a rain sequence, but not here. Everything is well choreographed and the action is top-notch adding more depth to an already epic battle sequence.

2.) The Notebook (2004)
I had a hard time deciding between Spiderman or The Notebook for best rainy kiss in a movie, so i decided its a tie to to add both. I don’t think I need to go into detail about this steaming scene because really who hasn’t seen the notebook? So i thought instead I would quote my favorite line instead…(please imagine this in a southern accent :) )

Ali: Why didn’t You write me? Why? It wasn’t over for me. I waited for you for 7 years and now its too late!

Noah: I wrote you. I wrote you every day for a year. It wasn’t over…It still isn’t over…cue make out session.

1.) Singing in the Rain (1952)
Come on, you saw this coming. It even has the word rain in the title. Who can forget Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) incredible dance number in the rain? Don just says goodnight to Kathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds) after a great evening. He is so happy at the turn of events that he feels he must sing about it while it is raining. He swings on lampposts, jumps in puddles, and twirls an umbrella the whole time. He never seems to mind that he is soaking wet. The most famous rain scene in movie history was done in just one take and Kelly also improvised most of his dance moves.

I’d love to know what your top 5 are…….and why…..

Brianna

Love her, Show her – Mothers Day May 9th

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

A few years ago I was living in London, working in the hospitality industry….which I am sure needs no introduction into how long the work days were….one Sunday afternoon on my walk home from my 1/2 day of 8 hours, I noticed that Hallmark was telling my mommy she is loved….and I should tell her too. With a hint of guilt I quickly purchased my card, wrote on the inside, licked the envelope (can’t they at least make it taste like strawberries) and posted my love to my mom…..triumphant in the knowledge that it would be there in time for Mothers day in 2 weeks!!! What a thoughtful daughter I was!!!

Time went on and I hadn’t heard a peep from my mom…Mothers Day had come and passed (No, I am not an awful child for not calling her.  The time difference and my work schedule conflicted consistently). So on my next available Sunday afternoon I called my mom to see if she got the card…and that she did…but there was a nervous undertone in her voice….”It was a lovely thought honey….but it isn’t mothers day here in Australia for another 2 months….so I’ll just keep it until then”.

I was so proud of myself….thought I had done the nicest thing ever and my mom is looking at the card like “a swing and a miss. We’ll just swing again in 2 months”.

After this mistake I realised I didn’t want it to be just ONE day that I take a moment to tell my mom how special she  is….IT SHOULD BE 2 one in March & one in May!!!

Joking aside, show her often, tell her frequently….

So to my Mom, a Happy Mothers Day, today and every day. I love you!!!

And for those of you who need a little reminder for that special day this is for you…..

Practical Mothers Day Gifts

*PuddlePass coupon code is valid on full price merchandise only.

Nubrella revamps the traditional…is it a keeper?

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Those of us who cycle all winter are familiar with the phrase “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” But how to take that important call on your cellphone in the middle of a rainstorm? Nubrella to the rescue. It reinvents the umbrella into an aerodynamic sphere, protecting you from the rain and guaranteed never to get blown out, or as they call it, “invert.” read more…….

nubrella-street

GOLD has been won at the GumShoe Challenge!!!

Friday, February 26th, 2010

GumShoe Challenge Collage

Blood, sweat & tears were shed as our athletes ran around Yaletown in a frantic search for clues to win a GOLD medal worth $295…and other subsequent medals too…..

GOLD WAS WON BY:

Vickie, who was running as fast as her legs would take her and was ahead by a mile!!!

Adam, with desperation and perspiration running down his face the sign of a true hard working athlete, he won GOLD and made his lady proud!!!

SILVER WAS WON BY:

Nina, who sneakily ran on her lunch break to claim the coveted silver medal!!!

Pamela, who easily strolled along the finish line to claim the men’s second prize, however with another man arriving later we decided to award 2 silver men’s medals…!!!

Christian, who recently moved to Vancouver, had brief case in hand and was determined to make this finish line…many friends had told him the boots will come in handy here in Vancouver!! And that they will!!

BRONZE WAS WON BY:

Britni, stealth and ease was how Britni made the event look as she cam across the line.

A wellie Wanging shoot out (yes sounds weird; definition and rules are below) believe it or not two teams vied for Mens third place. With a photo finish we couldn’t determine who came in third so a shoot out was the only answer!!

With tears of defeat being shed we decided to also award 2 mens bronze medals…..

to Lucia & Charmaine, who were absolute winners and possessed sincerest sportsmanship when having to face each other in the Wang off!!!Kudos to you both!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR ATHLETES!!!

DEF: Wellie wanging, or wellie throwing, is a sport that originated in Britain, most likely in the county of Yorkshire. Competitors are required to hurl a Wellington boot as far as possible within boundary lines, from a standing or running start. A variation requires participants to launch the wellie from the end of their foot as if they were kicking off a pair of shoes.

The World Welly Wanging Championships are held each year during the Summer Gala in the Village of Upperthong in Yorkshire. Welly wanging originated following an incident during which a pint of Tetleys Bitter was accidentally spilt into someone’s welly.

World Wellie Wanging Contest Rules:

  1. Welly wanging is a sport open to all people irrespective of age, sex, race, creed, religion, nationality and colour. And people from Lancashire.
  2. The sport shall be a civilised affair. Fair play, good humour and good manners shall be exhibited at all times.
  3. No umpire shall be needed. A player’s word and their honour shall be sufficient.
  4. Distances shall be measured in yards, feet and inches. None of this European nonsense.
  5. The standard welly shall be the Dunlop green, size 9, non steel toe-cap. Competitors shall select whether they use left or right welly.
  6. No tampering with the welly shall be allowed. Factory finish only. No silicone polish is to be applied.
  7. A maximum run-up of 42 paces shall be allowed. This distance was chosen in memory of Douglas Adams, himself a proponent of the sport.
  8. The run-up shall end with a straight line of 10 feet in length, that being the width of a standard Yorkshire gate.
  9. The welly shall land within the area defined by the straight lines between the Upperthong Gala field and Holme Moss television mast on one side, and on the other by the line between the field and Longley Farm windmill. This playing area is known as the ‘Thong’.
  10. There shall be four categories: Men’s and Women’s, and Boys and Girls (u-14’s)
  11. The welly shall be projected using any action of the arm or foot for the respective categories.
  12. The use of wind assistance is allowed and, indeed, encouraged. Waiting for a suitable gust, however, is limited to one minute. No artificial or man-made wind is to be used.
  13. The winners of the two adult categories at the World Championships shall receive a leg of Yorkshire lamb kindly donated by Brindon Addy the butcher at Hade Edge. The winners shall demonstrate the ethos of Welly Wanging by inviting friends to share the lamb over a convivial Sunday Lunch. Winners of the Children’s category shall receive a crisp five-pound note. They can spend this on anything they like.

Wanging the Wellie

SERIAL SHOPLIFTER ON WEST 4TH!!! Watch Out!!!

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

SERIAL SHOPLIFTER ON WEST 4TH!!!

The shoplifter, thief , scammer is back.  He has already hit all the businesses on 4th ave and Alma and going East along 4th ave as far as I know.  So far he has stolen from the Shoe repair shop,  the coffee shops, doctors’ offices and he tried to scam me today.  He has been around for years and all the book stores have banned him.   He preys upon new owners and new staff.  Usually has a big , confusing story.  Steals as soon as he walks through the door, then tries to return stolen items for cash after confusing you with his story or big order.  Tries to get you all excited about a big sale, gets you busy or going to the back then shovels stock into a bag.  He steals children’s clothing, food orders, books, corkscrews, coffee beans, pet shampoo,  udo’s oil, women’s makeup/clothing. dog leashes, shoe polish, cash out of the till, your purse, your patients’ purses, wallets out of patients jacket pockets, you name it.

He might steal items one day and come back the next day to return when a different employee is working never has a receipt but gives you a good story about that too (fundraisers gone bad, bed and breakfast in Kelowna, his wife will come back with a receipt)

Spread the word, the police have been phoned numerous times but make sure you phone if he steals something otherwise they don’t know how bad it is.   He resurfaces every 6-12 months.

He changes his hair color, right now it is salt and pepper silvery grey, sometimes it is black, sometimes he wears a hat.  Please pass this photo around to local businesses.

KEEP YOUR PEEPERS OPEN!!!

West 4th Thief

WIN GOLD at the GumShoe Challenge (Ol*&p!cs)!!!

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

GumShoe Challenge (Ol*&p!cs)!!!
With rain dampening the first few days of competition we found may visitors doing the AHA, “now we understand why you call it RAIN-couver.” Lucky for you the crew at GumDrops turned off the rain faucet so everyone could enjoy this beautiful city we call HOME!!! And yes, you are most welcome!!!

However, all good things must to an end…and so will the sunshine; Tues February 23rd the faucets are due to again OPEN!!!

With that being said Vancouverites & visitors alike who LIVE IT and LOVE IT have a chance to WIN GOLD in the GumShoe Challenge (Ol*&p!cs!!!)

How to ENTER on Wednesday February 24, 2010:

11am-12pm
Collect your map for the GumShoe Challenge at:
Waterfront Station
Visitor Information Robson Square
Cnr Robson & Granville
Yaletown Canada Line Station
12pm-1pm
“Athletes” will set out from the main GumShoe podium in Yaletown
Following the map “clues” collect all 3 tickets
The first 3 Women & first 3 Men to present all 3 tickets to officials at the main GumShoe Podium will WIN!!!

1pm-1:30pm

Medal Ceremony!!!

Womens Prizes:
Gold: MoovBoot $295
Silver: Bogs $130
Bronze: Lattitude $65

Mens Prizes:
Gold: Hunter $150
Silver: Bogs $130
Bronze: Tretorn $75

12pm-3pm
All athletes will be able to join those also participate in Wellie Wanging!!!

Whats Wellie Wanging you ask? Wellie Wanging, or Wellie Throwing, is a sport that originated in Britain. Competitors are required to hurl a wellington boot as far as possible within boundary lines, from a standing or running start. A variation requires participants to launch the wellie from the end of their foot as if they were kicking off a pair of shoes.

Official Olympic Apparel will also be available (DON’T MISS IT)!!!

Yes, there has to be some civilized structure to such an intense competition:

  1. The GumShoe Challenge is a sport open to all people irrespective of age, sex, race, creed, religion, nationality and colour. And people from Lancashire who want to win GOLD!!!
  2. The sport shall be a civilised affair. Fair play, good humour and good manners shall be exhibited at all times. Any injuries incurred while in pursuit of GOLD is the responsibility of the participating “athlete”.
  3. No umpire shall be needed. A player’s word and their honour shall be sufficient.
  4. Competition closes at 1pm PST February 24, 2010.

GOOD LUCK!!!

I Heart Vancouver Contest WINNER IS…..

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

…Drum roll please…

Winner of a Fantastic Heart Umbrella

Yumi: “I heart Vancouver for its lovely sunset and where you can find yourself with other awesome people with similar interests.”

I hope you have many rainy days smiling at your fantastic new umbrella!!!

Not a winner??? We heart you so much we are extending…

Free shipping-2…until Feb 28th, 2010…

ENJOY!!!