Now don’t get us wrong, we here at GumDrops have embraced the rain. But, we still have a spot in our heart for the days where ordering an iced coffee over hot isn’t an extreme beverage risk. Just like any weather conditions, there are always some complaints. We’ve already put the silver lining to your rain clouds, so.. here goes my attempt to put some sunblock on your sun? (yeah I don’t know where I was going with that).

This is for all of you who are finding it hard to enjoy the transfer from mild weather, to hot and humid.

1. Embrace being sweaty.

Everyone else is. Look around, unless you are looking at someone who’s just slicked up in tanning oil, they’re sweaty too. It’s like the wind and hair, girls you know what I’m saying. If you’re really having a hard time, here’s a fun fabric tip I learned in school: Polyester is a no-go in the summer. No matter how thin and breezy the fabric feels, it’s lying- it will keep you uncomfortable and hot.

1. Enjoy some summertime sports.

Now, I am not going to lie. I am probably close to last on the list of people who enjoy extreme physical activity, especially when it’s hot out. But might I suggest badminton? Sure beach volleyball sounds a little cooler, and a little more athletic. But trust me, an intense game of badminton is where it’s at. What is cooler than hitting a feathered ball as hard as you can with miniature tennis rackets?

1. Iced EVERYTHING!

Alright.. Everyone thinks it, I’m going to say it. Summer brings a lot of sweet treats, and awesome dining experiences. Start your morning off right with an iced coffee, and from then on the world is your chilled oyster. I’ve recently ventured into making my own popsicles (which has nothing to do with my student diet.), and I’m awarding it my smartest decision of July. Instead of laying lifeless on the beach to get a tan, sit out on a patio with friends. I found out the hard way (racer back tan line), but you definitely get a tan when you are out enjoying life on a restaurant patio.

While you’re out enjoying summer, stop by the store and check out our new shipment of Havaiana’s! I don’t know who deemed Havaiana’s as the bee’s knees in the flip flop world, but I’m not questioning it.

What are your favorite summertime activities?

-Kathryn

Me & Friends In Rafting Gear Before the Big Ride!

Now it wasn’t easy thinking about me being wild, as I am usually a very cautious and reserved person when it comes to adventure and being spontaneous, but there is one particular time last summer that comes flooding into my head. In may of last year I went on a 25 day Contiki Tour of Europe. The trip was full of firsts for me. First time being farther east than Calgary, first time in Europe, first time travelling without our my parents, first time realizing it was up to me and my friend to figure everything out and that my mom wasn’t going to be there to fix it! (this hit home very very hard when I got Strept Throat in Spain!) But it was also the first time that I took “danger” head on and wasn’t so inhibited by my logical side of my brain. What was this “danger”? Well it was white water rapid rafting down an Austrian river in the Austrian Tyrol Mountains! At first I was terrified, I acted all cool but inside I was having multiple panic attacks and trying very hard not to just run the opposite direction of the water. Once we got to the water, myself and 5 other girls climbed in the raft with Scouse our Liverpool accented guide and away we went! The ride was about half an hour and we had many laughs and screams along the way but I have to admit by the end of it I was hungry for more! I wanted bigger rapids, bigger jumps, more falling off and more drama! Scouse told us that we had done about a 3.0 run and that in the Austrian off season he does tours of 4.0 and 5.0 down the Nile in Egypt…he told us some stories and lets just say I am glad there was no hippos in our 3.0!

I have to say white water rafting down an Austrian river was one of the highlights of my trip and think I may have found a thrilling past time to pursue in the future! I’d love to hear about a time you left inhibition to the wind and went wild or where the wildest place you have ever been is!

And if your think you need some inspiration for letting loose, come on in and check out our “Gone Wild” window display and let your inner animal take over!

Go Wild!!!

- Brianna

I was stressed, researched out, and anticipating my little GumDrops world to cave in as I knew it. But as I started to create and execute my “to do” list I realised that it was as anticlimactic as Y2K…pshhh what was all the anxiety about?It took me less than 20 Minutes to have our POS system up to snuff…and the website was a little more intense, but nothing earth shattering.

I did however find some great retail reference material as well as a very funny “tongue in cheek” T-shirt about the HST. ” Support the HST or my daddy will have to sell the private jet”….my book keeper definitely laughed hard at this one…..they also have some other great T-shirts as well….visit fighting words store….and support a new local company with a conscience. Even though they are completing the final touches to their site it’s still worth the peek……while you are at it tell them what your fight is!!!

GST/HST Info Sheets

HST Rebates on Children’s Goods

New Mandatory GST/HST Electronic Filing

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!!!

If your dad is anything like mine, he needs a heavy duty boot! If that’s the case, I would recommend a nice pair of Bogs. Bogs have some great “manly-man” qualities, apart from just being waterproof. Bogs have excellent durability, AND keeps your foot warm to -30F!! Who isn’t impressed by that? On the topic of bogs, why not complete the set with a “daddy and me” combo, and get your little one some Bogs to match?

Perhaps Dad is more of a puddle jumper, than the ultimate outdoors-man? If that’s the case, why not suit in a Sunice jacket? These jackets are great, because they’re waterproof and they look great! These jackets are breathable, light weight, seam sealed and come with a 3 year warranty. Dad’s love warranties.

There are plenty of other great father’s day gifts in store including umbrellas and bags! Stop by the store, or visit our website for more.

What will you be doing this Father’s day?

-Kathryn

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 4^th and check it out!

Brianna

Carrie Bradshaw

K: When I think about Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe, aside from dollar signs and designer labels, I think colour and originality. How many times have you watched an episode of Sex And The City and thought, “I can’t believe she’s wearing that!!” But secretly, she pulled off the belly tops and overalls. The Carrie Bradshaw boot has to be vibrant, daring, and it doesn’t hurt having a well known label. So in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, I chose 3 pairs to deem the “Carrie Bradshaw” boot:

Hunters Citrine

Hunters Turquoise

Hunters Lava

B: Well I would like to argue that I am a WAY bigger fan of Sex and the City than Kathryn, and perhaps the world! (When I was proof reading this K spelt Carrie, Cary! Haha) Although I didn’t start to watch the show until after the series ended, I became some what obsessed. I have probably seen the entire series at least 4 times, I have books, a board game and one of my favourite things is I have walked over the bridge in Paris that Carrie and Mr. Big kiss and make up in the series finale! Now I would probably proclaim I am more of a Carrie and after watching the second movie I am still amazed at what she can pull off. Vintage mixed with couture, and bold color choices is how I would describe Carries so as my choice I would choose the Dav Karma Boot. Its loud pattern in a riding boot style mixes everything that we love so much about Carries style!

Samantha Jones

K: Samantha Jones is a powerful woman, with a little sass. Looking through her wardrobe, she can go from a great suit, to a risque dress. The Samantha boot needs to be sophisticated, with a little something extra. And like Cary, you know she loves her brand names! For Samantha, I say the Hunter Carnaby Boa

B: Obviously the first thing that pops into my head when I think Samantha Jones is sex and that’s basically all you need to say. So whats sexier than Sam Jones? The Hunter Carnaby Boa of course! Nothing says sexy like black snakeskin!

Miranda Hobbs

K: Miranda is a classic mom on the go. A successful career woman, and a mother of one, she has a lot of running around on her to-do list. The Miranda boot has to be slightly more modest than her friends, and above all: Comfortable!! That it was I chose the Kamik Ellie Chocolate.

B: This is where I would like to argue with most women. I think a lot of people see Miranda as just a less sexy up tight version of the other girls, but in this second movie Miranda brings it! She has some of the sexiest outfits (her dress at the wedding was beyond drool worthy) and she rocks the Mom look better than anyone I know! So as for my pick I choose the Kamik Janis Navy. The Kamik brand is excellent for a mom on the go because of its slim fit and comfortability! And the fun sunflower print is anything but boring!

Charlotte York-Goldenblatt

K: A mother as well, Charlotte leads a slightly more mellow lifestyle compared to Miranda. It’s not coincidence Charlotte and classy both start with a ‘C’, they’re basically synonyms. And although I can’t picture Charlotte trudging around in the muck and rain, there is still a pair for her. The Charlotte “boot”, in my opinion, are the black Dav flats. Perfect!

B: Charlotte York-Goldenblatt is a women after my heart. I was once told by a psychic that I had an old soul and she asked me if I had a thing for vintage. And although I hate going and riffling through vintage stores I absolutely love the classic 50′s house wife look! I seriously think besides 18^th century Rococo I would go back to the 50′s just so I could wear Diors New Look. But getting back to Charlotte I think that because she is so classic that I would have to go with the Original Tall Black Hunters.

We’d love to hear what you think about the girls as well as what boots you think Stanford would wear!!!

Brianna and Kathryn

We love it when we’re loved…..and so should you….read The Globe and Mail’s piece on what we are up to to ensure you are happy little vegemites when you visit to both our flagship location and our online store…we’d love to hear from you about your GumDrops experiences……

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

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