// Holidays are here...

The snow arrived here in Vancouver last night, and turned our city into a temporary winter wonderland. After an admittedly crazy week, it was the perfect excuse to curl up inside with a good book, great wine, and watch the snow fall while listening to old Christmas albums on the record player.

This morning, as I left the house for coffee, I passed my favorite holiday shop window -- 18 Karat. Their storefront just oozes holiday, texture-y, warm & fuzzy fabulousness... and so does their online catalogue, which I would highly recommend you check out.

// Dave Barnes

I cannot begin to express my love for the oh-so-talented, local artist, Dave Barnes. His whimsical painted/illustrated/layered/collaged pieces, often conceived on discarded wood, make my heart flutter. Please check out his site, as it's full of beautiful eye candy.

// Merde

My dear friend Maddie just sent me a link to these umbrellas and I just had to share.
Living in rainy Vancouver, despite today being beautiful and sunny, this sentiment ("Merde, il pleut!") is not foreign to us...

// Union Wood Co.

I've been meaning to write about the Vancouver based Union Wood Co. for months now, but the gods seem to *really* want me to get on it now, as references to the fabulous furniture making company keep popping up everywhere in my life.

Now that I'm a bit more settled back in Vancouver, I've been looking for a home... and with a home comes furniture. Having sold/given away everything I owned before leaving on the trip, I'm thrilled to be starting from scratch, sourcing pieces I *love*.

For me, the heart of a home is the kitchen and dining room. It's where family & friends come together to eat, drink & laugh... so a good dining room table will be high on my list... and Union Wood Co. will be where I go. Using mainly reclaimed and re-purposed wood and other materials, they create beautiful, timeless furniture teeming with history and quality. I'm in love. Check them out here.

// Practical Dreaming

[image from Jen Skelley's Etsy shop... more on her soon!]

When M & I get back to Vancouver, we'll be facing the daunting (have you seen Vancouver housing prices lately??), yet exciting task of finding a new home. We sold quite literally everything we owned -- including our apartment -- before leaving town, so it's going to be a wonderful, fresh new start.

We've been daydreaming about our ideal home, but have also faced the fact that we have to be practical in our dreaming... unless we plan on moving to the suburbs (which isn't an option).

What's on your "must have" list for a home? Dream list?

Ours include lots of natural light, an open kitchen/entertaining area and a second bedroom/office. That's not too much to ask, is it??

(Our "dream" list is a completely different story, and includes vaulted ceilings, brick walls, reclaimed wood floors, a claw-foot tub, his & hers offices...)

Wish us luck...

// 3rd Annual Red Cross Soiree

If you're going to be in Vancouver May 6th, I can't think of anywhere you should be other than at the 3rd annual Red Cross Soiree. Strap on some heels and nibble on tasty canapés from Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, sip fine wine donated by Vincor, get a style consultation from pro stylists, bid on fabulous silent auction goodies and mingle with incredible people -- who like you, are there celebrating and supporting the Canadian Red Cross. Like I said -- what else could be more important May 6th??

Check out photos from last years event here... and get all the info here.

[all photos by Daniel deRegt]

// Little Red Caboose

I love featuring creative folk from Canada. These lovely, bright, handmade items come from Vancouver based Little Red Caboose. The wool filled Matryoshka Dolls are a cozy alternative to traditional Russian nesting dolls, and the felt crowns are a perfect birthday accessory for a little prince or princess!

// Vancouver Eats

Our fair city, Vancouver BC, is in the midst of hosting the 2010 winter Olympics. While we're trilled to be here in Croatia, a part of us wishes we were home to celebrate, take in some of the Olympic festivities... and eat at our favorite restaurants that we miss dearly!

If you happen to be in Vancouver for the Olympics (or anytime, really!) here are our top three places to eat/drink in Vancouver...

You can't beat the Black Frog pub in Gastown for casual drinks/eats with friends. Not only do they have impeccable musical taste (seriously... where else can you hear Black Mountain, Andrew Bird and Smog within seven minutes), but the drinks & food are cheap, the staff are great and the crowd is diverse. I'm a sucker for their grilled cheese & a pint of the local lager. ($)

For sushi, venture West to The Eatery for a less traditional dining experience. Eclectic music & decor, hipster waitresses, university crowd... and sushi that makes all that worthwhile. Try the Bob Marley roll, full of avocado, mango and tuna, topped with a cucumber wasabi paste. ($$)

M & my all time favorite place to indulge gastronomically in Vancouver is BIN 942 tapas bar. Heavenly tapas made with fresh local ingredients, lots of wine by the glass (so you can try a few!) and a cozy, but loud, atmosphere. Try the Garlic Butter Mussels and Beef Tenderloin Wellington. Go early to avoid waiting in a looong line. ($$$)

// Marian Bantjes

While stumbling through TED.com this morning, I noticed that Canadian design legend Marian Bantjes spoke at the latest conference!

Check out more of her work here.

[images: Marian Bantjes]