Reebok Canada, the official outfitter of the Canadian Football League, unveiled the new uniform of the BC Lions today.  Just in time for training camp, the eight CFL teams will start the new season with a brand new reengineered jersey. Each of the teams played an active role in developing not only their new reengineered on field jerseys, but also the look of the new Premier jersey available to their fans.

“The year of the 100^th Grey Cup is an opportunity for us to celebrate our proud past and launch our bright future,” said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. “And through our partnership with Reebok, with their expertise in professional football jersey design, CFL teams will kick off this historic season with brand new jerseys that feature the latest in technology as they travel the road to the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto.”

Reebok is also expanding its jersey line for fans by offering a new Premier jersey. The Premier jersey was inspired by the on field jersey but has more of a lifestyle fit so fans can go from the stadium straight to their favourite sports bar without feeling the need to change. The new model is made of a double polyester mesh for improved durability. Some teams offer jerseys with topstitched lettering instead of prints. “Reebok wanted to offer a new version of the fan jersey that’s as close as possible to those worn on the field. We’re delighted with the results and I think we can honestly say mission accomplished!” said Stewart Clark, Marketing Director at Reebok Canada.

Fans can purchase the new jersey on CFLshop.ca, on each team website as well as at their respective stores. Starting Tuesday, May 8, the jersey will also be available at Sport Chek, Sports Experts, River City Sports, Jersey City Canada and other select retailers. The suggested retail price is $110.

MMV Giveaway: Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away a BC Lions Women’s Premier Jersey in Size M.  To enter, leave a comment below telling us why you want this new jersey.  A random winner will be chosen from the comments below. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner. BC mailing addresses only. Contest ends Sunday, May 20th (11:59pm PST).  

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

• For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win a @BCLions women’s premier jersey from @ModernMixVan. http://bit.ly/IKBPd5 RT to enter!”
• For a third entry: Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and write on the wall: “I want to win a BC Lion’s women’s premier jersey from Modern Mix Vancouver! http://bit.ly/IKBPd5″

Call your friends out on their cash issues with Pocketbook Rehab! The Credit Unions of BC is giving away a $10,000 financial intervention. Nominate your friends on Facebook for one of the following badges: Cash Disaster, Spare Change Scavenger, Mega Mooch, Spontaneous Shopper or Forgot-My-Wallet Whiner. If your nominee wins, you could also receive $1,000!

So what exactly is a financial intervention? One lucky Pocketbook Rehab winner will receive $10,000 and a meeting with a financial advisor from a BC credit union to help them spend it responsibly. The advisor will use the winner’s prize money to create a custom financial plan that will get them on the right track. The Pocketbook Rehab winner will also be featured in a short web video highlighting how their intervention helped them conquer their cash issues!

Watch this funny intro video here:

The winner will be announced the week of May 28.  Open to BC residents only. Good luck!

MMV Giveaway: Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away 10 pairs of tickets to Make It- The Handmade Revolution!  Leave a comment below telling us what is your favourite thing about handmade fairs like “Make It” is.  Ten random winners will be chosen from the comments below. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner. Contest ends Tuesday, April 17th (11:59pm PST).  Winners will have their name + 1 at event will-call.

Double your chances and RT this on Twitter: “I want to win a pair of tickets to @MakeItShow from @ModernMixVan. Click http://bit.ly/HnWO7E to enter!”  

Giveaway ends on Tuesday April 17th

Spring forward with Lolly Clothing.  Based in LA, but with an online store accessible by Canadians, Lolly clothing wants to bring the Californian sunshine up to us in Vancouver.

In recent comments on Modern Mix, most readers told us that their favourite spring-time accessory is a versatile scarf.  I am in full agreement that a scarf can be the perfect finishing accessory for any outfit and that a girl can never have too many scarves!

Lolly’s one-of-a kind line of clothing and scarves are designed with precision in-house, with an innovative layering dye process, giving each item their own unique individual look.  Each of their prints is inspired by natural and rich origins from around the globe.  These scarves are light enough to be worn through spring, but warm enough to keep out unpredictable chills.

I have the silk pashmina scarf ($74) in the mustard wash, with a splatter of yellow (shown above).  Modern Mix Vancouver wants to give away a similar style of scarf in the “watermarks” wash, which is in a smokey prussian blue, made with the same layering dye process.

MMV Giveaway: To win the “Watermarks” scarf, leave a comment below telling us your favourite thing about Spring.  A random winner will be chosen from the comments below. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner. Contest ends Sunday, April 8th (11:59pm PST).  VANCOUVER ENTRIES ONLY.

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

• For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win a @LollyClothing spring scarf from @ModernMixVan. http://bit.ly/HDeH2J. RT to enter!”
• For a third entry: Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and find the Lolly Clothing posting on the Page, then comment under the posting on Facebook.

Philosophy, the bath & beauty brand, celebrated its Sweet 16th birthday last week.  To mark the occasion, the limited edition “Sweet 16″ shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath was introduced.  Last week in Toronto, Robin White, director of international education and global press, greeted Canadian Media at the Windsor Arms Hotel in celebration of Philosophy’s sweet 16 Birthday and Philosophy’s new Spring 2012 collection of skincare, fragrance, bath and body and gifting.  Although we couldn’t make the Canadian party in Toronto,  Modern Mix Vancouver wants to gift one lucky reader with Philosophy’s Sweet 16 product!

MMV Giveaway: Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away the “Sweet 16″ product by Philosophy. Leave a comment below sharing with us a memory from when you were 16! A random winner will be chosen from the comments below. Please be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner. Canadian entries only please. Contest ends on Sunday April 8th (noon PST).

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

• For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win Philosophy’s Sweet 16 Product from @ModernMixVan. Happy B-Day @LovePhilosophy.  http://bit.ly/H74KZe RT to enter!”
• For a third entry: “Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and post on the wall “I want to win Philosophy’s Sweet 16 Product from Modern Mix Vancouver!”

By Eudora Koh, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

Deep in the heart of Richmond lays the seaside town of Steveson, known for its boardwalk and fishing culture. What may not be top of mind for many when it comes to Steveson is clothing, fashion and style. But those were the only things on everyone’s mind last Friday at Violet Hill Boutique, nestled amongst other small shops in the small community.  Modern Mix Vancouver was invited to the exclusive media event, which drew some of the city’s most influential fashionistas and offered colourful macaroons, tasty cheeses, lots of bubbly, and most important, beautiful and one of a kind designer pieces handpicked by Nicola Gillam, owner of Violet Hill boutique.

Nicola grew up in Steveson and wanted to share with her community the boutique experience when it comes to clothing, fashion and accessories. With a major in History and Political Sciences, Nicola realized later, like many graduates, that she wanted to do something in life unrelated to her education. With her love of fashion, her natural ambition, and a business saavy mindset, Nicola opened up Violet Hill Boutique in August 2011, naming it after her favorite Cold Play song.

We heard several remarks about how the pretty boutique decor of Violet Hill makes you think it belongs in Yaletown or Kitsilano.  But that’s the beauty of it! Violet Hill boutique itself is such a cozy little shop that is decorated and furnished just like a teahouse, brightly lit with high celings, detailed white trimming around the walls and windows, and a deep blue that cover the walls.

With a bohemian flair as a common theme amongst all selected pieces, labels at Violet Hill boutique range from the recognizable Gentle Fawn to Alternative Apparel, to labels I was introduced to (and fell in love with!) such as Eryn Brinie, Liebeskind and Valerie Dumaine. Along with the many neutral and earthy tones available in store, there are also a select few bright and funky colors that will pair well with your wardrobe staples. Both the dressier and more casual pieces were consistent with the practicality, trendiness and femininity that encompass Violet Hill.

Many of the tees and blouses caught my eye, as well as spring dresses made from stiffer material, but still held that cute nautical and classic style. There are so many unique pieces in store, that are decently priced and ones that you won’t find anyone else wearing on the busy downtown streets. Similarly, the accessories sold in Violet Hill are one of a kind, including the Social Experiment collection of Westcoast-inspired cocktail rings ($28). Georgia Heraty, designer and creator of the cocktail rings, was at the event to take custom orders for her gorgeous rings, two of which I purchased at the event and can’t stop wearing!  Meanwhile, Vanessa purchased a 14k gold and amethyst necklace ($89) from another Vancouver designer, Chantale Jewelry Designs.

So the next time you’re in Steveson, be sure to check out the purple jewel by the sea, Violet Hill, which is just as stylish and chic as any other boutique you will find in downtown Vancouver. You can’t miss it!  For more photos, check out the gallery below with photos by MCS Photos.

MMV Giveaway: Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to Violet Hill Boutique! Leave a comment below telling us what your favourite springtime accessory is.  A random winner will be chosen from the comments below. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner. Contest ends Sunday, April 8th (11:59pm PST).  Winner will pick up their $50 Gift Certificate in store at Violet Hill (12211 No 1 Road, Richmond).

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

• For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win $50 to @VHillBoutique from @ModernMixVan http://bit.ly/GT16nI . RT to enter!”
• For a third entry: “Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and post on the wall “I want to win $50 to Violet Hill Boutique from Modern Mix Vancouver! http://bit.ly/GT16nI”

All entries will be entered into a draw with five small thank-you prizes of a cute little heart necklace from the brand-new Special Addition collection with your own personal engraving on the back!  Good luck and Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Smitten” speaks to the inner love affair that we women have with accessories — be they shoes, handbags or most importantly, jewellery. It beckons to us, not just as a means to express our own personal style, but because it makes us feel uniquely feminine and beautiful.

Laurie is a born and raised Vancouverite as well as a longtime Yaletown resident. Before turning to designing jewellery, Laurie studied Fine Arts and later, Art History, at UBC, where she obtained her B.A., with a focus on eighteenth and nineteenth-century French art.  She started designing jewellery only a year ago. In fact, she registered for her first jewelry making course right around Valetine’s Day last year.

MMV:  What sets you apart from other jewelry designers?

Laurie: I think my look is unique as I generally keep it simple and classic, yet with a modern edge, to keep it fashion-forward. I always use only semi-precious stones or Swarovski crystals with fine chains and I also like to incorporate vintage pieces (be they findings or chains) into my work to create a juxaposition between the vintage aesthetic and a more modern look.

MMV: What are your goals for Smitten in its 2nd year, in 2012?

Laurie: I would hope that this year is a really successful year for smitten. I hope to expand a lot in the retail sector as well as launch online sales from my website (smittendesigns.ca) in the near future. Smitten truly is a love of mine; a great passion, which is subconsciously perhaps why the name appealled to me so much.

MMV: Anything to say to Modern Mix readers about the upcoming Valentine’s Day?
Laurie: I was saying to some friends the other day that Valentine’s Day is a day that singletons dread and couples just pray their partners will remember; so no matter which category you’re in, I think it’s important to be smitten for YOU, as the most important relationship we have is with ourselves.

Smitten Designs is available for purchase at Lord’s Shoes on Granville, Jules & Eve in Kerrisdale, as well as Changes on West 10th.

MMV Giveaway: Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away a pair of Gold and Red Swarovski Earrings (see image above) by Smitten Designs. Leave a comment below telling us what being “smitten” means to you and a random winner will be chosen from the comments below. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner. Contests ends Tuesday February 14th (11:59pm PST). Open to Canadian mailing addresses.

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win earrings from @smitten_designs from @ModernMixVan http://bit.ly/xX9YXl RT to enter!”
For a third entry: “Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and post on the wall “I want to win a pair of earrings from Smitten Designs from Modern Mix Vancouver! http://bit.ly/xX9YXl”

Vancouver TheatreSports League hosts the 24th annual St. Valentine’s Day Massacre – an international improv tournament of epic proportions. Hosting teams from as far away as Paris, this promises to be the best St. Val Massacre yet. Hold onto your seat as teams compete head-to-head! Come and experience styles of improv from across the globe.

Vancouver TheatreSports League is improv comedy – everything you see onstage is made up on the spot. It’s an interactive entertainment experience as the players ask for audience suggestions to create their scenes.  They’ll usually invite an audience member up onstage.

Tips for first-timers?

• Relax – Nobody gets picked on, or called up onstage, who doesn’t want to – there are plenty of audience members who gladly offer up suggestions, or get onstage.
• Enjoy – Vancouver TheatreSports has some of the best talent in the industry – many of their performers have been involved in improv since its rise to popularity in the 80s.  For example, Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie of Whose Line Is It Anyway are both alumni of TheatreSports.

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre pits world-class improv teams from across the continent and around the world against each other – resulting in some of the craziest, most hilarious improvised comedy ever seen!  Follow your favourite team as they duel their way to the final match. Joining the winners of the Vancouver competition are visiting teams from Austin,Bellingham,Chicago, Seattle, and Paris, France. Then, come and see them compete to be the last team standing in the Final Massacre!

Tickets are as affordable as $8.75 for students and $11.75 for adults.  For show times, information and ticket sales see www.vtsl.com

MMV Giveaway:  Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away two pairs of tickets to the performance of St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.  Leave a comment below telling us who you’d bring with you to the improv show and a random winner will be chosen from the comments below.  Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner.  Contests ends Saturday January 28th (11:59pm PST).  Open to BC address only (how are you going to make it to the show if you’re from out of town?).

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

• For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win a pair of @VanTheatreSport tix to St. Valentine’s Day Massacre from @ModernMixVan http://bit.ly/yvw5Qq RT to enter!”
• For a third entry: “Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and post on the wall “I want to win a pair of Vancouver TheatreSport tickets to St. Valentine’s Day Massacre from Modern Mix Vancouver”
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Every January for 18 years, Liberty Wine Merchants hosts a fundraising event to start the bar high for the new year. Liberty is once again recruiting British Columbia’s finest food and beverage purveyors for Taste BC: a fundraiser for the BC Children’s Hospital’s Oak Tree Clinic.

BC Children’s Hospital’s Oak Tree Clinic provides specialized HIV care for infected women, pregnant women, partners, children and youth, and support services for affected families.  This event has raised a collective total of $186,336.00 since 1995 to benefit the Oak Tree Clinic.

Modern Mix Vancouver was there in 2009 and had enjoyed going from booth to booth, learning about new wines, sampling food pairings and bidding on silent auction items.    This year’s 18th annual celebration of local food and drink takes place January 24, 2012 (4:30-7:30 p.m.) at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Guests will taste, sip and experience BC’s finest wine, beer and spirits accompanied by tasty fare from local restaurants. Along with excellent food and drink, attractions include live music, door prizes, and a silent auction that rivals any other. Silent auction items include luxury items, local experience packages, destination packages and delicious products made by British Columbia’s own.

Tickets are $49.99 and available at Liberty Wine Merchant stores.

MMV Giveaway:  Modern Mix Vancouver is giving away a pair of will-call tickets to Taste BC.  Leave a comment below telling us your favourite wine and a random winner will be chosen from the comments below.  Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you’re a winner.  Contests ends Sunday January 22nd.  

For additional entries, you can do the following things;

• For a second entry: Follow @ModernMixVan on Twitter and tweet “I want to win a pair of tickets to @taste_BC from @ModernMixVan http://bit.ly/ylLWkc RT to enter!”
• For a third entry: “Like” the Modern Mix Vancouver Page on Facebook and post on the wall “I want to win a pair of tickets to Taste BC from Modern Mix Vancouver! http://bit.ly/ylLWkc”