Featuring over 50 local vendors, Got Craft? has something handmade for everybody on your list from clothing to jewelry to art to ceramics and home décor.   This year, Got Craft? will be happening on Sunday December 6, from 11am to 5pm at the Royal Grandview Legion (2205 Commercial Drive at E. 6th Avenue).  The first 30 people through the door will receive a free, re-useable swag bag packed full of goodies from all of our vendors.  Admission is $2, kids are free.

Our Vancouver show will feature almost 100 of the hottest, hippest and coolest designers in Western Canada! Because Make It is like a mullet; craft show in the front, party in the back we will have a bar and DJ Leanne spinning all weekend. This is the perfect place to shop, socialize and enjoy how darn talented emerging designers really are.

Click on the below graphic to print out the coupon for 2-for-1 admission to the event.

Cheers, Vanessa Choot
Editor-in-Chief
Modern Mix Vancouver

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all;
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Additionally, a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to the race, creed, color, religious, or sexual preferences of the wishes.

]]> http://modernmixvancouver.com/index.php/2008/12/25/merry-christmas-from-mmv/feed/ 0 http://modernmixvancouver.com/index.php/2008/12/13/valkyrie-prescreening-and-review/ http://modernmixvancouver.com/index.php/2008/12/13/valkyrie-prescreening-and-review/#comments Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:00:07 +0000 vanessa http://modernmixvancouver.com/?p=1175 By Guest-writer Joanna Lee

Last Monday, I had a chance to catch the sneak preview of the highly anticipated Tom Cruise movie, Valkyrie. Opening to the public on Christmas Day, Valkyrie is based on true events, which took place in Nazi Germany during World War II. The movie is a historical thriller about the last of 15 failed attempts to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Cruise plays Claus von Stauffenberg, the leader of a group of Nazi officers who lead the assassination plot. Numerous people were involved in the attempt against the Nazi leader, and the film also features Kenneth Branagh (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Hamlet), Bill Nighy (Pirates of the Caribbean, Hot Fuzz), Terence Stamp (Wanted, Get Smart, Elektra) and Tom Wilkinson (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Michael Clayton).

When I arrived at the theatre, there was already a long line outside of eager and avid Tom-Cruise fans, and moviegoers in general. More tickets than the at-capacity limit had been handed out for the sneak preview and many people were turned away. I was one of the lucky ones who made it inside, and found excellent seating for the movie. Not knowing what the movie was about (except that Tom Cruise was in it!), I found time to pass by very quickly as I found the movie absolutely enthralling. Perhaps it was my interest in history or thrillers, or historical thrillers. Or maybe it was because of Cruise (and him sporting an eyepatch). Whatever the reason, I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film.

So what did I not like about the movie? The movie begins with Cruise’s character narrating in a German accent. I was curious to see how the actor would fare in having to combining his Yank with German accents throughout the entire movie. After the first ten minutes or so and for the rest of the film, Cruise’s character speaks in an American accent. It was disappointing since it made the historical film less realistic, and more ‘Hollywood’ instead.

Since seeing Valkyrie, I have read many mixed reviews about the film. It has received many modest but good reviews, as well as reviews indicating it is slated to win some Razzies, awards that recognize the worst Hollywood films. While Cruise fans will love Valkyrie for his portrayal of the aristocratic, handsome German colonel, it will be interesting to see how the general audience handles his performance.

Click here to watch the movie trailers.

By Guest-writer Alicia Woodside

Perhaps it’s the prominent return of Starbucks’ festive red cups this past week, or the cropping up of holiday displays in countless store windows … For whatever reason, I feel it is the perfect time to share what makes my list of fitness must-haves for this holiday season! Check it out for your holiday shopping guide in everything from athletic wear and gadgets to creative lifestyle products; a great treat for yourself or that special workout buddy!

1. SUGOI Hydrolite Jacket

There really is no excuse to get outside when it’s raining, especially with this new jacket from Sugoi! The hydrolite fabric completely repels water, by perforating its surface to bead away any amount of liquid that comes in contact, making it completely waterproof. Seems like the perfect gift for us outdoor enthusiasts in Vancouver! It’s extremely lightweight, so it feels as though the repelling action is the work of your own body! A worthwhile investment if you plan on living in Vancouver for anytime spanning October through April!

PRICE: $120

2. Audiobook

A great way to train for endurance is to first accomplish that long run, bike, or elliptical session with the help of an entertaining audio book. Enjoy your favourite book while you accomplish your exercise! A Great way to achieve more in one day. Available through Itunes as an immediate download, or discounted versions through shipment at Amazon.ca.

Alicia’s pick: Talk to the Hand by Lynne Truss. Why this book? Loaded with dry humour and cynicism, Talk to the Hand is the hilarious outcome of a woman enraged by the world’s declining manners… Makes for guaranteed laughs. It’s perfect to read when angry, to hear someone else who is both funny and angry.  

PRICE: $5+

3. Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth technology allows electronic devices to communicate wirelessly. For mp3 players, that means the transfer of music to a headset, without a cord! This allows you to workout without getting tangled, which is especially useful for activities requiring lots of movement, such as skipping. Makes running and exercising more streamlined. Shown left, the Insignia Bluetooth Headphone is available at Future Shop.

PRICE: $50+

4. NIKE WINTER COMFORT: Matching Nike “Thermal Running Gloves” and “Thermal Run Skullcap”

These gloves and toque are made of the most soft, comfortable dri-fit fleece fabric. They’ll keep you warm on a winter run, or even on your way to the gym or a practice. The lightweight material and dri-fit nature make them great to wear while exercising. Not only that, the colour combinations are awesome, making them practical and stylish… Who says you can’t be cozy, and even stylish, while you exercise?

The thermal running gloves are available in four colour combinations: solid black, gray/red, gray/black, and, as pictured, my personal favourite: anthracite/sheen/silver. The gloves are also thoughtfully designed, with a mini pocket to hold a key! (No more having to hide it in your flowerpot)…

As for the Skullcap, some of the other well-designed features include an opening for a pony-tail in the women’s toque, so that staying warm doesn’t have to compromise your look, as well as fleece that extends to cover the ears.

PRICE: $25 Each

5. Lululemon Sporty Arm-Warmers

Another thoughtful product by LuluLemon, these lightweight arm-warmers are great for virtually any sport. Made of the company’s breathable Luon yoga-wear fabric, with brushed fabric on the inside, these arm-warmers provide a light, insulating layer. With a built-in key and credit card holder, they also make the active lifestyle more worry-free. Wear them under any garment of clothing: on bare arms when out for a run on a warmer winter day, or underneath base layers for skiing and snowboarding. They come in a great selection of solid colours to suit your style.

PRICE: $29

6. Nike Vintage Bag

If it’s time for a new gym bag, check out these stylish carriers from Nike. The bags show off your athletic side, with images such as a vintage running shoe, or with text about running. Great shape and size that makes them ideal for going to and from a practice or workout.

PRICE: $50 to $80

7. Waterproof iPod Case

If you enjoy listening to your ipod, and have difficulty leaving it behind when you go for a pool workout, try this waterproof iPod cover, designed for Classic, Nano, and Shuffle models. This casing allows you to submerge your ipod completely underwater for up to ten meters, which makes it great for swimming, monotonous pool running, and those who tend to fall a lot snowboarding! View the impressive full line of products at H2Oaudio.com.

PRICE: $80

Bundle up and come join us in Gastown for some early Christmas sales from some of Vancouver’s most unique clothing retailers. Follow the map, and walk around to the participating stores to enjoy a complimentary beverage and the best deals of the season.

STAY TUNED FOR ONE OF A KIND 2009: OCTOBER 7 to 10, 2009!

One of a Kind (OOAK) was an absolutely refreshing Christmas Sale to attend and most definitely in the running for the best of the season. In its first year in Vancouver (originated from Toronto), OOAK brought together artisans and designers from all across Canada. Trendy goods only, please! If you’re looking for grandma’s knitting or gift-y figurines to be left on the mantle to collect dust, this is NOT where you should be. At OOAK, every booth was filled with trendy products – from Luxe Design, which have been sold at fashionable retail outlets such as Blue Ruby since 1995, to Black Drop Designs with resin photo pendants.

In a free-standing booth in the middle of BC Place Stadium was a small stand run by “Sister Sister” dedicated to selling buttons. From one-inch pins and magnets to larger circular mirrors, cutesy designs and slogans (ie. “cute as a button”) brought a splash of childish color with “…some buttons for you, some for your friends, some for your co-workers, some for your family, some for your lover(s) and them some more for you…” [photo above]

Speaking of buttons, here is a a special mention to Rachel Ann Austin, who gave out free one-inch buttons at her booth with her signature hand-drawn birds on wire designs [photo right]. In addition to several paintings of a similar style, there was also a collection of pendants for $25 a piece. Similarly, Skipping Lilies also sold soldered pendants, but with real pieces of nature like flower petals encased between glass [photo below].

The food section was also great. A booth selling fudge with flavors from coffee to toffee handed out samples.Across the aisle was another booth selling candied apples. Priced at $10+ each, One of a Kind caters to a more affluent audience – expect some Meinhardt and Urban Fare shoppers lurking in the food section. For the rest of us, simply looking at the minimalist packaging brought on a wave of aesthetic appeal, such as a selection of specialty teas, packaged in long silver tins. I will most definitely be back next year to see what new talent our city, province and country has to offer!

Can’t get enough of One of a Kind?  Click here to read the Modern Mix Vancouver article on the media preview event.