Kitsilano Beach Kitsilano dwellers will tell you how they love to watch the waters of English Bay change colour in wintertime. Despite our enthusiasm for all things Kitsilano all year round, there’s no doubt that our beachfront neighbourhood, called Vancouver’s Venice Beach, truly shines in summer. Summer in Kitsilano brings a multitude of outdoor festivals and events. Here’s a list of the best summer events to help you plan ahead for the fun. From free street parties with live music…

I had been checking my mailbox for weeks; pacing back and forth, waiting for the mail carrier to arrive. Sometimes, I’d meet her down the street – impatiently inquiring if she had anything for me, my stomach twisting in knots as she ransacked her mailbag. After rooting around for what seemed like hours, she’d look [...]

Now that the more “predictable” weather is back in Vancouver, there’s nothing quite like digging into a generously cheese-drizzled poutine with savoury Guinness jus. Add to that a pint of chocolatey Elysian Dragonstooth Stout and a snug wooden bench seat and I’d say you’ve arrived at comfort food Valhalla. Where do you find such an agreeable place? East Vancouver? Perhaps Gastown? Surely it must be on Main Street? Well lucky for us folks on the westside, Corduroy, as this elusive…

Frigid temperatures finally gave way to Spring, coaxing trees and perennials out of hibernation. Days tumbled into weeks since my last post – the busy-ness of life, shifts and changes all compressed into a sliver of time. My parents divested themselves…

Frigid temperatures finally gave way to Spring, coaxing trees and perennials out of hibernation. Days tumbled into weeks since my last post – the busy-ness of life, shifts and changes all compressed into a sliver of time. My parents divested themselves…

© 2004-2013 Rebecca Bollwitt – Miss604. The Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park will once again be home to the Surrey Children’s Festival this year, from May 23rd until May 25th. Rain or shine, there are indoor and outdoor stages and performances for children of all ages. Line-Up Festival hours are 9:00am to 2:30pm [...]

The post Surrey Children’s Festival 2013 appeared first on Vancouver Blog Miss604.

White Peacock Mug – Photo credit: DAVIDsTEA This Mother’s Day will be my first as a new mum. Although my little one would rather eat the crayons instead of drawing a nice card with them, and her version of a “treat” will be a poopy diaper at home instead of at the grocery store, I just know she will be wishing me a happy day with that toothy smile of hers. Here are a few proper, easy treat ideas for new…

Kelly O’Brien’s second pregnancy was uneventful. When her son, Teddy, was born she was told by the doctor that her baby had contracted a virus in-utero. Without any symptoms or signs during pregnancy O’Brien and her family had to face…

Help mom indulge on Mother’s Day May 12 with edible gifts from Kitsilano. Some are healthy, some are decadent. Everything is under $25. Top 5 Edible Mother’s Day Gifts from Kitsilano 1. Gift tray from Ayoub’s Dried Fruit and Nuts Ayoub’s offers gift trays that can be filled with any items in the store – even their killer lime cashews – for $10, $20 or $30. If your “mom” is health conscious, skip the chocolates and create a delicious tray…

© 2004-2013 Rebecca Bollwitt – Miss604. It’s BC Mining Week and across the province communities are hosting luncheons and festivals to celebrate one of the province’s oldest and largest industries. In partnership with the Mining Association of BC, I still have an iPad Mini up for grabs (until May 7th) and this weekend one of [...]

The post BC Mining Week 2013: Britannia Mine Family Day appeared first on Vancouver Blog Miss604.

Last weekend, we celebrated my sister’s 40th birthday. We deliberately postponed the grand party from month, thinking that April 20 would for sure have nice weather so we could send the kids out to the playground.

It was freezing. With snow.

We stayed inside and a grand time was had by all.

Naturally, the Birthday Goddess was issued a boa to accentuate her fabulousness

And serenaded as befits the guest of honour
 

She also had a special seat with her very own balloon (here Janne’s caught in a brief moment of not speaking. Andersen women talk a lot, but maybe that’s not a surprise to you?)
 

Aryka liked the balloons, too. She grabbed hold of one the minute she entered the room and didn’t let go. I suspect that evening, she fell asleep holding it. For all I know, she might still have it trailing behind her.

Marilynn, Aryka’s mom gets more beautiful every time I see her
 

As do her siblings, Nick and Kirsten. Claire’s very much present in all of them

At the other end of the room, kindred spirits found each other and disappeared into playing games

Morgan found a new biggest fan

We didn’t set out to bring a magician to the party, it just sort of happened.

Liam, a bit of an amateur magician himself, was fascinated 

Morgan helped Janne open her present — we’d all chipped in to get her a really good camera

and then Liam helped Janne blow out her candles before the room caught on fire (yes, we did use 40 candles on the cake)

 During cleanup, Scott acquired a new dog  when Liam temporarily transformed

and Ken acquired a growth that made it difficult to walk

At the very end, everyone wanted a photo of three generations of the Andersen family and we briefly knew what it’s like to be in front of a herd of paparazzi.

I’ve written here many times about how health and fitness are important to me. I run three days a week, attend two strength classes a week, and like to ski/hike/something on day six. (On the seventh day, I rest.) I don’t play team sports because, well, I can’t. I’m the girl who fell up the [...]

There is a nice little story tucked into the pages of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013. It’s a sweet tale of Thomas and Colleen and their two children. (I like to imagine those little stick-figure stickers on the back of their mini-van waving …

1. I am so busy2. Money is tight right now3. I am so tired4. My house needs cleaning5. Does my rear look big in these jeans?6. Do I look old/tired ?7.Did you hear what so and so said/did ?8. Yes…

I’ve had this aching pain in my left shoulder for a while now. For a long while. For months, even. I kept telling myself I’d take care of it… another day… next week. It was February when I first noticed…

I’m participating in the Live Below the Line Challenge between April 29 and May 3. According to the Global Poverty Project, 1.4 billion people are living in extreme poverty. These are people who can barely afford to eat and are often faced with indescr…

Planning on a lot of outdoor activities with the whole family this summer and in need of durable kid gear? Maybe you want to get your hands on the latest eco-friendly, non-toxic toy? Or perhaps it’s just a little splurge: you want that hip little outfit for your baby boy or girl that will match your stylish ensemble. Here are a few great gear, toy and fashion picks for your little sprout to get you started. Of course, they’re all…

I have come to realize how much I like to work hard. Partly so that I can treat myself to some of the wonderful recent #$%^ing spring purchases I have made. Partly because it just feels so good.There is a…

In the months leading up to where we said goodbye to Kitty, the kids were fully aware that it would be happening. They could see how sick she was and they were very sad when we talked about it. Being kids, though, they would then ask, “When Kitty goes to Heaven, can we get a [...]

The iconic Kitsilano Showboat needs your help. If you aren’t familiar with its history, here’s the scoop. The Kitsilano Showboat has operated since 1935. It’s an open-air amphitheatre located at Kits Beach. All summer long, the Showboat hosts free performances from local bands, dance groups, and other performers. Its goals are:  to show off amateur talent and entertain residents and tourists. Why does the Kits Showboat need help? In late 2012, a King Tide, in combination with high winds, caused…