Developing Windows Phone Apps at Nokia DVLUP Day

On Saturday, December 7th, 2013, I attended an all day workshop to learn about creating Windows Phone apps. The workshop was held by Nokia and Microsoft at the downtown BCIT campus, to promote the DVLUP Windows developer awards program. Developers can sign up at DVLUP.com and be rewarded for creating apps that fulfill the requirements of the posted challenges.

Those that attended the workshop were given two weeks to submit or update an app, get it approved and published on the Windows Phone 8 Store in order to receive a Nokia Windows 8 Development Phone. Not a lot of time but thankfully, Microsoft came up with a easy way to create apps - even for those who don't know how to code!

Windows Phone App Studio - http://apps.windowsstore.com - is a free online tool to create Windows Phone apps in minutes! They have templates that anyone can use to generate their first app. All you need is to provide the content. You can even download the source code and tinker around with it to make it more to your liking. Haha, having been obsessed with the movie Frozen, I created a Frozen movie guide app after a tried making an app for this blog kinda failed. I'm sure if I dig through some of the code, I'd be able to fix the problems but for the challenge, I had to be quick and submit it immediately, since the approval process can take up to a week and if the app doesn't pass the approval process, I'll have to fix it and resubmit which will take another week - time that I may not have. 

Since this was an all day workshop, Nokia was nice enough to provide us breakfast, lunch, dinner AND snacks in between to fuel brain and our fingers. Developers love to snack, you know.

I learned a whole lot about Windows 8 development, the Windows App Store and how to monetize your app. Apparently, there is a large market for the Windows phone. It's not as popular here in North America but it is popular overseas or in South America. So there is a market for apps there; it is probably is easier to produce a money making app on the Windows app store than in the saturated iOS or Android store!

I'm pleased to report that my app did get approved but...I should update it because it is not very nice as it is now.

Vancouver Weekend Events (Dec 6 - 8, 2013)

Friday, December 6, 2013

Xbox One Area
Dec 6, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 7, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 8, 10am-1pm, 2-5pm, 6-9pm
Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Station, 1755 Cottrell Street Vancouver, BC
Drop in on one of our Area One parties to play Xbox One. Space is limited for Area One events, entry is on a first come first served basis. If the venue is full you may be asked to return at a later time or different day. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter unless accompanied by parent or guardian.

2013 Vancouver Tree Lighting Celebration
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver
Don’t miss the official launch of the 2013 holiday season with live music and sweet treats at the 2013 Vancouver Tree Lighting Celebration.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $11 max
Afternoon matinees Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 3:00pm to 10:00pm 
Wednesday - 11am to 10pm
Friday and Sunday- 11:00am to 11:00pm
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $11, Matinee $6. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. We suggest a $4 minimum donation. Thank you!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Xbox One Area
Dec 6, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 7, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 8, 10am-1pm, 2-5pm, 6-9pm
Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Station, 1755 Cottrell Street Vancouver, BC
Drop in on one of our Area One parties to play Xbox One. Space is limited for Area One events, entry is on a first come first served basis. If the venue is full you may be asked to return at a later time or different day. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter unless accompanied by parent or guardian.
Kensington Community Centre Holiday Craft Fair
10am - 4pm
Kensington Community Centre, 5175 Dumfries Street, Vancouver
Join us at the Annual Kensington Holiday Craft Fair, Saturday December 7, 2012, from 10:00am-4:00pm. Public Admission to the event is free. Hand crafted items, doors prizes and food. 

Deck the Halls Craft Fair - $2
11 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun
3102 Main Street, Vancouver
More than 50 craft vendors offering unique hand-made items perfect for gift giving.

5th Annual Collingwood Artisans’ Village Market
11am - 5pm
Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver
Admission Free. Local artisans from the Renfrew-Collingwood area will be showcasing handmade crafts and special entertainment by the Windermere Vocal Ensemble, Van Tech music group, and Community Choir. The Red Sunset dance group will also grace the stage, and a lively puppet show will bring holiday cheer. Enjoy Chinese calligraphy, crochet and weaving by local artisan's demonstrations & paper craft-making. Raffle draw for a chance to win an original gingerbread house and food baskets prizes!

Portobello West: Holiday Market - $2
11am - 5pm Sat & Sun
Creekside Community Recreation Centre, 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
Vancouver’s Favourite Artisan/Craft Fair is back for its final show of 2013 this December 7th & 8th! Shop from a wide variety of  local goods ranging from Fashion, Jewelry, Accessories, Art, Sweets, Baby & Kids items, and more.Be one of the first 25 people each day to receive a FREE swag bag filled with goodies from our wonderful vendors and sponsors!

Light Up the Heights
12pm - 5pm, tree lighting at 4:45pm
Hastings Street between Boundary and Gammer, Burnaby
‘Tis the season for shopping and celebrating the re-launch of Light up the Heights in its brand-new format! With a focus on shopping locally for the holidays, the Heights Merchants Association invites community members and friends to celebrate with us at our sidewalk festival on Saturday, Dec. 7, for Light up the Heights. As carollers stroll along Hastings Street, the Man in the Red Suit will be visiting merchants with his helpers while Heights merchants offer holiday specials all day long. Tree Lightin Ceremony at Burnaby Firehall No.5 (Hastings & Caleton) at 4:45pm

Lonsdale Christmas Festival
4:30pm - 8:00pm
at the Shipyards at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

Come Share in the Holiday Spirit Saturday Dec 7th, 2013 4:30pm - 8:00pm  The Lower Lonsdale Business Association in partnership with the City of North Vancouver invites you to celebrate their annual Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at The Shipyards located at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue from 4:30pm – 8:00pm. Stilt walkers, a gingerbread cookie character, a Christmas fairy and the inviting sounds of Christmas carolers will welcome you as you arrive on-site. Stage entertainment gets underway at 4:30pm with performances with a Christmas Elf Show; followed by the official lighting of the City of North Vancouver Christmas tree then the arrival of the Big Guy in the red suit around 5:30pm. Children are welcome to visit Santa at his workshop.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $11 max
Afternoon matinees Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 3:00pm to 10:00pm 
Wednesday - 11am to 10pm
Friday and Sunday- 11:00am to 11:00pm
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $11, Matinee $6. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. We suggest a $4 minimum donation. Thank you!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Xbox One Area
Dec 6, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 7, 10am-1pm, 2-6pm, 7-12am 
Dec 8, 10am-1pm, 2-5pm, 6-9pm
Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Station, 1755 Cottrell Street Vancouver, BC
Drop in on one of our Area One parties to play Xbox One. Space is limited for Area One events, entry is on a first come first served basis. If the venue is full you may be asked to return at a later time or different day. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter unless accompanied by parent or guardian.
Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $11 max
Afternoon matinees Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 3:00pm to 10:00pm 
Wednesday - 11am to 10pm
Friday and Sunday- 11:00am to 11:00pm
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $11, Matinee $6. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. We suggest a $4 minimum donation. Thank you!

Ongoing:

Christmas at Canada Place
Dec 1 - 31, 2013
Canada Place, 999 Canada Place Way
Come down to Canada Place from December 1 – 31, 2013 to experience the 26th annual Christmas at Canada Place. Along our outdoor promenade and throughout the city, Canada Place is bringing you and your family the best in Christmas cheer this holiday season.

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt
9:00am - 9:00pm Nov 28 - Dec 27th 
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, hotel lobby
From November 28, 2013 - December 27, 2013, guests of the hotel can enjoy a walk through Gingerbread Lane, which features over 40 gingerbread houses that have been created by various partners.

Vancouver Christmas Market - $6
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
Opening day! The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its fourth year from November 22 to December 24, 2013 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza!  Enjoy our expanded offerings of delicious food items and find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. We'll have seasonal music to set the mood and a great entertainment program of authentic folk groups.

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2012 - January 2, 2013 
Four Seasons Hotel & Pacific Centre Mall  
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion.  

Disney's Frozen Movie and Soundtrack Review

Frozen is my new favourite movie! Disney's latest animated film blew me away with the stunning animation, beautiful heartfelt story and epic songs. Frozen is very loosely adapted from Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale, The Snow Queen. It features not one but two new princesses: Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel and her younger sister, Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell. Elsa has the power to create ice and snow; a beautiful but also dangerous ability. After accidentally hurting Anna with her powers, Elsa is forced to hide them from her sister and the kingdom of Arendelle. However, on her coronation day, her powers that she strove all her life to conceal are revealed to everyone. She runs away in fear but not before accidentally freezes the kingdom in an eternal winter. Anna goes in search of her sister in order to bring back summer. Along the way she teams up with mountain man, Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff) and his reindeer, Sven, as well as an endearing snowman, Olaf (voiced by Josh Gad).

The movie is a lot of fun, and different from other Disney princess movies. Frozen breaks a lot of the typical princess, damsel in distress tropes. They also poke fun at the love at first sight trope! It's a great movie for kids and adults who are young at heart as well. I loved it so much that I already have it on my list to buy on blu ray
 when it comes out in March!

My favourite character is Elsa. I wish the movie devoted more time to her. She's such a tragic character. Anyone who has felt like they needed to hide their true selves from the world can relate to her. I loved the scene where she let's down her hair and finally transforms into the snow queen. She has such beautiful hair.

The movie is playing 3D but except for the short "Get a Horse" that played prior to the movie, which wonderfully blended 3D and old school 2D animation together, the 3D was barely noticeable in the movie. So I'd recommend just sticking with a regular ticket. Also make sure to stay until the end of the credits! There's an cute extra scene at the end!

Here's the trailer for Frozen:

I ordered the deluxe edition of the soundtrack shortly after watching the movie and I was so excited today when it finally arrived!

 So pretty.

Needless to say, I had it on repeat for the entire day. I'm still listening to it!

 The inside cover has beautiful illustrations of Elsa and Anna in the beautiful Nordic landscape.

The first CD contains 32 tracks, 10 of which are songs, the rest is the score. The second CD contains demo tracks as well as songs that didn't make it into the final movie. They are sung by the husband & wife duo composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and their children.

The soundtrack also comes with a little booklet which contains the lyrics of the 10 songs. 9 songs were in the movie, plus Demi Lavato's version of "Let It Go" from the credits. I love the super cute "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" sung by Anna while she's growing up. And "For the First Time in Forever" also sung by Kristen Bell as Anna. All the songs are pretty catchy but there is one song that stood out from the rest and that is "Let It Go" performed by Ideina Menzel as Elsa.

"Let I Go" is my favourite song out of them all. I started listening to this song on repeat even before I got the soundtrack on Disney's "For Your Consideration" site. I'm obsessed with this song! It has such an epic feel and gives me goosebumps! It's even more amazing when watching the scene in the movie where this song is in. After years of hiding her powers, Elsa can finally can "let it go" and be truly herself - and it's a beautiful transformation. Listen to the song! And go watch the movie! It is well worth the price of admission!

Frozen is currently playing in theatres and soundtrack is available on Amazon.ca as well as on iTunes. Currently the single CD is going for $18.06 while the deluxe edition is going for $21.33. Though the prices seemed to be in flux over the past few days (I bought it for $15.62). Is it worth paying a few more bucks for the additional songs on the second disc? Hmm. YES. Some of the outtakes are pretty catchy even though they don't fit into the story anymore. The composers also give an explanation on why they were cut prior to the song. Plus you get the instrumental only version of "Let It Go" so you can sing karaoke to over and over and over again (like me!). Or you can just download the album from iTunes. It's only 11.99 for the single CD and $19.99 for the deluxe version.



Frozen Soundtrack:
Frozen Soundtrack Deluxe Version:

Vancouver Weekend Events (Nov 29 - Dec 1, 2013)

Friday, November 29, 2013

Black Friday Photo Expo 2013
Fri & Sat 10am - 6pm
Lansdowne Mall, Unit 960, Richmond
 Broadway Camera is leading the photo industry in hosting a promotion and sales event for Canadian shoppers. Canadian Black Friday shoppers can now start early and avoid border crossing and exchange with bigger savings and lucky draw.  Photo Expo will be held at Lansdowne Mall Unit 960 from 10am – 6pm with daily seminars and product presentations. Leading photographic suppliers Nikon, Canon, Sony, Daymen, Amplis, Nadel, Red Raven and others will be there to demonstrate their latest photo products and upcoming releases.

Taiwanese Film Festival
Films at 6 PM and 7 PM Free, but seating is limited. 
SFU Woodwards, 149 W. Hastings St., Vancouver
The 2013 Taiwanese Film Festival's focus is to create more opportunities for Canadian audiences to learn about Taiwan.  This years festival program proudly presents: Taiwan's Owls: Silent Stalkers of the Night (2012) and The Rooftop (2013).

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt
9:00am - 9:00pm Nov 28 - Dec 27th 
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, hotel lobby
From November 28, 2013 - December 27, 2013, guests of the hotel can enjoy a walk through Gingerbread Lane, which features over 40 gingerbread houses that have been created by various partners.

Vancouver Christmas Market - $6
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
Opening day! The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its fourth year from November 22 to December 24, 2013 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza!  Enjoy our expanded offerings of delicious food items and find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. We'll have seasonal music to set the mood and a great entertainment program of authentic folk groups.

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2012 - January 2, 2013 
Four Seasons Hotel & Pacific Centre Mall  
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion.  

Saturday, November 30, 2013

3rd Annual Strathcona Winter Craft Fair - $2
10am - 5pm
Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer Street
Winter Craft Fair, 50 vendors 

Black Friday Photo Expo 2013
Fri & Sat 10am - 6pm
Lansdowne Mall, Unit 960, Richmond
 Broadway Camera is leading the photo industry in hosting a promotion and sales event for Canadian shoppers. Canadian Black Friday shoppers can now start early and avoid border crossing and exchange with bigger savings and lucky draw.  Photo Expo will be held at Lansdowne Mall Unit 960 from 10am – 6pm with daily seminars and product presentations. Leading photographic suppliers Nikon, Canon, Sony, Daymen, Amplis, Nadel, Red Raven and others will be there to demonstrate their latest photo products and upcoming releases.

Consumer Fitness + Wellness Show
Sat 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM 
Sun 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Vancouver Convention Centre Ballroom A 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Two day event at the Vancouver Convention Center. You can expect a high energy event full of fitness experts, product demos, workouts, and incredible savings from vendors showcasing the latest fitness accessories and apparel,  educational tools, nutritional support, and programs.  canfitpro is proudly supporting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Trade show admission is FREE, however, we are gladly accepting donations of $5 OR canned goods onsite.

Christmas on the Drive
1pm - 5pm
Grandview Park, Vancouver
The Commercial Drive Business Society's Christmas on the Drive Event at Grandview Park is on Saturday, November 30, from 1pm to 5pm. We'll be lighting the 60' tall Christmas Tree, and will have Santa, choirs, carolers, Horse and Carriage rides, kids activities, seasonal beverages, and baked goods!

Collingwood Winter Carnival
4pm - 8pm
Safeway Parking Lot (Kingsway & Tyne), Vancouver
Free holiday treats, Santa photos, magic snow, movie, balloon artist, carollers & more! Bring food bank donation & win prizes!

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt
9:00am - 9:00pm Nov 28 - Dec 27th 
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, hotel lobby
From November 28, 2013 - December 27, 2013, guests of the hotel can enjoy a walk through Gingerbread Lane, which features over 40 gingerbread houses that have been created by various partners.

Vancouver Christmas Market - $6
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
Opening day! The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its fourth year from November 22 to December 24, 2013 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza!  Enjoy our expanded offerings of delicious food items and find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. We'll have seasonal music to set the mood and a great entertainment program of authentic folk groups.

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2012 - January 2, 2013 
Four Seasons Hotel & Pacific Centre Mall  
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion. 

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Consumer Fitness + Wellness Show
Sat 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM 
Sun 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Vancouver Convention Centre Ballroom A 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Two day event at the Vancouver Convention Center. You can expect a high energy event full of fitness experts, product demos, workouts, and incredible savings from vendors showcasing the latest fitness accessories and apparel,  educational tools, nutritional support, and programs.  canfitpro is proudly supporting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Trade show admission is FREE, however, we are gladly accepting donations of $5 OR canned goods onsite. 

Rogers Santa Claus Parade
10:30am -1pm pre-parade festival at Vancouver Art Gallery
1pm - parade
10th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade. Starts at West Georgia and Broughton at 1:00 pm. The parade will then travel east along West Georgia and turn south on Howe. The parade will then finish at Howe and Davie. Parade spectators are encouraged to arrive early for pre-parade fun at the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square! From 10:30am – 1pm head to the Vancouver Art Gallery at the corner of Georgia and Howe for family friendly activities and live entertainment.  Make sure to bring your donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and drop it off in the bin. Starbucks will also be handing out their delicious hot chocolate by donation with all proceeds going back to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank!  ACTIVITIES:      Face Painting     Balloon Twisting     Gingerbread Man Decorating     Christmas Tree Ornament Decorating     Write a Letter to Santa

Owl Show - by donation
11:00 am - 3:00 pm 
Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Drop in to see this show of live owls by the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of B.C. and get some great photos of these amazing birds! Suitable for all ages.

Vancouver Christmas Market - $6
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
Opening day! The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its fourth year from November 22 to December 24, 2013 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza!  Enjoy our expanded offerings of delicious food items and find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. We'll have seasonal music to set the mood and a great entertainment program of authentic folk groups.

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2012 - January 2, 2013 
Four Seasons Hotel & Pacific Centre Mall  
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion.

East is East

East is East on Main. M planned the night for only L but Winw and I ended up joining. It was the first time I've ever been here but heard great things about it prior. They serve Silk Road cuisine.

They have a lounge there and also live music playing on the stage. Great ambiance!

The ceiling. It's very beautiful!

Dinner started off with a little chai tea sample.

Most of us decided to go with East is East's signature tasting menu: the Chai Feast. It comes with soup, salad, boulani, kefir naan, garlic pickle, Afghan and basmati rice. You can then choose any the main dishes, two at a time - it's all you can eat!

 Mystic Soup: Lemongrass, green curry, ginger and mushrooms in coconut milk. I loved this one.

 Beet Salad: Steamed beets, sour cherries with cumin w/ balsamic vinaigrette

Lamb Kebab: Perfectly spiced and grilled chunks of lamb in a savoury yogurt, black cardamom and bay leaf curry (dairy)

Afghan and basmati rice and naan.

Mango Butternut Squash: Butternut squash and mango cooked with coconut milk, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and curry leaves (vegan)

You can request more naan if you want. They are sooo delicious! We absolutely had to!

Dinner was delicious and I was so stuffed after. Great deal at only $25! I'd definitely go back again!

Leonidas 2nd Anniversary Party

The Leonidas at the downtown waterfront, held their 2nd anniversary party on Saturday, November 16th. Part of 1400 sales outlets around the globe, this cafe sells all sorts of fine Belgium chocolate, as well as coffee, hot chocolate, and other desserts such as cheesecake and macaroons. They are also the first and only Authentic Belgian Chocolate Cafe in Vancouver! As expected, the night was filled with yummy sweets!

 

 The delicious milk hot chocolate is worth going there for!

White chocolate hazelnut.

 Orangettes - dark chocolate covered orange rind.

Milk chocolate coconut balls! Yum!

Haha! Every time some goodies came out, all the phones and cameras where also whipped out. No body eat anything until we take the photos! Those chocolate covered strawberries are my favourite!
 

These are sugar free chocolates! I couldn't tell the difference!

Store co-owner Aisha!

Leonidas wants to celebrate their 2 years with their customers! Visit the store and tell them the secret code "SPARTAN" for a free chocolate of your choice. Meanwhile, follow them on Twitter @LeonidasVancity or Facebook!

Vancouver Weekend Events (Nov 22 - 24, 2013)

Tis the season! This weekend is full of festival and market openings and craft fairs. Time to get on that Christmas gift shopping! December isn't too far away. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Vancouver Christmas Market - $6
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
Opening day! The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its fourth year from November 22 to December 24, 2013 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza!  Enjoy our expanded offerings of delicious food items and find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. We'll have seasonal music to set the mood and a great entertainment program of authentic folk groups.

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2012 - January 2, 2013 
Four Seasons Hotel & Pacific Centre Mall  
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion. 

West Coast Christmas Show - $7
Friday, November 22, 11am-9pm 
Saturday, November 23, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, November 24, 10am – 5pm
Abbotsford TRADEX Centre, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
The West Coast Christmas Show is Western Canada's leading Holiday Season Show that brings together under one roof Holiday gifts, fancy foods, personal services, decor ideas, festive seminars and culinary presentations.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Vancouver Winter Farmers Market

10:00am - 2:00pm every Saturday (closed December 28) November 2, 2011 - April 28

30th and Ontario Street in the East Parking lot and Plaza of Nat Bailey Stadium

Fresh, local, organic foods & crafts. 60+ vendors, hot food, music! Rain or Shine!

West End Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm
West End Community Centre, 870 Denman Street, Vancouver
Holiday Craft Fair Participate as a vendor at the #1 Choice Artisan Craft Fair awarded by “Stars of Vancouver” in the Courier! 60+ Artisan crafters. Admission is FREE.

Family FUSE Weekend: Tell Me A Story - $17
Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Discover the Vancouver Art Gallery's Family FUSE Weekend, where you will meet artists, musicians, dancers, performers, and educators for a weekend filled with family fun! Participate in a range of fun activities, performances, and hands-on sessions throughout the Gallery. FREE for all Gallery Members and all children aged 12-and-under when accompanied by an adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular adult admission rates apply.

Holly Tea & Craft Fair
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 

Marpole Place Neighbourhood House, 1305 West 70th Avenue Vancouver
The Holiday season is coming and on Nov 23rd we are having the first festive event of the year at Marpole Place Neighbourhood House!   Join us for a festive tea with homemade cookies, soup and lovely sandwiches. Check out the tables of hand made goods and buy your unique holiday gifts crafted with care! Participate in our Raffle and 50-50 and you will have the chance to win one of the prizes prepared by our generous sponsors! The prizes will be gift cards from Cravings Restaurant, White Spot, Hudson Hair Designs, Hollywood Nails, Artknapp Plantland and a Pretty & Pamper Basket!  Also, you'll enjoy hot apple cider and baked goods. Bring your entire family - we have special activities prepared just for kids!

Vancouver Christmas Market - $6
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
he Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its fourth year from November 22 to December 24, 2013 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza!  Enjoy our expanded offerings of delicious food items and find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. We'll have seasonal music to set the mood and a great entertainment program of authentic folk groups.

Cat and Cat Lover's Open TV Casting Call
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Bone & Bowl Pet Store 1610 Salt St Vancouver
BATTLE CATS OPEN CASTING CALL Does your cat love to run, jump and chase? Was your kitty born to be a celebrity? We are casting for athletic cats and expressive cat owners to tackle our agility course in a fun new television competition show.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
12:00pm - 4:30pm November 23 - December 13
12:00pm - 9:00pm December 14 - January 3, 2013 (closed December 24 & 25)  
6501 Deer Lake Avenue  Burnaby, BC
The Village is illuminated this festive season with spectacular displays of lights that are sure to put you and your family into the holiday spirit! Lights in our parking lot are a teaser of what's to see inside. Delight in the shimmering Winter Wonderland near the Love Farmhouse, an Angel-Crossing at the bridge, a Holiday Lane and be wowed by the gigantic multi-coloured Christmas tree sparkling near the carousel.

Candytown in Yaletown
12pm – 9pm  
1000 – 1100 block of Mainland Street  
2nd annual free outdoor Christmas festival – Candytown. Downtown Vancouver’s only free winter festival will transform Mainland Street into a winter wonderland. Lights and candy canes will adorn lamp poles and costumed characters will parade down the street. Holiday shoppers are invited to start their seasonal gift buying in Yaletown with local merchants as well as a specialty market carrying unique gifts and holiday treats. This outdoor Christmas festival is free, open to the public and sure to get people into the Christmas spirit.  Featured Activities:      “All I Want for Christmas” Gift Market     Free Horse Carriage Rides     Live Music     Visits with Santa 1PM – 6PM     Ice Carving Demo 2PM – 7Pm     Candy Making     Yaletown Rotary Club Xmas Tree Lot     CandyTown Cocktail Tour 6PM – 9PM See last year's photos here. 

Edmonds Festival of Lights  
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Edmonds Community Centre, 7433 Edmonds Street Burnaby
Come into the new Edmonds Community Centre to enjoy the best the season has to offer at this heart-warming annual event! Take part in arts & crafts, cookie decorating, seasonal activities, face painting and of course a visit with Santa. Afterwards, join us outside on our back plaza for refreshments including hot dogs and hot chocolate, live music, photo opportunities and the lighting of our huge Christmas tree

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2012 - January 2, 2013 
Four Seasons Hotel & Pacific Centre Mall  
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion.

TUCK SHOP: Holiday Edition - suggested $2 donation 
Saturday 5pm-10pm 
Sunday 11am-4pm
The Toast Collective 648 Kingsway,Vancouver, Unceded Coast Salish Territories
Join Done & Done Creative Events and all the wonderful vendors for this extended edition! Come celebrate 2 days of Tuck Shop awesomeness at a great new location. Purchase gifts, support local vendors and treat yourself to some serious delicious products and quality crafts.

West Coast Christmas Show - $7
Friday, November 22, 11am-9pm 
Saturday, November 23, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, November 24, 10am – 5pm
Abbotsford TRADEX Centre, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
The West Coast Christmas Show is Western Canada's leading Holiday Season Show that brings together under one roof Holiday gifts, fancy foods, personal services, decor ideas, festive seminars and culinary presentations.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

West End Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm
West End Community Centre, 870 Denman Street, Vancouver
Holiday Craft Fair Participate as a vendor at the #1 Choice Artisan Craft Fair awarded by “Stars of Vancouver” in the Courier! 60+ Artisan crafters. Admission is FREE. 

TUCK SHOP: Holiday Edition - suggested $2 donation 
Saturday 5pm-10pm 
Sunday 11am-4pm
The Toast Collective 648 Kingsway,Vancouver, Unceded Coast Salish Territories
Join Done & Done Creative Events and all the wonderful vendors for this extended edition! Come celebrate 2 days of Tuck Shop awesomeness at a great new location. Purchase gifts, support local vendors and treat yourself to some serious delicious products and quality crafts.

Family FUSE Weekend: Tell Me A Story - $17
Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Discover the Vancouver Art Gallery's Family FUSE Weekend, where you will meet artists, musicians, dancers, performers, and educators for a weekend filled with family fun! Participate in a range of fun activities, performances, and hands-on sessions throughout the Gallery. FREE for all Gallery Members and all children aged 12-and-under when accompanied by an adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular adult admission rates apply.

Vancouver Christmas Market - $6
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
he Vancouver Christmas Market is back for its fourth year from November 22 to December 24, 2013 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza!  Enjoy our expanded offerings of delicious food items and find unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. We'll have seasonal music to set the mood and a great entertainment program of authentic folk groups.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
12:00pm - 4:30pm November 23 - December 13
12:00pm - 9:00pm December 14 - January 3, 2013 (closed December 24 & 25)  
6501 Deer Lake Avenue  Burnaby, BC
The Village is illuminated this festive season with spectacular displays of lights that are sure to put you and your family into the holiday spirit! Lights in our parking lot are a teaser of what's to see inside. Delight in the shimmering Winter Wonderland near the Love Farmhouse, an Angel-Crossing at the bridge, a Holiday Lane and be wowed by the gigantic multi-coloured Christmas tree sparkling near the carousel.

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2012 - January 2, 2013 
Four Seasons Hotel & Pacific Centre Mall  
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion.

West Coast Christmas Show - $7
Friday, November 22, 11am-9pm 
Saturday, November 23, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, November 24, 10am – 5pm
Abbotsford TRADEX Centre, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
The West Coast Christmas Show is Western Canada's leading Holiday Season Show that brings together under one roof Holiday gifts, fancy foods, personal services, decor ideas, festive seminars and culinary presentations.

#SavourTheCity with Lincoln Motors and Farm 2 Fork

Throughout last week, Lincoln Motor Company of Canada held Savour the City events at different restaurants in Vancouver to redefine the test drive experience and perhaps show participants a glimpse of the Lincoln lifestyle. Having hosted events at Wildebeest, Oakwood Canadian Bistro and Cincin, Lincoln Motor ended off Savour the City with a popup restaurant put on by Farm 2 Fork, an underground restaurant from Gastown.

The dinner was hosted at the Waterfall Building on West 2nd. I took the family out for this dinner. My dad loves cars and thought he would enjoy test driving a Lincoln.

I wanted to try out the Ecoboost MKZ but wasn't given a choice this time because there were so many people waiting in line to take the cars out.

A quick once around the block and we were back in side the tents, which protected us from the torrent of rain that came afterwards! Phew!

While we waited, we mingled with other attendees and noshed on different types of amuse-bouches made of beet, watermelon and salmon.

Three course dinner paired with wine.

Chef Nicolas Hipperson introduced each plate before it was served. Each dish was paired with a wine - as in his company's full 6-course meal experience.

We started off with a soup. Roasted Sunchoke Veloute with toasted broche, compressed grapes, celery leaves paired with D-Minor "Symphony" Blanc.

The servers came around one by one to pour the veloute into our bowls.

2nd course: Braised Short Rib - pomme puree, collard kale, mushroom ragu, block pepper & red wine infusion paired with Volconic Hills Magma Red. It was a pretty big hunk of meat. Braised for 48 hours I think it was so it was very tender and yum-my!

For dessert, Apple Wine Panna Cotta with melody of summer fruits, cilantro sorbet and strawberry consomme.

The cilantro sorbet was different! It didn't have a strong taste of cilantro that I expected! The dessert was very sweet, which I liked but may be overwhelming for some. It was also paired with a sweet ice wine that I loved. Forgot the name of it though.

Form 2 Fork and Lincoln Motors gave us an amazing dining and test drive experience. Wish I could live like this every day!