The rumors are true; Arcade Fire is amazing

But surprisingly, not the best show I've seen this week...

When I saw the fall line up of bands hitting Vancouver over the next little bit, I knew I was in for a treat (my savings account, not so much).

As everyone knows, last night the Arcade Fire played in Vancouver. I've been a fan for years and years. It seems like every time I'm in the same town as them, something comes up and I can't make it to the show (I'm still kicking myself over the 2007 show at Radio City Music Hall in NYC while I was living there doing a semester in the city).

Anyway, last night I FINALLY got to see them live. It was great. They played their hit songs, the crowd loved it and the band genuinely seemed so thrilled to be in Vancouver. All in all, a fantastic performance. My only (teeny, tiny) complaint is that the venue was too big. I'd rather the Commodore, but hey, you can't win them all.

Phoenix

Moving on... the best show I've seen in ages (or at least this week); Phoenix on Sunday night. Wow! Almost too much to handle. Phoenix is one of those bands that you absolutely MUST see live. If you're not already a fan, you will be once you see them on stage.

I only started listening to Phoenix a couple months ago, and I'm head over heals in love with them now. I appreciate music that you can fall for after only one listen.

I hadn't planed on seeing Tokyo Police Club at the Commodore this weekend, but... I found tickets on Craigslist for only $20, so I couldn't say no. Quite frankly, I'd pay $20 cover to go to the Commodore even if there wasn't a band playing.

The show is this Saturday, bringing my concert total for the week up to 3. You know what they say right? Too much of a good thing can be... wonderful! (Thank you Mae West)!

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Gossip Girl and Dexter

This is quickly turning into a TV recap blog, but I just can't help myself. It's all too good.

Let’s start with Dexter. First off, all ladies love Dexter. He's so mysterious, attractive and... emotional? His breakdown at the end of the season premier this week seemed pretty out of character for our favorite serial killer, but it was refreshing to see that he is, in fact, human. I still find it weird watching the dynamic with him and his "sister" Deb, who happens to be his wife off screen. I'm a bit worried about the show; where can it go from here? With Rita dead, is Dexter going to be a single father, all while continuing his late night adventures? Watch it Showtime... this is crossing into "unbelievable" territory.

I missed the first two episodes of Gossip Girl this season, but was able to read re-caps online before watching the third episode last night. There's no sense commenting on the plot since it's just the same thing every season. People don't watch Gossip Girl for the storyline anyway, they watch it for the clothes (or at least I do).

I love Tiffany Keys. I really do. I own one in fact, but really? The girls on Gossip Girl are wearing them? I expected much more from these Upper East Siders. Cartier Love Bracelets would have been more believable. Tiffany Keys seem so... two years ago. For a show that prides itself on haute couture and unattainable designer goods, the Tiffany Keys seemed out of place.

Britney’s on Glee tonight. Seriously; best. September. ever.

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Sunday Brunch

Mimosa station

My girlfriends and I try to do Sunday brunch as often as we can. We're always on the search for the next restaurant with the most creative menus, and coolest vibe. So much so that we hadn't even thought of ever cooking breakfast ourselves.

That all changed this weekend when we came together for one of our favorite's birthday.

We had brunch... at HOME!

It was amazing. I mean, the pictures speak for themselves. We had cheese platters, fresh made fruit salad, pastries, a keish that was to die for, chocolate dipped strawberries, and of course, mimosas.

This definitely proved to me that you don't have to go out to the trendiest restaurant in town to have the best time and eat the best food.

Suddenly this morning's toast and apple doesn't seem so appealing.

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Glee

Two great things have happened for me TV-wise this week; the obvious being the season premiers of all the good shows, the second being after having my cable down for almost 2 weeks, it's finally been fixed (more on that later).

Last night was the premier of Glee. I am an admitted "Gleek" so I would have been impressed even without the Empire State of Mind performance. I thought it was good. Charice gives me goose bumps when she sings, but I bet everyone says that.

My only complaint, and I could be totally wrong, but did Lea Michele (AKA Rachel Berry) drop some serious weight over the summer? I thought it was so distracting. Last season she had the perfect body! I just think it's so sad to see another Hollywood starlet shed the pounds, when they looked amazing to start with (I'm talking to you Lindsay Lohan, Misha Barton and Nicole Ritchie).

As for my cable being down, I just switched providers yesterday, so now I'm a Shaw girl. I must say, so far so good. I was with Telus for over a year, and was persuaded by friends who are with Shaw to try them out. I had a few frustrating phonecalls with Telus (lets not get into it) and decided to pull the plug and give Shaw a chance.

I'm counting down the seconds until the season premier of Modern Family tonight, and with Grey's premiering tomorrow this week is only getting better and better!

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Sibling Rivalry

No, no, not like the competition you and your sister have, I'm talking about the wine!

One of my girlfriends has been drinking Sibling Rivalry white for some time now, but last night we decided to have a glass (or two... or three...) of red. I was impressed!

The wine is created by a group of three brothers in Ontario. They describe Sibling Rivalry as "About outcomes. The sum of the parts that make up the blends we produce, and the sum of the partnership known as the Speck Brothers".

Aside from yummy vino, Sibling Rivalry also has really cool branding. Their website is awesome, with a section for you to submit your very own sibling rivalry stories. I read a couple of them and was brought back to my teenage years, when my sister and I would fight over everything. Now that we're both in our mid twenties (she's almost exactly one year younger than me) we've become super close. I think it's safe to say, next time I see her I'm bringing a bottle of Sibling Rivalry and I'm sure that after a couple of glasses, we'll be reminiscing about "the good old days" in no time!

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Ratatat

If you've read much of my blog, you might guess my biggest weakness is shopping, food, or maybe even champagne. All are good guesses, but sadly, you would be wrong. My absolute biggest weakness; Hipsters.

Don't ask me why, I don't know how to explain it. Maybe it has to do with their creativity, since most of them are some sort of musician, writer, or artist. I don't know, and I don't know if I even want to know.

Case in point; Ratatat.

I saw Ratatat at the Commodore last night and it was A-MAZ-ING. It was one of those concerts that makes you want to run home and see what other bands are playing in your city this week. The set was perfect and the crowd was loving every minute of it. I can't even describe the energy in the room while these guys gave the audience their all.

If you didn't make it out last night, tsk tsk. You missed a goody. Luckily Phoenix and the Arcade Fire are making their ways to Vancouver before the month is over, so I guess there's some comfort in that.

Mike Stroud

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James Perse

Has anyone been to James Perse lately? Oh my god... I love his clothes.

I first discovered James Perse at a tiny little shop in Fredericton, New Brunswick; Robert Simmonds.

Growing up out East, there wasn't exactly a tonne of spots to shop for designer clothes. Since moving to Vancouver, I've spotted JP at Holts, the Hills, and numerous other boutiques, including a full out James Perse store on South Granville (AKA: my heaven).

My mom always freaks out when she reads my blogs about reckless spending, but come on! Who could say no to his ever so cozy sweaters, especially on the chilly days like today. You can fight it all you want, but trust me; as soon as you feel how soft these sweaters are, the $350 price tag seems like a bargain! (Don't worry Mom; I haven't actually purchased this sweater... yet...)

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Vancouver Home + Interior Design Show

Last night kicked off the start of the Vancouver Home + Interior Design Show, and with industry giants HGTV, Benjamin Moore and Urban Barn as some of the sponsors, this event is the real deal.

It's already been a media hit, with a live eye segment on BT this morning, and every radio station in the city talking about it.

As some of you already know, I do some work with Vancouver's fashion & lifestyle PR leaders; Tara Parker Tait PR. Last night I helped out as they hosted a VIP Housewarming Party at the show. I had a chance to look around and check out the booths, and with a rainy forecast looming over this weekend, I'm thinking the Home + Interior Design Show is the place to be.

The show features some of HGTV's most familiar faces on the Urban Barn stage, with presentations from Bryan Baeumler, the host of HGTV's Disaster DIY; David Adjey, host of the Food Network's The Opener; and Janette Ewen, Interior Stylist and co-host of Ty Pennington's Inside the Box.

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"Leaf" summer behind; it's fall baby!

I’m loving that it already feels like fall out there. It’s always been my favorite season and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit glum that I’m not going back to school this year. There’s just something about stepping into a school in September; the smell, the people, the CLOTHES! Life is good for students. (Not to mention that in September, school is all about getting organized and catching up with old friend; new work hasn’t been assigned yet).

Just because I’m a grownup now, doesn’t mean I have to give up all of my fall faves. That’s right; I’m talking about the fashion! With New York Fashion Week kicking off today, it seems like the perfect time to talk about one of my absolute favorite accessory trends I’ve spotted anywhere and everywhere; leaves.

I’ve seen leaf pendants on necklaces, earrings, broaches and even bracelets. It’s official, everyone must wear leaf shaped accessories this season. I’ve recently been wearing a leaf shaped barrette, (which I’m still not 100% sure where it came from). It’s something that turned up on my bathroom sink one day, I’m assuming it belongs to one of my girlfriends but I don’t know who, so I’ll just keep wearing it until someone confronts me.

This trend is popping up across the board, I’m talking Birks, Lola, Holts, Fine Finds, you name it! It’s time to hang up your nautical themed summer clothes and step into fall with some adorable new pieces.

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The PNE; 100 years of... deep frying?

It's been a crazy week, with hardly any time to blog. With Friday being so close I can taste it, things are finally starting to relax a little bit, thus allowing me time to post a quick blog about my 1st ever trip to the PNE over the weekend.

Most Vancouverites have been going to the PNE every year (for the last 100 years) to enjoy the animals, markets, shows and of course, deep fried everything! I indulged in the mini doughnuts, Ukrainian food and a couple bites of a pulled pork sandwich, but that's where I drew the line. As appealing as deep fried butter sounds... I'm going to have to pass.

I loved the atmosphere at the PNE. Everyone was so happy to be there. I thought it was a bit expensive ($20 to get in, plus $42 to go on the rides), but I guess that comes with the territory. My only complaint is that I wish I’d planned the trip better. We didn’t go to any of the shows, which I hear are amazing, and had I known it was cheaper to get in after 9; I would have definitely been up for a night time visit.

The PNE has packed up for this year, but 2011 better watch out; now that I’m an experienced PNE’er, I’ll be back with vengeance! Mini doughnuts beware!

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Friday Feature Recipes

When I hear the word Guacamole my mouth immediately starts to water.

I first discovered "guac" back in university. Turns out I'd been missing out on the most amazing part of nachos my whole life. My roommates and I quickly became addicted, camping outside the grocery store, waiting for fresh avocado arrivals to get our next fix (I'm exaggerating a little bit here).

The best part about guacamole is that you really can't screw it up. There isn't really a need for a recipe, since you can put whatever you want in it and still be happy with the outcome. But for the sake of having a guideline, this recipe is key;

Ingredients
3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup diced onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions
1.In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

Personally, I would suggest a bit more lime juice and a lot more cilantro. I'm also a big fan of spice, so I like to add in a chopped jalapeno.  
 

 
The sun is shining and it's the Friday of a long weekend (basically the last weekend of summer). Why not have your friends over for a Corona on the deck, and whip up some guacamole for the perfect afternoon fiesta!

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Sin Fang Bous

We all have that friend who is constantly sending you new music. Sometimes the music is great, other times it's just ok. I have a lovely friend in Ottawa who does exactly this for me. A little over a year ago he sent me a song by Sin Fang Bous, the Icelandic one man show. I like indie rock/hipster music, so I thought I'd give it a listen. The best word to describe Sin Fang Bous is weird... but this is weird in a very good way.

I love Sin Fang Bous! I listened to the Youtube clip he sent me, and ended up buying the entire album, surprisingly, available on iTunes.

Pitchfork gave their album a mediocre 6.9, but I think it's one of those things you need to listen to a few times to really "get" it. Before you know it, you'll be walking down the street and the tune of Lies will pop into your head.




After "weird", I'd say "catchy" is the next best way to describe Sin Fang Bous. Definitely check this guy out!

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Harry Potter

I recently saw the new Twilight movie (ok, it's not really new, I'm just slow and don't like full theatres and bad seats). Is it bad that I thought the best part was the preview for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows? Oh. My. God.

I am an admitted Harry Potter freak - I love Harry Potter. I've read all the books many times over, own a pair of glow in the dark HP pajamas, an HP toothbrush, and even a snow globe of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There's just something about Harry, Hermione and Ron that I can't get enough of. Judging by the Harry Potter phenomenon, I'm not the only addict out there.

The most recent proof is the estimated 250 million dollar Harry Potter theme park, that recently opened at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. I'm dying to check it out.

The first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows will be released this November, with part 2 in July 2011. I'm not loving the 8 month break between the two, but at least it will allow enough time for part 1 to be on DVD before part 2 premiers. You know what I'm getting at, right? I'm talking about the Harry Potter movie marathon to end all marathons! And you thought the Sex and the City premiers were big...

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Fashionably Warm This Fall

It's September 1st today. Not quite fall, but getting close enough to plan your fall wardrobe. My favorite trend that reemerges every year is tights! Just to clarify, I am not talking about tights instead of pants (Still my all-time favorite Gossip Girl scene; Blair yelling at a girl in the quad "TIGHTS ARE NOT PANTS!!!!!!") I'm talking about the tights you wear under a skirt or dress. Nylons, leotards, leggings, whatever you want to call them.

Oscar de la Renta knows what I'm talking about. I seriously love these blue checkered tights in his latest campaign spreads.

If Oscar is out of your budget (lets be honest, with a $990 price tag, these tights are definitely out of mine) there are lots of great alternatives like H&M, Joe Fresh and the Gap. You can probably even find decent ones at Wal-Mart.

Today is Wednesday, and I've worn this look already twice this week. So far I’ll chalk it up to the chilly weather, but if I try to pull it off again before Friday, I may need a leotard intervention. Then again, why fight a good thing?

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