¿What do you think about the revolution of the sweet potatoes?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
PG-31
In just a few days, we'll be flying up to Northern BC for the 32nd annual Studio Fair 2008, presented by the Prince George Community Arts Council. It kicks-off on October 31st where we will spend three whole days living and breathing this marketplace with over 75 artisans from across Canada.
The weather promises to be COLD with light snow, so I've dug out my vintage fur coat to help keep my chattering teeth down to a minimum. Despite facing the sub-zero temperatures (hel-looo winter itch), we're excited to show off our fabulous jewelry to a brand new audience!
If any of you Prince Georgians are reading this, come down and visit us at booth #57#17 - we'd love to meet you.
Come out and join us at Vancouver's 30th annual Pride Day Festival on Sunday, August 3rd down at Sunset Beach between 12 pm and 6 pm.
In addition to our usual glittery treasures, we'll have an assortment of RAINBOW jewelry for you to adorn and show your support for the GLBT community.
Personally, I cannot wait to hear Simone Denny perform on the Vancity Mainstage - you may recognize her vocal from the theme song of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Bring your dancing shoes and show YOUR true colours!
This year we've been invited to participate in an interactive arts exhibit at the annual Greek Dayevent on West Broadway. Our table will be located in the Artisan Display Booth on the south side of Broadway at Balaclava Street.
click image to enlarge
Jesee will be demonstrating the basic techniques of wire wrapping and giving customers an opportunity to sit down and help design their own earrings.
If belly dancing is your thing...we have the perfect adornments for your ankles. Let the inner Shakira in you shimmy away!
An outdoor summer market featuring arts, crafts, jewelry, woodwork, gourmet food items and unique gifts. Located beside the Bowen Island boardwalk, overlooking the Cypress Mountains and Howe Sound.
The Bowen Summer Market has maintained a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that is attended by both locals and tourists. It's a place to gather, renew friendships and find unique treasures to take home.
This market is specifically designed for handmade and home grown products. It is an affordable way for you to reach your customers face-to-face, to introduce new products, offer demonstrations, provide information and have fun!
The market is open every Saturday and Sunday (10:00 am to 4:00 pm) from June 28th to August 31st. Applications are open to local artists and craft vendors with handcrafted products.
Categories include, but are not limited to ceramics, glass, metal, wood, fibre, jewelry, candles/soaps, home decor, paper products, food and garden products.
For more information, send an email to Bowen Market and be sure to enclose your contact details, product description and photos and/or link to your website.
Come out and support the 12th annual VGH Spring Craft Market featuring fifteen BC artisans and craftspeople. Shoppers will find everything from pottery, jewelry, unique fashion accessories, greeting cards, home décor, handmade natural bath products, delicious jams & preserves and so much more!
Partial proceeds benefit the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundationto help fund the latest, most sophisticated medical equipment, pioneering research and highly specialized care for patients.
Here is a taste of the talented artists you will find there...
• Anne's Preserves – yummy jams & jellies • Baroness Ashley Hats – fashionable headgear • Lampwork Art from Minori Takagi • Izzy & Buds Jewelry Designs – bijoux en Swarovski • Marla Morris - whimsical art products • Matthew Freed Pottery – functional pottery • Nikilites – decorative night lights and baby bling • Lynsey Paterson’s Rustic Clay Art – whimsical and humorous home décor • Kermodi Living Art – modern plant décor • Annie Mac Design – handcrafted greeting cards • Wet Coast Glassics – fused glass art & jewelry • Art at Snow – visual art by Michelle K.S. Fung • Swirly Spoons – artfully decorated serving utensils • Naked Soapworks – natural bath and beauty products • Enchanted Designs – luscious scarves & handbags
Thursday, May 8th from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm Vancouver General Hospital Jim Pattison Pavilion, 1st Floor Corridor (outside the Gift Shop) 899 W. 12th Avenue Vancouver, BC
After much awaited anticipation, we recently acquired our Octopus Pot that we commissioned from Bowen artist, Jeanette Wrenshall.
Jeanette is incredibly talented and does beautiful work, but this has exceeded our expectation in spades! The rich combination of terra cotta and sangria red topped with an animated espresso octopus are absolutely gorgeous and captures the Spanish mood perfectly. This is sure to be one of our most treasured pieces of functional art.
We are looking so forward to christening this pot with Jesee’s Pulpo Cocido (Octopus Stew) along with some crusty bread and a bottle of Vinho Verde.
Circa 1972 - I was barely a metre tall when I learned the MacLean Method of Handwriting at Seaforth Elementary School. I was extremely conscientious about staying within the ruled lines of my exercise book and would not accept anything short of perfection.
I remember having a few pen-pals around the globe and writing weekly letters in hopes of keeping the chain going. I faithfully wrote in my Chinese silk-covered journal EVERY night and as a grew older, I sent love letters to Paris written with my special calligraphy pen on scented (Coco Chanel) note paper and sealed it with a Revlon "Love That Red" kiss. Not so much Jane Austen material as it was Bridget Jones.
Soon handwritten letters were replaced with IBM Selectric "novels" thanks to Mrs. Powell, my eighth grade typing teacher who helped me accomplish my 90 wpm typing speed. Once computers came around, there was no turning back...even Christmas cards were eventually replaced with electronic greetings!
My once fine penmanship had become barely legible chicken scratch, hence my decision to try and resurrect this lost art. I started by purchasing a note card from The Beautiful Project on Etsy. Carefully thought out words were written to a dear friend who recently moved away to Macao. There was no room for error, no backspacing, no do-overs. I was so proud of this little achievement and couldn't wait to post this in the mail. *self-pat on the back*
About a week later, I found the note card in MY mailbox with a "postage due" sticker on it! It had been so long since I actually mailed anything, that I underestimated the postage costs! *bubble bursting*
This little chagrin will not stop me from future social correspondence, as I have yet to find the perfect occasion for this note card.
I was barely 16 when I first visited Paris in April 1981. As a Christmas gift from my parents, I was permitted to tag along with my then best friend on her school trip to France during Spring Break.
It was during one evening in the social room of the auberge de jeunesse that I first heard, "In the Air Tonight", which had not yet been released in the US. To this day, I still cannot listen to this song without automatically being transported back in time...to when my love affair with France and all things French had begun.
Our friend Paul's blog featured this video clip of the a cappella music group, Naturally 7 sharing some Phil Collin's love on a Paris Metro. Not as titillating as Tom and Rebecca's love scene, but equally as captivating.
The weather in Harrison Hot Springs this past weekend was almost too good to be true. After a pitiful summer of rain and as fall approaches us, the weather gods were truly feeling generous.
It was our first weekend off now that the Bowen Market is finished for the season. Lazy and relaxing...aahhh.
Practically a permanent summer fixture on Bowen Island, we may participate in the Harrison Festival next summer, just to mix things up a bit. There was no denying the crowds of tourists roaming through the town, especially with the sand sculpture competition in full swing.
Of course the hunky matador caught my eye...a little taste of our upcoming trip to Spain at the end of the month. *grinning*
After standing in the rain for almost an hour waiting to get into the festival grounds, we were forced to comply with the "No Umbrellas" rule and toss them over the fence into the brollie graveyard.
We headed straight for the Bacardi B-Live tent where things kicked off with Andrew Pacey, Chloe, Luke Fair and Bacardi Mojitos, lots and lots of yummy mojitos!
It wasn't the most organized event and the weather certainly could have been better, but it still ROCKED!
The big musical event happening in Vancouver this weekend is the Virgin Festival held at the Thunderbird Stadium on the grounds of UBC today and tomorrow ONLY. Rain or shine, we're looking forward to catching one of our favourite DJ's, Andrew Pacey, as well as Billy Talent, My Chemical Romance, The Killers and much, much more!
If you happen to be craving a falafel while you're out and about on the West Side, stop by Shawarma Plus at 3134 West Broadway. It's a little hole in the wall, but owner Simon Karsyente does not disappoint with his meticulously prepared pita filled with crispy falafel balls, hummus, pickles, fresh lettuce and tomatoes drizzled with a perfectly seasoned secret sauce.
Speaking of holes in the wall, if you're looking for a no frills Brazilian, for a mere twenty-five dollars, I highly recommend Pari, who is located just a few blocks further down at 3427 West Broadway (conveniently next door to another favourite discovery). Pari offers no nonsense, experienced aesthetic services at the back of Majidian's barber shop. For appointments or information call (604) 222-2281.
As predicted, the rain hasn't let up...so in honour of typical Spring weather in Vancouver, I think we'll leave the sunscreen and bug spray at home and pack a few extra layers of rain gear instead. Onwards and upwards!
Our friend Laurel Bailey from Naked Soapworks has taken the big leap to do a new solo show titled, "Self-Storage".
It is being produced in conjunction with Babel Rap, a one-act play performed by two of Bowen Island's funniest Englishmen. Both of the shows are written by Vancouver playwrights and both of the directors are Bowen theatre folk. The shows are this weekend only, and ONLY on Bowen.
Click here for BC Ferry schedules from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove.
*Note: This version of "My Funny Valentine" is wicked.
Fresh off the boat from a pre-New Year's celebration on Bowen, I started preparing our home for the year end festivities, when I came across this CD hidden amongst our monster collection...Big Muff: Music from the Aural Exciter. We had forgotten all about this yard sale find and at first glance, it appeared to be some sort of porn for the ears.
We were not disappointed, as it turned out to be some very cool and funky electronic jazz that was perfectly suited for the celebration along with cava and Gambas al Ajillo at midnight.
We started doing our Christmas shows immediately after Hallowe'en, so by the time Christmas actually rolls around...we're already tired of it! There is such a thing as too much Christmas and now we're recovering from Christmasitis. Symptoms include sensitivities to the Chipmunk Song and liquored-up old geezers posing as the really jolly St. Nick.
Every weekend has been designated to either a show or a holiday party, which usually involves an overload of high-calorie goodies and not so Muzak to my ears. The doctor of the house recommends a natural home remedy - hit the trails and embrace the sun and fresh air. Check.
A couple of low-keyed and enjoyable things we did this season was go on a Christmas Light tour on our bikes and watch The Holiday. Personally, this sweet, romantic comedy is most memorable for the beautiful English scenery and I'm not referring to Jude Law, though he was most pathetically adorable. It's a typical chic flic - predictable and mindless entertainment, but amusing nonetheless.
What was more impressive is the Rio Theatre on Broadway. This cozy, single-screen theatre has a wonderful, warm and fuzzy feel to it, where there aren't any crowds of rambunctious adolescence to contend with, plenty of free street parking and comfortable seats for a mere $8.00. With the convenience of Skytrain and a number of restaurants and cafés just around the corner, I selfishly hope this little gem stays undiscovered a wee bit longer.
We were quite pleased to see mucho recommendations of Spanish wines including the Segura Viudas Brut "Reserva", a Mongeot family staple. With only 3 down and 97 bottles to go, we should be in fine shape as we ring in the New Year.
Speaking of fine shape...as the season comes to an end and life gets back into the groove, I am preparing myself for a tortuous month of Survivor Boot Camp, a Christmas pressie to myself. As I'm a bit of a fair-weather commuter, I haven't been on the bike as much as I would like, hence the affliction of junk in the trunk that needs tending to.
ANOTHER pressie to myself was a pair of women-specific Nike AIR MAX N-Dorfin 3 Rollerblades that promises to transform me into an "inline goddess". Hmm, complemented with a pair of our goddess earrings, nothing can stop me now...
After setting up our table in advance for the Marché de Noël, we decided to dine at the centre's in-house bistro, Salade de Fruit. We have heard much praise for this intimate and cozy hideaway, so when opportunity presented itself, we could not resist. Jesee and I both indulged in the generous portions of Moules et Frites et Canard Confit. The mussels were absolutely the freshest and most tender we've ever enjoyed and the succulent duck confit resting on a bed of sauce à cassis created an emotional excitement within us. All this superbness accompanied by a carafe of wine, crackling Piaf and an Eiffel Tower Christmas tree looking over us gets two thumbs up from Tapas and Dim Sum.
Two weeks ago on opening night, we watched and loved Casino Royale and we were curious to find out why people were fussing about Happy Feet. Heartwarming and adorable as it was, it didn't do a whole lot for me like Daniel Craig did. He's really all THAT and a bag of chips.
Truth be known, going to the cinema was more about me finding a place to rest my weary feet for a few hours before we headed to the Lotus Lounge for a night of dancing. Resident DJ Andrew Pacey was playing an early set which suited us old dudes just fine. As we zoned out and let loose to the progressive house beat, the age thing became less evident...that is until we ran out of juice.
Last night, we attended a lovely, intimate potluck dinner for sixteen, to wish our friend a bon voyage on her sojourn to Dublin.
The charming Point Grey residence is home to a collection of original artworks including those of local artist, Thomas Anfield. Straight away, I was drawn to the deep and dark energy in this painting titled Ming Men. I soon understood that the midnight blue mood encompassing the nude figure reflects the colour of the Kidney chakras (according to Taoist spiritual teachings) and believed to be the storage centre of sexual and energetic essences. Magnificent.
It was an evening of flowing conversations with a group of very intriguing people. Meeting new friends that you have passions in common with is always exciting. Watching Jesee and his new mate, Russell squeal like choirboys while drooling over bike speak, Miles Davis and concert adventures around the world was most entertaining.
The science behind successful dinner parties can be rather complicated at best. Organizing the guest list, the menu and decor etc. can turn any hostess with the mostest into a flailing spaz. In this case, the simplicity and lack of forethought made for a perfectly fine soirée. Chapeaux Basia and congratulations on your two-year anniversary with SHED!
Current Music: Original soundtrack from Diva composed and conducted by Vladmir Cosma
It is an absolutely horrible day outside. A definite, "I wish I could stay home, as it's raining cats and dogs out" kind of day. After our busy weekend at the St. Thomas Aquinas craft show, we could use the extra rest. Ugh, no such luck.
A friend passed along this bit of nostalgia - a Loverboy video clip of This Could Be the Night featuring herself and a few other ex-Elite models that I once worked with here in Vancouver. I don't miss having big hair.
The colourless images of the Ovaltine Cafe on Skid Row mirror the melancholy mood this weather imposes upon us.
Construction on the rooftop of a downtown parkade has peaked the curiosity of surrounding office workers for the past couple of weeks. What I thought at first was going to be a green space, turned out to be a set for part two of the adventure film, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
Judging by the gazebo, foliage and white chairs lined up neatly in rows...I'm going to assume that Mr. Fantastic and The Invisible Woman will celebrate a marriage.
I wasn't really into this Marvel comic series growing up, but was easily convinced to watch the flick when I learned that über sexy Aussie, Julian McMahon from Nip/Tuck was starring as Dr. Victor Von Doom. Sadly, his character was killed off in the last film, but one never knows? *wink, wink*
I can already imagine the stomach-turning smell of cheap microwave popcorn permeating offices, as onlookers hang about to catch a glimpse of the stars in our exclusive viewing of Hollywood North's latest work.
I admit that for the past month, I've been hooked on Rock Star: Supernova and tonight they crowned yet another Candadian boy for their frontman. Lukas Rossi's performance of Be Yourself showed just how tight they were...like a glove.
Presentation is half the battle - aromatic sweet basil leaves, succulent tomatoes and fresh buffalo bocconcini, finished with vibrant edible violets. This is one of many tasty eats served at Holly's birthday party last weekend.
All that was missing were the beautiful Abercrombie & Fitch boys, who happened to be shooting for the new catalogue with American photographer Bruce Webber over yonder at the Alder Cove Estate.
Like a pack of cougars sniffing about for prey, we prowled around their trailers only to discover they had gone out on le bateau. C'est dommage.
Why do I have the sudden urge to tear up my shirt and don some legwarmers?
Last week, after a visit with Nick, we enjoyed a most flavourful and inexpensive roast lamb dinner at Minerva's at 3207 West Broadway. The unusually warm evening warranted dinner on the patio, where we sat next to the owner, Mike Georgiopoulos and his buddy Nick. It wasn't long before Jesee and the guys were exchanging dirty sheep jokes over a cup of Greek coffee (the kind that put hairs on your chest) and baklava. I guess some Mediterranean traditions never die?
Be sure to stop by their booth during Greek Day on June 25th and sample the traditions for yourself!
Pancho and Sal joined us for a quick bite before we ventured next door together to the Chai Gallery for an evening of flamenco. They introduced us to their friends Juan de Marias and Luis Gutierrez, the guitarists/vocals. It was impressive watching them jam together as we sat back and allowed our souls to feel the sol emitting from their inspiring sounds.
One would never have known that bailadoraEdie Orenstein is not a native of Spain, as she has captured the essence of flamenco and expressed it with such heartfelt passion that it left us in complete awe. We could feel Edie's every emotion as her feet stomped along with the rhythmic beats of the cajón, the palmas and guitars. Olé!
Karen Pitkethly is the face plastered around town on the España Living billboards. While watching Karen perform her art, do not let her lily-white ballerina body fool you. This talented and professionally trained bailadora can seduce and hypnotize you with the castañetas all in one go!
Get your dose of flamenco at the Chai Gallery or the Kino Cafe located at 3456 Cambie Street. For more information about flamenco in Vancouver, visit Centro Flamenco for details.
I vividly remember the first time I ever heard of Madonna. It was around January 1984 in T.O. and we were hanging out at the now defunct Chez Cappuccino. A then up-and-coming photographer/barista named Carol LeFlufy zealously played a tape she just brought back from New York. I was immediately smitten with this album. I LOVED them all...Borderline, Lucky Star, Burning Up, Holiday, Everybody - it all made for some serious groovin'.
Moreover, I loved Ms. Ciccone's look, hence she became one of my fashion icons in the 80's. Madonna's uninhibited sense of style certainly made a lifelong impression and as we ripen I evolve right along with her.
Celeb or not, we've all had our bad days, phases or whatever and this music video of Hung Up definitely represents one of them. If we cannot laugh at ourselves, especially on a dance floor, then what's the point?
Tonight we celebrated our friend, David Graff's 50th birthday. After our record-breaking day at Dunbar, we zipped over to Bowen for an intimate evening with David's closest friends and family at the Aldercove Estates a.k.a Party Central. As always, delectable food was plentiful and especially welcomed after a very looong and busy day.
Here's a photo of David back in the early 80's during his days as a professional musician, looking very suave and sexy. Check out the Final Net helmut and sky-high shoulder pads! I vividly remember swooning over the likes of Spandau Ballet, Japan and Duran Duran. The 80's were a very good time.
As it happens, I recently found a photo of myself from a shoot back in 1985. During the break we were hanging out in the studio looking to have some fun with the camera. I was actually there to do the maquillage and not to be the mannequin.
You cannot tell in this photo, but the inspiration was Ryuichi Sakamoto's 1981 album cover - Left Handed Dream. Spontaneous over-indulgence and late nights resulted in something a little different. The 80's were a very good time.
Candied beetroot chips topped with Albacore tuna tartare, yam fritters drizzled with maple syrup, creamy Salt Spring Island organic goat cheese encrusted with poached peppercorns and served with delicate Raincoast Crisps.
Is your mouth watering yet? Tonight our senses received quite the delight at the opening reception of Bowen Island landscape artist, Ian Fry's new works - A Taste of the Earth held at the Pair Bistro in Point Grey.
As a jazz trio played to a buzzing crowd, we sampled many wines presented by the Mark Anthony Group. We were pleasantly impressed by a lovely 2002 Shiraz from Mission Hill, while the Chardonnay was a perfect companion to the Cortes Island oysters on the half shell.
Simultaneously, our sights feasted upon a gallery of original paintings. As we reached the top of the crickety stairs of this charming bistro, we were captivated by an oil on canvas - Dolphin and Girl. Sadly, there aren't enough pesetas in my bank account to add this original to my collection of Dogs Playing Poker...sigh.
tormented and tired from being in the shadows of the yam, the sweet potato decisively revolted and took control of its identity.
About Me
Name: Tapas and Dim Sum
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
The trials and tribulations of Jesee & Koko, the dream team behind Izzy and Buds Jewelry Designs
...inspiring and unique jewelry that glitter and shout, "Ooh la la!"
The weather promises to be COLD with light snow, so I've dug out my vintage fur coat to help keep my chattering teeth down to a minimum. Despite facing the sub-zero temperatures (hel-looo winter itch), we're excited to show off our fabulous jewelry to a brand new audience!
