Get Packin'

What a weekend, the Jazz festival, Chinatown night market, Canada Day and so much more.

 I know I got too much sun but I had fun getting there. However, now that it is over and I am getting started on a new week ahead, it got me thinking about what needs to get done (A LOT). Kim and I are heading to Toronto in a week for work and pleasure, which got me thinking about packing. That thought spiked my curiosity towards luggage and what sustainable options are out there. So I got to looking and found some interesting info.

I think the most sustainable luggage is to go to your local thrift store... or parents attic and see what they have there first. Like most vintage things luggage used to be built better and more durable. So not only will you get something strong but you will be reducing the waste entering our landfills which is a bonus. 

But if you can't stand the thought of using someone else's old luggage or you want something new and matching then there are alternatives out there.

For example Heys has designed an eco collection, the hard shell is made from 100% recycled water bottles!

Whatever you decide remember to always MARK YOUR LUGGAGE! Once I almost left the airport with the wrong bag because I thought there was no chance someone else would have the same old ugly bag as me  (I got mine from a thrift store) and sure enough, my name was called on the P.A. system to return to the baggage area to swap my bag!

-Alex

Vancouver Chinatown Night Market

Its the season of summer which brings out all sorts of festivals and outdoor events. We've chatted about a wide variety of them, but this week we want to throw the focus toward the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market. Why you may ask? Its a great market in the middle of Vancouver that features food vendors, artists, designers and small merchants. Its lively,  its busy and there is a great community feeling. Its where you will find us, Fair JAKE, this Saturday night from 6pm to 11pm.

Opening weekend on June 6th was a huge hit, with Tiger Ping Pong tourneys, Chinese dancing, patio beers, food trucks and a roast pig. This Saturday was followed by the Rain City Chronicles and a free screening of Iron Monkey. With a ton of supporters backing the weekly market, its great to see what can happen when a large group of Vancouver based companies get together. This weekend you will find performances by The Kingsgate Chorus and Weekend Leisure Karaoke on Saturday night. There is always something new and exciting to hit up - just come by, say hi and take a peek for yourself!

The Vancouver Chinatown Market runs from 6pm to 11pm every weekend from May 17th to September 8th on Keefer St. between Main and Columbia.

For more info, check out their website, blog and whats happening next!

Jazz Up Your Week

The Vancouver International Jazz festival is upon us and we have some amazing names gracing our city! Even if you are not a huge Jazz fan, get out there this week and enjoy some of the free music around town. The VAG has a free stage with some great talent and the atmosphere of smiling faces, hot dance moves and outstanding music is enough to make you forget about all the rain.

Here is the official website which includes a schedule and listing of all the free shows.

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/

Sunday at the Jazz Festival

Photograph by: RICHARD LAM, PNG

If you love Jazz but are not a fan of the rain, check out one the many venues with live music. Some places cost as little as  $5. I know I have danced up quite the storm at Fan Club and am definitely checking out some jazz there this weekend.

And if you are a fan of style at it's truest form, check out these awesome men; Dr. John and Herbie Hancock, both of which I will be going to see this week!