"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." -Charles Dickens

Photo from www.etsy.com

So if you've been keeping up with Edit Sober, you now know how to survive the holiday madness through a variety of coping methods: alcohol, food, knowing where to find the perfect gift, and keeping busy with DIY advent calenders. 

If you're anything like me, you love the idea of holiday spirit and Christmas miracles and all of that jolly stuff, but it gets a little old. As much as I'd love to participate in the lighting of the big Christmas tree downtown, or go ice skating with Santa, I'd really just like to get into the spirit somewhere that A) serves alcohol or B) has a minimal amount of children.

This list is for you. A list of unique things to do around Vancouver over the Holidays:

1) Make It! - A craft-fair with locally designed and handcrafted goods that features a beer garden and food trucks. December 4th-7th @ The PNE Forum Building (2901 East Hastings)

2) Write a letter! Every first Thursday of the month, the Regional Assembly of Text hosts a free letter-

writing club, so put a little effort into your Christmas cards this season. December 4th 7:30 @ The Regional Assembly of Text (3934)

photo from hubpages.com

3) Get bundled up and check out the Trinity Street light displays in East Van.

4) Holiday Pop-Up Streetwear Market @ the Chinatown Mall. December 6th 11:00-6:00 @ The Chinese Cultural Center (50 East Pender)

5) The East Side Flea (happens all year round, but it could be a cool spot to check out over the holidays) December 6th @ The Independent (188 Kingsway) and 20th @ Wise Hall (1172 Adanac Street) 

Photo from www.eastsideflea.com

6) Put together your most hideous holiday get-up for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the Commodore Ballroom. December 19th 8:00 PM $40.00

7) The 2nd Annual East Van Holiday Artisan Market - December 20th 12:00 PM-6:00 PM @ Studio East (1480 Frances Street)

8) Finally, nothing. Literally just don't do anything. Lie in bed and binge watch TV shows on Netflix. It's been a long semester. You've earned it. 

Photo by Alexandra Taylor

A holiday-inspired outfit:

Top- 8th & Main

Cardigan-TopShop

Denim- Dutil.

Lipstick- The Darkside from MAC

"Give, but give until it hurts" - Mother Teresa

What to get your boo for Xmas this year

Although we have covered the perfect gift from a previous Edit Sober post, there is still the struggle that women with significant others have of finding something for that special someone. Men can be quite difficult to shop for, especially if you may not know him inside and out. For those of you who are dreading coming up with an idea of what to get your boo this year, here's a little help:

1. Beer Advent Calendar

Photo from: craftbeerimports.ca

Most guys like to drink beer, or at least will drink it. With this Craft Beer Advent Calendar, you will elevate your awesomeness and receive the "My girlfriend's a bro, in the best way" status. This is a great gift if you a) Do not know enough about this guy to buy him a personal gift b) Want to get him a hilarious gift c) Know he likes beer...a lot.

2. Watch ( I know, classic)

Photo from: gq-magazine.co.uk

If you're wanting to fork out a little extra money for this special someone, watches are always great gifts to give your partner, especially if he's worth it! Even though watches have been done over and over again, they never get old and they have yet to go out of style. A nice watch can go a long way, if you are willing to spend the money, this is a great purchase.

3. Experience

If this Christmas, you are wanting to give a certain someone something that is original and could possibly turn into another date, an experience is the way to do it. These could cost next to nothing if you decide to take him for a hike or a picnic. You could do something a little more pricy and buy him tickets to Whistler or a Canucks game. These gifts have always seemed to be successful, and you most likely will be joining him!

Photo from: Google

"Christmas is doing something a little extra for someone"

With the holiday season being upon us, is it me or were the Christmas festivities unleashed exceptionally early this year? Though I may be swimming in a pool of paperwork and finding a slow start with the festivities, I'm easing into the celebrations with the little things, bit by bit.

 

Downtown lights, ©France S

The one thing I love about starting December is, no doubt, the merriment and excessive indulging.I can now shamelessly enjoy Michael Buble and his endless collection of Christmas songs, or indulge in a Peppermint White Mocha at Starbucks. Everyone just seems in better spirits, despite any end of term chaos that ensues.

“When you don't know what you're searching for, you have to look absolutely everywhere.” ― Holly Black

The other day I was doing my morning internet browse with a side of coffee when I stumbled upon a list of places to do Christmas shopping in Vancouver. I was quickly disappointed as it listed large chains like Holt Renfrew when Vancouver has so many unique gems. So I started making my list (and checking it twice) of my favourite places to buy gifts for anyone. From Main St to Gastown to West 4th, these boutiques offer a few more unique options this holiday season and are much more fun to shop than the big department stores. 

L’atelier home - This is a must stop for buying home decor pieces for your best girlfriends or sisters. From gold lip stains on teacups to darling feather owls to hang on the tree, this Parisian chic store is full of beautiful white decorations. If you're looking to make an big impact they also have furniture and larger decoration pieces. (Gastown)

Old Faithful Shop - Perfect for the hipsters in your life or those tricky to buy for men. The store offers simple quality items for elevated every day living. Their Bourbon Maple Syrup made its way into my fathers stocking last year and I've had an eye on their glass terrariums for a while. They are also offering a Holiday wreath workshop to get you in the Christmas spirit. (Gastown)

Mine & Yours - For when you're shopping on a budget for a friend with expensive taste, Mine & Yours offers designer names for approximately 75% off retail price. From Acne to Miu Miu, gifts from here are sure to impress. Plus their store makes it feel like your shopping in a personal closet and their brand new location also has a shoe lounge if your shopping feet need a pick me up. (Yaletown)

Oh My Gift - From scented candles to throws and specialty bracelets, this West 4th store offers a little bit of everything. Perfect for hostess gifts or for that person that never tells you what they want. (Kitsilano)

Front and Company - This store has consignment and new clothing as well as accessories for some steal of prices. Last time I walked out with a rabbit fur vest for under $50 for myself and gifts for both of my sisters. Front and co also offers some quirky stocking stuffers and novelty gifts. Be sure to pop into its gift shop next door for small items like adorable macaron gift boxes and sugar jars. (Main St)

Granville Island - Wander the market for food to make hostess gifts, flowers for centerpeices, or hand crafted pieces to give as gifts. Or simply grab a coffee and refresh yourself during a long shopping day

Coat: Vero Moda

Coffee: Agro Cafe

"In the depth of winter I finally learned that, in me, there is an invincible summer" - Albert Camus

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/33AcresBrewing

Okay, so whether you’re a student nearing the end of the semester or employed fulltime, you’re probably preparing yourselves mentally for the weeks to come: exams, final projects, Christmas shopping, etc. It’s stressful, chaotic and just far from relaxing.

Viable coping methods could include alcohol (see previous post), food with copious amounts of sugar or grease (see other previous post) or how about both?

That's how I deal, at least. On the days where I spend hours frantically trying to master InDesign with a deadline in the very near future (I mean in like 9 hours...), I feel the need to counteract my frustration with some sort of guilty pleasure like retail therapy or seven-dollar lattes. But honestly, (as unladylike as it may be) going for a pint and poutine or something equally as greasy with someone is my perfect remedy for any school and/or holiday-related stress. I like to justify my unhealthy choices by taking a long walk to or from the bar of choice. So that's exactly what I did this weekend (and every other weekend).

Photo by Lizzie

A perfect winter night after a stressful day of last minute assignment-tackling consisted of a bundled up hunt for the perfect pint/poutine spot. Equipped with a camera and an empty stomach, we explored Chinatown and Strathcona, and ended up in Olympic Village where we stumbled upon Craft Beer Market. 100 beers on tap? Sold. And poutine that doesn't suck? Double sold.

But seriously guys, it's so tough to stay relaxed around this time of year. Forget your diets for a night and indulge in something you probably shouldn't be indulging in. You won't regret it. Just kidding, you'll definitely regret it, but it will be so worth it. 

Photo by Fraser Cameron

All-black everything this season:

Scarf: Zara

Coat: Zara

Sweater: Oak + Fort

Denim: Dutil

Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

"I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. - Charlie Brown

Now that Halloween has passed, Christmas has aggressively begun. I for one, love the Christmas holidays and the warm and fuzzies that go with it. To some, Christmas is a time for overly happy people to overplay the same old songs and waste money on Christmas-themed anything. For those of you who are just trying to get through the season without throwing a massive b.f. (bitch fit), here's how to Scrooge with style.

I paired this adorable pj set of milk and cookies holding hands (because why not?) with a glass of rum and eggnog, and a relatable movie: The Grinch.


Rum and eggnog important instructions:

Pour a shot of rum to ease your festivity frustrations. 

 `

That may not have been enough. One more shot. *Important* Pour as much as you need because really, it's the holidays.

Add the eggnog and Merry Christmas.

With a few of theses tips, maybe you won't spend this Christmas looking like the mad emoji... 

Happy Holidays and good luck!

Photos by Christina Davie

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world”

When it comes to sweets, I remain loyal to my favourite few. I will go out of my way to get Macarons, make Cheesecake runs. Throw in some Froyo from time to time.

I wouldn't say I'm a huge ice cream gal. Ice cream and I have a different sort of relationship. It's something I wouldn't actively seek out, unless tempted with Haagen Dazs or Magnum during hot summers. 

Earnest Ice Cream, window, ©France S 

"There is beauty in simplicity"

When it comes to makeup, less is more. I've never been the girl with a vanity overflowing with makeup and serums but instead stick prefer to the basics. This makes everything simpler in the mornings when my pillow holds more appeal than rooting around in a crowded makeup drawer looking for lost pencils.

Keep reading after the jump for my list of go-to beauty essentials.

“I’m so glad to live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L.M. Montgomery

And I couldn’t agree more. I’m obsessed with autumn and café culture: interesting people, festive beverages, and sitting in a snug corner working on assignments.

Photo from flavorhunter.com

Personally, I find it insanely difficult to stay at home during this beautiful season. I’m not sure whether it’s the crisp air, the changing leaves, or the fact that I can finally break out my cozy knits again. But there’s just something about autumn that makes me overly excited to get bundled up and head out with my books to spend an evening tucked away in a favorite café.  And since I’m constantly chasing deadlines, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect coffee shop where I can actually focus long enough to get some work done. I find that a lot of Vancouver’s so-called “study spots” get either overwhelmingly busy, or are just too pretentious to handle. But so far this season, I’ve discovered a couple gems in Vancouver (and in Victoria for my fellow Islanders). So, if you’re looking for cute spot to get some solid studying in, here are a few of my new favorites: 

“ The right hairstyle can make a plain woman beautiful and a beautiful woman unforgettable” – Sophia Loren

  

Photo Hill’s of Kerrisdale

The best accessory a girl can wear is her hair, so it is important to know how to wear it. I absolutely love the haute bun look.  Nothing screams fall fashion more than a chunky sweater and a big, round bun on your head. If you are looking for an alternative to a basic topknot, this braid bun is effortless and perfect for this fall.

"Notice that Autumn is more the season of the Soul than of Nature."

Yaletown from Charleston Park, ©France S 

One of my favourite evening views of Vancouver resides in Charleson Park, where a section of the False Creek Seawall can be found. There are a few ways to get here, but I personally choose to do it by strolling across a footbridge, with an entrance on 7th and Laurel Street. Though the daytime view is something in itself, the evening view is definitely much more promising.

“And all at one, summer collapsed into fall.”

It’s not merely the change of weather making up a shift in seasons. It is also the change in routine.

Sweaters get layered over our blouses, ankle boots start making an appearance into the daily rotation while your sandals that have put up the good fight through the season are left in the corner. Mornings get darker and colder, making leaving the embrace of your bed just that much harder. Which leads us to reconnecting with our best fall friend – coffee.