I discovered this cone-shaped white veggie about a year ago while shopping the aisles of Wholefoods looking for a new salad ingredient to add to my spinach, radicchio and chard.  Who knew I’d eventually attend an event dedicated to the Endive? The I Heart Endive campaign supports eating local by promoting this tangy and bittersweet BC Belgian Endive grown in Abbotsford. With pins saying “I Heart Endive”, an online video series of cooking shows featuring Chef Ned Bell, and a Highway 1 sign with an 8-foot high endive, you’ll know about the curious Endive soon enough.

Held at the new Fairmont Pacific Rim, guests were served ice cream, martinis and mini burgers, to name a few, all made from Endive. Turns out it’s a versatile vegetable and not just for added crunch in your salads.

BC Belgian Endive is available at several retailers, including Save on Foods, Price Smart, Thrifty Foods, IGA Marketplace, Choices and Urban Fare. For more information, visit www.endive.ca.

You should follow me on Twitter @Christie_Lohr.

“Make a change, ‘cuz life is great!” This was the simple message behind a recent fashion show, the Runway to Conquer Cancer. Fashionistas, artists and humanitarians gathered at the always-trendy Pop Opera to take in eco-urban looks from Bahmbu, H&M and accessories from Bang-On. Models stomped the runway while local DJ’s laid down tracks to an enthusiastic, jam-packed crowd. With 100 percent of proceeds going to the BC Cancer Foundation, it was a proud moment to witness the young community supporting such a great cause. I was reminded of one simple lesson that night: charity will never go out of style.

First pic, show producer Larissa Prairie and I.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Lights, camera, action! Complete with a red carpet, some glitz and glam, MINI Yaletown’s Grand Opening Gala was reminiscent of a Hollywood-style affair. Guests were welcomed by the lovely MINI pit crew, who offered up some delicious appies and bevies courtesy of Mission Hill and Grolsch Beer. The experience was truly entertaining; with performances by recording artist, Téa, go-go dancers and an impressive live art installation. But of course, the night would not have been complete without a little test drive–or at least, a quick chance to snag the driver’s seat in a snazzy convertible MINI….

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Click here to view the embedded video.

Meet the 2010 Mini 50 Camden Special Edition in white silver metallic, my speedy sidekick for one of the best weekends I’ve had. Thanks to Mini Yaletown, I had the opportunity to test drive the dressed-to-kill set of wheels to the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival this past weekend that included Jason Priestley, Steven Page from the Barenaked Ladies and Bruce Greenwood and many events featuring BC wine and local chefs. It was a fun and comfortable ride, amazing on gas and surprisingly roomy enough for five bags of luggage (ahem, it’s a girl thing) and my passenger Erin Ireland of itstodie4.com and host of FMA Entertainment Weekly. Packed with many features such as 17-inch silver alloy rims, a top-end audio system, striking modern interior, sleek white leather and black cloth front seats and  a double sunroof, the Mini has all the essentials for any stylish getaway. Watch the video, you’ll see what I mean.

So, if you’re in the market for a new car, my suggestion is a Mini. For more info on this model or any others, visit Mini Yaletown at 1039 Hamilton Street, Vancouver or www.yaletown.mini.ca.

It’s true what they say, nice things do come in small packages.

Sure, if you’re in Vancouver, you know that our evenings recently have been far from what would be described as “hot summer nights.” But an evening spent packed into a room of shopaholics and beauty mavens sure proved that temperatures were certainly rising (a result of mixing shopping and champagne, perhaps?).

Last Wednesday, LYNNsteven and Beautymark partnered up to offer a night of mini makeovers and some sweet shopping steals. I was happy to join some fellow fashionistas while scoping out the goods and munching on yummy appies. A few items added to my wishlist: a Matt & Nat vegan leather handbag, Kelsi Dagger wedges, and some pretty leather and gold earrings by Toodlebunny.

1. Nicole Dennis Durnin, owner of LYNNsteven. Check out the centrepiece behind her – a cylinder made of 6000 paperback books!

2. Team Beautymark, with owner Marc Brunet (centre)

3. Spotted! The lovely Lisa Wong of Solo Lisa.

4. Carolina from Closet Full of Nothing, rockin’ the ultimate summer look: the fedora and florals.

5 & 6. Cute summer finds!

7. Beautiful, delicate jewelry from Jessica Hicks.

8. Kelsi Dagger wedges – my new obsession!

9. Jennifer Behr headbands are the perfect statement piece.

10. Snakeprint sandals by Kelsi Dagger and studded handbag by Matt & Nat.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Vitamin Daily Editor-In-Chief and emcee for the evening, Sarah Bancroft, sporting Halston Heritage.

Stylist Deanna Palkowski (left) and friends.

The evening wouldn't be complete without a 2 ft tall stilletto ice sculpture!

SATC fans sipping on some Glamour Girl martinis.

Summer espadrilles accent one of Miranda's glamourous Halston Heritage ensembles.

This fashionista caught my attention with her very Carrie-esque tutu.

Fashion Show Finale.

Vancouver’s best-dressed Sex and the City devotees flocked to Opus bar Thursday night to celebrate the release of SATC 2 in style. Fashionistas sipped on Red Over Heels and Glamour Girl martinis while models donning Halston Heritage looks inspired by the movie strutted their stuff. Along with working as a producer on the movie, the beloved Sarah Jessica Parker recently added creative director for the Halston Heritage brand to her already impressive resume. The bright caftans, jumpsuits and sexy Summer espadrilles had us all wishing we were jetting off to Abu Dhabi with our best girlfriends in tow. Alas, for now we’ll just have to grab our gal pals, go see the movie and live vicariously through our favourite fab foursome. And that ain’t so bad.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver

Rumi and I in the Clark Shirt by Noir Bonbon

Fashion designer Carlie Wong (check out her awesome her spiked heels!)

Michelle Rizzardo owner of One of a Few/Two of a Few, friend Christie, and designer Dace Moore of Dace

Anna Bonthoux of Nobasura Artist Management

Where do you find Vancouver’s fashion elite all under one roof? At an Obakki fashion show, of course. The locally based label recently showcased their Fall/Winter 2010 Collection to the hippest crowd in the city, with a front-row honourary guest, model-blogger Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast. The night was filled with many highs, including schmoozing with fellow guests (no “hoighty-toighty” types here!), meeting Miss Neely and taking in one wicked fashion show. The collection was edgy rocker-meets chic, impeccable luxury (hello leather, sparkle, silk, angora!). Personally, I’m ready to forgo summer just so I can rock those killer leather-panel pants with an alpaca scarf. Obakki, how I love you!

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

If you ever happen to find yourself in the middle of the club district on a Saturday night, it’s very likely that you’ll also be surrounded by douches (unfortunately). Not so at FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Toronto’s newest and most magical champagne lounge, located at John and Adelaide, has a “strict zero douche policy,” a welcome restriction in an area of town where going dancing involves metal detectors and a pat-down.

FOMO is a concept bar that evokes taking an alien spaceship ride to the edge of next. It’s the brainchild of Eve Fiorillo, one half of A.D/D., who’s already brought Toronto years of amazingly crazy parties. I loved the out-of-this-world decor and intimate setting. Spending a night at FOMO truly feels like you’ve left Toronto behind. I’m counting down until my next blast-off.

FOMO opens at 270 Adelaide Street West tonight, Thursday, May 20.

Photos by Joel di Giacomo

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

I have two words for you: Justin Bobby. If you’re a fan of The Hills, you must know exactly who I am speaking of. Notorious as Audrina Patridge’s on-and-off again boy-toy, Justin “Bobby” Brescia is considered to be the ultimate heartthrob in a sexy, scruffy and mysterious, bearded Brad Pitt kind of way. Now that would explain why he is the face of The Smooth Company’s Spring 2010 Men’s Collection.

Along with a few fellow JB-loving fashion fanatics and my highest heels in tow, I recently made my way over to Holt Renfrew Vancouver to The Smooth Company Launch Party. I must say that I was quite impressed with the sneak peek of the collection—very California, casual and cool. Holts was abuzz as energetic partygoers sipped on cocktails and munched on hors d’oeuvres while a DJ laid down the tracks.

The hip crowd was certainly dressed to impress, but in my opinion, there was none better looking than Mr. Justin Bobby himself (swoon!)….

The Smooth Company Men’s Spring 2010 Collection is available at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

We have come down with a serious case of the flu! That is, a bit of Flu-evog fever. The Vancouver-based footwear label has collaborated with OPUS Hotels to design the Porter Shoe. With their eye-catching pink and black leather (above), these babies are certainly a stylish touch to the OPUS Porter ensemble.

We recently joined the dapper team at John Fluevog at the Opus Hotel Penthouse to celebrate the collaboration. The festivities included colourful cocktails, yummy munchies, one “sexy” bathroom, a gorgeous view overlooking Yaletown, Vancouver and a seriously stylish crowd of Fluevog fans. The highlight of the night? Sharing lots of laughs, hugs and a cupcake with Mr. Fluevog himself….oh, and spotting his vintage car, with stitching detail, on the way out.

Fluevog has stores in Vancouver (837 Granville St., 604-688-2828, and in Gastown at 65 Water St., 604-688-6228) Toronto (242 Queen St. West, 416-581-1420) and Montreal (3857 Rue St. Denis, 514-509-1627).

Images above: John Fluevog with Steven Bailey, Marketing and Communications Director of John Fluevog, John Fluevog with Christie Lohr.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver