I was invited by the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden to explore some Chinatown gems in the evening hours while they let a few neighbourhood secrets slip. The first surprise of the night came when former B.C. premier Mike Harcourt addressed us.

Finally went through my photos of New Year's Eve (I spent it at Chambar's celebration) and found this image. Good documentary photography wholly captures a moment. While this isn't National Geographic Magazine worthy, I think it sums up the end of the night to a tee, or a heel rather.

A little picture window of the digital variety made up of snaps from my SoCal sojourn this past weekend. It was so warm and sunny there, I almost didn't come back.

I boarded a trolley along with some fellow professional foodies to preview some of Dine Out Vancouver's 2011 delights (yet again, it doesn't disappoint). Here are a few highlights from my food safari: 

Tim Ellison of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts talks seafood with a sidekick.

Feet inspired by the Wicked Witch of the East today. My modern redux was achieved with Belle by Sigerson Morrison x Club Monaco red velvet flats and Joe Fresh grey and black striped cotton socks. While the west winds were gusty, no houses fell on me. Phew.

So how am I doing on my New Year's Resolution to send more postcards?

Exhibit A:

Seeing as January can be a very unfunny month, what with all the rain and getting in shape, I thought I'd share a few things that recently made me bust a gut:

While out on the town today, I made a new friend. His name is Jean-Pierre, he's the presiding canine at Old Faithful Shop. Naturally, his throne is tops too. An old wooden drawer outfitted with a Hudson's Bay blanket. Life ain't too ruff for this one.

The holiday parties are now winding down, but here's a couple snaps of the smash that was Heth PR's bash. Shannon and Kate had a great two-faced Your Piñata made, complete with mini paper-mâché Louboutins.

Ladies lunching (with dueling bowls of linguine no less) at the new Q4 at 780 Richards Street.

I know what you're thinking... what's more delicious: the editors or what we're eating?