Grab a glass of wine and a spot by the fireplace—these are winter reads worth staying in for.

Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelseaby Chelsea Handler
Comedian Chelsea Handler’s star has risen this year, and her hilarious and outrageous collection of personal essays has her deadpan delivery of intelligence, wit and bawdiness—it’s a perfect dose of Chelsea for those who can’t stay up late enough to watch her talk show. At Amazon.ca.
Maria Tallarico, managing editor

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
It sounds like the ultimate Slacker’s Handbook, but it’s a great, practical guide for the self-employed (or would-be self-employed) on how to run a more efficient and profitable business while you work hard-on your tan! At Chapters.ca
Sarah Bancroft, editor-in-chief

Foam on the Daze by Boris Vian
A moving tale of unrequited love—simply sublime! Published in 1947, one of the Parisian author's only translated books. At Amazon.ca. Elsa Vecchi, Montreal editor, French edition

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Set aside a weekend for this book. From celebrated Swedish crime writer Stieg Larsson, it is so gripping you won’t be able to put it down. At Chapters.ca
Athena Tsaviliris, Toronto editor

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Niffenegger’s spooky sophomore novel is a meaty ghost story about sisters, twinship, love and loss. Perfect for tucking up under the duvet on a cold winter’s night. At Amazon.ca.
Marianne Wisenthal, Montreal editor

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
In this literary mash-up, Austen’s beloved cast of characters is faced with an outbreak of undead (politely referred to as “unmentionables”) in addition to the usual courtship and classism. Natalie Portman just signed on to produce and star in the film adaption. At Chapters.ca.
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
by Rebecca Miller
Stuck between her former self and the woman she created, the protagonist is forced to examine her life and decide how to move forward. Miller, the daughter of the famed playwright and wife of our favourite butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis) adapted the novel into a star-studded movie this year but it’s a case of read-the-book-before-you-see-the-movie. At Amazon.ca.
Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor

Sometimes reel life is stranger than fiction. Herewith, our top doc picks.

American Teen
Like The Breakfast Club brought to life, the film follows five teens in their final year of high school. All the usual suspects—jock, nerd, princess, rebel and heartthrob—are present to reminisce about in this spirited Sundance winner. www.americanteenthemovie.com
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

Anvil! The Story of Anvil
Back in the '80s, the Canadian heavy metal band Anvil was set for stardom but came up short. They never gave up on the dream though, and this funny and heartfelt movie picks up where their fame left off. www.anvilthemovie.com
Joy Pecknold,Vancouver editor

Enlighten Up!
A story of one man’s skeptical and hilarious journey to find the true meaning of yoga. The film includes interviews with renowned gurus and stunning shots of Northern India. http://enlightenupthefilm.com/
Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor

Paper Heart
Part documentary, part scripted film (which part is up to you to figure out), this road trip film chronicles the quirky Charlyne Yi’s quest to discover if true love really exists (Yi herself is skeptical). Along the way she begins a relationship with aw-shucks Canadian actor Michael Cera, but The Notebook this ain't. www.paperheart-movie.com
Maria Tallarico, managing editor

Surfwise
Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter produced this profile of America’s “First Family of Surfing,” the Paskowitzs: 8 brothers and a sister who grew up in a 28-foot camper with their sex-obsessed parents, teaching surfing and never going to school. A fascinating study in bohemianism, megalomania, and crazy family dynamics (makes the Royal Tenenbaums look like the Cunninghams).
www.surfwisefilm.com
Sarah Bancroft, editor-in-chief

The Cove
On the Oscar shortlist for Best Documentary Feature, this story of a group of filmmakers who employ rogue methods to bring to light a covert dolphin hunt on the shores of Taiji, Japan unfolds like a suspenseful thriller. www.thecovemovie.com
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

Tyson
A heartening look at the life and career of one-time champ Mike Tyson, from his formative relationship with his boxing mentor to his self-destructive and decadent tendencies. Tyson's insight and angst is disarming. www.sonyclassics.com/tyson
Maria Tallarico, managing editor

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired
With the infamous director back in the headlines for a crime he was charged with decades ago and consequently fled the country from, this Emmy-winning doc is a provoking view into the past. A follow-up film is in the works. www.romanpolanskiwantedanddesired.com
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

In a last-minute scramble to find one more thing for the guy who has everything, head to Tubby Dog and pick up the new Tubby Book by Vinciane de Pape ($35).

The nearly 100-page tome chronicles the history of the hot dog eatery, covering the eclectic weiner menu, the diverse clientele, well-known staff and the variety of events it hosts, including rock concerts and late-night festivities.

Inspired by a classic coffee table book, the format is a tad smaller but the collection of photos and blurbs about the popular 17th Avenue hangout is the perfect piece of history about a longstanding Calgary tradition.

At Tubby Dog, 103, 1022 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-244-0694, www.tubbydog.net

Newly opened Pretty Little Things is a treasure trove of unique finds, one-of-a-kind gems and vintage finds. Off the beaten track, in the historic Ramsay neighbourhood, it’s the perfect setting for the romanticism of bygone eras.

Open only Friday to Sunday, owner Debbie Dalen spends the rest of the time scouring the city for the vintage jackets (fur-collared pea coats or leopard-print coats), home items (classic tea sets), new beauty finds (Nanette Lepore perfume) and off-the-wall knick-knacks (glittery skulls). New clothing, children’s items, books and stationery round out the eclectic collection and each item includes a handwritten note by Dalen suggesting creative ideas for its use.

That sparkly skull: we’re thinking a last-minute gift for the gal who has everything.

Pretty Little Things, 2010 11th St. SE, Calgary, 403-237-5344.

Nearly 65 years after its original publication, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) continues to inspire readers with its simple yet profound observations on life and human nature. 

The newest incarnation, The Little Prince Pop-Up ($29) tells the classic tale of the pilot, the prince and the planet in grander proportions with the whimsical illustrations literally popping off the pages.

Just in time for gift-giving season, pick up copies for Little Prince first-timers, or those that have read it 100 times.

At Amazon.ca.

Last time we saw Aron Hill’s work it was a bird’s-eye view of sorts with his intricate pencil drawings of the winged creatures.

But the multi-dimensional artist is taking a different approach to nature in his new show, Taste the World and Digest It.

Inspired by personal travel photographs, Hill returns to a more traditional mode of painting with playful oil canvases of romantic scenes abroad in countries such as Nicaragua. Family members including his mother (pictured in “Liz”), his father and wife make appearances, casually lounging or walking along in the scenes.

Until January 16 at Newzones Gallery, 730 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-266-1972, www.newzones.com

Even if you’re still holding out for a Warhol or a Picasso check out this weekend’s Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) Winter Show and Sale for up-and-comers to add to your collection.

Starting tomorrow at 4 p.m., the college’s main hall will be packed with hundreds of works by ACAD students from all departments including painting, printmaking, sculpture, glasswork and jewellery, all for prices that will not break the bank, or the “art fund.”

Warhol and Picasso were emerging artists at one time, after all.

Until November 29, Alberta College of Art and Design, 1407 14th Ave. NW, Calgary, 403-284-7600, www.acad.ab.ca

Calling all freelancers: Procrastination and creative blocks are now a thing of the past with the newly opened coworkYYC.

Launched by three young entrepreneurs who wanted to ditch working at home and create a community of freelancers, the new co-working space is located in the cool Ramsay Design Centre, complete with concrete floors, brick walls, and plenty of natural light.

A monthly rate of $450 will get you a working space, Internet, shared boardroom and kitchen, free parking and, most important, interaction with other creative minds. The open space is ideal for sharing ideas, networking or, just working side-by-side with other Calgary freelancers.

Working in your pajamas is overrated anyway.

coworkYYC, Suite 150, 1900 11th St. SE, Calgary, 403-452-7938, www.coworkyyc.com

With the lightening-fast advancements in camera technology, Polaroid snaps are about as old-school as we can manage.

Wilkosz and Way, the Calgary duo known for its fashion and portraiture photography, is going further back than most of us can imagine with their show, Glass Negatives, opening tomorrow.

The series of portraits of friends and peeps-around-town were shot using a technique dating back to 1871. Used as negatives, the glass plates are coated by hand with a light sensitive emulsion, and shot through a large format camera. The results are often wonderfully unpredictable and surprising.

No “photo approval” can be a beautiful thing.

Runs until January 9, 2010 at Pith Gallery, 1018 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, www.pithgallery.com

When you’re a teen, every crisis is the end of the world. There’s puberty, popularity and plenty of school projects to stress over. And for almost 13-year-old Claudia, there’s also her parents’ divorce.

Presented by Alberta Theatre Projects, I, Claudia is an outstanding one-woman show about the tribulations of adolescence and finding solace in unlikely places. 

Beware: the memories of teen angst will flood back in waves.

Runs until November 8 at the Martha Cohen Theatre, 205 Eighth Ave SE, Calgary; for tickets call 403-294-9494.