Our secret undiscovered spots (until now!)

Union Wood & Supply Co.
When we inherited a 12-foot long harvest table with only one bench, Craig Pearce was the man to make us a matching one. He still does custom commissions (often using reclaimed materials from demolition sites) in his new Railtown workshop, but just opened is the retail store attached. Now you too can purchase the canvas shop aprons worn by the staff of Meat & Bread, plus industrial antiques, vintage wire baskets and lighting. Union Wood & Supply Co., 503 Railway St., Vancouver, 604-675-9033, www.unionwoodco.com—Sarah Bancroft

I Found Gallery
It's easy to get lost in I Found. This creative treasure trove on the edge of Main Street’s shopping district is filled with beading material, woven carpets and beautiful vintage clothing. I Found Gallery, 578 Main St., Vancouver, 604-876-2218, www.ifoundgallery.com —Kelsey Dundon

Gorilla Food
Sure, it’s been around for a while, but I’m always surprised how many people in the city have never heard of Gorilla Food. And when I tell them it’s vegan, wheat-free, gluten-free, sugar-free and raw, I get funny looks. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it: Gorilla Food features some of the most innovative raw cooking in town, offering items beyond just salads, such as zucchini noodles (or “new-dles”), sunflower seed pizzas, and even sugar-free cookies. Before starting Gorilla, chef Aaron Ash concocted his vegan delicacies for Beastie Boy Mike D, serving as his personal chef for several years. Time to ch-check it out. Gorilla Food, 101-436 Richards St., Vancouver, 604-684-3663, www.gorillafood.com —Anya Georgijevic

Kafka's Coffee and Tea
In a city jam-packed with coffee shops, Kafka's Coffee and Tea has become my go-to for consistently great coffee. A good book, a vanilla latte and one (or two) of their so-good-it-hurts caramel salt cookies and you'll be one happily caffeinated camper.  Kafka's Coffee and Tea,  2525 Main St., Vancouver, 604-569-2967, www.kafkascoffee.ca —Kelsey Mulyk

Envision Optical
While most of us spend our cash on accessories like bags and shoes, it is in fact your glasses that will make the biggest statement. They sit on your face! We love Envision Optical on Fourth, not only do they have one of the best selections of fashion eyeglass frames in the country, but they carry unique, hard-to-find European brands. There’s no chance you’ll run into someone wearing the same frames as you, which is a risk you take when you buy Prada or Gucci. The owner, Monny, is fantastic at helping you pick out the right frames for your face, and he’s always got something amazing tucked in the back. I guess you could say he has a discerning eye.  Envision Optical, 2675 W. Fourth Ave., Vancouver, 604-733-2020, www.envisionoptical.ca —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

It is way too easy to spend money on your kids clothing, everything looks so much more funwhen it's small. Here are our favourite pieces from the fall/winter collections.

We love this Crewcuts doggie tee because it reminds us of Givenchy’s pitbull collection. But, of course, in this tiny size it's far cuter. Crewcuts Girls' long-sleeve 3-D doggie tee, $44. At J.Crew, www.jcrew.com 

H&M has just launched a collection with All for Children with 25 per cent of all sales going to UNICEF’s work for children in Bangladesh. We love the floral prints in the girls collection, and this little boys cardigan with elbow patches is perfect for the back to school “professor” look. Cardigan ($29.95) at H&M, Toronto Eaton Centre and Pacific Centre in Vancouver from September 22nd.

We know that Burberry is a little bit expensive, but who can resist this adorable quilted coat? Justify its purchase by promising you’ll hand it down, plus it works for a boy or a girl. Ocean Quilted Coat with check lining $335, from Lola Home & Apparel, 510 Beatty St., 604-633-5017, Vancouver, www.lolahomeandapparel.com

The only problem with Vancouver-based Red Fish’s party dresses is that they don’t make them in adult sizes. Let’s hope our girls get invited to a lot of parties so they have an excuse to wear this! Party dress, $75 at Wear Else, www.wearelse.com or Red Fish Kids Clothing, www.redfishkidsclothing.com

Checks were a runway trend, and since our little boys are too cool for school, we are going to put them in little check shirts with matching shoes. Running shoes ($19) and shirt ($12) at Joe Fresh, www.joefresh.com  —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Our editors had the extremely hard job (someone's got to do it!) of sampling some of the summer's best wines. Kick back, raise a glass and discover which vinos made this year's list. 

Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-chief
Cremant de Bourgogne, Brut Rose
This celebratory sparkler is as pretty as a picture (and perfect for a gift) and ensure your spot at the top of the guest list. Think wedding shower, anniversary gift, girlfriends brunch: it's as elegant and you are and as dry as your wicked sense of humour. $27.65 at Legacy Liquor Store, 1633 Manitoba St., Vancouver, 604-331-7900, www.legacyliquorstore.com

Township 7 Un-Oaked Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the LL Cool J of wines: "Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years."  But these days, chard has shed its buttery, oaky rep for cleaner crisper granny smith apple and melon, characteristic of Oliver's vineyards. Mama said knock you out. $19.99, Township Winery Vineyard, 21152 16th Ave., Langley, 604-532-1766, www.township7.com

Kelsey Dundon, Lifestyle editor
Montecillo Rioja Reserva
A red in summer? Why not! Hot August days remind us of the warm Spanish sun, which is exactly what these grapes were grown under. $23.99 at www.bcliquorstores.com

Dirty Laundry Gewurztraminer
Sweet but not too sweet, this BC wine is as light and fresh as our favourite summer days. $22.75 at Firefly Wines and Ales, 2857 Cambie St., Vancouver, 604-875-3325, www.fireflyfinewinesandales.com

Anya Georgijevic, Beauty editor
Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon
This spicy Cabernet Sauvignon is just as free-spirited as its adorable label. It’s always a palette pleaser, especially when served with salami and cheese. $32.99 at Kitsilano Wine Cellar, 2235 4th Ave. W., Vancouver, 604-736-7660 www.kitsilanowinecellar.com

Joie Farm Noble Blend
Although I try many whites, I always go back to this delightful blend. It was served at my wedding reception last year so it holds a special place in my heart. $27.99 at Kitsilano Wine Cellar, 2235 4th Ave. W., Vancouver, 604-736-7660 www.kitsilanowinecellar.com

Editor-in-Chief Sarah Bancroft’s France Packing List

This slightly rumpled chambray blazer from Anthropologie works with white jeans or shorts, and is perfect for the plane. $118.

My Italian linen deck towels will serve as tablecloths in Paris for impromptu picnics in the Parc Monceau with fare from Alain Ducasse’s Boulangepicierie.

This dress from See by Chloe’s Fall 2011 collection will be my go-to for evenings out with my husband.

But my K Jacques sandals from Misch (they look even better now that they are worn in) will come in handy for chasing my children through the Jardin du Luxembourg. I look forward to buying a new pair like these at the Atelier where they are handmade in St. Tropez.

The house we are renting in the south has a pool, so what better to read by it than The House in France, the witty new memoir by Gully Wells about the fabulous life of her parents, a celebrated American journalist and an Oxford philosopher set in New York, London and Provence.

And for reading attire, I just ordered a Vitamin A strapless black bikini (something about the name must have caught my eye) from their Gold collection which is super-luxe and soft.

I like a no-make-up look for the summer, so this tinted lipbalm in Nobody’s Baby from new Vancouver company Ilia beauty will fit in my carryon.

Bon Voyage! —Sarah Bancroft

Lights, camera, couch! Herewith, four DVD picks for a night of home entertainment.

Kick-Ass
If you’re feeling frumpy after too many holiday treats, pick up Kick-Ass to get yourself feeling more like a superhero. Aaron Johnson and Nicolas Cage do a pretty good job of defending the world from villains, but it’s Chloë Moretz’s portrayal of Hit Girl that will get you practicing your knife skills and high kicks.
Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal editor (English edition)

Heartbreaker
What’s better than a rom-com? A French rom-com complete with a tribute to Dirty Dancings and some Wham thrown into the mix. Starring the ultra cool Vanessa Paradis and handsome Parisian Romain Duris, Heartbreaker is the story of Alex, a professional Lothario who loses his cool when his latest assignment gets a tad too personal.
Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor

Winter’s Bone
Justin Bieber isn’t the only teen phenom headlining a film these days. Actress Jennifer Lawrence was 18 when she starred in this book adaptation about twisted family ties in the Ozarks. Her performance already has a Golden Globe nom and the same is sure to come from Oscar.
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

Smash His Camera
Artist, stalker, scumbag—photographer Ron Gallela has been called all of the above, and more. The documentary, spanning decades in the career of the man who was sued by Jackie Kennedy, socked in the jaw by Marlon Brando and adored by Andy Warhol, is a nostalgic and insightful look into the life of a celebrity paparazzo.
Maria Tallarico, Managing editor

'Tis the season, now here are gifts for all reasons for those gentlemen you know (from steals to splurges).

Drinking buddy: The Matix Popper wallet has a built-in bottle opener. And since the wallet’s handy too, there’s no excuse for him not to buy the drinks. $30 at Boardroom, www.boardroomshop.com

Mac man: A PKG iPad case made of plaid or checked wool will keep his precious travelling technology warm and cozy. $39.95 at www.nice-pkg.com

Peter Pan forever: So Santa’s not real, but Frosty can be brought back to life with a Snowman Kit that includes a carrot, buttons, pipe and classic four-line Hudson’s Bay scarf. $40 at The Bay Downtown Vancouver, www.hbc.com  

The one who never calls: Give him Nood’s stylish Get Smart phone reminiscent of a 1950s retro ringer and up your chances of him dialing your hotline. $69.95 at Nood, www.nooddesign.ca

Hometown homeboy: Immortalize his love of the local scene with an eye-popping print of the entry to East Van or Pacific Central Station shot by Vancouver photographer Kris Krug. Various sizes available, 16x20 $125 unframed, $250 framed at http://kriskrug.bigcartel.com

Audiophile on-the-go: A Vestax Handy Trax USB portable turntable allows your music man to play vinyl anywhere and turn it into MP3s for modern mixtapes with that old-fashioned sound. $299 at Vancouver Special, www.vanspecial.com

Daredevil dad: Ship him off San Francisco and treat him to a one-day Formula driving course at the Allen Berg Racing School. It’s safer than letting him loose on the back roads of Abbotsford. $1,600 at www.allenbergracingschools.com

Click on the links for availability at BC Liquor Stores.

Merry Merlot
Who doesn't love Merlot? Penticton's Painted Rock Estate Winery 2007 Merlot ($40) has all the mocha and plummy-ness you want over the holidays. We'd sip this bold bottle in front of a roaring fire with Mr. Right.

Great for a Gift
Elegant labels, and the best Pinot Noir grapes in all the Okanagan, conspire to make the Adieu Pinot Noir from Le Vieux Pins (their last batch of the varietal) a celebratory wine. Would also be a fine choice for a divorce party!  Order by cases of 6 ($35/bottle) at www.levieuxpin.ca for Vancouver delivery.

Bargain Bubbles
Get the weekend started early (like on Wednesday!) by popping a bottle of this unique sparkling Montalto Pinot Grigio ($17.99) from Italy. More complex than your usual bubbles, it has citrus and floral notes.

Aussie Rules
The new batch of Yellowtail Reserves are surefire crowd pleasers. At a recent blind tasting, we were partial to the Shiraz ($15.99), with a blackberry nose and chocolate finish.

The New New Zealand
Countrywide use of screw caps means you won't ever get corked in this section of the liquor store. The crisp and dry Villa Maria Riesling ($15.99) makes a great glass to serve with appies. Cheers!

When you’re traff*cked (stuck in bumper to bumper) because of a pile-up on the Port Mann or a fender bender on the Alex Fraser, plug in the iPod and play this drive-themed Motown mix (because nothing nixes stress like soul music).

1. “Leaving Here” Eddie Holland

2. “I’ve Passed This Way Before” Jimmy Ruffin

3. “(I’m A) Road Runner” Junior Walker & The All Stars

4. “25 Miles” Edwin Starr

5. “Nowhere to Run” Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

6. “I Can’t Get Next To You” The Temptations

7. “100 Yard Dash” Raphael Saadiq

8. “You Can’t Hurry Love” The Supremes

9. “How Long Do I Have to Wait for You?” Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

10. “Uptight” Stevie Wonder

11. “Keep on Truckin’” Eddie Kendricks

12. “Freeway of Love” Aretha Franklin

13. “Cruisin’” Smokey Robinson

14. “Green Lights” Aloe Blacc

15. “The End of Our Road” Gladys Knight & The Pips

Purchase tracks on iTunes.

Just in time for back-to-school, we've compiled a list of our favourite words and catchphrases—this round is sure to make Oxford's next edition.

Eat Pray Loved (v.): The act of leaving one's spouse to embark on an Oprah-approved journey of self-enlightment (may include an independence party, book club and ashram)
Usage: Did you hear about Sally and Paul? She eat, pray, loved him!

Tweethearts (n.): Couples who are infatuated with each other over Twitter but whose relationship would never exist in real life.
Usage: I hope my boyfriend doesn’t mind that I’m spending all weekend flirting with my tweetheart.

The jardigan (n.): When a jacket and cardigan meet—surely more staying power than jeggings?
Usage: If his jardigan weren’t cashmere I wouldn’t have taken it. But I just can’t resist good Scottish cashmere.

Bagacitis (n.): A reoccurring inflammation of the shoulder and upper arm area as a result of carrying a heavy handbag.
Usage: Just the thought of the It Bag being back in style has made my bagacitis flare up.

For more Vitamin Daily coinage, click here.

Need a long weekend beach read? Herewith, our editors' favourite summer page turners.

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
If Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret was your pre-teen bible, pick up Blume's more mature novel, Summer Sisters. It follows two best friends from grade school to their 30s and blends adolescent whimsy and angst with some very grown up topics. (PS: Check out Judy Blume on Twitter). $10 at Amazon.ca
Maria Tallarico, Managing editor

Angelina: An Unauthorized Biography by Andrew Morton
Members of Team Jennifer will enjoy sinking their teeth into. But we’d never diss Angie—why mess with a gal with a knife collection? $16 at Amazon.ca
Marianne Wisenthal, Montreal editor

The Recessionista by Alexandra Lebenthal
"Too Big to Fail Goes to the Beach," is how New York Magazine's Jessica Pressler described Alexandra Lebenthal's hot summer debut novel, The Recessionistas. A fabulously juicy read. $19 at Amazon.ca
Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby
From the author of High Fidelity and About a Boy, Nick Hornby’s Juliet, Naked is the author’s latest look at what happens when love, parenting and relationships get in the way of life. The story of a washed-up musician also deals with one of Hornby’s favourite subjects: music. $21 at Amazon.ca
Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor

One Day by David Nicholls
Expressed in snapshots of the same day spanning twenty years, this tale of two opposites, Dex and Em, who connect just before graduation, go their separate ways, yet stay in touch, sucked us in right from the start (perhaps because it begins with the pair bantering and snogging). $13 at Amazon.ca
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor