Happy Halloween, Raincouver!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Once again, this fabulous city can't avoid the rain. According to the Weather Network, it's supposed to rain all day. So, if you're heading out tonight, stay warm in those costumes and don't let the rain get you down! It may sometimes be Raincouver over here, but it doesn't stop the city from living.

Despite the rain, hope you have a fun-filled Halloween in Vancouver!

Top 5 Consignment Shops In Vancouver

If you're looking to revamp your wardrobe but are a little low on cash, consider shopping at a consignment shop in Vancouver. These shops sell gently worn, preloved items that are chic and friendly on the wallet. Depending on the shop, you may pick up designer threads, cute accessories or one-of-a-kind vintage finds.

Don't know where to start? Here is my list of Top 5 consignment shops in Vancouver.

1. Front & Company

Located in the up-and-coming SoMa (South Main) area, Front & Company is a large consignment shop that sells both new and preloved clothing and accessories. Some may say the shop's inventory caters to the hipsters of the area, but I think there's something for everyone at Front & Company -- both girls and guys. There's plenty to trawl through, so take your time and you may find that hidden gem at a bargain price.

Front & Company is located at 3772 Main St.

2. deLuxe Junk Co.

deLuxe Junk is your go-to consignment shop if you're all about vintage. This quirky shop in Gastown has a huge selection of vintage clothing from all kinds of decades. If you're looking for a cool 50s frock or an 80s get-up, deLuxe Junk is the place to go. Don't worry if you're not into vintage; this shop also does modern looks.

deLuxe Junk is located at 310 W. Cordova St.

3. My Sister's Closet

My Sister's Closet is more like a charity thrift shop than a consignment shop. However, you'll still find stylish and affordable threads at this cute boutique. Keep your eye out for the designer items at bargain prices -- they'll be sure to be gone quick. My Sister's Closet donates its proceeds to the Battered Women's Support Services, so shop there and you'll be supporting a good cause.

My Sister's Closet is located at 1092 Seymour St.

4. Turnabout Clothing

Turnabout has three locations in Greater Vancouver and focuses on high-end clothing. The clothing selection speaks to the upscale neighbourhoods that the Turnabout consignment shops are located in. If you're into designer labels like Prada, Gucci and Missoni, head to the South Granville location. If you're into more budget-friendly high-end brands like Bebe, Banana Republic and BCBG, check out the West Broadway location.

Turnabout is located at 3109 Granville St. and 3112 W. Broadway. Its third location is in the Peninsula Village Mall in South Surrey.

5. Changes

Changes is a family-run consignment shop in Vancouver that caters to the university crowds and west end shoppers. The boutique setting makes you feel like you're shopping in a high-end shop and all the preloved clothes are in top condition. Changes also sells new jewelry by Canadian designers, so it's a great place to pick up something unique and local.

Changes is located at 4454 W. 10th Ave.

Trick Or Treating For Dogs In Vancouver

If you're a proud dog owner in Vancouver, you won't want to miss Three Dog Bakery's annual trick or treating for dogs. This year's Halloween spectacular, aptly named Pooch Spooks, will be sure to draw a crowd of cute costume-wearing dogs begging for some treats. For only $5, you can take your dog through participating shops in Point Grey Village and collect some tasty treats.


Pooch Spooks Details

Date: Saturday, Oct. 27

Time: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Three Dog Bakery, 4548 W. 10th Ave, and participating stores in Point Grey Village

If you don't have any plans this Saturday and want to take your dog trick or treating, then head to Point Grey Village for an afternoon of cuteness and fun.

Halloween Events In Vancouver

Halloween this year falls on a Wednesday, so most big Halloween events in Vancouver are happening this weekend. There are a lot of bars and clubs in Vancouver hosting Halloween parties, but there are plenty of other options too if you're not into the bar scene. Here is my hand-picked list of Halloween events in Vancouver:

1. Fright Nights at PNE

Head to the PNE and you'll be met with some true frights to get you into the Halloween spirit. For about $30, you get access to six bone-chilling fright houses, 13 scary rides and other frightening attractions. This is the perfect place to bring the kids or enjoy a Halloween date. Fright Nights is open from 6 p.m. til late until Oct. 31.

2. Halloween Costume Ball at Telus World Of Science

If you want to celebrate Halloween in style, head to the Halloween Costume Ball at Telus World of Science. For $90, you'll get a VIP ticket to this popular event held in an iconic Vancouver tourist attraction. There will be plenty of Top 40 and house tunes blasting over two floors, perfect for dancing the night away. The Halloween Costume Ball is on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

3. Hed Kandi Halloween III at Ginger 62

Dubbing itself "the most stylish name in house music," Hed Kandi is a British record label that knows how to put on a good party. Set in the stylish Ginger 62 lounge on Granville Street, Hed Kandi Halloween III features DJ Andy Warburton spinning house and electronic music. This Halloween party happens on Friday, Oct. 26, from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., and costs $30.

4. 80s Halloween Horror at Library Square Public House

If you're thinking of dressing up as Boy George or "Material Girl" Madonna, make sure to check out the 80s Halloween party at Library Square Public House. This fun 80s revival party features prizes for the best 80s horror movie costume (think Michael Myers, Jason and Jack from "The Shining"). This event will also set you back $30 and happens on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m., at 300 W. Georgia St.

5. Halloween Ghost Train in Stanley Park

This is a perfect Halloween event for kids and adults alike. Jump on the haunted Ghost Train in Stanley Park and be transported through a world of scary fairy tales. For less than $10 a person (children 3-18 are only $6.25), you can enjoy a thrilling ride through the park, as well as crafts, pumpkin carving, a costume contest, and a haunted castle. The Halloween Ghost Train runs to Oct. 31. Tickets can be bought through Ticketmaster or on the day at the Stanley Park Train Plaza.

I hope this list has inspired you to put on a costume, get into the Halloween spirit and check out one of these Halloween events in Vancouver. It'll surely be a spooky night of fun.

Vancouver Restaurants: L'Abattoir

I recently tried out the sleek restaurant L'Abattoir in Vancouver's fashionable Gastown. Located on the site of Vancouver's first prison, L'Abattoir really captures the Gastown vibe with its brick and industrial interior. We were seated in the restaurant's lower atrium, which features exposed brick walls, a beautifully tiled floor and a long line of tables hovered by an intricate wooden light box.

The cocktail menu at L'Abattoir is impressive. I opted for the Gastown swizzle, which tickled my taste for passionfruit. My friend had a drink custom-made for her, based on her specific tastes. It was nice to have this option of a specially made cocktail. The waiter even said my friend could try something else if she didn't like what the bartender made.

One good reason to try out L'Abattoir is its bread basket. Seriously, the bread selection is amazing. In a cute little basket, you get three types of homemade bread: sesame crisp, bacon brioche and anchovy twist. While all the breads were delicious, my personal favourite was the anchovy twist; it tasted like a flaky cheese twist with a refreshing bite of saltiness from the anchovy. Pure goodness.

For the appetizer, my friend and I shared the special of the day: smoked duck breast with fresh and dried plums, and green leaves. The appetizer was deliciously satisfying. The strips of melt-in-your-mouth smoked duck matched perfectly with the plums -- something I never would have imagined. Some other tempting appetizers on L'Abattoir's menu include smoked sturgeon carpaccio (grapefruit, avocado, fried jalapeno), pan fried veal sweetbreads on toast (sauce gribiche with veal tongue) and soft corn polenta and a poached egg (tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, fried pigs ears). If you're a foodie, there's plenty to whet your taste buds at L'Abattoir.



The main dishes at L'Abattoir are divine. While there are only six mains to choose from, you won't be disappointed by your choice (hopefully). I opted for the pan fried filet of ling cod, which was accompanied by potato gnocchi, lettuce and truffles. There really was a medley of flavours dancing on my plate. I was impressed by the large flakes of truffle sprinkled all over the dish. The fish was nicely cooked and not overdone, and the fried gnocchi was delicious too. Even the lettuce was nicely dressed with a great flavour. If you love fish, this is a perfect main to order. My friend ordered the roast scallops with lemon marmalade, which is also highly recommended.

There's a nice selection of desserts on the L'Abattoir menu. My friend and I shared the earl grey pot de creme, but neither of us were particularly blown away by it. It was a nice, light dessert to end the meal, but perhaps too light for our tastes. It was still tasty though.

Overall, L'Abattoir didn't fail to impress, and I would definitely go there again to try some more of their decadent food. The service was excellent too, which contributes to the top marks for this hip Vancouver restaurant.

L'Abattoir is located at 217 Carrall St. in Gastown, Vancouver.

Welcome To Vancouver In Colour

I've been blessed to grow up in such a naturally beautiful city -- Vancouver. Exploration and nostalgia have brought me back to so many great parts of the city -- the Stanley Park Seawall, Granville Island, Gastown, Coal Harbour, Grouse Mountain, Kitsilano, Yaletown and more. While the city's skyline is ever-changing, its natural scenery remains ever the same. With postcard-perfect mountains and a vast ocean at your feet, you're really in an outdoor playground when you're in Vancouver.

Whether you're a Vancouver native or a Vancouver newbie, there's so much to experience in this multifaceted city. Let me take you on a journey through the eclectic neighbourhoods, exceptional restaurants, must-see sights, special events and natural attractions that bring so much colour to Vancouver.

This is Vancouver In Colour.