Carmen Leal- Vancouver Real Estate

Thursday, 25 October 2018

My 5 favourite brunch spots in Yaletown - Downtown

1. Provence Marinaside
1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y3

http://www.provencemarinaside.ca/about/

Province Marinaside restaurant has elegance and charm. The new feature wine wall is adding a sense of drama and focus to the room with False Creek views and the seawall only steps away. The wide open windows allow natural fresh air and welcoming guests to stay to drink overlooking the beautiful view of False Creek. The whole effect is airy, bright – sophisticated but natural.

2. Honey Salt
39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3
http://www.parqvancouver.com/restaurants/honey-salt/

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A true neighborhood restaurant that combines classic comfort with a relaxed sophistication, Honey Salt delivers a contemporary experience complemented by the warmth and style of its dedicated owners. Serving chef-driven, farm to table cuisine with an emphasis on locally and regionally sourced ingredients that highlight the bounty of British Columbia in an approachable and comfortable setting.

3. per se Social Corner

891 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W2

http://persesocialcorner.com/

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It is impossible to think about Italy, Spain, or Central America without thinking of delicious food and wine. The kitchen is central to the hearts and minds of European and Central Americans's and this was the inspiration behind Entrepreneur and owner Fabrizio. With the blending of cultures that inspire the non-traditional mix of New and Old World culture, Per Se Social Corner is a hybrid of the classic Italian Kitchen and modern Spanish and Latin American Tapas Bar. Highlighted by local and international music, accented with a clean and modern decor Per Se Social Corner is the place where the fashionable come to play.

4. The Flying Pig Yaletown

891 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W2

https://theflyingpigvan.com/

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The Flying Pig Group of Restaurants is a collection of culinary experiences that deliver authentic food made by genuine people. Based on the West Coast of Canada, their restaurants draw inspiration from the diversity of fresh ingredients readily available here, and the tradition of unforgettable but humble family feasts. In short, they create experiences that feel like home – come eat with them!

5. Medina

780 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3A4

http://www.medinacafe.com/

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Since opening in 2008, Café Medina has carved out a niche as a truly exceptional breakfast, lunch and weekend-brunch destination that effortlessly blends eclectic bistro fare, connoisseur-savvy coffee and sweet nourishment via the city’s best Belgian waffles.

Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

The Best Wall Decor Ideas to Fill Your Small Space

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If you’re trying to decorate a small home, it can sometimes feel like your options are limited. And while there’s not much you can do to add square footage, there are plenty of ways to make your tiny apartment feel perfectly put together. The key is taking advantage of the largest open spaces you have—your walls.

Those empty walls are filled with possibilities and a few additions can make a small apartment feel cozy and stylish, instead of stark and cramped. No matter your style, there are tricks that can amp up your walls and bring out your personality and taste. Whether you’re an art collector, a nature enthusiast, or a book lover, your walls can be customized so that you can be surrounded by the things you adore.

In addition to adding to the walls, think about decorating the walls themselves. Try using a bright and bold paint color to create an accent wall, or bring in pattern with wallpaper, stenciling, and other decorative paint techniques. (Think about transforming your ceiling while you’re at it!) These decorative accents can have an even bigger impact in a small space.

If you’re ready to take your small space to the next level, we’ve gathered some inspiration to get you started. Browse these wall decor ideas that are sure to add style to your home.

1. Go for Large-Scale Art

An oversize painting or photograph will command attention and set the tone in a small space. Try a black-and-white photo in a minimalist space or add color with a vibrant abstract piece.

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2. Create a Gallery Wall

Nothing adds personality and color quite like a gallery wall. Display a collection of art, photographs, or add wall hangings and other ephemera. Opt for simple, cohesive frames or bring in an array of ornate variations to mix things up!

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3. Showcase Fabric

A tapestry or wall hanging can add color and pattern, as well as a sense of softness to a space. Consider framing vintage scarves or other pretty textiles. Bonus: It’s a lot easier to move than framed paintings when it comes time to head to your next home.

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4. Hang Mirrors

Mirrors reflect light, helping a small space to feel bigger and brighter. Try hanging an oversize mirror, or display several smaller pieces salon-style.

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5. Paint a Mural

Let your walls transport you to another place by adding a mural. Whether you hand-paint it or choose a wall covering, the motif will make a big impact.

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6. Install Shelves

If you’ve run out of floor space for bookshelves, take your collection to the wall. Install floating shelves and display hardcovers, small sculptures, and other odds and ends.

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7. Hang Plates

Why hide your fine china in the cabinet when you can show it off? Use wire plate hangers to display your favorite dishes and serving platters.

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8. Add Sculptural Sconces

Sconces add an extra source of light without taking up space on the floor or a side table. Choose an eye-catching design that doubles as a wall sculpture to bring in light and style.

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9. Bring In Plants

Plants don’t just have to sit on the windowsill. Try hanging or wall-mounted planters to add a bit of nature to your space and life to your walls.

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10. Add Texture with a Weaving

Those '70s macramé wall hangings have come back in a big way. The weavings add texture and warm up stark walls. Shop for them on Etsy, or try your hand at making your own!

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11. Use It as Storage

Short on closet space? Why not show off your finery and create a striking and practical display? Install hooks or a pegboard and hang hats in a cluster.

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Tuesday, 23 October 2018

The Top 10 Attractions in Vancouver

Vancouver is where incomparable nature and urban entertainment overlap and intertwine, pretty much ensuring you’ll never be bored.

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1. Stanley Park

Stanley Park is the icing on the metaphorical cake of downtown Vancouver. The 1,000-acre park provides a green escape from the urban setting, and is brimming with activities that you can take in year-round. Walk the famous Seawall for unparalleled views of the Burrard Inlet or head inland and marvel at the giant trees that still live in this preserved forest. Tan on one of the beaches in the morning and then play a round of pitch-and-putt in the afternoon. Stand beside the massive totem poles and learn about the First Nations that lived on this land. Or grab a lunch at one of several restaurants and head to the aquarium to spend the day. Stanley Park has been a star attraction for over 125 years. There’s no stopping it now.

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2. Granville Island

No, not only trolls live under bridges. Beneath a major bridge near downtown Vancouver you’ll find a hotspot of dining, shopping and entertainment. Granville Island is a buzzing community full of artisans creating unique gifts, passionate foodies sharing the fruits of their labor, and aspiring musicians perfecting their craft. There’s always something happening on the island. You can stop in for a beer or spend the entire day browsing stores, treating your senses at the Public Market, and taking in the entertainment. Whatever you do, just don’t skip it.

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3. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Overcome your fear of heights in style, with the help of the 450-foot Capilano Suspension Bridge, which hangs 230 feet above the rushing Capilano River. Once you’ve conquered the big bridge, the Cliffwalk — a series of cliff side suspended and cantilevered walkways above the rainforest — won’t seem so daunting, right? And after those two experiences, the Treetops Adventure — seven bridges suspended by 250-year-old Douglas firs 110 feet above the forest floor — will really be a piece of cake. You get the picture. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is full of adrenaline-pumping attractions that immerse you in the beautiful outdoors.

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4. Vancouver Aquarium

Home to over 50,000 creatures, the Vancouver Aquarium is what you might call an animal-lover’s playground. From friendly sea otters to bright jellyfish, get up close and personal with wildlife from across the globe. Stop by and say hello to Chester, a young false killer whale that was rescued by the Aquarium team and now spends his days happily swimming alongside Helen, a rescued Pacific white-sided dolphin. Or buy tickets to one of the After Hours events and enjoy the aquarium with a drink in a hand and no kids running around. Oh, and don’t forget to see if you can find Nemo.

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5. Seawall in Vancouver

At just over 13.5 miles, the Seawall is part of the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world. The seawall is a massively popular recreational route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, and it’s not hard to see why. Along the path you’ll get beautiful views of English Bay and the mountain ranges that lie beyond Vancouver. You’ll trace the outside of gorgeous Stanley Park, maybe stopping for photos of curious sea otters and harbor seals or the beautiful Siwash Rock. You might hop off the route at one of a handful of beaches along the route for a picnic, or pop into a restaurant for a fine dining experience with a view. If there’s sun in the sky, and you want to enjoy the outdoors, the Seawall is hard to beat.

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6. Grouse Mountain

Instead of enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery from within the city, take a short drive and go enjoy it in person. Grouse Mountain is just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, but offers everything you could want from a mountain. In the winter, hit the slopes for a few hours before enjoying a mountain-top après-ski. In the summer, hike or take the gondola up, watch a lumberjack show and say hi to Grinder and Coola - two grizzly bears who live in a fenced-in wildlife reserve.

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7. The Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) contains one of the finest displays of First Nations art in the world, all in a breathtaking setting overlooking the water and mountains of British Columbia. Located on ancestral Musqueam land, the museum strives to showcase the incredible culture and traditions of these First Nations hosts. Their artwork is the first thing to greet you as you walk through the front doors, and as you enter the Great Hall, you’ll be awed by massive, intricate totem poles. Over 10,000 culturally significant objects from around the world are on display in the museum’s galleries, and temporary exhibits help bring fresh perspectives to the rich permanent collection. If you want to immerse yourself in the origins of Canada’s West Coast, this is the place.

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8. FlyOver Canada

Did you know that you can see all of Canada from Vancouver? No, not from the top of a mountain, but from the comfort of a seat. FlyOver Canada is a flight simulation ride that brings you across this great country, from the Prairies to the Atlantic Ocean and back to Vancouver - all in less than 10 minutes. You’ll feel the wind in your hair, the mist against your skin, smell the outdoor air and really feel like you’re flying for the first time.

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9. Harbour Air

If you want to see all of Vancouver, and you genuinely mean ALL of Vancouver, your best option is to book a flightseeing tour with Harbour Air Seaplanes. Harbour Air is part of the world’s largest all-seaplane airline, and offers a number of different sightseeing options, that you can pick based on your mood. Book one of their Vancouver Panorama tours and take a quick flight over the city and surrounding mountains, with your camera at the ready. Or travel in real style with their Fly ‘N Dine tour, which includes a quick flight to Horseshoe Bay, a three-course meal, and a limousine ride back into town. Feeling more adventurous? Try the Alpine Lakes and Glacier tour for an unbelievable flight over the peaks of Mount Mamquam and a remote alpine lake.

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10. VanDusen Botanical Garden

The 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden is considered one of the 10 best public gardens in North America. More of a work of art than a garden, VanDusen displays 255,000 individual plants from across the globe in a gorgeous setting. Woodlands and five lakes frame the grounds, but the unique climate of Vancouver allows plants from the Arctic Tundra to the Himalayas to the Tropics of South America to bloom at different points throughout the year. With the flora comes the fauna. Animals, from amphibians to 65 species of birds, make the Garden their home. Visitors can also enjoy a rare Elizabethan Maze, the botanical and horticultural library, and the many totem poles and sculptures scattered throughout the garden.

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Monday, 22 October 2018

My 5 favourite happy hour spots in Yaletown - Downtown

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1. Bodega on Main
1014 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2W1
https://www.bodegaonmain.ca/

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Welcome to Bodega on Main, an updated twist on an old Vancouver culinary favourite. At Bodega on Main, they have added their own fresh take on the traditional tapas dishes loved by many for decades. In doing so, they have been careful to keep many of the classic recipes, ensuring you’ll always feel at home when you dine with us. Be sure to stay updated by joining them on social media feeds for the latest news and join us for Happy Hour everyday from 3pm until 6pm.

2. Yaletown Distillery Bar + Kitchen

1131 Mainland St, Vancouver BC V6B 2S2

http://mjg.ca/distillery-bar-and-kitchen/

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The Distillery Bar + Kitchen opened in the Spring of 2013 serving up straight forward Italian-American style dishes and boozy handcrafted cocktails. The menu was developed with an emphasis on sourcing local ingredients, taking the time to make products from scratch and being inspired by the way that ‘Mama used to make it’. Smack dab in the middle of the restaurant hosts a long 30 person communal table ideal for large groups, family-style dining or getting to know your neighbour. Guests can also sit outside on one of two heated patios to people-watch with a bottle of wine and flavourful pasta. The Distillery Bar + Kitchen is the perfect spot to break bread, relax and create memories.
Happy hour Mon-Thurs 4-6 pm & Fri-Sun 3-6 pm.

3. Rodney’s Oyster House

1228 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6L2

http://www.rohvan.com/

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Welcome to Rodney’s Oyster House in Vancouver which located in historic Yaletown and Gastown.! Come and experience Maritime hospitality at its most hearty the way they serve it up with the freshest seafood and fine spirits!

Their establishment has been entertaining seafood lovers and oyster aficionados from far and wide for over ten years.
Their products are available for take-away, too!

Happy hour everyday from 3-6 pm.

4. Earls Kitchen + Bar

1095 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P9

https://earls.ca/locations/yaletown

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In the middle of Yaletown, Vancouver's trendy, polished, upscale heritage district. Between False Creek seawall and Vancouver's vibrant downtown core, a great spot for a sophisticated take on urban dining. The patio scene here is not to be missed. Upstairs, you can enjoy "Loft", a stylish lounge space great for a few drinks with friends. Available for large party bookings and even weddings. Tucked into the stylish brick facades around every corner are all manner of fashionable shops and services for your pleasure. Rogers Arena and BC Place are just a ten-minute walk away. Get fancy or come as you are.

Happy Hour - every day from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm and every day from 9:00 pm - close.

5. The Flying Pig Yaletown

1168 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2

https://theflyingpigvan.com/

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Happy hour Mon-Fri 3-6 pm & Sat-Sun 4-6 pm.

This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.