Spend Locally | Vancouver

I first heard about Marché St. George a very long time before finally going to check it out in person. I read their blog for a very long time - the aesthetic and the photos in it are worthwhile in their own right, even if you don't live in the area (and they do have a few things in their online shop, including some of the most gorgeous linens). In the end, the charm was impossible to resist. In fact, just RSS it right now, don't delay, here's the feed URL (in case you're nerdy like me).

Eventually my partner in crime and I decided to venture out and find it and, as promised, it's a tiny treasure chest of beautiful and delicious things. He was particularly thrilled to find they frequently have a couple of "pain au chocolat" (ie. chocolate stuffed croissants) on hand - a favourite from Belgium, as well as great coffee. I was wooed by their vast selection of very nice teas, and the fact that they carry my favourite dill crackers.

Their foods range from a variety of local cheeses, gelatos, and sausages, to seasonings and delicacies I've rarely seen elsewhere. And their small section of accessories and homewares are all beautiful, rustic, and look like you just picked them up straight from the hands of the person who made them. 

Seasonally, they also carry a variety of mostly local and/or organic and/or heirloom fruits and veggies in a mini-market that's set up inside or out depending on weather in a lovely rustic display of wooden crates and baskets.

The seating is very limited, especially on weekends, but the atmosphere is cozy and peaceful, and worth seeking out a little nook to take a break. On a quiet corner in Mount Pleasant, many cyclers and pedestrians meander by and stop in for coffee or a snack, and then wander off again. It'll make you feel like you're part of the neighbourhood, even if you're just visiting. 

I don't know a ton about the beginnings of the Marché, but it's run by a husband and wife team who have very refined yet warm and familiar tastes, and I hope they keep at it for a long time to come. 

Also, just announced, a pop-up restaurant above the Marché for a few days only, at the start of May! Details here.

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Other reviews/profiles of Marché St. George

- Marché St. George Charms Vancouver Neighborhood (Food Network Canada)
- Marché St. George: A Great Place to Stuff Your Stockings in Vancouver (HGTV Canada)  
- An afternoon of bees with urban beekeeper Melissa Cartwright of Backyard Buzz, at Le Marche St George in Vancouver (Hilary Henegar)

Notable photo-rich posts

- A visit to Marche St George at East 28th and St George (Hilary Henegar)
- Marché St. George (sprk.ca) 

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When I started writing this post, I decided to search my inbox for my oldest correspondance with Lunapads, and found an email from Sept. 1, 2006, related to entering a contest to win some kind of Lunapads prizes. In the email, I mentioned that I already had some of their wares... that makes me a customer for over five years! And that's only a third of Lunapads' existence - they'd already been in business for over ten years by that time.

As far as I can remember, I first found out about Lunapads from ads in Bust Magazine, which I used to have a subscription to in university. The women's center at school used to hold "sew your own pads" DIY workshops on occasion, so this wasn't a completely new concept to me, but the specific design of Lunapads (in comparison to the other reusable pads I'd seen) held some real appeal. I was hooked after my first order.

Just over a year later, I was about 8 months into a new job at a web design company, who coincidentally happened to have Lunapads as a client! They even remembered me thanks to my incredibly recognizable last name. I ended up getting to work with them, assembling their monthly e-newsletters (which you should sign up for so you know when there are sales!), and was always thrilled to get a sneak peek at what the new stories and specials were before anyone else. It was also great to get a bit of insight into how the company works, and who was behind these fantastic products.

Years after moving on to another job, I've continued to be an extremely happy customer, and it's been amazing to see how the company has grown and progressed, and also how dedicated the company's owners are to helping make women's lives better while caring for the environment.

Madeline began designing and making business plans in 1993, and opened the first iteration of the Lunapads store and workshop by 1998. Suzanne joined her in 1999 bringing her business and finance savvy. The two of them have a combination of skills and work ethic that has made the company both successful and sustainable. (Read more about their story on the Lunapads site.)

The other Lunagals who make up the rest of the company's staff are equally dedicated and delightful - they're always incredibly friendly, and go out of their way to help with any questions or curiosities customers have about their products. They've really built a great "corporate culture", with loyal, long-term employees, and local manufacturers. It's visible everywhere in their business from their Blog and their informative and entertaining How-To videos, to their Facebook and Twitter pages. All are full of personal stories and great information. The gratitude wall in their office shows exactly how much people appreciate their work - it's full of thank-yous from around the world.

If that's not enough, for over ten years, Lunapads has been sending kits to girls in developing nations so that they can go to school without being shamed when they have their periods. Read more about Pads4Girls on their site.

Oh wait......I haven't even told you about their products yet!!! Saving the best for last. My favourite things about Lunapads and Lunapanties are:

1. Super easy to use. Don't believe me? Watch this video.
2. Super easy to care for. Just soak for a few minutes and then throw into the laundry in a mesh wash bag.
3. NO waste! I cannot believe how much less garbage is produced when you don't use disposables! So much better for the environment.
4. I can't say they're significantly cheaper in the end, but they're definitely on par with using disposables, and if you care for your Lunapads and Lunapanties well, they'll last a really long time. Lunapads and Lunapanties can last years, and the liners are affordable to replace when needed.
5. Quick and easy online orders! If you're in Vancouver, you can opt to pick up your order in person and shamelessly gush to them about how much you love your Lunapads. 
6. They also sell carrying pouches, mesh bags, and everything you need to use your Lunapads when your'e out and about, and clean them easily at home. It's much more convenient than you'd imagine.
7. They are SO SOFT. I can't begin to explain how much more comfortable they are. Fabric is more breathable than plastic, and doesn't get all scratchy! They also sell the Divacup if that's more your style, and if you're an active girl I highly recommend trying Lunapanties out as a secure and comfortable alternative.
8. You're supporting a local business, local employees and production, improving your own self-care, and also helping a great cause (Pads4Girls).

Last but not least, if you're wondering what these "Lunapanties" I keep mentioning are, they are my absolute favourite and make me just a bit less miserable when it's "that time of the month"! 

Thanks Lunagals for all your awesome work over the years! If you have tried Lunapads (or even just thought about it) would love to hear your thoughts.

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Note: photos were taken before bed moved to 2907 W. Broadway, they are no longer at the 4th Ave. location! They also have a Facebook page now if you want to follow what they're up to.

I first discovered bed many years ago because its old location was very close to a few of my favourite spots in Kitsilano (namely Zulu Records, and the now defunct Duthie Books). I was attracted by the fantastic colours, as most who pass by probably are, but it was a while before I actually bought sheets from there.

I bought my first set of sheets and a duvet cover from bed when I moved to the West End just over 4 years ago, it was a gift to myself, a bit of a housewarming present for post-university me. When I first bought them, I was a little worried about how stiff the sheets were, but just as promised after a few washes, they softened up beautifully. Years later, they look just about as good as they did when I bought them, only softer. I've since bought a second set with a different colour scheme.

I don't know a lot about bed, and it's pretty hard to find articles about the company online (probably because it's a hard store name to search for!). But I met the owner for the first time when I bought my second set of sheets late last summer, and he was incredibly patient as I agonized over which pillowcases would match my new duvet cover best. Other things I've learned about them: bed has been open for over ten years now. It's locally owned, and though the fabric isn't made locally, the sewing is done here (which is about as good as you can get for bedding!). They also have some organic options, and have started carrying bedding for babies and children.

The one thing that I have seen about bed online is several reviews on various business listings sites, and this is something I want to address. The reviews are usually either completely positive raving about their sheets and colour selection, or complaining about the staff there being too snobby, or for example, refolding things too quickly.

By now, I've probably been into bed ten different times, and bought sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases on four or so separate occasions. And so, I feel well enough acquainted to take a stand on this, as I think the prim and proper service has been misinterpreted as rudeness.

I find their service to be quite good, and here's why: 

1. They know their product, and care a lot about quality. They know the colours/designs, and will help advise on good combinations. They provide care instructions to get the most out of your bedding. Mine has lasted extremely well.
2. It's obvious that they are perfectionists. Cleaning up too fast after customers? Great! Being compulsive about making sure the wall of sheets is lined up perfectly? Love it. Their shop always looks impeccable, and it is one of the things that makes it such a breathtaking burst of colour when you walk in. Big points for presentation. (Ok, maybe I'm a bit of a stickler too, I like it when people take pride in their work!)
3. They don't bother you or hover while you stare endlessly at the options. Not to be mistaken for unfriendliness! There really is something to be said for sales people who are helpful when you need them, and leave you alone when you don't! And they have always been helpful to me when I've asked for information or opinions.
4. Finally, I think they are the most stylish bedding company for miles, local or not. Definitely have the SL stamp of approval.

If you are looking for stylish, long lasting, high quality bedding that is locally sewn, from a locally owned company, bed is definitely the place to go! And on that note, sweet dreams local spenders! 

Toll free number: 1.877.736.3482 (online shopping available on their website as well)

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