Aside from opening one month late, the new Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel was worth the wait. Just walk into the lobby and feel the warmth and welcome of the West Coast. While heading towards the Olympic cauldron I took a detour at the hotel’s cafe, Giovane.

Giovane is lively, sophisticated and it’s a cafe +bakery + deli. It seats 42 people and you can go in for your coffee, tea and pastries as well they have a little back wall of unique gift wares. Bread and pastries are baked fresh every day and to satisfy your sultry side, the deli offers a selection of sandwiches, cheeses and pizzas. If I lived in the Coal Harbour area again, I’d be hanging out here.

1038 Canada Place, Vancouver BC, 604.695.5501

Sunny Shum, Your … more …

I am feeling the buzz around town as we are 2 days away from the world coming to Vancouver. Here are some more goodies to get you into the spirit.

1.  The Want Essentials de la Vie Olympic DeGaulle Bag - Yes, this is quite the mouth full. The limited edition “DeGaulle” bag in white leather comes with interchangeable colored handles - offered in the Olympic ring colors of course. 47 of these bags were made to resemble each of the games held since Athens in 1896. You can get yours at Holt Renfrew downtown Vancouver for a limited time.

2. TNA jogging pant from Aritzia. There is no better way to show your support than to spill your Canadian pride over your derriere. Enough said, get cozy and comfortable with this … more …

Omega 3’s are not only good for your health, they are great for your skin, particularity the sensitive under eye area. Sugacane Skincare, a Canadian owned and operated natural skincare line, offers an eye renewal serum that contains Omega 3.

This essential fatty acid does not go straight to the hips and it addresses puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. I adore the hint of citrus fresh scent as it delivers immediate relief to my delicate under eye area.

Sugarcane Skincare products contain no synthetic dyes, no synthetic fragrances and are sulphate and paraben free. Oh natural!

Available on-line for $36.00 CDN

Sunny Shum Your Industry Insider

The Hudson’s Bay Co. is an official outfitter for Team Canada at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games being held in Vancouver. You have an opportunity to win some items from the collection along with a trip for two to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, $500 spending money, and much more!

Here’s how you can enter:

1. Go to www.whatareyoumadeof.ca and upload a video, photo or story about what makes you Canadian.

2. Visitors to the website can vote on the entries and the top 30 will make it to the final round where a panel of judges will select one winner. Submission and voting deadline is November 30, 2009.

For a little inspiration, check out their special video with messages from the Hudson’s Bay Co. athletes at www.whatareyoumadeof.ca.

PS: If … more …