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Cheap and cheerful Mexican joints are popping up faster than you can say Gael Garcia Bernal.

At Yaletown's new Salsa & Agave Mexican Grill, mama cooks in the back while her hottie son waits on tables.

Grab a seat on the sidewalk and order the refreshing, house–made fruit water ($2) extracted from an indigenous Mexican tree.

Next, tuck into authentic sopes ($3), puffy hand–made corn tortillas with crimped edges that hold beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, avocado

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 2002 1188 RICHARDS Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia

"The Park Plaza" studio across from Emery Barnes Park, central, walk to Choices, Seawall, & shops. New building envelope, w/ warranty. Great view 20th floor, di rect west. Rentable, 1 parking spot, insuite laundry, pets OK.

Enjoy your weekly dose of vitamin v steals & deals from our fabulous sponsors. Ready, set, shop!

all over aritzia

Ladies, get ready to stock up and strip down at the legendary Aritzia warehouse sale! Early birds are sure to score the hottest brands and lots of sizes: new merchandise is added daily so mark your long weekend calendar. Sale on August 30–31, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; September 1, 10 a.m–6 p.m.; September 2–3, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Tinseltown/International Village (corner of Keefer and Abbott, main entrance), Vancouver, www.aritzia.com

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If the only luggage you're toting these days is bags under your eyes, it's time for a mini break.

But when you're headed to the islands or hopping a seaplane, your black roller–suitcase just looks, um, square.

The sleek and stylish duffle bags from Vancouver's Red Flag Design are made from reclaimed sails, and couldn't be more at home on the coast.

We love the AUM mini–duffle ($200) made from white Dacron racing sails with sea–blue identification numbers.

And when you're invited to sail to Panama on his yacht? Start packing now, sister.

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I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 2002 1188 RICHARDS Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia

"The Park Plaza" studio across from Emery Barnes Park, central, walk to Choices, Seawall, & shops. New building envelope, w/ warranty. Great view 20th floor, di rect west. Rentable, 1 parking spot, insuite laundry, pets OK.

Boys will be boys but when they haul their stinky hockey gear into the front hall—and leave it there all week—not even a Diptyque candle will handle the task.

Rather than fume, sign your guy up for the brand new Gear Drop, North America's first hockey equipment drying and storage service, started by (surprise, surprise) a clever hockey wife.

He shoots, she scores.

Opens September 4, 2007 at Burnaby 8 Rinks, www.geardrop.ca

If you missed out on Spring's Asluxe collection that flew out of stores before the sun even came out, don't miss the first Fall deliveries from one of our fave local design duos.

Look for structured cashmere, drape–y silk silhouettes paired with leggings, or belted sweater styles paired with this fall's new wide–leg trouser.

But look quick: it'll disappear faster than butter on hot toast.

Preview Fall collection at www.asluxe.com

At Eden Boutique, #104-1042 Hamilton St., Vancouver, 604-685-1737, www.edenfashionboutique.com

 

Pounding the pavement is a great way to stay in shape, but a summer's worth of flip flopping is worse than a week in wedges.

So trot on over to Vancouver's first outlet of the Rocky Mountain Soap Company new to South Granville for the best–selling Mountain Spa Foot Butter ($12.49).

In travel size or regular, it comes in a stick form with a blend of carrot, grapefruit and pine oils to blast away calluses and cracks. Slather it on overnight, slip on some cotton socks, and by morning you'll be primed to play footsy.

Rocky Mountain Soap Company, 3057 Granville St., Vancouver, 604-731-5701.

Forgive us the pun, but Dirty Laundry's new website will definitely put you on spin cycle.

Browse the brand new Basics collection from this Vancouver label, with cute leisure suits appliquéd with funky monkeys and dogs–and–crossbones. Or splurge on the new Luxury collection, made with organic bamboo.

But don't let the prospect of the other kind of dirty laundry do anything to hamper (ahem) your shopping. We'll stop now.

Shop online at www.modernkid.com

View styles and find retailers at www.ilovedirtylaundry.com

Are you so swift with a spatula that your friends call you Janey Oliver?

OK, so the Food Network isn't knocking down your kitchen door (yet), but you can still share your culinary prowess with the masses via a new Vancouver–based website called www.makemysupper.com.

Like a gustatory YouTube, post videos of you whipping up your famous pisaladière or flambéing prawns in tequila—and maybe even hook up with that cute guy who makes the mean lemon tart for dessert.

www.makemysupper.com