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5 Unexpected Christmas Ornament Styles Are Trending This Year

ByClaire Hoppe Norgaard

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Velvet bows, black trees, and minimalism have all dominated the holiday decor world in Christmases past. Whether they were one-season wonders or have stood the test of time, Christmas trends are a fun excuse to try something unexpected and experiment with your style.

Take inspiration from this year’s Christmas ornament trends, whether you prefer a modern matte finish, a fresh spin on classic stripes, or craft your own custom felt ornaments, to upgrade your tree.

1. Velvet Ornaments

Inspired by last year’s velvet bow trend, velvet ornaments are set to be one of the biggest Christmas ornament trends of 2024. With their matte, powdery finish, velvet ornaments put a unique twist on typical solid-color ornaments. Mix velvet ornaments with metallic ones to create a tree with tons of texture and visual interest.

To make your own velvet ornaments, mix 1 Tbsp. plaster powder with 1 Tbsp. cold water. Once combined, add 2 ounces of matte finish craft paint. Paint clear plastic ornaments with the mixture, adding coats until the ornament is opaque.

Carson Downing

2. Honeycomb Ornaments

Another popular ornament style—spotted this year at West Elm, Anthropologie, and McGee & Co.—is honeycomb. Typically made from paper, honeycomb ornaments are made from intricate, accordion-style folds that create shapes like stars, bells, and trees. Plus, the ornaments are lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about weighing down the branches of your tree.

Add honeycomb ornaments to your Christmas decor this year to put a fun twist on the typical round styles. Choose rich shades of burgundy, forest green, and powder blue, or stick to a neutral palette of beige, cream, and black ornaments for a modern farmhouse effect.

When packing away your Christmas decorations for next year, carefully wrap each ornament in tissue paper to ensure paper ornaments don’t get bent. Store the ornaments in a container with dividers so they aren’t damaged throughout the year.This post is sponsored by our partners Wigs http://fakewatch.is

3. Circus Stripes

Popular circus stripes are sticking around for the holidays. Expect to see ornaments with thick, bold stripes on trees this year. Home decor stores like H&M, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel offer ornaments with classic red and white candy cane stripes for a traditional. Or opt for funkier color schemes featuring pink, blue, and yellow.

Lean into a maximalist aesthetic and pair circus-stripe ornaments with bold patterned bulbs. Incorporate ornaments with different shapes and colors, tinsel, and garland to achieve an over-the-top look.

David Land

4. Unique Felt Ornaments

Quirky felt ornaments of all shapes and sizes are all over social media and home decor sites alike. Made from colorful felt and stuffed with cotton, these plush ornaments are often embellished with sequins, beads, tassels, and decorative stitching.

Letters, wreaths, bells, and other unique shapes can all be found in felt form. Felt ornaments depicting animals in silly scenes are also gaining popularity—think swans wearing tutus, fishing polar bears, and mice on ski lifts. Pair felt animals with brightly colored bulbs in different shapes and sizes. Lean into the whimsy with a homemade paper garland or a string of popcorn to complete your Christmas tree.

5. Photo Frames

Show off your favorite photos from the year by using small photo frame ornaments. This Christmas is all about nostalgic traditions and adding personal touches to your holiday decor, so it’s no surprise photo ornaments are having a moment.

You can purchase modern photo frame ornaments from stores like Target and Pottery Barn, or choose to craft your own by hand. In a TikTok video, Andrea Pierre shows how to create photo frame ornaments using miniature vintage frames from Amazon. All you need to do is hot glue your favorite photo to the back of a mini frame, then attach a ribbon loop to the back so you can hang it on your tree. Make it a tradition to add a new photo ornament every year, or add fun art prints to the frames that speak to your style.

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One of BC Ferries busiest vessels taken out of service for 6 months

ByEmma Crawford

Posted September 7, 2024 1:24 pm. Last Updated September 7, 2024 1:30 pm. The Queen of New Westminster, one of BC Ferries’ busiest vessels, will be out of service for approximately six months, the company says. The vessel services the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay sailing — BC Ferries’ busiest route. Earlier this week, the company announced the 60-year-old vessel was being pulled due to mechanical vessels after one of its propellers was sheared off, leading to the cancellation of all the ship’s sailings for the rest of the month. “A preliminary visual inspection seems to indicate the fracture of the propeller shaft could be related to structural fatigue,” BC Ferries said. “The required repairs are anticipated to be significant and include work on both the port and starboard propeller systems before the vessel can be returned to service.” The affected parts need to replaced by specially manufactured systems. Return to service will be reliant on “global parts availability and manufacturing timelines.” “This situation highlights the clear need for resiliency in our fleet to meet customer expectations, and it’s why we will be seeking approval from the Ferry Commissioner to build and add a net new vessel to our major routes,” said BC Ferries president and CEO Nicolas Jimenez. “If we had a backup vessel available, this incident would have had minimal impact on service. It underscores the importance of our fleet renewal strategy to ensure we have the capacity and resilience to manage unexpected issues and vessel repairs.” Recovery of the 10,000-pound propeller, which was found half-submerged in the seabed, took two days. BC Ferries says it is still assessing the impact this will have on its sailing schedule. It says it is looking to see if it can add sailings by using other vessels and adjusting its refitting schedule. With files from Cole Schisler.

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Everything you need to know if you are travelling to Vancouver for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

Bymichael

Get tips on making your trip smoother…however you come to the city. Travellers headed to Vancouver for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour may want to plan for delays – regardless of how they are arriving.  The American star will perform at three sold-out shows at BC Place on Dec. 6, 7, and 8, and thousands of people will be travelling to the city from other parts of the province, country, and around the world. BC Place can hold a whopping 54,500 people nightly so there will be a tremendous influx of people staying in hotels, driving on the roads, flying into airports, sailing on ferries, and taking public transportation in the Lower Mainland. Have a look at everything travellers headed to Vancouver should know about planning their trip to see the “You Belong to Me” singer’s final three shows of her massive world tour. Arriving and departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Concert-goers flying into the city for one (or more) of the shows should brace for possible delays. Many travellers will also travel to the YVR on the same dates, increasing congestion.  Travellers with friends in the city who can pick them up can enjoy 30-minute free parkade use. Once they’ve gotten through security, they can contact their friends to pick them up. While it might be tempting to do this the moment they land, parade stays extending over 30 minutes cost significantly more than they used to.  Pick up from the parkade YVR implemented new rates for its parkade on Nov. 13, increasing costs for each additional 30 minutes from $5.50 to $14.  Travellers have several other options to get from the airport to a hotel or another location in Metro Vancouver. Flate rate taxi fares to Vancouver and Richmond Taxi fares on flat rates to various areas across Vancouver and Richmond have also increased heading from the airport. The taxi stands are located on Level 2 of the Domestic and International Arrivals Area at YVR. Taxis can also take you to addresses in other Metro Vancouver areas, like Surrey, Delta, North Vancouver, or Burnaby.  Related: Map: Here’s how much it costs to taxi home from YVR following price hikes If you’re headed straight to one of the shows from the airport – or if you’re simply feeling fancy – you can also book a luxury sedan, stretch SUV, or limo. Ride App Services at YVR Lyft, Uber, and KABU are authorized providers of Ride App services at YVR. You must download the app of any of the providers to request a ride. You can get picked up at one of the following designated pickup spots:  International Arrivals, Level 2 Domestic Arrivals, Level 2 South Terminal   Unlike taxis, ride app services do not use a flat rate or even a metered rate. They are based on the availability of drivers in the area and may vary dramatically as a result. Public transportation The Canada Line SkyTrain serves Vancouver’s YVR Airport in Richmond, and will get travellers to the city centre. Fans can use the Canada Line and exit at Vancouver City Centre or Yaletown-Roundhouse to walk to BC Place stadium on show nights. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A. Vancouverites can travel from the heart of downtown to the airport on the Canada Line in under half an hour. There are 16 stops along the way and the train takes passengers right to the airport.  The elevator from the train brings travellers right between the International and Domestic Terminals. From there, you can turn left for flights within Canada and right for everything else.  All transit users travelling on the Canada Line leaving YVR are subject to a $5 Canada Line YVR AddFare, in addition to the regular zone fare. AddFare is automatically added when a user purchases a fare ticket. Travellers may also wish to rent a car.  How to navigate Vancouver International Airport  Save time with  Advance Declaration The CBSA advises travellers to save time passing through customs by making an advance declaration in the ArriveCan app. The advance declaration is admissible at the following airports: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton. Using the ArriveCan app cuts a traveller’s time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50 per cent, according to CBSA data. Travellers should also check in with their airline before heading to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in once they arrive.  Pack smart Follow the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) baggage requirements. Remember: liquids, gels and aerosols still need to be in containers that are less than 100 millilitres, and be packaged into one transparent, closed, and resealable plastic bag under one litre. Avoid wrapping holiday gifts since contents may need to be inspected during the screening process for carry-on and checked baggage. Use YVR’s ‘Journeys’ tool  YVR offers a tool that allows passengers to view a step-by-step guide through the airport based on their specific flight information.  Use your smartphone to speed up your time in line Locals who plan to fly to the U.S. from Canada can submit their passport and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone before they leave for a trip. It’s called the U.S. Customer Customs Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app. YVR also offers several tips to help travellers save time at the airport. Arriving and departing from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)  The  Valley Airporter Shuttle  provides service to and from the airport to anywhere within a 120km radius, including locations in Downtown Vancouver.  The Abbotsford Airport Shuttle through Ace Charters offers transportation between the airport and King George Station in Surrey as well

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Social housing units converted into rentals in future Vancouver tower

ByKenneth Chan

Some changes are envisioned for the future Curv tower project in downtown Vancouver’s West End, which is billed to be the world’s tallest Passive House green building. In June 2020, Vancouver City Council approved the rezoning application to achieve the project at 1059-1075 Nelson Street, located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Thurlow and Nelson streets, replacing old low-rise apartment buildings. This was approved as a 586 ft tall, 60-storey, mixed-use residential tower, containing 102 units of social housing on the lower levels (25% of the building’s floor area), 50 units of secured purpose-built market rental homes within the middle levels, and 358 luxury strata market ownership condominium units within the upper levels. However, Montreal-based developer Brivia Group has now returned to the municipal government with a revised rezoning application to amend the building’s uses, reconfigure the interior floor plans, and make slight revisions to the exterior design. The overall form of the building will remain the same. Presumably due in part to the current poor market conditions for strata units as a result of the sustained high interest rates, coupled with growing construction costs and challenging construction financing, the developer is looking to convert the floor area originally intended for social housing into secured purpose-built market rental housing to improve the project’s financial viability and to enable construction to finally advance. 2024 revised concept for the Curv tower at 1059-1075 Nelson Street, Vancouver. (IBI Group/Brivia Group) There will no longer be an on-site social housing component; instead of providing 102 units of social housing, the total number of market rental housing units will grow from 50 to 174. Furthermore, the social housing obligation of the project — an in-kind community amenity contribution (CACs) — will now be achieved as a cash CACs payment to the City, which will enable off-site social housing. During the 2020 rezoning process, it was indicated that the provision of 102 units of social housing within the tower carried an in-kind CACs value of $70 million. The number of strata homes will remain the same at 358 units. As well, in conjunction with the pivot to more rental housing, the rezoning amendment seeks to eliminate the balconies on the building’s east and west frontages to help achieve the Passive House green building certification targets. With the enclosed balconies now adding to indoor living space, along with other changes, the building’s total floor area grows from about 427,00 sq ft to about 456,000 sq ft. The building’s total floor area ratio (FAR; a measure of comparing the size of the building’s floor area to the land area it sits on) will grow from 24.7 during the 2020 rezoning to 26.4 in the amendment. The project’s architectural firm is IBI Group. Brivia Group initially submitted its rezoning amendment application in June 2023 to seek these changes, and this will now be up for public consultation. It was reported in October 2023 that 100 of the condominium units (28% of the total number of condominium units) were pre-sold for an average of over $2 million each, after pre-sales were initially launched in May 2023. Artistic rendering of Curv. (Brivia Group) Artistic rendering of Curv. (Brivia Group) In recent years, the municipal government has revised its policies under the West End Plan to improve the financial viability of stalled housing projects. This includes the previous move of providing developers with an alternative path of building projects along the Thurlow Street corridor with market rental housing and including a below-market rental housing component, instead of the only established framework of strata condominiums with a social housing component and CACs. Over the past five years, this move has pushed stalled projects forward, catalyzing a significant number of secured purpose-built rental housing units. Then in September 2024, Vancouver City Council made further changes to the West End Plan by reducing the inclusionary social housing requirements from 25% of the residential floor area to 20% or one-for-one replacement of the existing rental housing, whichever is greater. Also, a new cash-in-lieu option has been introduced to reflect the costs for the municipal government to generate off-site social housing projects, including the cost of land and construction. Both of these changes will be introduced on an interim basis for at least years until December 31, 2026. When complete, Curv will tie with The Butterfly as the city’s third tallest building. The Butterfly, developed by Westbank, situated toward the eastern end of the same city block, reached completion this year. However, as both buildings are built on the highest elevation point of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, they will appear taller in the skyline from a distance than their actual structural height. For example, Curv will appear as a 724 ft tall tower, as its site is 139 ft above sea level. 2024 revised concept for the Curv tower at 1059-1075 Nelson Street, Vancouver. (IBI Group/Brivia Group) 2024 revised concept for the Curv tower at 1059-1075 Nelson Street, Vancouver. (IBI Group/Brivia Group)

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Vancouver residents speak out against Broadway Plan high-rise development

Bymichael

A group of Vancouver residents are speaking out against a proposed 18-storey high-rise development for W 14th Street and Yukon. “It doesn’t feel like the most appropriate thing for this area,” said Graeme Webber, a resident who lives in the neighbourhood. “It feels like a cash grab.” Signs in the neighbourhood posted on lawns read ‘Save 14th & Yukon’. The 100+ unit building was proposed as part of the city’s Broadway Plan to add more density along the new Broadway subway line. The neighbourhood currently boasts primarily detached homes or small apartment buildings approximately three-stories high. “Densification is important,” said Webber. “But it’s already a densely packed neighborhood.” Webber says he’s concerned that public services wouldn’t be able to handle an influx of residents. He tells CTV News that his son is currently on a waitlist to attend a nearby kindergarten. “As it is right now, we have to drive twenty minutes to get my kid to his elementary school,” said Webber. Eleanor Clark offered her support to the group, despite living several blocks away. She tells CTV News that another Broadway Plan development near Birch and 13th Street will eventually force her to move. “It’s happening everywhere,” said Clark. “I think they need to actually talk to people – talk to people that live in houses that are being destroyed, or four-story walk-ups that are being destroyed, and find out their stories and what it means to be displaced.” The Broadway Plan was approved in June 2022 and aims to transform a large section of Broadway into a second downtown. “I recognize change is difficult,” said Lisa Dominato, Vancouver City councilor. Dominato wouldn’t comment specifically on the development at 14th and Yukon, as the proposal still has to go before a public hearing, but she speak on the Broadway Plan’s vision. “We are trying to be responsive to what we’ve heard year after year after year is the issues of housing need, addressing the lack of the rental vacancy in the city, the inability to live here, to address affordability,” said Dominato. Dominato acknowledged that federal funding is needed to improve infrastructure, adding how City staff are currently reviewing the Broadway Plan and a new report is expected in the coming months. “We’re working collaboratively with the province, with the federal government to advocate for more infrastructure dollars to support the housing. They go hand in hand.” This comes as Council approved its first Broadway Plan high-rise on Thursday after a lengthy public hearing. The building is set for East 10th and St. George. For Webber, he hopes the city takes a close look at what makes sense for each neighbourhood. “We’d like it to be done more thoughtfully, more intentionally and not just trying to maximize density and put the smallest units in the tallest buildings possible,” said Webber. 

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Whistler is getting its first-ever Ferris wheel next week

ByDaniel Chai

Whistler is getting a massive new attraction that will let you enjoy the views from 60 feet above the ground, but it will only be in operation for a limited time. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is hosting the Whistler Winterlight outdoor event on Friday, November 29, from 6 to 8 pm. The free holiday event features a live DJ, immersive activities, outdoor skating, and more. Guests will also have a chance to ride Whistler’s first-ever Ferris wheel and see over 350,000 lights across the village. Resort Municipality of Whistler Head to Whistler Olympic Plaza to find the massive carnival ride, which will treat riders to stunning views of the plaza and the Village Stroll. The Ferris wheel will operate on Friday, November 29, from 3 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm. It will be open for one more day on Saturday, November 30, from noon to 7 pm. Rides are $5 per person with proceeds going to local charities. Guests must be a minimum height of 48 inches or 42 inches with a guardian. Resort Municipality of Whistler DJ Foxy Moron will be performing live to keep the festive energy up while visitors explore the interactive display around Whistler Winterlight. There will also be aerial performances by artists decked out in glowing LED outfits. Those wanting to take a spin on the ice can go for a skate under the stars at the Olympic Plaza rink, which opens on Thursday, November 28. Admission rates apply, and skates will be available for rent. Helmets and skate aids are free. Resort Municipality of Whistler Guests are also reminded to dress warmly for the pet-friendly event and arrive early to make the most of the experience. Whistler Winterlight When: November 29, 2024 Time: 6 to 8 pm (Ferris wheel will operate on Friday from 3 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm and on Saturday from noon to 7 pm) Where: Whistler Olympic Plaza Cost: Free, Ferris Wheel rides $5 with proceeds going to benefit local charities

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5 Kitchen Lighting Mistakes to Avoid for a Functional Workspace

ByMaria Sabella

Lighting is a key design element in any space, but it’s particularly important in a kitchen. Get the lighting just right and it can elevate the entire kitchen—but get it wrong and it’ll ruin the whole space. To help you nail your kitchen design, Kerry Cochran, senior merchandise manager at Lumens, is sharing the most common kitchen lighting mistakes to avoid. The list consists of both practical and visual mistakes, including disproportionate light fixtures, a lack of under-cabinet lighting, and an excess of recessed and accent lights. Cochran also points out that while people spend a lot of time selecting the right light fixtures, they tend to completely overlook the lighting controls, which deserve just as much attention. Whether you’re rewiring your kitchen or designing it from scratch, Cochran shares the biggest kitchen lighting mistakes to avoid. 1. Lack of Under-Cabinet Lighting “One of the biggest mistakes we see is a lack of under-cabinet lighting,” Cochran says. She explains that whenever you have a kitchen counter beneath a set of wall cabinets, the cabinets will block the overhead light and cast shadows on your workspace, preventing proper illumination. “Adding dimmable under-cabinet lighting will make your countertop workspace more functional and brighten up the corners of your kitchen,” Cochran says. 2. Too Many Recessed Lights Installing too many recessed lights is another common kitchen lighting mistake, as it makes the space feel too sterile. “While recessed lights are necessary to provide ambient lighting, they do not illuminate walls, so we mustn’t rely on them as the only source of light in a space,” Cochran notes. She shares that the general rule of thumb for installing recessed lights is to use one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space. “For a more exact formula, divide the height of your ceiling by two; With an 8-foot ceiling, recessed lights should be about 4 feet apart,” she says. 3. Disproportionate Light Fixtures Scale plays a huge role in creating visual balance, and Cochran says one of the most common mistakes she sees in kitchens is disproportionate light fixtures. “Picture a sprawling kitchen island with a single, small-scale pendant light above it, or a massive chandelier hanging over a tiny breakfast nook, and you’ll understand how this can upset the overall proportions of a room,” she says. To avoid this mistake, pay attention to the size of your kitchen and its components, such as counters or an island to select scale-appropriate lighting. “For a kitchen island or table, for example, select a lighting fixture with a diameter that is about one foot smaller than the narrowest part,” Cochran says. 4. Excessive Number of Accent Lights “Equally important is knowing the right areas of your kitchen to highlight, as too many accent lights can compete with one another, causing visual clutter that cheapens the effect,” Cochran says. To create a successful lighting plan for your kitchen, view the space as a whole instead of multiple individual areas. This will help you strike the right balance and avoid the mistake of going overboard with accent lights. 5. Overlooking Lighting Controls While the size, style, and positioning of light fixtures is important, don’t make the mistake of overlooking a key practical element—lighting controls. “People often get caught up in selecting the perfect light fixture, so it can be easy to overlook the importance of lighting controls”, Cochran says. She recommends dimmers over switches, and says they should be used wherever possible to best control the lighting for any task or activity. “If you are rewiring or designing your kitchen from scratch, make sure that the most critical ambient fixtures can be controlled from each of the room’s entry points,” Cochran adds.

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