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-The Plan-
We kicked off Josh’s 25th birthday with some beer and cupcakes at midnight. The cupcakes are from the cupcakes store and I chose a yummy popular summer beer known as Shock Tip. This was my attempt to make cupcakes more “manly”. haha.
Later that day, Josh and I strolled downtown Vancouver, took some photos and hit up Bell Cafe, which I had actually never been to before. I had their chocolate hazelnut mocha which was quite amazing and we got a little snack to tie us over until dinner. 🙂
Since a lot of our friends were away and busy this week I decided I would take advantage of the small numbers and head over to Raw Canvas in Yale Town. I told everyone to wear black and white and I bought a few simple table decorations to match the theme of the evening. I sneakily handed the decorations off to our friend Cam (see below) at his work place to take to the restaurant. I disguised the bag of decorations as “the sweater he left at my house.” Josh didn’t think twice about that at all. The HBD sign you see below was alllll Cam. 🙂

It wasn’t a surprise birthday as he knew who was coming and that we were doing something, but I kept the destination a secret. I wanted to plan something fun but also make it a bit different than just “dinner” which I think made it more memorable.
Raw Canvas is probably one of my favourite places in Vancouver to go to, I’ve only been there twice but every time I go I wanna go back. Raw Canvas is a wine bar and their menu consists of all gourmet meats & cheeses, the art area is really close to the tables so you can “eat drink and make art” quite easily. The menu is a bit intimidating, if you ever find yourself there don’t be shy to ask for help when you order. : )
After we devoured some food we all helped Josh create a painting that would mark his 25th year. I got him to write inspiration words beforehand that would help keep us all on the same page.
I will say it was a bit difficult even with a small group of 6 to all work on one painting, but its always loads of fun to paint with friends regardless of what the outcome is.
Scroll to the end of this post to see the final result of the painting. 🙂
-The Gift-
I decided to get Josh a very practical gift, but also stick to the black & white theme for the evening.
- H&M black simple short sleeved collared shirt
- H&M Patterned Shorts
- Armani Code Scent + Body Wash. You gotta smell this one its pretty yummy!
- Handmade “Je’ Taime” Card.
- H&M Skinny Black Silk Tie
-The Outfit-
I chose to keep my outfit fairly casual and my hair messy and curly to match Raw Canvas’ “artsy”vibes.
1. Necklace from Forever 21
2. Business casual blazer from H&M
3. One of my favourite dresses from Para Mix
4. Shiny black tights from Top Shop
5. Boots from Forever 21
Have a wonderful day wherever you’re reading from, feel free to say hello.
Pics taken by Joshua Laplap, Henry Zhang, & Me. 🙂
Lizzie xo
P.s. Below are a few more pics from the day.


































