Home Grown and Abroad – Farmers Markets

Monday, May 14, 2012
Directions At the Market
Flowers
Peppers

Sometimes the chain supermarkets, though convenient, leave urbanites uninspired in the cooking department. What better way to support your local agricultural industry and inspire seasonal recipes at home than a trip to your local farmers market? Caution though, visiting outdoor markets may become habit forming. Trout Lake farmers market in Vancouver is one I enjoy picking up produce and fresh baked goods from, for other locations in the region check out www.eatlocal.org. With the beautiful summer weather upon us, it’s a great outdoor activity while hitting up the to-do list for groceries. Have you visited your local farmers market lately?

Notable Farmers Markets In Other Parts of the World:

Portland Farmers Market – one of the largest on the west coast, it boasts more than 200 growers and farmers’ produce.

Medina of Marrakech – the original open air market and Word Heritage Site.

Il Mercato di Porta Palazzo – one of the oldest and largest farmers market in Europe can be found in Turin, Italy.

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What Have You Done for Your Loved One Lately?

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Iris Tulip BouquetMother’s day is upon us in many parts of the world, so it begs the question, what have you done for your mom lately? Or, better yet, what have you done for a loved one lately? Take a moment to think about the joy that the special person in your life, whether it’s your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, wife, partner, has contributed to your life. And then think about how that joy can be perpetuated if you could make life more joyful, or a little easier, for them. What would that do? How would that look like? How would that affect your life and the lives around that special someone.

And, when it’s said that “it’s the thought that counts” it really is. How much you know of a person and how sensitive you are to a person’s interests is wrapped up in the gift your giving, it’s not actually about the object, rather the symbolism and effort you took to figure it out and actually do something about it. Here are some ideas:

1. Flowers, cliche as they maybe, have you ever met anyone who didn’t like a fresh bouquet? ( Tip: research the symbolic significance of flowers, i.e., poppies and white chrysanthemums are ones to avoid due their links to condolences and sympathy, more on floriography.)

2. A well planned meal, whether it’s one you are cooking yourself or taking her out to celebrate. Check www.allrecipes.com for their Mother’s Day recipe suggestions and urbanspoon for local restaurant recommendations (you can now follow my collection of food posts on urbanspoon too).

3. Pampering her can include a mini-getaway, trip to the spa, chores all being taken care for the weekend and anything in between.

Instead of repeating last years gift idea, mix it up to make it a welcome surprise. Above all continue to make an effort to nurture your relationships with regular communication or gatherings.  Let a special day like Mother’s Day be the start of a new tradition.

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Be A Tourist For a Day

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Van Dusen BridgeI’m a huge fan of playing tourist for a day in my own city. Finding undiscovered institutions and appreciating the obvious landmarks is a joy. This curious habit has allowed me to acclimatize quickly to living in other parts of the world and to rediscover the gems of my hometown.

With newly renovated and expanded footprints of the following attractions, you too can be your own tourist for a day in Vancouver, there is plenty to see and do at:

Science World - Indoor renovations completed, discover interactive exhibits and views of False Creek from the new 11,000-square-foot Mitchell Odyssey Foundation Gallery: Eureka!

Vancouver Aquarium – The new admissions entrance way takes you through to revitalized spaces at the Canaccord Financial Exploration Gallery.

Van Dusen Garden - Platinum Leed certified, the 19,000-square-foot visitor’s centre provides increased space for interpretive exhibits, and is considered a sustainable benchmark for the city.

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Beautiful Backyard Walks of Vancouver

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tourist in your Own city

You don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy the beauty of the city, that’s the best part. No equipment required, except a camera for all those beautiful photos you’ll want to take of Van city’s best landscapes. Often people take what is in their backyard for granted. Yet, hundreds of thousands of tourists descend upon YVR each year to enjoy the natural and urban landscapes of Vancouver. A metropolis such as ours couldn’t be better, surrounded by flowing water ways, the mighty Fraser River for example, and picturesque Grouse, Seymour and Burnaby mountains all nearby.

Take a Moment to Enjoy the Scenery

Now that the sunshine has made its debut, fall in love with Vancouver all over again with walks along the beautiful sea walls our city boasts. If you’re a Vancouverite living abroad (which I have) or travel extensively (many who I know), you’re likely to miss the city more than most when you find yourself landlocked or in a less spoiled place. For those of us fortunate enough to live here, just take a moment to drink in the beautiful scenery and you’ll have a greater appreciation of what you’re working for here.

Vancouver

  1. Stanley Park Seawall
  2. Coal Harbour
  3. English Bay Seawall
  4. False Creek
  5. Kitsilano Beach

Just Outside Vancouver

  1. West Vancouver’ s Whytecliffe Park
  2. Steveston Village
  3. White Rock Boardwalk
  4. Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park
  5. Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park
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New Retailers Blooming In Vancouver This Spring

Friday, April 13, 2012

Lego StoreTired of border lineups for some of your favorite chain store finds? Though, I encourage supporting local retail and design, at some point or another we’re all tempted by the deals and diverse styles of international brands. Given this notion, you might save some time checking out some of these fine retailers in town this spring:

Toys – Lego

Whether you are a kid or just a kid at heart, get set for the soft opening of BC’s first Lego store at Oakridge Centre tomorrow. Or, stop by for the Danish retailer’s official grand opening in May to watch a Lego Master Builder in action. Created in 1932, Lego has been educating children and been part of play time across the globe, reaching over 130 countries.

Home Furnishings/Accessories – CB2

As part of the American Crate and Barrel Chain, CB2 offers function and urban style without putting a huge dent in the pocket book. For those looking for a little something different for a living space or a gift for someone who has everything, like chalkboard desk accessories from $4.95 to $49.95, you’ve found the right place. It’s located on 1277 Robson under the old Pacific Palisades hotel that is now a residential building with retail space at the street level.

Apparel/Fashion – J. Crew

Classic American style with a bit of prep and hints of European influences (Italian wools come to mind) is what you’ll find at J. Crew on Robson, near Thurlow Street. Leather ballet flats are the must have item for women, while a smart Ludlow sportcoat seems to be the feature for men this spring.

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Simple Homemade Maple Treats

Monday, April 9, 2012

A local friend of mine who has lived abroad for years now returned for a visit recently. In search for familiar comforts to bring back to his home afar, we ended up at the maple aisle at a local grocer. If you are like me, perhaps you’ve forgotten about, or just taken for granted of, the homegrown products of your region. It was precisely my confidant’s enthusiasm for this sweet Canadian sap that got me excited about incorporating it into these recipe ideas:

Banana Maple Mini Loafs/Cakes

Mixing ingredients
Mixed Ingredients Poured
Banana Maple Loafs/Cakes Baking

A variation of the original banana bread recipe posted by Connoisseur De La Vie, substitute the granulated sugar for the same amount of maple syrup and decrease the temperature of the oven by 25 degrees. The result will be a a lighter tasting banana bread with a maple aroma.

Maple Toast

Maple ToastSpread a veil of butter over top of a lightly toast slice of fresh bread and drizzle maple syrup as desired et voila, you’ve got an easy breakfast treat for those lazy Sundays. Why limit maple syrup to just pancakes (don’t forget everything in moderation)?

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Spring Inspirations

Saturday, March 31, 2012

For the mind, body and spirit, I share with you five sources of inspiration that I have discovered/rediscovered recently:

1. Compassion and commerce – Karen Armstrong – how business leaders can create and empower a culture of understanding, despite differences, that not only supports their own livelihood, but can uphold the dominoes that make up the spine of the world economy.

2. Pinterest - a visual social media board for collective pieces of inspiration.

3. Yoga – like a good spring cleaning for the soul every time, Namaste!

4. Cherry blossoms – in some cultures it signifies spring and love, it is one of the season’s hottest colors, the paler pink palette is trending at the moment, think sorbet.

5. Life In a Day – a documentary that takes you on a journey, over a day, accounting the lives of people in 192 countries from moments captured on YouTube. Imagine what someone else out there might be doing in the same moment as you are, only a continent away – for a deeper appreciation of humanity.

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Spring Clean Your Apps

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Spring is synonymous with new beginnings and renewals of the preloved things everyone has. Of course this is when you might start thinking about cleaning out the closet for a new spring wardrobe or cleaning your winter sports gear before storing it away. Since you’re at it, perhaps now is the perfect time to take stock of your digital files, deleting unwanted messages from in-boxes, selecting the “unsubscribe” links to newsletters you no longer read and unfollowing accounts you no longer find engaging.

If you are looking for a more efficient way to manage and discontinue authorizations from apps to your Facebook or Twitter, for example, check out http://mypermissions.org/. You’ll find the majority of social media links here, select the coordinating icon of your choice and you’ll be surprised how many authorizations you have left open to apps in your social media accounts. If you’re no longer using the app why would you want it to access your personal information? Deleting authorizations to access your account information only takes seconds. Happy cleaning!

Comment on your digital organization experience or what you think of this permissions management app.

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Getting Crafty About Party Planning

Sunday, March 18, 2012

crafting scissor tape and paperPlanning a party? Where do you begin? Does every occasion need a theme? How do I stay within budget? You’re probably having a migraine just thinking about it. Not to fret, as a communicator who has planned events from the corporate kind to special soirees for my friends, I’ve got 3 creative and simple tips.

1. Keep it simple. Focus on a couple of core elements. Your guests are there mainly to celebrate a special occasion or someone special. Keep the attention on the subject of the celebration. If you have a venue and food arranged, do you think your guests will care that that the flower arrangements aren’t all facing to the left? They probably weren’t expecting a clown either, in fact some over the top elements like this are not always appreciated and can damper a party if not arranged in the taste of the subject.

2. Themes are great if it’s easy and obvious enough to link to the party. When it’s not an option or if you want to keep it neutral, selecting a color palette with a one or two pops of color accessorized by some neutral tones will help in accenting the occasion. I like to use www.colourlovers.com when creating my own palettes. Lately, I’ve come across some inspired color palettes here at Connie’s site, Day Dream in Color for a friend’s birthday brunch.

3. Personalizing adds a special element to any occasion. Ever thought of monograms? It’s my all time favorite gifting idea, try monogramming party favors, food or gifts. For monogram tags and banners I’ve been inspired by Martha Stewart, taking a pair of pinking sheers to cut out shapes around printed fonts.

Most importantly have fun!

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Local Comfort Food Hot Spot: Crème de la Crumb

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

cinnamon bun

A commuter’s institution, Crème de la Crumb is an excellent pit stop for prêt à manger breakfast and lunch staples. Let the waft of the vanilla bean aroma of sumptuous cream cheese icing atop the soft cinnamon buns lure you into this gourmet boutique. Friendly distractions include butter scones, gourmet sandwiches, artisan soups and toasty beverages.  Because of its demand and catering services there are multiple locations in office districts around Vancouver, expanding out to Burnaby, for coordinates: www.cremedelacrumb.com.

Crème de la Crumb Bakeshop (Granville) on Urbanspoon

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