tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35348444952578481642024-03-13T07:35:36.613-06:00To be the Whole PackageWelcome to my blog about a female 20-something in British Columbia, Canada and a definite "work in progress." I'm not where I want to be just yet but I'm getting there. Hence the title of this blog....I'm striving to be the whole package. In all respects! :o)A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.comBlogger360125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-50638619933138830472010-09-22T21:07:00.001-06:002010-09-22T21:07:33.732-06:00Follow me!!!!!<p align="left"><font size="4"></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">To be the Whole Package has now moved to:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="6"><font color="#ff0000"> <strong><a href="http://torontogirlwest.com">Toronto Girl West</a></strong></font></font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="6"></font></strong></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p> </p> <p>Please change your bookmarks, feeds, and links. </p> <p>Meet you over there!</p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-45533537042038334242010-09-17T10:00:00.000-06:002010-09-17T10:00:04.899-06:00Foto Friday<p>I know of no better way to follow up a post about a day of alpine perfection than with a similarly inspired meal.</p> <p>Welcome to another Foto Friday.</p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1186" border="0" alt="IMG_1186" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLQGFGvBEI/AAAAAAAAgJ8/U2MZTYTmjFk/IMG_1186_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLQGwslp4I/AAAAAAAAgKE/G4ri1evcUZk/s1600-h/IMG_1189%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1189" border="0" alt="IMG_1189" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLQIBHVz4I/AAAAAAAAgKM/fJBTQOIQIgs/IMG_1189_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLQJIc0F6I/AAAAAAAAgKU/Hyyla9fT9eg/s1600-h/IMG_1190%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1190" border="0" alt="IMG_1190" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLQJxZXGpI/AAAAAAAAgKc/W43281ap3H8/IMG_1190_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLQK8_KStI/AAAAAAAAgKk/P6GoWI5kKJ4/s1600-h/IMG_1193%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1193" border="0" alt="IMG_1193" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLQLiU2QsI/AAAAAAAAgKs/YQvvJHtHkSY/IMG_1193_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLQMc9GCBI/AAAAAAAAgK0/Z4LscsixgDc/s1600-h/IMG_1188%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1188" border="0" alt="IMG_1188" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLQNd8sBpI/AAAAAAAAgK8/KXHzG7nDIok/IMG_1188_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: What are your plans for the weekend?</font></strong> I have to spend part of mine working but I have a long run planned as well as a belated Daisy Birthday celebration!</p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-68000977480727374392010-09-16T19:57:00.001-06:002010-09-16T19:57:26.345-06:00The Hills are Alive<p>How I have missed you, my blends (blogger friends)!</p> <p>There are times, like this last little while, where my day job leaves me feeling so drained I scarcely find time to blog. It’s a side effect of reading all day long when I’m preparing for trials. </p> <p>But inevitably I hear the siren song of blogging again.</p> <p><strong>And so I return</strong>. To share beautiful pictures. Tell you about my wonderful eats. Remember happy times. And feature all the loves of my life.</p> <p>So let’s take a bit of a jaunt down memory lane, to a perfect summer day deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies . . . </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK0Tu6YHI/AAAAAAAAgIE/io7bcTI1SiQ/s1600-h/IMG_1179%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1179" border="0" alt="IMG_1179" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK1DYaI8I/AAAAAAAAgIM/sEbAHYJi7XE/IMG_1179_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Where mountain meadows meet spectacular views.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK2AiUfSI/AAAAAAAAgIU/jiCFmUc_pMk/s1600-h/IMG_1172%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1172" border="0" alt="IMG_1172" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK3Pc8YkI/AAAAAAAAgIc/OVPOS-AMIsw/IMG_1172_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>And wild flowers bloom as though out of a fairytale.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK4E3IXGI/AAAAAAAAgIk/s26t5xBa8jo/s1600-h/IMG_1155%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1155" border="0" alt="IMG_1155" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK5L_reEI/AAAAAAAAgIw/a30DxhLzP3g/IMG_1155_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>No one had told us this beautiful place existed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK6f1oORI/AAAAAAAAgI4/S_7YPy3C89A/s1600-h/IMG_1157%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1157" border="0" alt="IMG_1157" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK7ShdFfI/AAAAAAAAgJA/zYetQNPl6JI/IMG_1157_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Discovering it led to an unexpectedly happy time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK8v531fI/AAAAAAAAgJI/erQdU7Xt6vA/s1600-h/IMG_1160%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1160" border="0" alt="IMG_1160" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK9fcOc6I/AAAAAAAAgJQ/oMlO9L3_0_g/IMG_1160_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>The trails were so beautiful that for a moment, we thought we could turn this area into our forever home.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK-ZDKjgI/AAAAAAAAgJY/nuqOeqIpYHU/s1600-h/IMG_1164%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1164" border="0" alt="IMG_1164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLK_k8qrDI/AAAAAAAAgJg/dBWck9UZ1_o/IMG_1164_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>We soon changed our minds. The next year will likely see us return to the West Coast.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLLAQZm9LI/AAAAAAAAgJo/Y1PSfcQBiog/s1600-h/IMG_1180%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1180" border="0" alt="IMG_1180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TJLLBeq0F-I/AAAAAAAAgJw/oPUuK7571XU/IMG_1180_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>And when we leave, we’ll pack with our treasures the memory of a perfect alpine day.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: When was the last time you unexpectedly had a perfect kind of day?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-18170844510474771392010-09-11T18:54:00.001-06:002010-09-11T18:54:05.065-06:00A Day for Cheaters<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>Tonight, I’m coming to you straight from Cowtown Canada – Calgary, Alberta. We're back here for some wedding related business but that doesn’t mean we can’t live it up while we’re at it; which is why we’re staying at the Westin hotel and treating ourselves a little.</p> <p><a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/service/reservations_service.html">Heavenly Bed</a>? Yes, please!</p> <p>I have to give major props to the front desk staff; despite the fact that we booked through Hotwire (and got a screaming deal) they still recognized my Starwood Preferred Guest status and upgraded us to a corner suite!!! There’s a reason I keep coming back to the <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/">Starwood hotels</a>. <img alt="smile_regular" src="http://spaces.live.com/rte/emoticons/smile_regular.gif" /></p> <p> </p> <p>For dinner, we decided to hit up one of our go-to restaurants in this city. Which just so happened to coincide with my cheat day. That’s right, yours truly has been following a somewhat strict diet (trying to limit un-necessary sugars and fats) in the lead up to the wedding but once a week I allow myself a splurge day. Hence tonight’s dinner. </p> <p>Perfect timing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkV3ABrpI/AAAAAAAAgFQ/Vd_VmLsN0NI/s1600-h/IMG_2492%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="noodle house exterior" border="0" alt="noodle house exterior" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkW2xXWZI/AAAAAAAAgFY/kb_fKAe_Yok/IMG_2492_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkXp4Be7I/AAAAAAAAgFg/wBZgHa8gUUc/s1600-h/IMG_2493%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Noodle House Signage" border="0" alt="Noodle House Signage" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkZNm2y1I/AAAAAAAAgFo/n5oL-gTDYr0/IMG_2493_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>We discovered the <strong>MBA BBQ Noodle House</strong>, years ago on our first visit to Calgary. It was late, it was cold, and we were starved. Everything else seemed to be closed downtown – with the exception of some Chinatown establishments. In the end we chose the busiest restaurant. </p> <p>Honestly, it was chock full of Chinese families. I always judge a Chinese restaurant by the number of old school families that are eating inside. The higher the number, (usually) the better the food. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkZ2tQBHI/AAAAAAAAgFw/u6lxZHJheIM/s1600-h/IMG_2494%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Inside" border="0" alt="Inside" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkauEPk5I/AAAAAAAAgF4/cIWU9_Q3qcI/IMG_2494_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkbkKIwuI/AAAAAAAAgGA/pntletCvQm4/s1600-h/IMG_2495%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Menu" border="0" alt="Menu" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkcZgyFcI/AAAAAAAAgGI/9pi_jfZKpd4/IMG_2495_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>We’re still working out the kinks of our over-ordering problem. Don’t judge! <img alt="smile_tongue" src="http://spaces.live.com/rte/emoticons/smile_tongue.gif" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkdN3YscI/AAAAAAAAgGQ/qmOLP3lD1T8/s1600-h/IMG_2496%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Tea pour" border="0" alt="Tea pour" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkeAcf7BI/AAAAAAAAgGY/U6TYSAXtomY/IMG_2496_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwke36d2II/AAAAAAAAgGg/SZvC_HRO_NE/s1600-h/IMG_2497%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Hot and Sour" border="0" alt="Hot and Sour" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkgWnXz9I/AAAAAAAAgGo/AWiawqGOiqc/IMG_2497_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkhgLoKGI/AAAAAAAAgGw/q5TuJEuED08/s1600-h/IMG_2498%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Spicy Squid" border="0" alt="Spicy Squid" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkiQe4SiI/AAAAAAAAgG4/O1i4jfcataQ/IMG_2498_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>For starters, we went with the hot and sour soup – the Fiancé's favourite. Honestly, we’ve had a ton of hot and sour soup over the years but no one does it better than this restaurant.</p> <p>We then followed that up with a spicy squid. It ended up being a ton of seafood! And unfortunately, also fried. When we ordered the dish we envisioned something pan fried in a spicy sauce. Not so much.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkjr52k8I/AAAAAAAAgHA/MXMEBVz5qQg/s1600-h/IMG_2499%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SiuMai I" border="0" alt="SiuMai I" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkkgeJt8I/AAAAAAAAgHI/RvZU8BMpSEY/IMG_2499_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkljSVttI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/YG2sBVIoLTo/s1600-h/IMG_2500%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Siu Mai II" border="0" alt="Siu Mai II" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkmlH7R0I/AAAAAAAAgHY/WnvbjyMTitw/IMG_2500_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>And then there was the siu mai . . . ahhhhhhh the siu mai (shrimp and pork dumplings).</p> <p>I’ve had dim sum at what is thought of as the best place in Vancouver (Sun Sui Wah) and some of the best restaurants in Toronto. And. Nothing. Even. Comes. Close.</p> <p>In fact, before this little Calgary restaurant I didn’t even like this kind of dumpling!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwknmiNQoI/AAAAAAAAgHg/eFMI8gByhYU/s1600-h/IMG_2501%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SiuMai III" border="0" alt="SiuMai III" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkon-sdzI/AAAAAAAAgHo/c3_rhFjsxY0/IMG_2501_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkpl2camI/AAAAAAAAgHw/7ITXFvBu-JQ/s1600-h/IMG_2502%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SiuMai IV" border="0" alt="SiuMai IV" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIwkq_wt3dI/AAAAAAAAgH4/46OrgNeFLws/IMG_2502_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>All in all a fantastic meal (notwithstanding the fact that we barely touched the squid). And well worth my cheat day!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: Have you ever randomly discovered a jewel of a restaurant?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-90408141049037702572010-09-09T20:57:00.001-06:002010-09-09T20:57:10.290-06:00Foto Friday<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>We’ve reached the end of another week – yaaaayyyy!!!! <img alt="smile_regular" src="http://spaces.live.com/rte/emoticons/smile_regular.gif" /></p> <p>And that means the return of another Foto Friday. Today’s post is brought to you by <strong>one of life’s simple little pleasures</strong>: a hotel breakfast.</p> <p>That’s right. I’m a girl that loves me some room service!</p> <p>There’s just something so indulgent about having breakfast brought to you in a gorgeous hotel room. The breakfast featured today was <strike>devoured</strike> savoured at the <a href="http://calgary.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?src=agn_smg_hhc_ppc_google_ss_propertyspecific_calrc_hyattcalgary&k_clickid=12d6d46b-a082-6268-ca8f-00005e5e7e72">Hyatt International in Calgary</a>. BTW, a hotel I would highly recommend.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImeWz3UNuI/AAAAAAAAgDw/UVu6smCK1II/s1600-h/IMG_2431%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2431" border="0" alt="IMG_2431" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImeYeBPm5I/AAAAAAAAgD4/SgYgI12rKcc/IMG_2431_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImeZRgD1TI/AAAAAAAAgEA/j2K2Fb58qCg/s1600-h/IMG_2432%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2432" border="0" alt="IMG_2432" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImeavCm3jI/AAAAAAAAgEI/NflCllLBq-o/IMG_2432_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImebQxH66I/AAAAAAAAgEQ/KDbiYjFS1w4/s1600-h/IMG_2433%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2433" border="0" alt="IMG_2433" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImececAsMI/AAAAAAAAgEY/ywAI1qSRaAg/IMG_2433_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImedaZvamI/AAAAAAAAgEg/HCPNSrBZgCc/s1600-h/IMG_2434%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2434" border="0" alt="IMG_2434" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImeeQZzO_I/AAAAAAAAgEo/XHgjFmWPWJs/IMG_2434_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImefw-HmoI/AAAAAAAAgEw/JsADFf60TVw/s1600-h/IMG_2435%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2435" border="0" alt="IMG_2435" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TImehIlKB1I/AAAAAAAAgE4/ASlzz8fPIFs/IMG_2435_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> <p></p> <p></p> <p> <br /><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: What are your plans for the weekend?</font></strong> We’re heading to Calgary (again) to run some wedding errands and indulge a little too!</p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-26031983819598016732010-09-08T22:43:00.001-06:002010-09-08T22:43:23.025-06:00Today Was a Good Day<p>My afternoon was decidedly laid back and relaxed. And it was all thanks to a 3pm power outage that saw our boss let us leave early,</p> <p>I have to confess I scurried away, lest the power come back on or my boss change his mind.</p> <p>Once I was a safe distance from the office I decided to head to the gym for a run. Let’s just say it could have gone better. Clearly, the bananas in my breakfast are not agreeing with me. Noted.</p> <p>After quickly rushing home for a snack I grabbed Daisy and headed out for one of our doggy hikes. It was kind of a cold and slightly wet day so we all played it safe and wore an extra water-proof layer.</p> <p>Yes, even Daisy. She’s cool like that! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhlum-HQMI/AAAAAAAAgCE/6JsCE73nSJM/s1600-h/IMG_2461%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2461" border="0" alt="IMG_2461" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhlv6U56RI/AAAAAAAAgCM/fr1EsbFrTd8/IMG_2461_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>The emptiness of the trails was quite in contrast to the summer months teeming with other dogs, hikers, and mountain bikers. It was kind of nice to feel surrounded by the solitude of the forest. Of course that may just be the fact that we brought a hunting knife and bear spray for protection talking. Ha!</p> <p>In all seriousness though, grizzlies and their cubs have been out and about in alarming numbers lately. Combine that with the fact that there are cougars, coyotes, wolves, lynx, and black bears on the trail and you can’t blame us for being prepared.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhlw9m5d1I/AAAAAAAAgCU/1AboVbqaAhk/s1600-h/IMG_2466%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2466" border="0" alt="IMG_2466" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhlyJg5CvI/AAAAAAAAgCc/P9PK7Tb37U4/IMG_2466_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>Like Daisy’s coat? It’s Gore-Tex and even has a reflective strip for greater night time visibility. Yeah, it’s mighty high tech of my puppers.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhlzC6AdgI/AAAAAAAAgCk/PDJ3nSz1PFQ/s1600-h/IMG_2465%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2465" border="0" alt="IMG_2465" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhl0CH8x9I/AAAAAAAAgCs/sAPFc_1khlU/IMG_2465_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>As an added bonus, it keeps her a tiny bit cleaner when she ends up muddy after our hikes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhl1vJmsiI/AAAAAAAAgC0/sn6MaDnroWM/s1600-h/IMG_2468%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2468" border="0" alt="IMG_2468" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhl2oziUII/AAAAAAAAgC8/4LBhLOep3OY/IMG_2468_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Of course, what would one of our hikes be without our usual follow up dinner. Tonight’s menu is brought to you courtesy of the latest record run of wild sockeye salmon in British Columbia’s Fraser River.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhl3kP3M-I/AAAAAAAAgDE/LEwcgtu_Rxc/s1600-h/IMG_2473%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2473" border="0" alt="IMG_2473" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhl4WTqeuI/AAAAAAAAgDM/lStcJs_yvUc/IMG_2473_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>You could taste the freshness of the fish in every bite.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhl5vMbkCI/AAAAAAAAgDU/Z4UDiu7jbFQ/s1600-h/IMG_2475%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2475" border="0" alt="IMG_2475" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIhl6bcBwKI/AAAAAAAAgDc/CjSdq8O3MEI/IMG_2475_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>All in all a wonderful night that left me feeling relaxed and ready for what tomorrow will bring.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: Have you ever had any crazy wildlife encounters? Do share!</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-21193181012259829322010-09-07T21:26:00.001-06:002010-09-07T21:26:43.530-06:00Farewell to Summer<p>In my corner of the world, today marked the first day of school. Summer has come to an end.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCJYgM_0I/AAAAAAAAf_w/DFzuVnMUwR0/s1600-h/IMG_23845.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2384" border="0" alt="IMG_2384" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCKrRML5I/AAAAAAAAf_4/9oWmh-ni0sA/IMG_2384_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>There’s a definite chill in the air. A wind that rustles the fallen leaves. Snow on the hill tops surrounding the city.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCLgdKEMI/AAAAAAAAgAA/pZ8ZXDqYZ_Y/s1600-h/IMG_23965.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2396" border="0" alt="IMG_2396" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCNJDEVhI/AAAAAAAAgAI/88M06NjkeIQ/IMG_2396_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> <p></p> <p><em>But what a summer it was.</em> One filled with laughter. Doggy hikes. Blogger trips to Banff. And summer afternoons on sun drenched patios.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCOFRqsgI/AAAAAAAAgAQ/QVVNKcbW7f0/s1600-h/IMG_24025.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2402" border="0" alt="IMG_2402" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCPGKPrkI/AAAAAAAAgAY/AMBC01Zw5Cs/IMG_2402_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I will miss summer in the mountains. This will likely be our last. And I have to confess that makes this city-girl a tiny bit sad.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCQW8RqcI/AAAAAAAAgAg/r-N1W4PSGNI/s1600-h/IMG_24035.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2403" border="0" alt="IMG_2403" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCRqLxCyI/AAAAAAAAgAo/PF00P4ExoTM/IMG_2403_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I will carry the memory of these past three summers with me.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCSsidJSI/AAAAAAAAgAw/1sUYIR_Yr08/s1600-h/IMG_24065.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2406" border="0" alt="IMG_2406" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCTrqrOMI/AAAAAAAAgA4/gOxMak3ffis/IMG_2406_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>And although I've much to look forward to this fall (wedding anyone?) warm summer memories will warm my cold winter nights.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCU46aJrI/AAAAAAAAgBA/PebVNNXfg08/s1600-h/IMG_24105.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2410" border="0" alt="IMG_2410" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCVnmTRDI/AAAAAAAAgBI/FC4kZLi9KiA/IMG_2410_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a></p> <p>So here’s to summer. The sweating. The laughing. The splashing. The hiking. The running. I have loved it all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCWgtnBRI/AAAAAAAAgBQ/kKBDlcBSvpM/s1600-h/IMG_24297.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2429" border="0" alt="IMG_2429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCX-gtB0I/AAAAAAAAgBY/Y2hW6WS2s8g/IMG_2429_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>And here’s to the fall that will be. Filled with joy. Brimming with love. Abounding in its possibilities.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCZLu8vmI/AAAAAAAAgBg/cuxPuDUMjPg/s1600-h/IMG_24275.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2427" border="0" alt="IMG_2427" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCae-qToI/AAAAAAAAgBo/4C6jMo3r07w/IMG_2427_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a></p> <p>See you in a year my<em> dear friend</em>. Until then. Thank-you for all those special moments.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCbTFvBhI/AAAAAAAAgBw/UZjHxF8gv4I/s1600-h/IMG_24215.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2421" border="0" alt="IMG_2421" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TIcCcZAkcWI/AAAAAAAAgB4/BpHl6JrMSyQ/IMG_2421_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: What was your favourite part of summer?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-82397159453758259242010-09-03T04:41:00.000-06:002010-09-03T04:41:00.229-06:00Foto Friday<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THriBSzCduI/AAAAAAAAf_Q/F1FcszHd1Uc/s1600-h/IMG_2374%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2374" border="0" alt="IMG_2374" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THriCE4T-2I/AAAAAAAAf_Y/3ExPhXMP3ss/IMG_2374_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>Today’s Foto Friday is brought to you courtesy of the Victoria to Vancouver flight, I took a few weeks ago. </p> <p>Don’t the Gulf Islands look lush? I was impressed by how much they resemble what you’d expect from Hawaii!</p> <p> <br /><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: Any plans for this weekend?</font></strong> I have a six mile long run planned, as well as, some chilling with Daisy and the Fiancé. </p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-7277595960447893492010-08-31T04:34:00.000-06:002010-08-31T04:34:00.383-06:00These Are a Few of my Favourite Things – a wordless post<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>I hope you are enjoying my Vancouver Island recaps. I honestly believe the Pacific Northwest is a special place. And I love sharing its beauty with my readers!</p> <p>On Today’s post I thought I would give you a bit of a walking tour through beautiful Victoria.</p> <p>Shall we!?!?<img alt="smile_wink" src="http://spaces.live.com/rte/emoticons/smile_wink.gif" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrglmfX0lI/AAAAAAAAf9A/w5TNMPGt1Ck/s1600-h/IMG_2319%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2319" border="0" alt="IMG_2319" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgmofmNSI/AAAAAAAAf9I/x0d63S9RoZM/IMG_2319_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2320" border="0" alt="IMG_2320" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgnYLEEWI/AAAAAAAAf9Q/I0WzCOpNt1w/IMG_2320_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgovMq6qI/AAAAAAAAf9Y/TJFGXOIWDcg/s1600-h/IMG_2327%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2327" border="0" alt="IMG_2327" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgptjFW1I/AAAAAAAAf9g/fhTszokmR5o/IMG_2327_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgqnJJlcI/AAAAAAAAf9o/RgzL_p-bdoI/s1600-h/IMG_2333%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2333" border="0" alt="IMG_2333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgrpagJJI/AAAAAAAAf9w/uzTICpBgOoE/IMG_2333_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgsdNPgZI/AAAAAAAAf94/BsSj1dBFxSs/s1600-h/IMG_2335%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2335" border="0" alt="IMG_2335" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgtQCt63I/AAAAAAAAf-A/EP0AdEeYpxQ/IMG_2335_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgu-bfO-I/AAAAAAAAf-I/rbNx15J01WU/s1600-h/IMG_2340%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2340" border="0" alt="IMG_2340" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgv8s2luI/AAAAAAAAf-Q/WJD_0NKNqmk/IMG_2340_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgxEPbHSI/AAAAAAAAf-Y/Rp3lqMs0FGk/s1600-h/IMG_2354%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2354" border="0" alt="IMG_2354" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgyYci6oI/AAAAAAAAf-k/1APFpG-j_iY/IMG_2354_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrgzvd_dNI/AAAAAAAAf-s/UWKX9WmEzTg/s1600-h/IMG_2355%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2355" border="0" alt="IMG_2355" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrg0eu_2lI/AAAAAAAAf-0/TMcLtFGDcSI/IMG_2355_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="242" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrg1jrUGlI/AAAAAAAAf-8/ydePgS3Kf-U/s1600-h/IMG_2364%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2364" border="0" alt="IMG_2364" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrg2ryuTqI/AAAAAAAAf_E/v1MiOJNCxQ0/IMG_2364_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: When you travel do you like to have a pre-determined itinerary or do you just go with the flow?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-25723343025913278012010-08-30T05:00:00.000-06:002010-08-30T05:00:10.205-06:00Sleepless in Victoria<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>Happy Monday!!! In the words of one of my good elementary school friends: “Be Great” this week!</p> <p>Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favourite places in Victoria (Vancouver Island, Canada). When I moved to Victoria, to start Law School, it was one of the very first places I discovered: <a href="http://www.fishermanswharfvictoria.com/">Fisherman’s Wharf</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXUj7mDoI/AAAAAAAAf5c/YbpTeMKypOk/s1600-h/IMG_2291%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2291" border="0" alt="IMG_2291" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXVTcPzYI/AAAAAAAAf5k/YLUxckKWGHU/IMG_2291_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Unlike, the wharfs one finds in other tourist cities, this one is still a working wharf. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXWQuM1II/AAAAAAAAf5s/HEJ_-n6tNnM/s1600-h/IMG_2293%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2293" border="0" alt="IMG_2293" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXXUKOJAI/AAAAAAAAf50/tk0YElEYKZ0/IMG_2293_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>People live here.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXYUFD3uI/AAAAAAAAf58/mdS_LIdF-Kw/s1600-h/IMG_2300%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2300" border="0" alt="IMG_2300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXZHKNKjI/AAAAAAAAf6E/gpB_4dDLpAs/IMG_2300_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>In ridiculously cute arrangements.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXaG6DePI/AAAAAAAAf6M/EdfUdCMK1rw/s1600-h/IMG_2310%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2310" border="0" alt="IMG_2310" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXbABmFSI/AAAAAAAAf6U/OEMmc1gij6M/IMG_2310_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>People work here (fisherman still bring in the catch of the day).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXcH4BttI/AAAAAAAAf6c/F4mxTq8P7wc/s1600-h/IMG_2306%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2306" border="0" alt="IMG_2306" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXczaEMhI/AAAAAAAAf6k/3MCLQA1APGM/IMG_2306_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>People sail out of here.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXeDdzvnI/AAAAAAAAf6s/9fAVIKDHeo0/s1600-h/IMG_2301%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2301" border="0" alt="IMG_2301" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXe2KTSbI/AAAAAAAAf60/ysfCK_-sVYs/IMG_2301_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>And of course tourists congregate here.</p> <p>The main draw for tourists (aside from all the ridiculous cuteness) is Barb’s Fish and Chips. A wonderful take-out restaurant floating in the wharf. And that my dears, is the reason I was at Fisherman’s Wharf.</p> <p>The line-up was very long. In fact I think I waited twenty minutes in line and almost fifty minutes for my food. But the food at Barb’s is worth every minute.</p> <p>Let me put it to you this way – my parents, who have visited Victoria twice, still wax poetic about the fish and chips at Barb’s. It’s all in the freshness of the catch. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXgI1-GPI/AAAAAAAAf68/ubxPedBtI2w/s1600-h/IMG_2302%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2302" border="0" alt="IMG_2302" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXhFyI8VI/AAAAAAAAf7E/WI9VW8sNi7Q/IMG_2302_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Once I got to the front of the line, I didn’t hesitate. I ordered myself a one piece halibut dinner with salad instead of chips. <strong>It’s the kind of meal that dreams are made of</strong>.</p> <p>While I waited for my meal I headed off to browse around the Wharf. It’s really grown since I started going there, years ago.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXiHceNXI/AAAAAAAAf7M/2LoiZNL1Kls/s1600-h/IMG_2297%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2297" border="0" alt="IMG_2297" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXjirCNaI/AAAAAAAAf7U/QWNnhLJ8r2M/IMG_2297_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXk8Rrl1I/AAAAAAAAf7c/zBW5R4y5e3Q/s1600-h/IMG_2318%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2318" border="0" alt="IMG_2318" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXlqDUlFI/AAAAAAAAf7k/-0l3m5f5C8Q/IMG_2318_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXmx_abpI/AAAAAAAAf7s/opvFrlqlrJg/s1600-h/IMG_2307%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2307" border="0" alt="IMG_2307" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXoD_ynTI/AAAAAAAAf70/b5UpfCD8vVM/IMG_2307_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Eventually I was called to the window to pick-up my meal.</p> <p>I took my precious loot and found a nearby bench. It had been much too long since I had some Barb’s.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXpbpbquI/AAAAAAAAf78/2Y6cqdW4v4k/s1600-h/IMG_2314%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2314" border="0" alt="IMG_2314" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXqLs2MlI/AAAAAAAAf8E/YPi1IKc5kzM/IMG_2314_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXrCPkJ9I/AAAAAAAAf8M/oMIAb0CDv1w/s1600-h/IMG_2316%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2316" border="0" alt="IMG_2316" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXrxTXMRI/AAAAAAAAf8U/bweS8RK2NGE/IMG_2316_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXs2Lil6I/AAAAAAAAf8c/Z_x8Tpl07FM/s1600-h/IMG_2315%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2315" border="0" alt="IMG_2315" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXt8Nir2I/AAAAAAAAf8k/4-14Y5U_D1M/IMG_2315_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>The coleslaw at Barb’s is my favourite – bar none. And the salads are fantastic (I love me some beets).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXuq3QqaI/AAAAAAAAf8s/-52QhpkmF0M/s1600-h/IMG_2317%5B17%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2317" border="0" alt="IMG_2317" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrXve23VOI/AAAAAAAAf80/lXEJq3LL30M/IMG_2317_thumb%5B15%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>And then there is the fish – halibut just doesn’t flake like this, away from the Coast.</p> <p>I loved every moment of my Fisherman’s Wharf experience; and I can’t wait to go back.</p> <p> <br /><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: What is your favourite fish?</font></strong> I love salmon, red snapper, halibut, cod, and tuna – equally!</p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-28936513852196914472010-08-29T15:14:00.001-06:002010-08-29T15:14:29.313-06:00There’s No Place Like Home<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>I’ve missed you friends!!!</p> <p>After almost a solid month of travelling (mostly for work) I finally arrived home late on Friday night. It feels so good to be back in my own casa. </p> <p>The next time I travel will be in late September; granted it will only be for a few days (in Vancouver). Then there are October and November – which will frankly be non-stop travel. The difference is that those trips will be for pleasure!!! I will be flying to Southern California to run the Long Beach Half Marathon, Toronto for my wedding dress fitting, Whistler for a brief work event, San Jose del Cabo (Mexico) for our wedding, and then Guanajuato (Mexico) for our honeymoon. Happy times indeed!!!</p> <p>For now though I’ll enjoy chilling in my Rocky Mountain casa.</p> <p>With all this running around I need to catch up on a lot of blog posts. That means for the next little while you’ll see Vancouver Island, Rocky Mountain, and Calgary posts.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3">A Little Slice of England</font></strong></p> <p>While I was on Vancouver Island, my co-workers did their best to introduce me to all their favourite haunts. </p> <p>One place in particular, The <a href="http://www.crowandgate.com/">Crow and Gate</a>, was deemed special enough for my goodbye luncheon. The property is located outside of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Canada on beautifully landscaped grounds.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNjSeQzbI/AAAAAAAAf4I/t7MAScbzOkU/s1600-h/IMG_2277%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2277" border="0" alt="IMG_2277" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNkULOxGI/AAAAAAAAf4Q/8zX6pPxj5NY/IMG_2277_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>I’ve never been to England but this is what I imagine a proper pub in the countryside to look like.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNmPsboZI/AAAAAAAAf4Y/4YfuldDG3cE/s1600-h/IMG_2279%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2279" border="0" alt="IMG_2279" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNnJxkFTI/AAAAAAAAf4g/A6fKGT6J-eA/IMG_2279_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="302" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Diners could either choose to enjoy their lunch in the cozy and dark interior (probably a wonderful place on a cold rainy winter day) or in the lovely exterior of the premises.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNoDuJo0I/AAAAAAAAf4o/RJ6WAPq1h54/s1600-h/IMG_2280%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2280" border="0" alt="IMG_2280" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNpIoYnSI/AAAAAAAAf4w/moP_izuc30w/IMG_2280_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>There is no traditional table service at the <a href="http://www.crowandgate.com/">Crow and Gate</a>, rather, everyone orders at the counter. At the suggestion of other diners, I ordered the local (from <a href="http://www.vancouverisland.com/regions/towns/?townID=54">Fanny Bay</a>) pan-fried oysters, paired with a <a href="http://www.anyoneforpimms.com/">Pimm’s</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNp__q_TI/AAAAAAAAf44/-na8cZj1Hes/s1600-h/IMG_2284%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2284" border="0" alt="IMG_2284" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNq32KRHI/AAAAAAAAf5A/EARmkjR-waM/IMG_2284_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>If you’ve never had a Pimm’s, I highly recommend you give it a try! It’s a cocktail made of Pimm’s (an old school gin based beverage), mixed with either sprite or ginger ale, and traditionally garnished with cucumbers, mint, and strawberries. It goes down very easy and is wonderfully refreshing on a warm summer’s day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNsC2ZEZI/AAAAAAAAf5I/IJso2j82Jy0/s1600-h/IMG_2285%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2285" border="0" alt="IMG_2285" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THrNtAL9DwI/AAAAAAAAf5Q/Sl1GvFjCpkw/IMG_2285_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a></p> <p>There was a bit of a wait for food but I was so busy enjoying the ambiance that, I scarcely noticed.</p> <p>When my plate did arrive I was genuinely surprised at the size of the oysters. They looked rather plump and juicy; rather unlike any pan-fried oysters I had ever eaten. </p> <p>You’ll have to excuse the lack of further food pictures – my co-workers didn’t know about the blog and given that it was my last day I preferred to keep it that way. But you will have to trust me when I say that the<strong> oysters were magnificent</strong>!!! So good in fact that when I cut into the first one a spurt of oyster juice went flying. Not gross. I swear. lol</p> <p>Honestly, I couldn’t have thought of a better place to visit on my last day in Nanaimo. It was a fitting end to a wonderful two weeks at the local office.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question of the Day: Do you like oysters? What is your favourite way to eat them?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-73946579053294080022010-08-23T20:41:00.001-06:002010-08-23T20:41:14.296-06:00Down on the Boardwalk (Penny’s Palapa)<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>It’s Monday and I’m finally back in the Rocky Mountain casa. It feels so good to be home. Aside from the ridiculously joyful reunion with Daisy, it’s just nice to be in my own space. In fact I slept like a baby. </p> <p>It was the sleep of the happy. </p> <p>Although, I’m completely enjoying my return to the Rocky Mountains I can’t help but reminisce about my last couple of weeks spent by the Ocean shore.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMwqFdo7xI/AAAAAAAAf0A/w8xcJMsmM0U/s1600-h/IMG_2273%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2273" border="0" alt="IMG_2273" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMwra0AXTI/AAAAAAAAf0I/jn_8FZO-Gj0/IMG_2273_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMwsoDzcGI/AAAAAAAAf0Q/eUxeJEqIIQo/s1600-h/IMG_2274%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2274" border="0" alt="IMG_2274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMwt1vFXaI/AAAAAAAAf0Y/EyOTr_6ivTE/IMG_2274_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>There’s just something about living so close to the water that is soothing to the soul.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMwvNYrCJI/AAAAAAAAf0g/AuUSVp3xnZw/s1600-h/IMG_2276%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2276" border="0" alt="IMG_2276" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMwwWCdXTI/AAAAAAAAf0o/lKZ8G24eb1Q/IMG_2276_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>Walks on the boardwalk, views across the great blue escape, and drinks at the yacht club. <strong>I relished in every Island moment</strong>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMwyFp_YYI/AAAAAAAAf0w/GYIZQ-r-Ovo/s1600-h/IMG_2251%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2251" border="0" alt="IMG_2251" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMwzRbaXxI/AAAAAAAAf04/ldo89hOggsk/IMG_2251_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Of course, I did my best to enjoy as many meals by the waterfront as possible. One of my favourite came at a wonderful Nanaimo spot, <a href="http://www.nanaimoinformation.com/pennys-palapa.php">Penny’s Palapa</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMw0-hWNeI/AAAAAAAAf1A/wFmyWipRkS8/s1600-h/IMG_2252%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2252" border="0" alt="IMG_2252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMw2qp9LHI/AAAAAAAAf1I/ynLociK7U74/IMG_2252_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMw4C_OYLI/AAAAAAAAf1Q/qqpz_yYNr34/s1600-h/IMG_2253%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2253" border="0" alt="IMG_2253" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMw5X3ypyI/AAAAAAAAf1Y/BTvFu4dEpPs/IMG_2253_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMw6yRgaBI/AAAAAAAAf1k/Q6CZWPVZDMc/s1600-h/IMG_2257%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2257" border="0" alt="IMG_2257" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMw8Ff4v2I/AAAAAAAAf1s/QunhgEROkcE/IMG_2257_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Located on a floating barge in the middle of the harbour, Penny’s Palapa is a super cute and colourful restaurant. A perfect place to spend a leisurely summer lunch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMw9rSJIDI/AAAAAAAAf10/xC82Ky97MJc/s1600-h/IMG_2254%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2254" border="0" alt="IMG_2254" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMw_MKP8iI/AAAAAAAAf18/VSsD0zNKoxg/IMG_2254_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>The menu was as unpretentious as the locale.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxAgEyboI/AAAAAAAAf2E/91G9eo-L2rQ/s1600-h/IMG_2255%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2255" border="0" alt="IMG_2255" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxCFx1oPI/AAAAAAAAf2M/OB-Npwkv9qo/IMG_2255_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>It only took one glance at the menu and I knew what I was going to choose. You see, once upon a time I visited Ensenada (Baja California, Mexico) and had fish taco perfection. Ever since I have been looking for a taco that could stand up to the Ensenada tacos of my dreams. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxD52II-I/AAAAAAAAf2U/ifLFZ_nXgbo/s1600-h/IMG_2258%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2258" border="0" alt="IMG_2258" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxFU3Yu7I/AAAAAAAAf2c/RpA7ru2V3gw/IMG_2258_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Since I knew this would likely be my only chance to visit this particular restaurant, I indulged in a bit of over ordering and started with a Mexican tortilla sauce.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxGxyt9II/AAAAAAAAf2k/IIKidhYv8w0/s1600-h/IMG_2259%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2259" border="0" alt="IMG_2259" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxIBZAehI/AAAAAAAAf2s/9O4PJvOYkdI/IMG_2259_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I’m far from a Mexican tortilla soup connoisseur but one thing is for sure – this soup had flavours that reminded me of home. Given, that my mom is a fantastic cook, that is indeed<strong> a good thing</strong>.</p> <p>I ate about half the soup and didn’t regret one bit of my over ordering.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxJmvsQHI/AAAAAAAAf20/k9--IGk_Kn0/s1600-h/IMG_2260%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2260" border="0" alt="IMG_2260" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxK-BYOCI/AAAAAAAAf28/hkqtpuQEXjo/IMG_2260_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I have to confess I was a bit disappointed to see the use of what looked like rather huge flour tortillas. I like to keep it genuine (i.e.: corn).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxMUaPreI/AAAAAAAAf3E/NrFAwYVJN7U/s1600-h/IMG_2262%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2262" border="0" alt="IMG_2262" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxNRklwHI/AAAAAAAAf3M/8VZ0V0EKssg/IMG_2262_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Still, the big pieces of red snapper filling more than made me forget about the tortilla. In El Salvador (where I’m from) we’re quite partial to red snapper so I was thrilled with this fish taco.</p> <p>Close.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxOheMg3I/AAAAAAAAf3U/I65IkkwaCHM/s1600-h/IMG_2263%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2263" border="0" alt="IMG_2263" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxPun4e8I/AAAAAAAAf3c/qgp93u8fHv8/IMG_2263_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Closer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxQ5KirGI/AAAAAAAAf3k/hoAmjkne6NU/s1600-h/IMG_2264%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2264" border="0" alt="IMG_2264" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/THMxSVBy3pI/AAAAAAAAf3s/TPHswnPGCMQ/IMG_2264_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I filled my tacos with all the greens and salsa that I could find on the plate. While this may not have been the most genuine fish taco it was nonetheless a quality dish. I was one very happy camper.</p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: Have you ever had a fish taco? Thoughts?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-21936056485683550302010-08-21T05:00:00.000-06:002010-08-21T05:00:00.302-06:00Good Even in the Dead of Summer<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>How is your weekend treating you? As you read this, I’m enjoying one last full day in Victoria before heading back to my Rocky Mountain casa. If all is going according to plan, I’m spending today hitting the gym, running along the Ocean, and taking in the vibe of this small but impressive city.</p> <p>If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time at all, you know I’m a huge foodie! But did you know that one of my favourite things are soups!?! It’s true! Even in the dead of summer I love me a good bowl of yumminess!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCbo7MeoI/AAAAAAAAfyE/RjJEHbRpebw/s1600-h/IMG_2063%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2063" border="0" alt="IMG_2063" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCcQJ0XRI/AAAAAAAAfyM/aZKWpyu2KuQ/IMG_2063_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCdG9EIrI/AAAAAAAAfyU/3en8lMHx6Lo/s1600-h/IMG_2065%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2065" border="0" alt="IMG_2065" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCeCrh6aI/AAAAAAAAfyc/eMtnbAmcmJM/IMG_2065_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCe-GAYYI/AAAAAAAAfyk/WjI12v47z-s/s1600-h/IMG_2067%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2067" border="0" alt="IMG_2067" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCftDF5CI/AAAAAAAAfys/zzDtDurXN2M/IMG_2067_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Recently, I hit up the Noodle Box – a Victoria chain of restaurants that have now expanded to Vancouver. The whole premise of the Noodle Box is that everything is made to order, in an open kitchen, using fresh ingredients.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCgfTstLI/AAAAAAAAfy0/W52zi-nahRg/s1600-h/IMG_2068%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2068" border="0" alt="IMG_2068" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzChCfzeHI/AAAAAAAAfy8/o4cGTNXFU04/IMG_2068_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCh8c9xrI/AAAAAAAAfzE/C1DyEZHyZP0/s1600-h/IMG_2069%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2069" border="0" alt="IMG_2069" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCiqWkgdI/AAAAAAAAfzM/1TPVGikheF4/IMG_2069_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Tom Yum? Yes please!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCjQ9a0iI/AAAAAAAAfzU/u6f_EWMoszs/s1600-h/IMG_2070%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2070" border="0" alt="IMG_2070" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCkPuyOcI/AAAAAAAAfzc/1eHbRNDu5DE/IMG_2070_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCk-SwgQI/AAAAAAAAfzk/pD05DUH3Kn4/s1600-h/IMG_2071%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2071" border="0" alt="IMG_2071" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGzCluBLH6I/AAAAAAAAfzs/ejxIY3tI64Y/IMG_2071_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>This dish contained a wonderful blend of rice noodles, bean sprouts, green onions, chillies, prawns, and a spicy hot and sour style broth. It was so good I kind of wish I had some right now! Love!!</p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: Are you a soup in the dead of summer kind of person too?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-21808813809641266982010-08-20T05:00:00.000-06:002010-08-20T05:00:05.971-06:00Foto Friday<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>It’s Friday!!! I’m done my two-week stint at the Vancouver Island office. I have had a great time but I miss Daisy and the Fiancé, so it’s<strong> time to head home</strong>. </p> <p>But not before another Foto Friday – let’s call this the dining with the future in law’s edition. The wonderful evening featured on this post was brought to you courtesy of the Fiancé's aunt, uncle, and mom. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7a1nXtKI/AAAAAAAAfww/tARkURsDEZE/s1600-h/IMG_2091%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2091" border="0" alt="IMG_2091" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7bQyckAI/AAAAAAAAfw4/B4lJJ_IQdQA/IMG_2091_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7cLcK8nI/AAAAAAAAfxA/uM0elwSdcY4/s1600-h/IMG_2092%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2092" border="0" alt="IMG_2092" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7c7Xg5gI/AAAAAAAAfxI/IWaPu1dU60Q/IMG_2092_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="332" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7dym_LfI/AAAAAAAAfxQ/3nWyF4SaBTk/s1600-h/IMG_2089%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2089" border="0" alt="IMG_2089" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7erajvoI/AAAAAAAAfxY/9MICet5Oo68/IMG_2089_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7fpDB3YI/AAAAAAAAfxg/ZD6bg4wjKmY/s1600-h/IMG_2095%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2095" border="0" alt="IMG_2095" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7gFiU5VI/AAAAAAAAfxo/xa1bLPiSHks/IMG_2095_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7hE23-yI/AAAAAAAAfxw/YtC9IucBMko/s1600-h/IMG_2098%5B15%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2098" border="0" alt="IMG_2098" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy7hoqUYNI/AAAAAAAAfx4/iB59dnxlOyw/IMG_2098_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: What are your plans for the weekend?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-10649935993684202832010-08-19T05:00:00.000-06:002010-08-19T05:00:00.872-06:00Tea Time in Canada’s Most English City<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>We made it all the way to hump-day bloggies! From here on in it’s full speed into the weekend. This is the last of my two weeks here on Vancouver Island which means by this Sunday I’ll be reunited with the Fiancé and Daisy. Cue the happy dance! </p> <p>In the meantime I’m doing my best to enjoy some of the things I love most about the Island. Of course, that meant I had to pay a visit to an old favourite of mine – <a href="http://www.murchies.com/">Murchie’s</a>.</p> <p>Victoria is a city that prides itself not only on its beauty but also on its Englishness. From the double decker buses, to the Empress hotel, and amazing scones, it’s Canada’s most English city. And what could be more English than tea time?</p> <p>My favourite place to have tea in Victoria is actually somewhat unorthodox in that it has a counter where you order you food. While it may not be the most traditional of settings it results in a decidedly more affordable experience. Since the food and tea are fabulous, I’m game! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0oyX-wrI/AAAAAAAAfts/ipvZ8xYwjcc/s1600-h/IMG_2028%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2028" border="0" alt="IMG_2028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0p_augMI/AAAAAAAAft0/5Xfk4674sag/IMG_2028_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0qq8r1zI/AAAAAAAAft8/ykDcmxRbSg4/s1600-h/IMG_2029%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2029" border="0" alt="IMG_2029" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0rqAkX3I/AAAAAAAAfuE/XdvnO3wS7e0/IMG_2029_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>My stand-by order at Murchie’s is a currant scone (served with Devonshire cream and jam) and tea. On this occasion, however, I strayed from the scone way of things and headed straight into the arms of three small French style macaroons (paired with a pot of tea and a sandwich).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0sgsw3nI/AAAAAAAAfuM/tYSfANFhwNo/s1600-h/IMG_2034%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2034" border="0" alt="IMG_2034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0uzkOyoI/AAAAAAAAfuU/zwFy-GgnpCg/IMG_2034_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0v1OIDhI/AAAAAAAAfuc/KivnXNBfPYQ/s1600-h/IMG_2037%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2037" border="0" alt="IMG_2037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0wvB7B_I/AAAAAAAAfuk/1UT-6-ma14g/IMG_2037_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0xm5E37I/AAAAAAAAfus/2FTMkS-LV7s/s1600-h/IMG_2038%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2038" border="0" alt="IMG_2038" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0yfBZieI/AAAAAAAAfu0/5AHueU3nHTo/IMG_2038_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>Honestly, the sandwich was nothing short of spectacular. The bread was hearty and fresh and the fillings were delicious. As far as I could gather the fillings included lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, bacon, and an aioli. Simple enough ingredients but somehow they came together wonderfully.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0zvbd9gI/AAAAAAAAfu8/nh5nruWlerM/s1600-h/IMG_2039%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2039" border="0" alt="IMG_2039" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy00JvmonI/AAAAAAAAfvE/T6hyktxrTGg/IMG_2039_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>For those not familiar with a French-style macaroon they bare no resemblance to their coconut based American cousins. A French macaroon is a confection made using egg whites and hazelnut flour. The mixture is then piped and baked before being sandwiched together with a filling of choice.</p> <p>In my experience it’s nearly impossible to find macaroons in Canada so when I saw these lovelies in Murchie’s, I jumped at the chance to savour them once again (I hadn’t had a macaroon since my sister, who lives in Montreal, gave me some for Christmas). They really were better than I was expecting. Surprisingly, for my lemon loving self, the raspberry one was my favourite.</p> <p>Before calling it a day I made sure to stop by the adjoining gift shop. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy01XdMqoI/AAAAAAAAfvM/aMw9T0E_Mtk/s1600-h/IMG_2043%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2043" border="0" alt="IMG_2043" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy02FjKyFI/AAAAAAAAfvU/iNAb-n4Ye2I/IMG_2043_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy027RN88I/AAAAAAAAfvc/dPvI1L8ywQM/s1600-h/IMG_2042%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2042" border="0" alt="IMG_2042" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy03qH63sI/AAAAAAAAfvk/bkZ7Blnq9C0/IMG_2042_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy04pZpmqI/AAAAAAAAfvs/wjSpMUkd2g0/s1600-h/IMG_2049%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2049" border="0" alt="IMG_2049" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy058oRvqI/AAAAAAAAfv0/e7QwLi2JXd4/IMG_2049_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>For a tea drinker this place is basically paradise. Full of a myriad of tea pots, trinkets, china, and of course, tea.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy06sIQ3gI/AAAAAAAAfv8/fSIizvlfkWU/s1600-h/IMG_2045%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2045" border="0" alt="IMG_2045" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy07XB9lJI/AAAAAAAAfwE/X4TCAjN3NHU/IMG_2045_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy08bw8TJI/AAAAAAAAfwM/nymyH0h4Q_8/s1600-h/IMG_2041%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2041" border="0" alt="IMG_2041" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy09Pu_3JI/AAAAAAAAfwU/FXMuQ9Jv5zQ/IMG_2041_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0-NQd6mI/AAAAAAAAfwc/C8begF1rCEc/s1600-h/IMG_2044%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2044" border="0" alt="IMG_2044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGy0-6xjt1I/AAAAAAAAfwk/Un8UJhdwNqc/IMG_2044_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Somehow I managed to find a bit of self-restraint and bought only a box of Murchie’s Afternoon Blend (my fave!) as a present for the gentleman who often looks after Daisy when we’re away.</p> <p>On the whole I think it’s safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Murchie’s. In fact it’s one of the places I most look forward to visiting when I’m in Victoria.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: Are you a coffee or tea drinker?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-82345106747660523392010-08-18T14:00:00.000-06:002010-08-18T14:00:00.610-06:00Celebrating the Bride-to-be (Part II)<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>So after I was pampered and enjoyed a totally swanky afternoon the fun continued.</p> <p>After leaving the cabana area we headed to a frozen yogurt store located downstairs in the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/waterfront/">Fairmont Waterfront</a>. <a href="http://www.bellagelateria.com/">Bella Gelateria</a> was absolutely a foodie’s dream! To the owners gelato isn’t just a cool treat. It’s art.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYhCUYRKI/AAAAAAAAfoU/qVVOf_rnOtM/s1600-h/IMG_2207%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2207" border="0" alt="IMG_2207" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYiF2JXcI/AAAAAAAAfoc/R5WRdL6ymoE/IMG_2207_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYjEmt-sI/AAAAAAAAfok/HYJx6cotCDA/s1600-h/IMG_2205%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2205" border="0" alt="IMG_2205" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYjkBqWkI/AAAAAAAAfos/fbMygIfOMzM/IMG_2205_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYksj7EPI/AAAAAAAAfo0/awYpefh7hug/s1600-h/IMG_2206%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2206" border="0" alt="IMG_2206" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYlbQ77DI/AAAAAAAAfo8/6-__ewwAZew/IMG_2206_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>In fact the store is owned by a couple, the male counterpart of which is the gelato maker. To learn how to make gelato, James (the official gelato maker) honed his art at the Italian Culinary Institute and followed that up with advanced master’s training at Carpigiani’s Gelato University. In 2012 James will even represent Canada at the Gelato World Cup in Rimini, Italy. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYmar-RlI/AAAAAAAAfpE/4xkUIvzHGeE/s1600-h/IMG_2211%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2211" border="0" alt="IMG_2211" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYnDo-JEI/AAAAAAAAfpM/kVuiPh9YUco/IMG_2211_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYoJQDxTI/AAAAAAAAfpU/JKAwmBQLNQI/s1600-h/IMG_2210%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2210" border="0" alt="IMG_2210" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYo-oibgI/AAAAAAAAfpc/B1phzBEEi2A/IMG_2210_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>And the gelato? It was everything you would expect.<strong> Decadent.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYpo75JRI/AAAAAAAAfpk/khnEBmo47e8/s1600-h/IMG_2212%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2212" border="0" alt="IMG_2212" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYqbqsbEI/AAAAAAAAfps/L8RV--AaGvM/IMG_2212_thumb%5B15%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="360" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Eventually we left the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/waterfront/">Fairmont Waterfront</a> but we did it in absolute style. We took one of the chauffeured luxury cars for a tour of <a href="http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/">Stanley Park</a> before stopping at my hotel for check-in (<a href="http://www.vancouver.suttonplace.com/">The Sutton Place Hotel</a>) before ending up at a Korean restaurant for dinner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYrb7zjRI/AAAAAAAAfp0/gnZMstgaEdo/s1600-h/IMG_2215%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2215" border="0" alt="IMG_2215" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYsEs0PNI/AAAAAAAAfp8/2kIoHj6b_6M/IMG_2215_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYtXcCjMI/AAAAAAAAfqE/5SLItV2p044/s1600-h/IMG_2216%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2216" border="0" alt="IMG_2216" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYuJLNqCI/AAAAAAAAfqM/4H6lcRi9Row/IMG_2216_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>While there are other yummier Korean restaurants in Vancouver, Sura has a great atmosphere. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYu-oxfdI/AAAAAAAAfqU/_QAvoCZiAvU/s1600-h/IMG_2217%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2217" border="0" alt="IMG_2217" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYvnqb7WI/AAAAAAAAfqc/WcpxU2w8fg8/IMG_2217_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYwHPRisI/AAAAAAAAfqk/uK_8mxo15N4/s1600-h/IMG_2218%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2218" border="0" alt="IMG_2218" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYwyHRwfI/AAAAAAAAfqs/KTsiS8hj4j4/IMG_2218_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>My go-to meal at Korean restaurants is sundubu, a spicy soft tofu stew. It’s delicious! </p> <p>I ordered my usual but made a point of taking a picture of some of the other dishes around the table.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYx6kgdWI/AAAAAAAAfq0/AwmP1rE-xH8/s1600-h/IMG_2220%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2220" border="0" alt="IMG_2220" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYykwUxKI/AAAAAAAAfrA/255QE81F6I0/IMG_2220_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtYzrAZxpI/AAAAAAAAfrI/TZi4uZSng5s/s1600-h/IMG_2224%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2224" border="0" alt="IMG_2224" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY0XWI3XI/AAAAAAAAfrQ/BefK_-fc1e0/IMG_2224_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY1G5FYDI/AAAAAAAAfrY/FySd-9OObfQ/s1600-h/IMG_2227%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2227" border="0" alt="IMG_2227" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY1y9oKpI/AAAAAAAAfrg/KN6NpgPAdgQ/IMG_2227_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY3X3VLEI/AAAAAAAAfro/y4X51smjBP4/s1600-h/IMG_2228%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2228" border="0" alt="IMG_2228" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY4AJO9mI/AAAAAAAAfrw/4-1aTvC0XYk/IMG_2228_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>While the food was delicious the company was better. Living in the Rockies I seldom get a chance to spend time with my friends. This weekend in Vancouver was a <strong>rare and wonderful treat</strong>.</p> <p>As we walked back to my hotel I counted my blessings. I truly am thankful for all I have.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY41UaPnI/AAAAAAAAfr4/lM7LvCFU_0M/s1600-h/IMG_2232%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2232" border="0" alt="IMG_2232" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY5gNbX1I/AAAAAAAAfsA/ZWSRFhUwpkQ/IMG_2232_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>My friends took the time to organize a wonderful bachelorette weekend; It was honestly more than I ever expected.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY6Ef6RnI/AAAAAAAAfsI/b-QDLc_o8KQ/s1600-h/IMG_2240%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2240" border="0" alt="IMG_2240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY6wF1CSI/AAAAAAAAfsQ/j_Y_Tp_7pKU/IMG_2240_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p><font size="1">(part of the view from my hotel room)</font></p> <p>I felt truly loved and appreciated.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY7__zetI/AAAAAAAAfsY/qaINUs0BPKk/s1600-h/IMG_2237%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2237" border="0" alt="IMG_2237" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY8mD_cqI/AAAAAAAAfsg/8oMG23YQW9E/IMG_2237_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>If anything, this weekend made me even more excited for the wedding. We honestly can’t wait to have all of our nearest and dearest there to celebrate our day!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY9WXAE2I/AAAAAAAAfso/lbkTmG7EGGU/s1600-h/IMG_2234%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2234" border="0" alt="IMG_2234" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY-Lw3bMI/AAAAAAAAfsw/YUHBnB082OA/IMG_2234_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>It’s going be an awesome time. I can’t wait for all the festivities surrounding the wedding day. I get to marry my lobster (<a href="http://www.friends-tv.org/zz214.html">Friends</a> anyone?). <strong>What a privilege</strong>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY_IspKzI/AAAAAAAAfs4/F8ld6IOpsPc/s1600-h/IMG_2235%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2235" border="0" alt="IMG_2235" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtY_jKu6KI/AAAAAAAAftA/yR_2j-zH9vo/IMG_2235_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>You know in <em>The Sound of Music</em> when Maria and Captain Von Trapp are in the gazebo and she sings “’cause somewhere in my wicked childhood I must have done something good . . .” That’s kind of how I feel. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtZAgbsfKI/AAAAAAAAftI/5V7doI9QVd4/s1600-h/IMG_2238%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2238" border="0" alt="IMG_2238" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtZBAitm8I/AAAAAAAAftQ/pj7iQGElewU/IMG_2238_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I may not have had a wicked childhood but I sometimes find myself wondering what I did to serve all of these blessings. I’m healthy, I have friends, I have love, I have a darling puppy, I have a family that supports me, I have a great career, I want for nothing, and in November I get to live out a fairytale.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtZCFBkweI/AAAAAAAAftY/JjTTS51rhwU/s1600-h/IMG_2194%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2194" border="0" alt="IMG_2194" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtZC9Crz_I/AAAAAAAAftg/VaE9pGv-tX4/IMG_2194_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><strong>I am ever so grateful.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: When was the last time you counted your blessings?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-3052617756774823872010-08-17T20:38:00.001-06:002010-08-17T20:38:34.469-06:00Celebrating the Bride-to-be (Part I)<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>Sorry for the delay in getting back to blogging. If you follow me on twitter you know that my laptop basically up and practically died on me. Every time I sat down to blog it would freeze up; I spent many hours on Sunday and Monday nights trying to get it to work. But alas!</p> <p>Eventually I did what any reasonable blogger would do – I went and purchased myself a netbook! I am now the proud owner of a lovely <strong>new Toshiba blogging toy</strong>!! Perfect for all those trips I always seem to be taking.</p> <p>Last we talked I was on my way to Vancouver for my bachelorette/wedding shower weekend. I can safely report that I had an absolutely lovely time!!! Honestly, my friends not only did a wonderful job planning but they also made me feel <strong>celebrated and loved</strong>. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHT55Ex4I/AAAAAAAAfkQ/rsSfOE2-g3g/s1600-h/IMG_2109%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2109" border="0" alt="IMG_2109" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHUm0YURI/AAAAAAAAfkY/J6eezxnJWUg/IMG_2109_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>To get to Vancouver I had to take a ferry from Vancouver Island to the mainland of British Columbia. I know the very thought of boarding a vessel to get to a bachelorette weekend is a strange thought to a mainlander but when you live on the Island it’s a way of life.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHVv4zEcI/AAAAAAAAfkg/XzrLj3Bo-AA/s1600-h/IMG_2110%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2110" border="0" alt="IMG_2110" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHWEbC6DI/AAAAAAAAfko/F-WvzksR40o/IMG_2110_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I have to confess my usually land-locked self loved every moment of that ferry journey. Basking in the sunlight at the front of the ship was in and of itself a highlight of my weekend.</p> <p>Once I arrived in Vancouver I quickly grabbed a cab and headed to my first destination. The <a href="http://www.westinbayshore.com/spa">Vida</a> spa at the <a href="http://www.westinbayshore.com/">Westin Bayshore</a> Hotel.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHW-hAjHI/AAAAAAAAfkw/skalN3zCFx0/s1600-h/IMG_2112%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2112" border="0" alt="IMG_2112" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHXnrzZcI/AAAAAAAAfk4/JFdDg2dZe8k/IMG_2112_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>My friends had arranged to meet me at the spa where they had set up a whole host of treatments. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHYan2A3I/AAAAAAAAflA/TipAxVUVGLw/s1600-h/IMG_2113%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2113" border="0" alt="IMG_2113" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHZCYUAcI/AAAAAAAAflI/ilpM5fh77FY/IMG_2113_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>My half-day of treatments consisted of an Ayurvedic exfoliation and massage, a facial and a manicure. Talk about bliss overload. When I emerged from my first treatment I had officially been reduced to a <strong>relaxed mush</strong>. I don’t remember the last time I felt that way.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHZ5sJCDI/AAAAAAAAflQ/_8eml5EnkRU/s1600-h/IMG_2114%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2114" border="0" alt="IMG_2114" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHafNiUoI/AAAAAAAAflY/tZNPhU-jn0k/IMG_2114_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Overall the <a href="http://www.westinbayshore.com/spa">Vida</a> spa was a fantastic place for a girl’s get-together. Especially since they have a trendy and relaxing lounge for you to enjoy before or after treatments. Much of our day was spent chilling in bath robes, relaxing, enjoying either lemon or cucumber water, and nibbling on fruit or nut snacks. </p> <p>I visit Vancouver often and most of the time I stay at the <a href="http://www.westinbayshore.com/">Westin Bayshore</a>. So needless to say I will absolutely be back to the <a href="http://www.westinbayshore.com/spa">Vida</a> Spa!</p> <p>I couldn’t believe my friends had pampered me to such a degree. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better – it did!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHbGMp0KI/AAAAAAAAflg/lKRmioiIkHs/s1600-h/IMG_2125%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2125" border="0" alt="IMG_2125" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHb4PeaaI/AAAAAAAAflo/EdJfaoaWibs/IMG_2125_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Once we were done at the spa I was whisked away to a secret destination. No one would tell me where we were heading!</p> <p>After some driving around Vancouver we pulled up to the new <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/waterfront/">Fairmont Waterfront</a> Hotel, where one of my friend’s had worked her hook-ups to get us a private cabana! <strong>Swanky!!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHcgOUvvI/AAAAAAAAflw/vRbxYPfkq6Q/s1600-h/IMG_2124%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2124" border="0" alt="IMG_2124" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHdZtFQZI/AAAAAAAAfl4/VQ6Zvotcptw/IMG_2124_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Our cabana had cushy lounge furniture, drinks, food, a large flat-screen television, and a great view. It honestly was very cool and felt nothing like Vancouver. Instead it felt like the kind of thing you would expect to find in Las Vegas.</p> <p>My friends outdid themselves and packed a gourmet picnic from a local purveyor. The meal featured a lovely sandwich (un-pictured), some wonderful home-made chips, mojitos, and cupcakes!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHd1Fm38I/AAAAAAAAfmA/GnI_29LY0es/s1600-h/IMG_2127%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2127" border="0" alt="IMG_2127" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHevvUoCI/AAAAAAAAfmI/8sbNyqKEias/IMG_2127_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHfdKPglI/AAAAAAAAfmQ/EVIXRo6NjtM/s1600-h/IMG_2139%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2139" border="0" alt="IMG_2139" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHgKhL7NI/AAAAAAAAfmY/wDFIjzG8Pps/IMG_2139_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHgy8N1dI/AAAAAAAAfmg/PFBmLGXXk7A/s1600-h/IMG_2132%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2132" border="0" alt="IMG_2132" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHhcjOb1I/AAAAAAAAfmo/BD5kSgBKZn8/IMG_2132_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Everything was absolutely yum but the cupcakes courtesy of the store <a href="http://www.cupcakesonline.com/">Cupcakes</a> were my favourite part of the meal. Once upon a time I was fortunate enough to eat one of their treats fresh out of the oven. I’ve been a fan ever since.</p> <p>At one point in the afternoon we decided to venture up several dozen floors to see the property that secured us the cabana hook-up. Generally, the only people allowed into the cabana level are hotel guests (I considered staying there but they only had one room at $500/night and I’m not that crazy . . . yet) or property owners. That’s right. You too can own a swanky condo at the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/waterfront/">Fairmont Waterfront</a>.</p> <p><strong>Want to see what nearly $5.5 MILLION dollars gets you?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHiPINWEI/AAAAAAAAfmw/7oKjHJdWy18/s1600-h/IMG_2150%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2150" border="0" alt="IMG_2150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHi2bnUNI/AAAAAAAAfm4/_g9lRKIqk0Y/IMG_2150_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHjUVMPqI/AAAAAAAAfnA/qDJgIo57f1Y/s1600-h/IMG_2153%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2153" border="0" alt="IMG_2153" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHj92IGDI/AAAAAAAAfnI/YIeTgcSTmhU/IMG_2153_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHkgESp7I/AAAAAAAAfnQ/Pe6lGFK5DnE/s1600-h/IMG_2148%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2148" border="0" alt="IMG_2148" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHl2EYuvI/AAAAAAAAfnY/gdByyNShHS4/IMG_2148_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHm2npO1I/AAAAAAAAfng/RaoMQfXRWqI/s1600-h/IMG_2167%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2167" border="0" alt="IMG_2167" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHnhuVxgI/AAAAAAAAfno/l5XG-4n2O5Y/IMG_2167_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHoLKxFyI/AAAAAAAAfnw/hFTrNfFrh2s/s1600-h/IMG_2181%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2181" border="0" alt="IMG_2181" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHouad4PI/AAAAAAAAfn4/42jhJBHb_8U/IMG_2181_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Ummmm . . . hello, ridiculously unobstructed views! WOW!!! That place was out of control.<strong> Drop dead gorgeous</strong>. And yet – maybe not $5.5 MILLION dollars gorgeous! lol</p> <p>There was still more bachelorette fun to come in my day. But I think it’s safe to say I was already feeling very very very happy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHpqXJLcI/AAAAAAAAfoA/vIqwkSdrcVU/s1600-h/IMG_2146%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2146" border="0" alt="IMG_2146" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TGtHqSLwpSI/AAAAAAAAfoI/EIh5uGriqd4/IMG_2146_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>To be Continued . . . .</p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: What did you do for your bachelorette? If you’re not married – what would you like to do?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-88287826982849702472010-08-14T10:49:00.001-06:002010-08-14T10:49:24.515-06:00She's Back!!!!!Hola Bloggies:<br /><br />I hope you have all had an amazing week!<br /><br />I've managed to keep a good work-life balance this week. Unfortunately I've also been without Internet - hence my disappearing act.<br /><br />Right now I'm on a ferry to Vancouver for my bachelorettte/wedding shower. Wooohooo!!!! <img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/e/57430.gif' border='0' align='left' /><br /><br />I will be back tomorrow with a proper post but here's the short of what I have done this week:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/08/14/1079.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/08/14/s_1079.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I got a massively overdue hair cut. <3<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/08/14/1080.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/08/14/s_1080.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I've run by the Ocean. Heads up - I experienced a moment of personal triumph that left me crying during a run.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/08/14/1081.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/08/14/s_1081.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And I've taken care of this little guy. We're working on becoming amigos!<br /><br />So tell me......what have you been up to?<br /> <br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-42249492483616458602010-08-06T12:37:00.000-06:002010-08-06T12:37:00.722-06:00Foto Friday<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuuLGXgU-I/AAAAAAAAfik/ogta33niwcE/s1600-h/Sunset%20View%20One%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Foul Bay Panorama" border="0" alt="Foul Bay Panorama" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuuMeTwTFI/AAAAAAAAfis/IERTKOayOCU/Sunset%20View%20One_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>This Friday sees me traveling once again. This time, I will be boarding a plane and heading to spend the next 2+ weeks on beautiful Vancouver Island off of the West Coast of British Columbia. </p> <p>I am no stranger to this area of the country. In fact, I spent four years living in Victoria. </p> <p><strong>I can honestly say that Victoria is a city that changed my life</strong>. The girl that arrived in that city was massively overweight, lacking in self-confidence, and in a bad relationship. The girl that left had taken charge of her life, lost a ton of weight, ran a 10K, ended that bad relationship, became a lawyer, and met her future husband. Not bad, eh!? </p> <p>Clearly I have a soft spot for Van Isle.</p> <p>And since I’m going to assume you’re curious – I took this picture from the patio of my very first place in Victoria. I was blessed enough to spend several years at the foot of Foul Bay Road with a glorious view of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains (Washington State) on the other side. This picture hasn’t been retouched in any way. <strong>It really was that glorious.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: What are your plans for this weekend?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-7982335082499808342010-08-05T23:26:00.001-06:002010-08-05T23:26:08.099-06:00Why I’m Reconsidering my SHAPE Subscription (plus an awesome new workout)<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p><a href="http://www.shape.com/" target="_blank">SHAPE</a> was my very first introduction to the world of fitness magazines. Even before I started working out I would treat SHAPE as my gateway into a life I dreamed of having. One filled with runs, weight training, healthy eats, and a positive body image. I will always be grateful to SHAPE for the role it played in my journey towards wellness but right about now I find myself seriously reconsidering my SHAPE subscription.</p> <p>Those of you who are frequent readers know that the Fiancé and I, will be tying the knot in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico this November 10th. Like any bride-to-be I’m hoping to look my best on my wedding day. So when I came across a <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shape-bride/id355368141?mt=8" target="_blank">SHAPE Bride app</a> (for my iPhone) I downloaded it without hesitation.  </p> <p>Included in the app is a section that SHAPE calls countdown to gorgeous. The whole point of that section is to give brides a countdown of what they should be doing in advance of their wedding day. I can understand telling me to work on clearing my complexion, get a haircut, or even consider brightening my smile . . . but then they crossed the line. Big time. </p> <p>The Two Month screen suggested that I banish wrinkles: “<em>A Botox injection can temporarily relax the facial muscles that can cause crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead furrows. But since your muscles take two to three weeks to soften after the needle pokes, it’s best to see your dermatologist for injections no less than six weeks before the wedding</em>.” (Taken directly from the SHAPE Bride app)</p> <p>Seriously!?!? Who comes up with this stuff!?!? I’m willing to bet the majority of readers of SHAPE magazine range from 18-35 years old. Women that are in the prime of their life. And SHAPE’s advice to their readers that are getting married is to inject botox into their bodies!?!?</p> <p>For those of you that are unaware, botox is derived from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botulism#Prevention" target="_blank">botulism</a>; a rare disease that causes paralysis. Paralysis in children = bad. So why in the word would we consider partial and temporary facial paralysis to be good.</p> <p><strong>Frankly, I am appalled that SHAPE magazine would suggest I inject botox to prepare for my wedding day.</strong> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3">Test-Driving Women’s Health</font></strong> </p> <p>Given that I may be forgoing my SHAPE subscription, I’ve decided to test run other fitness magazines. First up was <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/">Women’s Health Magazine</a>. This was my first time purchasing <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/">WH</a> and I’m still working my way through its pages. Thus far its content is looking good. But the part that has most impressed me has been its workout section.</p> <p>Earlier this week I decided to do their feature workout for this month. I tore out the flash cards from my magazine and set about tackling the eight moves in their “The Best Workout for You!” I have to confess I seldom hold out much hope for workouts from magazines but this one was <strong>ah-mazing</strong>. </p> <p>Not only was I dripping in sweat by the time I was done but I was sore the next day. Not a little sore – a lot of sore! My butt and my inner thighs hurt oh so good.</p> <p>You can refer to the <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/">Women’s Health Magazine</a> website <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/customizable-workout">here</a> for the instructions to this workout but here are the moves: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFucsDBdoqI/AAAAAAAAfgc/CHDcuA4J308/s1600-h/shuffle%20with%20reach%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="shuffle with reach" border="0" alt="shuffle with reach" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuctb48pHI/AAAAAAAAfgo/QCiOI91VOBo/shuffle%20with%20reach_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><strong>Move #1 – Shuffle with Reach</strong></p> <p><strong>Extra Tip:</strong> Use resistance bands or weights to make this harder – I used 7.5 lb weights.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFucuN5L7SI/AAAAAAAAfgw/tk52odgqU68/s1600-h/squat-high-pull%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="squat-high-pull" border="0" alt="squat-high-pull" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFucvBYI3II/AAAAAAAAfg4/fo248q8QRmU/squat-high-pull_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Move #2 – Squat with High Pull</strong></p> <p><strong>Extra Tip:</strong> If you don’t have resistance bands you can use weights one again. I recommend 7.5 lb weights.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFucwVl5C4I/AAAAAAAAfhA/AejLAOGBOUE/s1600-h/single-arm-chest-press%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="single-arm-chest-press" border="0" alt="single-arm-chest-press" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFucxoDAafI/AAAAAAAAfhI/SSRXeLe7ZLE/single-arm-chest-press_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p><strong>Move #3 – Single Arm Chest Press with Rotation</strong></p> <p><strong>Extra Tip:</strong> Remember to concentrate on your abs during this move. Contract your muscles and really think about what you’re doing. Again I suggest using 7.5 lb weights.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFucy7V8oxI/AAAAAAAAfhQ/xy5TpGT18zk/s1600-h/side-lunge-shoulder-press%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="side-lunge-shoulder-press" border="0" alt="side-lunge-shoulder-press" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuc0Pg44MI/AAAAAAAAfhY/5DWHAPt8Uss/side-lunge-shoulder-press_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Move #4 – Side Lunge to Shoulder Press (I loved this one!)</strong></p> <p><strong>Extra Tip:</strong> I once again recommend 7.5 lb weights but if you don’t have any feel free to use bottles of waters or a heavy can.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuc1KXHzvI/AAAAAAAAfhg/6DJLY6YYUZ0/s1600-h/reverse-lunge-with-row%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="reverse-lunge-with-row" border="0" alt="reverse-lunge-with-row" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuc2JbMa2I/AAAAAAAAfho/WIvxCYFB-Xg/reverse-lunge-with-row_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Move # 5 – Reverse Lunge with Row</strong></p> <p><strong>Extra Tip:</strong> Make sure that you maintain tight abs throughout this exercise sequence. It would be easy to allow the bands to pull your body forward. Fight that urge with a strong core.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuc2--3snI/AAAAAAAAfhw/lFoDDakHdEY/s1600-h/step-with-rear-leg-lift%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="step-with-rear-leg-lift" border="0" alt="step-with-rear-leg-lift" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuc3z3MmUI/AAAAAAAAfh4/Ym_6L630N8I/step-with-rear-leg-lift_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Move #6 – Step with Rear Leg Lift</strong></p> <p><strong>Extra Tip:</strong> Make sure the movement forward on this exercise doesn’t come from momentum. Contract your muscles and really use your glutes.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuc4jjcLDI/AAAAAAAAfiA/ChlTC6GwkI0/s1600-h/plank-sweep%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="plank-sweep" border="0" alt="plank-sweep" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuc5nrfAgI/AAAAAAAAfiI/2YEv5z4zI-4/plank-sweep_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Move #7 – Plank Sweet (another awesome move)</strong></p> <p><strong>Extra Tip:</strong> These can be very tough. Feel free to take a break if you need to but make sure you don’t rest for too long. You want to keep your heart rate up.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuc6tMJAII/AAAAAAAAfiQ/78-dTBciKw0/s1600-h/kayaker%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="kayaker" border="0" alt="kayaker" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFuc7kHofTI/AAAAAAAAfiY/DlSTmM1IO48/kayaker_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Move #8 – Kayaker</strong></p> <p><strong>Extra Tip:</strong> If you don’t have a body bar you can always use a broom or mop handle.</p> <p> </p> <p>I did all of these moves as a circuit three times. It was a fantastic workout and I highly recommend it!</p> <p>Not bad <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/">Women’s Health</a> . . . not bad at all!</p> <p><font size="1">Disclaimer: All pictures courtesy of Women’s Health. All Tips courtesy of moi.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: Do you subscribe to any magazines? If so, which ones?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-33784140083047580142010-08-04T22:01:00.001-06:002010-08-04T22:01:40.275-06:00Good Things Come in Three – now with a HUGE announcement<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFo3nniy0ZI/AAAAAAAAfgI/YbsambZG8Rs/s1600-h/No%20Limits%20Picture%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="No Limits Picture" border="0" alt="No Limits Picture" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFo3o4XIzhI/AAAAAAAAfgQ/5pqvP_lyGP8/No%20Limits%20Picture_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="516" /></a> </p> <p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>How have things been going on your end? I hope you had an awesome weekend – and if you’re Canadian, I hope you had a fantastic long weekend!</p> <p>As for things in the casa, I have to confess today was not a great day. I woke up with a full on fever accompanied with watery burning eyes. It was so bad that it had me blasting my heat inside the car . . . in the middle of summer!!! Eeek! To make matters worse work ended up being a decidedly rough day. I wish I could go back and get a do-over.</p> <p>But no used on crying over spilled milk, right!?! Besides, I have three wonderful news to share with you today. In light of that awesomeness I propose we move on past my meh day and head on to my news.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3">Good Thing #1 – The Winner of the </font></strong><a href="http://www.pomwonderful.com/"><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3">POM</font></strong></a><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3"> Giveaway</font></strong></p> <p>Thank-you so much to all of you that entered my POM Giveaway last week. I have to confess it warms my heart to be able to host those giveaways; I know I have been on the receiving end of some great prizes from fellow bloggers (the last one coming courtesy of Marianne of <a href="http://frenchfriestoflaxseeds.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">From French Fries to Flax Seeds</a>) and I love the chance to pay it forward.</p> <p>So without further ado. <strong>The winner of the POM coupons (as chosen by </strong><a href="http://random.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Random.org</strong></a><strong>) is . . . . </strong></p> <p><strong>Jessica of </strong><a href="http://www.dairyfreebetty.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Dairy Free Betty</strong></a><strong>!!!</strong></p> <p>Woohoo Jessica! No need to send me your addy amiga – a hand-to-hand trade-off will surely take place on Vancouver Island over the next few weeks!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3">Good Thing #2 – </font></strong><a href="http://www.runlongbeach.com/"><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3">Long Beach Half</font></strong></a><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3"> Marathon</font></strong></p> <p>I am officially into week two of my <a href="http://www.runlongbeach.com/" target="_blank">Long Beach Half</a> Marathon training. Yes bloggies, it’s actually going to happen! I’m going to become a halfy (HA!) come October 17th, 2010.</p> <p>To get me to the finish line I’m using a modified version of <a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm" target="_blank">Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon Training Program for Novices</a>. His training plans seem to be blogger favourites so I figure I can’t go wrong. Now as fantastic as his plans are I am modifying them a little. For the most part I’m going to try to get myself across the finish line by running in between 3 and 4 times a week; some may run five times a week but I have learned through experience that my body can’t handle running everyday. I’m confident that reducing my number of running days will help me steer clear of any over-use injuries. </p> <p>To follow my training you can check back on this blog or for more regular updates you can <strong>check out my Daily Mile widget on the right hand column</strong> of this blog.</p> <p><strong>I’m seriously excited to do this half marathon!!!</strong> It’s first in a series of fitness goals I’ve recently set for myself; I’m even planning on competing in a Sprint Triathlon next summer. And yes, I recall saying once upon a time that I would never do a tri but <a href="http://www.ironmancda.com/">Ironman CDA</a> changed my life!!!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3">Good Thing #3 – </font></strong><a href="http://nolimitscanada.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="3">No Limits Canada</font></strong></a></p> <p>This one is HUGE bloggies! In fact, I daresay it’s EPIC!!!!!</p> <p>In the recent past the healthy blogging word has given birth to some awesome movements and events (think Operation Beautiful and the Healthy Living Summit). It has been completely humbling to see what this community can accomplish. Recently, a group of us got together and decided that it was high time that something similar come to the Canada.</p> <p>Today, myself, Susan (<a href="http://thegreatbalancingact.com/" target="_blank">The Great Balancing Act</a>), Morgan (<a href="http://www.lifeafterbagels.com/blog/" target="_blank">Life After Bagels</a>), Scott (<a href="http://www.yourinnerskinny.ca/" target="_blank">Your Inner Skinny</a>), <a href="http://twitter.com/Jen_Saunders" target="_blank">Jen</a>, and Nienke (<a href="http://revelblog.com/" target="_blank">Revel</a>) are proud to announce the inception of:</p> <p> <br /><a href="http://nolimitscanada.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0000" size="4">No Limits Canada: Health, Wellness, and Fitness Conference</font></a></p> <p><font size="6"></font></p> <p>This wonderful conference will be a multi-day event taking place in <strong><font size="4">Toronto, Canada in May, 2011</font></strong> (final date to be announced soon). The event will be open to anyone, regardless if they’re bloggers or not or even country of residence. We hope you will join us for what is guaranteed to be a weekend full of speakers, hands-on health and fitness classes, photography workshops, foodie goodness, swag, and fun explorations a fantastic cosmopolitan city!!!</p> <p>Right now the best way to stay updated is through our respective blogs, the official <a href="http://nolimitscanada.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">No Limits Canada</a> website, or through our <a href="https://twitter.com/nolimitscanada" target="_blank">twitter account</a>. </p> <p>I’m super excited about the event and I hope you are too!!!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: Will you consider attending “</font></strong><a href="http://nolimitscanada.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><strong><font color="#ff0000">No Limits Canada: Health, Wellness, and Fitness Conference</font></strong></a><strong><font color="#ff0000">?”</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-2324833774706951062010-07-30T08:20:00.001-06:002010-07-30T08:20:46.213-06:00Foto Friday<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFLfucWumXI/AAAAAAAAffk/IXIuD-Dhgzw/s1600-h/guanajuato%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="guanajuato" border="0" alt="guanajuato" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFLfvEuK4mI/AAAAAAAAffs/SkQ37HQ0G7g/guanajuato_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Guanajuato30_guanajuato.jpg"><font size="1">(source)</font></a></p> <p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>It’s Friday again!!! I don’t know about you but the second half of my week seemed to just zoom by – which suits me just fine!</p> <p>I was looking at the calendar the other day and realized that we’re <strong>only three months away from our wedding</strong>. EEEK!!!! That’s super exciting and yet a little stressful at the same time. The dress, the honeymoon, the invitations, the ceremony, the guests . . . there are so many details to with which to preoccupy myself. Thankfully, our wedding invitations will go out this following week. It’s later than we hoped it to be but we were pretty specific about what we wanted and we had to wait for certain materials to be sourced. Once the invites are out I’ll be sure to blog about our whole wedding invitation suite – we’re really quite thrilled with how it turned out! </p> <p>In the meantime, I thought today’s Foto Friday should feature a glimpse of <strong>our honeymoon destination – Guanajuato, Mexico</strong>. It’s not what people envision when they think of Mexico and that’s exactly what we wanted. Something off the beaten (North American) tourist path. Somewhere that allowed us to live out our “sitting in a cafe in a beautiful historical city” visions. Guanajuato turned out to be perfect.</p> <p> <br /><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: What are your plans for this weekend?</font></strong> <strong><font color="#ff0000">It’s a long weekend here in Canada so I’m sure I’ll get up to some chelaxing (chilling + relaxing)!</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-42624595932069924982010-07-28T22:45:00.001-06:002010-07-28T22:45:16.383-06:00High Altitude Roasting<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>I know I keep on mentioning this but it’s still sweltering up here in the Rocky Mountains. In fact it’s almost 10PM and it’s only now starting to get bearable. All I know is, I have heaps of respect for those of you that live in the South.</p> <p>My guess is that although I was born in the tropics I forgot to live in crazy heat somewhere along the way! <img alt="smile_regular" src="http://spaces.live.com/rte/emoticons/smile_regular.gif" /></p> <p>Monday it was over 100 degrees by the time I left work (over 40C). I couldn’t bear the thought of cooking so I went to the grocery store to buy a deli sub for dinner. That’s when one of my co-workers called wanting to know if we were still on for our standing <a href="http://tobethewholepackage.blogspot.com/2010/05/standing-date.html">Monday night doggy hike</a>. Truth be told I was stunned to no end. I couldn’t imagine Daisy out in that heat. To compromise we decided to head out to one of the local lakes (a particularly gorgeous one at the base of the Rocky Mountains) for a picnic dinner and hike.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG2UBgf1I/AAAAAAAAfac/5wSbr-H4048/s1600-h/IMG_2013%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="the steeples" border="0" alt="the steeples" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG3VJaGzI/AAAAAAAAfak/vvNsbOQWrKI/IMG_2013_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Lovely, no?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG4G9tUNI/AAAAAAAAfas/y7lnAV6g8eM/s1600-h/IMG_2004%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="reflections" border="0" alt="reflections" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG4-2wimI/AAAAAAAAfa0/js3KyYYL15w/IMG_2004_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a>  </p> <p>The lake is spring fed so it’s particularly frigid. Particularly where it gets deeper. This despite the intense Rocky Mountain sun.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG6TJebrI/AAAAAAAAfa8/joYgWAJk7EQ/s1600-h/IMG_1982%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="puppers" border="0" alt="puppers" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG7NakObI/AAAAAAAAfbE/GrcO9o8v3BU/IMG_1982_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="303" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Don’t believe me? Ask my soaking wet puppy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG8BB9JeI/AAAAAAAAfbM/A7IO7gF7Efk/s1600-h/IMG_1986%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Gatorade" border="0" alt="Gatorade" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG9J0YwPI/AAAAAAAAfbU/CaE764g6Xlc/IMG_1986_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>Dinner featured some G2 Gatorade (I’m a big fan of Gatorade in hot weather since I tend to become easily dehydrated).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG-DI1LII/AAAAAAAAfbc/3W43mqzBfdk/s1600-h/IMG_1981%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="sub" border="0" alt="sub" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG-47wx9I/AAAAAAAAfbk/wCwlmx5Ai64/IMG_1981_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>More deli sandwiches made by my local Safeway.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEG_7ABwEI/AAAAAAAAfbs/_eIQpJbjPUc/s1600-h/IMG_1991%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherries" border="0" alt="cherries" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHA2YNAXI/AAAAAAAAfb0/5l8UR4mrWCI/IMG_1991_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Some wonderful British Columbia grown cherries.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHByiomaI/AAAAAAAAfb8/AIKZIs7wTGo/s1600-h/IMG_1990%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="les bleus" border="0" alt="les bleus" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHCsEyhvI/AAAAAAAAfcE/N0f5_1izPKM/IMG_1990_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I also added one of the <strong>new Kashi granola bars</strong> (courtesy of a coupon I received for a free box).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHD7MzpBI/AAAAAAAAfcM/8flyR5O2a5g/s1600-h/IMG_1980%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="a trio" border="0" alt="a trio" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHFAuRGDI/AAAAAAAAfcY/sz8WzAP0WqY/IMG_1980_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>The bars had pretty decent nutritionals.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHF_V1OUI/AAAAAAAAfcg/2299b6sT8vE/s1600-h/IMG_1994%5B15%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="kashi" border="0" alt="kashi" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHHN4WScI/AAAAAAAAfco/sd9WqroGWtc/IMG_1994_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHIFtC3XI/AAAAAAAAfcw/k5y75-joVY8/s1600-h/IMG_1988%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="caloric stuff" border="0" alt="caloric stuff" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHI0--KFI/AAAAAAAAfc4/QMyxoSkSmM4/IMG_1988_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>At first glance I was impressed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHKZQrM4I/AAAAAAAAfdA/k66Fc0gy464/s1600-h/IMG_1995%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="aerial kashi" border="0" alt="aerial kashi" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHLKLd6EI/AAAAAAAAfdI/PszuD0iC9U0/IMG_1995_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHMp9bcpI/AAAAAAAAfdQ/9AUIXvApmig/s1600-h/IMG_1997%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="side-view kashi" border="0" alt="side-view kashi" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHNUz6DsI/AAAAAAAAfdY/gkpmaZDuu70/IMG_1997_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHOQOMuOI/AAAAAAAAfdg/gu-_ztEgLEc/s1600-h/IMG_1998%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="back kashi" border="0" alt="back kashi" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHPCcyEaI/AAAAAAAAfdo/R3RPasZ2Ey4/IMG_1998_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>And as far as the taste I have to say my mouth was pretty happy. My chocolate raspberry bar was not too sweet and certainly not salty. I also enjoyed the fact that it tasted like it had a layer of raspberry jam between the chocolate and the granola bar itself. Overall I was pleased.</p> <p>The Fiancé however felt something was missing. He deemed it <strong>“healthy tasting.”</strong> Which is his way of saying that his taste-buds weren’t fooled by the chocolate layer.</p> <p>Our friend clearly voiced her opinion when she blurted out <strong>“Chocolate!?!? THIS is chocolate!?!?”</strong> Apparently she wasn’t fooled either.</p> <p>The problem I had with the bars was when I noticed that buried at the end of the ingredient list was peanut flour. I was sad. Never before have I needed to worry about peanuts with Kashi. And here they went and made a bar with peanut flour. <strong>Given that I’m allergic to peanuts I won’t be buying these bars again</strong>. </p> <p>Miraculously I didn’t get sick from the bars – which leads me to believe that the peanut flour content is negligible at best. Likely why it’s right at the end of the ingredient list. Still, I won’t be risking my health in the future.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHP6JRWRI/AAAAAAAAfdw/0vGafXiK9YY/s1600-h/IMG_1993%5B17%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="includes" border="0" alt="includes" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHQ9M4smI/AAAAAAAAfd4/PH5zY5k2Jww/IMG_1993_thumb%5B15%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I honestly don’t understand why Kashi would stipulate on the package that the bars contained dates and raspberries and somehow neglect to mention peanuts. Fail Kashi. <strong>FAIL</strong>.</p> <p>After dinner we splashed around the lake where I snapped some more pictures of the surroundings.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHR0wFc1I/AAAAAAAAfeA/fhNDlkbW1rQ/s1600-h/IMG_2007%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="reflection" border="0" alt="reflection" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHSuk-TiI/AAAAAAAAfeI/IJmCknYcTM4/IMG_2007_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHTrv5XMI/AAAAAAAAfeQ/WDYkQMdJh4k/s1600-h/IMG_2009%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="clouds" border="0" alt="clouds" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHUTpVAjI/AAAAAAAAfeY/fgSHiX2RR_E/IMG_2009_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>As the evening cooled we made our way to another lake where we went on our regular hike. It was hot. Brutally hot. And the sun was blistering. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHV1q0e3I/AAAAAAAAfeg/RdB8YBLoLwI/s1600-h/IMG_2016%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="lake two" border="0" alt="lake two" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TFEHW6PiTFI/AAAAAAAAfeo/G_kIQc_ujD4/IMG_2016_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Still, we lasted about an hour and a half before heading home. Not bad.</p> <p>I had grand hopes of going for a three mile run after my hike. Ha! I ended up with heat stroke and passed out from my crazy migraine. Clearly, I should have taken my outdoor activities a little lighter, given the weather. <strong>Noted.</strong></p> <p> <br /><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: What do you do to cool off in the midst of the summer?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-44049427988016949002010-07-25T23:24:00.001-06:002010-07-25T23:24:24.285-06:00Lazy Sunday + A Brutally Honest Review - POM<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>How was your weekend loves? We spent our Saturday largely doing wedding stuff and other random chores, which of course meant that we felt fully entitled to relax on Sunday. Woohoo for lazy Sundays!</p> <p>It was crazy hot here in the Rocky Mountains combine that with the intense sun and it was blistering up in the casa. To seek some relief we decided to back some cherries and blueberries, water, a massive sub for sharing (bought at our local Safeway on the way out of town) and head out to a local lake. This was the first time we attempted to do anything like this since getting Daisy. Little did we know how difficult it would be for us to find a lake that would allow us to bring our puppy to the shore. <img alt="smile_sad" src="http://spaces.live.com/rte/emoticons/smile_sad.gif" /></p> <p>We tried multiple parks and no luck. So eventually we ended up heading down a forest service road and finding a remote lake in the mountains. A pristine mountain lake with no rules? Bonus!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0buYisPuI/AAAAAAAAfXo/yrpjrSYs8-4/s1600-h/IMG_1976%5B18%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="kayaks on the shore" border="0" alt="kayaks on the shore" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0bvaZXRaI/AAAAAAAAfXw/Lu4neUOJQ4c/IMG_1976_thumb%5B24%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>The weather up at the lake turned out to be much cooler than down in the city, mostly by virtue of a subtle but continuous breeze. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0bxLPRRPI/AAAAAAAAfX4/OGLxj4v3wo0/s1600-h/IMG_1977%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherries and blueberries" border="0" alt="cherries and blueberries" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0byPI3PtI/AAAAAAAAfYA/yIwNIbsSK6Y/IMG_1977_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>I purchased the cherries at the local farmer’s market on Saturday. While it would be cheaper to purchase them at a grocery store (where they would likely come from Washington State) I chose to buy produce grown in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0bzIT8iXI/AAAAAAAAfYI/XLYrAyFSjLI/s1600-h/IMG_1978%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="morsel" border="0" alt="morsel" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0bzwyis7I/AAAAAAAAfYQ/oX26I89s92I/IMG_1978_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>The sandwich was something we had to purchase since I never keep the necessary ingredients at home. I know most people consider bread a stable but I seldom keep any around; mostly because if it’s there I’ll eat <strike>it all</strike> a lot.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b0-NOLVI/AAAAAAAAfYY/5GRcLr5qZE0/s1600-h/IMG_1979%5B13%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="the long shot" border="0" alt="the long shot" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b2LQTEhI/AAAAAAAAfYg/NPOD7SAtFQM/IMG_1979_thumb%5B18%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="496" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>It wasn’t the healthiest option but it did the job. I picked off the salami and had two small pieces. Plenty to keep me full. I don’t know about you but I just don’t get very hungry in the crazy hot weather. </p> <p>Once we finished our meal we walked around the lake and went for a dip in the water. It was so refreshing and perfect for a lazy Sunday!</p> <p>A little bit later in the evening we headed out to see Inception. It was kind of trippy and a bit of the Matrix meets James Bond. Overall it was really good and made you question reality. That’s basically my measure of a good movie – does it leave you thinking afterwards? This one sure did!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="4">A POM Review and GIVEAWAY</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b3EPfR3I/AAAAAAAAfYo/EnNe2vY7ZqE/s1600-h/IMG_0884%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="POM Coupons" border="0" alt="POM Coupons" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b3wyrdtI/AAAAAAAAfYw/okQzB0LDdog/IMG_0884_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="302" /></a> </p> <p>Some time ago I received coupons for free bottles of <a href="http://www.pomwonderful.com/">POM</a> from their very gracious manufacturers. I kind of heart me some POM so I was thrilled at the opportunity to officially review the product for the blog.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b4owyOzI/AAAAAAAAfY4/cMi44HFZjB0/s1600-h/IMG_0885%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="The Deets" border="0" alt="The Deets" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b5Ua36bI/AAAAAAAAfZA/rhOPqP15VGc/IMG_0885_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="301" /></a> </p> <p>I still remember the first time I heard about pomegranate juice, it was while I was talking to some Persian friends in High School. I was told Iranians swore by the health benefits of pomegranates. I couldn’t even begin to fathom what would be so great about those small little seeds. And how in the world did they manage to get juice out of those things anyways!?!?</p> <p>Back then I wasn’t really interested in healthy living so it wasn’t until some years had passed that I learned the Persians had a good thing going! POM juice is made up of <strong>100% pomegranate juice</strong>; which means it’s absolutely <strong>jammed pack with antioxidants</strong>. Current research seems to indicate that antioxidants help to prevent oxidization in our bodies and as such may help protect us from diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes (amongst others).</p> <p>Many people turn to red wine for its antioxidant content. Indeed, there’s this whole school of thought that attributes the health of the French, despite their diets high in indulgences, to their red wine consumption; this is known as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_paradox">French Paradox</a>. Well it turns out that POM contains a higher antioxidant count then even red wine!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b6JcZoLI/AAAAAAAAfZI/dYmJnKSYYB0/s1600-h/IMG_0886%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="POM kiwi" border="0" alt="POM kiwi" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b7ADGgNI/AAAAAAAAfZQ/nlrgDgFhodw/IMG_0886_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>For my review I took two of the coupons I was sent and used them to purchase two flavours I had never tried.</p> <p>First up was <strong>POM Kiwi</strong>. I wasn’t sure how the kiwi would stand up against the pomegranates. Overall I would say that the kiwi gave the POM a slightly increased tanginess which was distinctly different from the usual POM taste. The flavour of the kiwi was distinctly prominent.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b7vRzClI/AAAAAAAAfZY/a5Gwie-Sr64/s1600-h/IMG_0887%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="POM mango" border="0" alt="POM mango" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b8p09GoI/AAAAAAAAfZg/o7c6ODJaWz4/IMG_0887_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="529" /></a> </p> <p>The next flavour I tried was the <strong>POM with mango</strong>. Also a first for me. This flavour seemed to lessen the usual tartness of the POM juice but overall it seemed to get lost in the juice. I would recommend this flavour to those that find POM juice a little too tart in its original flavour.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b9f4ytMI/AAAAAAAAfZo/oC2TViYXD98/s1600-h/IMG_0888%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="the ingredients" border="0" alt="the ingredients" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b-R9bBKI/AAAAAAAAfZw/e8x19NRosz8/IMG_0888_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p>Now I’m not going to pretend that POM juice is cheap – that it is not. But like organic produce or free-range products, <strong>I consider POM an investment in my health</strong>. Whenever possible I keep a bottled on hand. And I figure since it’s so jammed pack with antioxidants, a little can go a long way. While I know a lot of people drink their POM juice in shot glass portions I tend to make mocktails out of POM Wonderful.</p> <p>Start out with your POM flavour of choice and a bit of club soda. Don’t forget a lovely glass.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0b_drTjzI/AAAAAAAAfZ4/VFNBYBEIbSI/s1600-h/IMG_0889%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="the pour" border="0" alt="the pour" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0cAUlxY0I/AAAAAAAAfaA/7uxyv5ghNi8/IMG_0889_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="302" /></a> </p> <p>Pour a bit of POM juice into the bottom of your glass. I was generous with my pour.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0cA-vSoOI/AAAAAAAAfaI/1_RcD6Z2Yu0/s1600-h/IMG_0890%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="POM cocktail" border="0" alt="POM cocktail" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TE0cBjRBwpI/AAAAAAAAfaQ/PS251ynxjFo/IMG_0890_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="529" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Top the rest off with club soda and enjoy your delicious drink. If you’re feeling particularly fancy pants, feel free to add a slice of lime to your glass or maybe some raspberries. And if you’re having a party, don’t forget to add a splash of vodka.</p> <p>Overall Review? I absolutely LOVE POM juice! It’s one of my go-to healthy food splurges and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to my readers. If you don’t do it for the taste then at least do it for your health.</p> <p>And here’s the <strong><font color="#ff0000">GIVEAWAY</font></strong> part – I have two coupons for free POM juice to give away to one lucky reader. <strong><font color="#ff0000">To enter all you have to do is comment on this entry</font></strong>. Contest closes on Friday, July 30th 2010 at 8AM PST. Best of luck bloggies!</p> <p> <br /><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question: Have you ever tried POM juice? Did you like it?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534844495257848164.post-88924184448847882072010-07-24T20:30:00.001-06:002010-07-24T20:30:49.583-06:00Cranbrook Sushi – Crazy Good Value in the Rockies<p>Hola Bloggies:</p> <p>Lately, it seems the Fiancé and I have made it our mission to try all the sushi restaurants in the Canadian Rockies. Don’t worry . . . there aren’t too many so we should be able to manage just fine. <img alt="smile_wink" src="http://spaces.live.com/rte/emoticons/smile_wink.gif" /></p> <p>For tonight’s dinner we ended up heading to a place called <strong>Cranbrook Sushi; a very recent addition to the market</strong>. And while this particular restaurant may be in a non-descript strip mall they’ve done a great job remodelling the interior.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhWZ0adPI/AAAAAAAAfS0/F2WHobZvgnA/s1600-h/IMG_1940%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cranbrook sushi" border="0" alt="cranbrook sushi" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhXR_PKmI/AAAAAAAAfS8/UiCww3qhgA4/IMG_1940_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhYDpmTcI/AAAAAAAAfTE/_jNzToIo0uw/s1600-h/IMG_1944%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ordering" border="0" alt="ordering" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhY417mjI/AAAAAAAAfTM/cIuDYlB7k6Q/IMG_1944_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>While we perused the menu we were offered complimentary hot or cold green tea. This may not seem like a big deal except that many sushi places in the Canadian Rockies will charge almost $3 for tea.</p> <p>Truthfully we were somewhat overwhelmed by their awesome menu. The sushi rolls were exceedingly cheap (with <strong>most rolls under $5</strong>) and the cooked food selection looked amazing. In an attempt to sample the menu I chose one of their set dinners while the Fiancé decided to order rolls.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhZgZm4-I/AAAAAAAAfTU/TAg-PIlriMg/s1600-h/IMG_1946%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="set dinner" border="0" alt="set dinner" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhaX9dBOI/AAAAAAAAfTc/cUc_9gpsAtw/IMG_1946_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhbYuQILI/AAAAAAAAfTk/Yb7aJa5ln2E/s1600-h/IMG_1948%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rolls" border="0" alt="rolls" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhb1iR6kI/AAAAAAAAfTs/H63C152EZHk/IMG_1948_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>We ended up massively over ordering. This was mostly due to an assumption that given the price the rolls would be very small. Not so amigos. Next time (because there will definitely be a next time) we will order considerably less.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhc6-gX9I/AAAAAAAAfT0/q6PtMYCPlK0/s1600-h/IMG_1950%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="pottery" border="0" alt="pottery" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhdnahdMI/AAAAAAAAfT8/YCZor9m9ZuA/IMG_1950_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuheaSvCCI/AAAAAAAAfUE/2n-nMLAlizA/s1600-h/IMG_1951%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="surprise" border="0" alt="surprise" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhfHvfxpI/AAAAAAAAfUM/Oyklfkoz8LA/IMG_1951_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>The first thing that came out of the kitchen was a <strong>complimentary</strong> rice and yam chowder. It was very delicate in taste and beautifully presented. A really nice touch!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhguGUgtI/AAAAAAAAfUU/ZjvcoCPNxDo/s1600-h/IMG_1952%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rollie rollie" border="0" alt="rollie rollie" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhhZ-VSvI/AAAAAAAAfUc/BmxwYtxinz8/IMG_1952_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhiSH1RDI/AAAAAAAAfUk/qiWIkXD46SQ/s1600-h/IMG_1954%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rollie up close" border="0" alt="rollie up close" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhjEvGoKI/AAAAAAAAfUs/MTSIue7cZCE/IMG_1954_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>The shrimp rolled in green stuff is a dish the restaurant calls Rollie Rollie. Essentially, a deep fried prawn covered with your choice of noodles. The Fiancé chose cha soba (gree tea flavoured soba noodles) and proclaimed the dish to be really good. Not too greasy and a good value appetizer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhkDUQpiI/AAAAAAAAfU0/diOWMAD9iLk/s1600-h/IMG_1955%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="miso" border="0" alt="miso" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhk03TXOI/AAAAAAAAfU8/qlcqW-Rpatw/IMG_1955_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Another complimentary dish. This time miso soup. I like complimentary. It’s a good price! </p> <p>From there on in the food just seemed to come out in waves. By the end I was scared every time the waitress came out of the kitchen. I was afraid the dish would be for our table. Usually it was. Eeeek! </p> <p>I’ll let the pictures tell the tale.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhlgSkFoI/AAAAAAAAfVE/9uyTTZKL1t0/s1600-h/IMG_1956%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="set dinner" border="0" alt="set dinner" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhmTeEPzI/AAAAAAAAfVM/k6f1BkxnjuE/IMG_1956_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="249" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhm-TJCRI/AAAAAAAAfVU/Hwx6Nl99Lgo/s1600-h/IMG_1972%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1972" border="0" alt="IMG_1972" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhoNfEC_I/AAAAAAAAfVc/DBfHBAIhDns/IMG_1972_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhpAP90zI/AAAAAAAAfVk/V977UiqUgmE/s1600-h/IMG_1958%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="black cod = YUM" border="0" alt="black cod = YUM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhp2wJdLI/AAAAAAAAfVs/dozifbHIh_U/IMG_1958_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>That would be the box part of my set menu. I tried a bit of everything and while the tempura was light and crispy and the miso soup was good, the fish really stole the show! <strong>I loved the gunkan</strong> (a boat shaped sushi roll) and the nigiri sushi. My gunkan had some chopped raw salmon, a bottom of rice, and a little layer of spicy sauce in between. While my nigiri sushi was perfectly fresh and delicate. Then there was the grilled black cod; a small piece but just enough to make me ooh and aaaah.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhq0BePeI/AAAAAAAAfV0/uGc3YGglROM/s1600-h/IMG_1959%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="sukiyaki dish" border="0" alt="sukiyaki dish" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhrrgN_LI/AAAAAAAAfV8/4-k0u_M5j68/IMG_1959_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhsTU5rpI/AAAAAAAAfWE/NBNbXsWghGY/s1600-h/IMG_1960%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="sukiyaki" border="0" alt="sukiyaki" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhtWn7gYI/AAAAAAAAfWM/gXyuQ7FJq2o/IMG_1960_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Next came the sukiyaki which is basically a combination of meat, broth, veggies, and tofu cooked at your table. <strong>I loved the earthenware containers </strong>that concealed the little canister that cooked the ingredients. Excellent presentation.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhuB56v0I/AAAAAAAAfWU/Zs_Y449aSKE/s1600-h/IMG_1969%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="egg sauce and rice" border="0" alt="egg sauce and rice" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhuzeREnI/AAAAAAAAfWc/UGNXwiv00Sc/IMG_1969_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Traditionally the sukiyaki meat is passed through a fresh cracked egg and then eaten beside either rice or noodle. I shared this portion of my meal the Fiancé. We both loved the flavours of the meat. It was another highlight of an already great meal.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhvrlyDsI/AAAAAAAAfWk/klFc-7PAZO0/s1600-h/IMG_1974%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="temaki" border="0" alt="temaki" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhwgBlxwI/AAAAAAAAfWs/SH4V910Uo0s/IMG_1974_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Just when I thought the meal was finally over the waitress brought out a cone roll. Apparently it was part of my meal. I was going to say I couldn’t possibly finish anything else and then I realized it was a <strong>chopped scallop temaki (cone sushi)</strong>. Since it wasn’t that big I sacrificed myself and finished the meal. Ha!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhxpDCHKI/AAAAAAAAfW0/KF65Fuz-A_8/s1600-h/IMG_1965%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="spicy tuna" border="0" alt="spicy tuna" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhyu6SIwI/AAAAAAAAfW8/Oq44V5BWKTA/IMG_1965_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuhzYaRYEI/AAAAAAAAfXE/kbk6ql2X2rw/s1600-h/IMG_1963%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="spicy chopped chopped scallop roll" border="0" alt="spicy chopped chopped scallop roll" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuh0FRyzuI/AAAAAAAAfXM/qqwhJ8y8byI/IMG_1963_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuh1IhdG4I/AAAAAAAAfXU/riVG8PHDxM0/s1600-h/IMG_1966%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Cranbrook roll" border="0" alt="Cranbrook roll" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_v1CiAQOFvG4/TEuh15MjtrI/AAAAAAAAfXc/EXqwu4iN6A8/IMG_1966_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="531" /></a>  </p> <p>The Fiancé who had a selection of their rolls proclaimed them to be great albeit too much food. But that’s our fault and not the restaurant. In retrospect we would stay away from the Cranbrook roll (pictured above) given that it’s way too much food and eats like a meal. Instead, we would stick to one or two small rolls.</p> <p>Overall we were really happy with our experience at Cranbrook Sushi. The service was excellent and the food fantastic bang for your buck. Next time we would order only one or two dishes rather than a wider selection. Bottom line? <strong>I would definitely recommend Cranbrook Sushi </strong>to anyone passing by the East Kootenay region of the Canadian Rockies.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Question? Have you ever accidentally over-ordered at a restaurant?</font></strong></p> A Toronto girl out Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092298085031549866noreply@blogger.com15