rose

I loooove roses. Or daisies, or lilies, or...TULIPS. I love tulips the most. But these roses are pretty. One of my most favorite things in Vancouver are the flowers.  On nearly every shopping strip there are cheap flowers for sale. $1.99 for 4-5 Gerber's! So cheap! I buy a bouquet every week. These roses however, were on Granville Island at one of the flower shops there.  Pretty - but a bit more then I wanted to spend, so a photo will have to do.

winter is coming

We were in Yaletown on Friday night at Chocoatl - a most delicious Chocolate Cafe serving the best hot chocolate in the city and a scrumptious fondue as well!  It's so great there, you really must go - We were on cloud 9.  BUT it was freaking freezing walking to our delicious destination!!  Since when did winter hit? It is getting here, and I know I shouldn't complain as its not like its snowing or anything.  But walking around at night just isn't as fun when you can't control your shivers.  As per usual though, Yaletown was still as busy as ever.  Vancouverites just don't stop now matter how gross it is outside.  And I love it.

it's been a while

I have been bad at posting lately because I've had no time to be taking photos! I've started  a new job as of Monday so that has been grabbing at my attention. But its the weekend (thank the Lord) so I have time.

This shot is down at Granville Island - at the house boats, and is probably the brightest thing you can see down at the water. I love these house boats because I think they are some of the only ones in the area, AND I didn't even know we had house boats until a couple months ago!  I can't imagine what it would be like to live on a house boat; let alone on one in Granville Island, with the Public Market and all the lovely shops just seconds away.  And not to mention the brightness of this pink boat as well.  INSANE.

pumpkin love

Vancouver is crazy for pumpkins.  Well lately its felt like that.  In Kits there are heaps of people putting pumpkins out... some carved and some not.  At this one house they have about 10-12 carved pumpkins lined up on their roof and they are all making different faces.  It's fun.  I am not big into Halloween at all. But I love the color and texture of pumpkin.  So I say bring out the pumpkins!!  It kind of makes you feel like a kid again when you see them out.

And let's not forget pumpkin pie with whipped creme!!  Oh my.  Thanksgiving came and went too fast. Now we count down to Christmas!  Please come quickly.

hello kitty

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  You know...I just can't handle them.  They make everything look SO good, and its just really frustrating!  I want so badly to eat everything when I am in store, or walking past.  Especially on Robson Street.  It seems like every time I walk past this place, it is packed with people, and it lures me in.  I want to see what's going on.  But every time its the same thing.  People are buying goodies without me!  And I have to hold myself back.  Normally I can say no.  And I must say, this Hello Kitty candy apple was quite the temptation.  But how could I eat something this cute?!

cement love

I LOVE THIS.  I found it while I was out on a walk the other day.  It was on this cement block outside this families house in Kitsilano...it is so funny how kids draw!!  It makes me want to be a Kindergarten teacher so I can see more!  In the house we lived in when I was a child there were two shoe footprints in the cement and I always used to go and stand in them.  I wanted so badly to stumble upon some fresh cement so I could make my own.  I'm glad this kid got to this cement first!

JJ Bean

Hands down best coffee shop in Vancouver.  I am sure those of you that live in the city have tried JJ.  But if you haven't, you must.  My husband swears by their coffee.  But I swear by their Chai Latte.  They really do make the best foam with just the right amount of spice.  It must be all that TLC that goes into making the drink look pretty that makes it taste so delish.  I hate to judge anything by its cover (a book, a person... a chai latte).  BUT just so you know, their drinks ALWAYS look pretty, and taste just as good too.  You can find JJ Bean on Granville Island, Main Street, Commercial Drive, and Yaletown to name a few.

green

I love this wall. It's on Commercial Drive, and could very well be the best green wall in the entire city. Now you might ask why I am posting a picture of a wall. Is there a reason? Is this wall significant? And the answer is... no. I just like it! I like the color, and the shadows cast on it by the tree in front. So I took a picture. I took many actually. But I'm in some of them, and therefore the blank green canvas of a wall is posted on my blog. ;)

Herb.

I had the opportunity to tour some hotels last week as a part of the program that I'm in.  One of them was the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel on Canada Place Way, downtown.  It was gorgeous on the inside, and not too traditional looking-like some Fairmont's out there.  It had a modern, updated feel to it, and it was quite luxurious.  There were a few things that peaked my interest; one of them being that they have their very own rooftop herb garden that the cooks use in the restaurants in the hotel.  I wish I was able to keep plants growing so I could do the same... maybe not on my roof though. 

Autumn Bliss

I went on the most fabulous walk in my neighborhood the other day.  I am pretty sure this was one of the best mornings I have had in a long time.  Nothing like the hot sun hitting your face; especially in autumn!  I love seeing the leaves fall from the trees; and changing color.  It's an invitation to put on our cozy sweaters and scarves.  Kitsilano is most beautiful this time of year I must say.  Come for a walk here...

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...

These nuts are ALL over our block right now.  That's one thing I love about Vancouver.  We have nuts on trees.  The one thing I don't love about this however, is that it's possible one might hit you on the head.  I find myself kind of ducking/wincing when I hear them fall.  Today as we were driving to the airport one hit the sunroof and it literally felt like I squirrel had just hucked it at us.  BUT they make a great centerpiece if you can collect enough... AND I just found out you need to dry them otherwise they will mold.  Which is rather gross.

Down by the Water...

I was computer-less this weekend and was thus unable to write.  But I'm home now, counting down the moments until its time to fall asleep in my own bed!!

This photo is at the waterfront in Yaletown.  A favorite spot of mine for walking along the water, and if I am desperately missing my dog that lives in Edmonton with my family, I can steal some glimpses of the hundreds of dogs that walk along the water as well, with their owners.  I should probably know more about this monument/attraction then I do.  All I know is the tide comes in underneath it, and when it leaves, it leaves jellyfish. ;)

Way up High

I love seeing downtown from up high.  Especially Robson.  There are so many people to watch and neat buildings to look at.  I made a trip up to the 'newer' Winners downtown the other day.  They have a Cafe Crepe down at the base of the store, and wow are their Nutella crepes are delicious.  Anyways, the Winners was good too.  Loads of brand name, quality stuff for fairly cheap.  I was shocked to see a small Fendi purse just hanging on a rack.  A whopping 475$, with no security tag!  Craziness.

Art you can EAT

Why is it that a latte tastes better when the foam has been made into a heart?  Hmm...Not sure either.  But it does.  I'm a foam-a-holic.  I love delicious creamy latte foam.  And Caffe Artigiano is quite good at providing this I must say.  There are numerous locations across the city, but I would have to say my favorite "cafe feel" is at Park Royal Mall area, in West Vancouver.  It's a circular layout, with the entire bar area in the centre of the room and there are tables almost encircling it.  There is nothing like a good latte, at any time of the day (except after 5pm, because then I can never fall asleep) ;)

http://www.caffeartigiano.com

All covered up

It looks better in color.  AND in real life.  I snapped it a couple weeks ago, but this is one of THE BEST buildings in Vancouver.  I LOVE when buildings are covered in leaves/vines/whatever.  This is in the Denman area, around English Bay, and I can't for the life of me remember the address.  But I QUITE enjoy it.  Now if I could only figure out how to do this to my own house...

Roots

This has got to be one of the most incredible in-store displays I have ever seen!  You can find this creative gem inside the Aveda Salon on Robson Street, downtown.  Absolutely incredible.  As far as I can tell, these are real tree roots too.  I'm not going to lie though, I am a little scared that it will fall on me... which is why I don't really ever stand directly under it.  But how creative.  (I am off to the States for the weekend so that is why this is early!)

I've Got a City Love

This has got to be one of my favorite sculptures in the city.  We all need a little more love, and what a better way to show it than with bright blue.  You can find it at 1445 West Georgia, downtown.  I know it may be a bit of a copy cat of New York's red LOVE.  But I looked into it, and if you can believe it, there are actually dozens of these LOVE statues around the world.  Who knew?

I Owe You

I was out of town this weekend and lacking access to a computer, so I failed to post every two days. ;) Bad I know... So I am going to make it up to you right now with one extra post for this week. Featuring...The U Life Accessory Store on 2028 Vine @ 4th Avenue shopping. (Their window display to be exact!) But what a wonderfully cute store it is. I couldn't resist this display when I saw it. Reminds me that Christmas is coming... and that shopping season starts with it soon too! Word on the street is that the owner of this store actually travels the globe to source her exclusive pieces of jewelry and home decor goodness. What a life. I might just have to pop by again soon.

http://www.ulifestore.com/

Swimming Bliss at Kits Pool

Can anybody ask for a more beautiful setting for a swimming pool in Vancouver?  I think not.  Gotta love the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, with the North Shore mountains splashed into the background to add a final touch.  This pool is on the chillier side most days, but on a hot summer day there is nothing more refreshing than this?  It is considered to be Canada's longest pool at 137 m, and admission is under $5!  It just closed for the season, but will be opened again in the late spring.

The Cross

So this shot is from inside one of the most stunning boutique shops in Yaletown, called 'The Cross'. Absolutely gorgeous interior that plays with the imagination like none other. This place keeps my future dream house alive in my mind. They sell beautiful furniture, bedding, jewellery, books, you name it. Anything to tease my home decorish mind.

www.thecrossdesign.com

a new beginning

Welcome to-vancouver every two-featuring one Vancouver photo, every two days. Seeing as I am new to the city, I thought it would be fun to become a tourist myself and snap some shots of things I come across- to keep life interesting. Fall in love with my city.

this pic is taken at the spanish banks. a beautiful beach loved by families and friends alike; near kitsilano. it is the best in the summers to cozy up with a deliciously filled picnic basket and enjoy it with some good friends. it almost always promises a stunning sunset too...begging us to come back more often.