lumberjack chique

I was visiting Vancouver this week and had the chance to explore most of the city in one day. Pretty impressive?... it turns out that it's a walkable city... which I completely didn't realize.

Towards the end of my journey I made my way slowly into Gastown, which to me seemed like the SOHO of the Vancouver Island. Cute shops, cobble stones, great vibe!

I found an interesting store called Old Faithful Shop. I call it lumberjack chique.

It was gorgeous!

The owner was quite an interesting character. A little rude and snobish at first, but he opened up towards the end of our conversation and was quite pleasant. He was a polished lumberjack sporting an auburn beard, retro specs, and a new take on a sweet old man's sweater vest.

I asked him permission to take pictures of the store for my blog. He wasn't really thrilled with the idea and stated that he hates the up close shots of small objects and labels. I'm thinking to myself... THESE ARE MY FAVORITE TYPE OF SHOTS!!! Macro setting hello?!?

Anyways, so my pictures suck, 'cuz I was trying to stay cool yet try to capture the amazing things he had in the store. It was just like the outside came in. The old became new. And the unwanted became valued. That would be the general description that I have for the stuff in his store.

I bought my husband a pocket knife from France, two metal camping mugs with lids and a wilderness book... because he is a true lumberjack.... Not a polished one!

I don't want to give too much away and spoil my experience... but you really must check it out!

pici of the weeki-6

Hello my prittis,

Yes, it's been a while, but I still love you! I have been busy with my o'valley blog, so I am still here.

I am sharing with you my pici of the weeki that was submitted by an avid reader ;)

This picture is very interesting, and kind of dark with the evil grin on the heel, the hidden young lady and the black cloud above her. Maybe this is just in time for Halloween!

It was taken in the South of France at the hotel marquis de Sade.

Thank you for sharing this original piece!

Have a happi thanksgiving my prittis.

pici of the weeki 6

It's Friday today! It not only means that it's TGIF, but it also means that it's time for pici of the weeki!

Here is it folks! Punta Cana 2007. Greatest trip ever!
This pictures not only reminds me of the good times we had, but it also reminds me of the movie "The Beach", which so happens to be one of my favorite books too!

This picture was taken by the resort photographer. It was really expensive to purchase, but I had to buy it!!!

B.T.W- it's really hard to get everyone to jump at the same time, let alone jump really high. The trick is to bend your legs back ;)

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

me like pastry

On my last voyage to NYC, I went on a quest, a journey. I was, in search, for the best red velvet cake this concrete jungle had to offer!

I will tell this story with pictures- how else can I make you drool?

We got these cupcakes from Magnolia on Bleeker Street it was worth the wait! Although I am not eating the red velvet cupcake in this picture, I sure did have anothet serving later ;P

These cupcakes were made from a store bought package. They were still good, but not the taste I was looking for...

I tried the red velvet cupcake from Crumbs Bake Shop. It was very tasty, but too sweet from what I recall. Also the portions are really too big for a snack.

Alas! I found my one true love! The best cupcake I found was in a small little shed in SOHO. See that little red cabin behind me in the picture? That's the one! Perfect crumb, perfect taste, perfect moisture, perfect frosting. I wish I had the name and the address of this place. Basically he serves coffee, tea and snacks. This a series of pictures of me trying the cupcake...

And last but not least, my wedding cake.... it was half red velvet and half lemon poppyseed! I kept the top layer for our anniversary... it's RED VELVET!!!

I have tried the Starbucks red velvet cupcake too... let me save you $4. It was gross!! Not fresh and had a strange taste to it. Don't be fooled by it's good looks!

Note: Do not try this experiment at home. This may cause useless money being spent, diabetes, obesity and may stain your hands red.

me so broke-ii

Hello again my prittis.

I didn't want to have to go there, but judging by my 1 vote it looks like you want to hear about my problems. Well, I can't blame you. It's great hearing about other people's problems, because it makes your life seem so easy.

You know that saying..."blah, blah, blah, you would never want to switch with someone else problems in the end"... "blah, blah, blah, walking a mile in my shoes for a day.", "blah, blah, the grass is always greener on the other side.". The point is having problems SUCKS, no matter who you are.

Here are some of my problems:

• Dept :$ (Did I mention I bought my house and got married all in the same year?)


• Shopaholic (I shop because I am unhappy, and I am unhappy because I shop.... Ya right!)


• Excessive renovation planning (I want my house to look like Sarah Richardson decorated it)


• Delusional about everything!


• Need to replace my car- something reasonable like a Honda or Toyota


• Need to redo my kitchen- make all I can really afford is a facelift


• Need to repair the bathroom- seriously, the walls are cracking and the tub is ugmo!


• Excessive planner in general = no time to do anything productive!


• Excessive NEED/WANT to travel (Do you realize how many countries are in Europe?... I haven't even scratched the surface!)


• Excessive travel planning


• Excessive streeming of entire seasons in an unhealthy amount of time


• Awe man, I didn't want to go there but... My P.A.D.D ( Physical Activity Deficit Dissorder)

Before I started this list, I'm thinking to myself... "what should I put on this list? I don't really have any problems, do I?". By the end of this list, I am cutting my wrists and now clinically depressed. Just kidding!

Anyways, the conclusion of my list is that I am BROKE! But I am on track to paying off my debts, one post at a time. I promise. You just have to keep reminding me that I don't NEED a $2,000 chair, that my closet is full and I don't need to buy more shoes or purses or clothes for that matter. That I have to save up for my car if I want one.

Admit it though, you wouldn't tune in if my life was perfect!!!

Let's just say hypothetically that my total debt was $ X... I will attempt to give you a monthly financial statement so you can keep track of my progress!! Now I HAVE to be good! No excuses!

Have a great Tuesday everybody.

me dress by city

Typical scenario for me: Get home from a trip, unpacking my suitcase and wondering..."What possessed me to buy this? When am I ever going to wear this again?"

Okay gals, have you noticed that your style changes depending on the city your are staying in? Your taste completely adapts to your surrounding. Suddenly you are inspired to wear different things, you're telling yourself "Man, I'm gonna be so original and fashionable when I get home."

But who is kidding who? Can I really pull it off?

Take for instance my last trip to Florida. I actually bought a colourful bikini. My friends who know me well, know that I don't buy colour. Everything I own is black, white, navy, grey... you get what I mean. In the end, I am SO HAPPY WITH IT!! I LOVE IT!

My last trip to Jamaica, I bought a green t-shirt that has JAMA-on the front and ICA- on the back. Do you think I will ever wear that shirt again? Maybe to bed.

My last trip to Vegas, I bought a crazy pair of heels... I had to wait 2 years to actually wear them here to synchronize with the fashion trends in Ottawa.

I guess the point I am trying to make is... NEVER CHANGE YOUR HABITS!

These clothes bring back memories, stories and create the best conversations.

"Where did you get those shoes?... oh from my trip to Vegas"