shopping in victoria

Victoria isn't renowned for its shopping but.... it has some of the best little cute boutiques around. You have to stay in a small little corridor but there you'll find stores that carry Lifetime Collective, small american designers and some classics... But my favourite store is Smoking Lily.

A small store and subsequent studio creates loving creations that are sewn and silk-screened in-house. They try to source locally (Victoria, BC then Canada) and their stuff is just drool worthy beautiful. You can follow them on their blog!

I picked up a black cotton scarf with leaf and bird print for the pending outdoor family photograph!

I wanted this skirt but they didn't have any left....

adjusting

so after a few days in travel, L2 and I had a period of adjustment mainly with the cold and the snow. Growing up in the Pacific northwest, snow was on the mountains - not in my backyard and never in Victoria. People are laughing at the palm trees that are covered in snow (number 9).

Needless to say after one of the snowiest months on record, we have a foot of snow, there is decidely no golfing this year and rolling luggage in unpaved snow is like putting three grown men onto a sled and saying of course I can carry you all up the hill. HA

But the snow brings some wonderful pictures for later including snow on the beach, snow on the evergreens, a border collie romping around and the best of all - senior citizen driving is at an all-time low.

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plane day!

Oh tomorrow is plane day and that means planning the perfect 10 hour plane ride outfits. Mandatory: layers, comfy shoes, even comfier pants, and reading material. I've planned the outfit out and I'm going with:

Long sleeve grey uniqlo heat warmer tee underneath a black lux v-neck loose cami and on top a black cardigan. Pants are my skinny uniqlo jeans that are just a bit too loose with my uggs. (I know they make me fashion road kill but I want pillows for my feet), and comfy sweat socks. To add some punch, I wish I was wearing a super large owl necklace that I saw at Spitalfields but was too foolish to impulse buy - instead I'm wearing a simple silver ruffle necklace. (it's easy to take off at security while still wearing jewelery) and GAP black printed different styles of plaid scarf

In the bag I've packed my contact case (with a bit of liquid inside....) glasses, sunglasses, Gulliver's travels, an extra elastic, lip balm, all relevant documentation, a light blanket and my 'travel kit', laptop, a small longchamp bag and travel hairbrush.

I'm ready to go!

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reasons to visit Copenhagen at Christmas

L2 and I recently went to Copenhagen to get in the Christmas mood. It was such a beautiful city (even without the dreamy snow). We rented an apt (the most amazing stylish studio ever) in a little neighbourhood just off the centre. I need to see the rest of Denmark...
- an amusement park has a twinkly large garden- because it's romantic. and despite cyncism ruling the day, we all need a little romance - christmas markets and Danish design stores have great presents (for you and others)- studio apartments are the cheapest accommodation (besides sleeping on a friend's couch...). It's a nice touch- amazing grocery stores with good cheese and bread (a personal love)- less crowds than london. but the pedestrian shopping street was still a bit interesting.- while it's chilly outside, it means showing off your new bright yellow scarf- no queues for the swings roller coaster in the middle of the city- orange hedges- rivals any city that says they are the 'design capital'- everywhere you look is another christmas tree- a hilarious light show is amazing on a brisk night- day birger et mikkleson and by malene birger stores decked in holiday attire and pretty clothing

o'canada

I am making the sojourn back to my native land in two days. L2 and I decided a few years ago to split Christmases between families as it was getting too difficult to do it apart.

Unfortunately, our families live on different sides of the country so really you can't even head over to the other family's place for boxing day or New Years brunch. It was a hard decision for both of us to let go of our family traditions and embrace each others for the sake of being together on that day but it was worth it. Christmas has always been one of my favourite times of year, and not having L2 on the morning just didn't seem right anymore. He was the person I wanted to share all my child- like excitement with.

And now we are heading back to the west coast, to a 'home' I've never seen before and to a city I've never lived in for my family's holidays… something tells me that this year will be interesting!

Image is from Christmas last year. L2's family hosts a gingerbread house making 'evening' or 'afternoon'.

when I return...

Because I haven't been back to the West coast in a year and a half, I have started planning my trip a few weeks in advance. Here's just a few musts...

• go to J.crew and anthropologie in seattle
• ohhh, ahh and listen at the experience music project
  
• eat at White Spot and have a BC burger, and an old school chocolate milkshake
  
• eat at Earls and have the unhealthy spinach and artichoke dip for lunch
• play golf or pretend that I know what I'm doing
• buy at least one pair of lululemons to replace my grungy holey pairs.
• spend hours with my nephew
• spend hours with my animal nephew, Merlin
• go to West fourth and find one piece I love from the Lifetime Collective
• walk on the beach
• have a peppermint hot chocolate at the original starbucks
• think that New Years will not be all that
• find the perfect family photograph outfit
• bike around victoria
• go hiking
• spend hours with my nana, Granny and Grandad
• read several of my penquin £2 classics
• spend hours with my childhood best friend..... you hear that...

Image via Jimi Hendrix, golf, Lululemon pants, peppermint hot chocolate, lifetime collective tee, Victoria

Virtual gingerbread

Given up sugar this Christmas? L2 gave up sugar last January (well to be more precise, sweets) and we've kinda done without any Christmas baking. He says he won't be tempted if I want to make something, but I think of it as a good excuse to just eat a few pieces at friends' houses and walking away.

Instead I'm decorating this house!

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a little light reading

Every time I get on a plane, I always head to the local airport magazine shop and pick up three magazines that have anything remotely to do with decoration, design or fashion. However, as plane rides have become a bit more common, and I keep picking up magazines even when I'm not travelling - I've run out of selection for this month! The upcoming 10 hour journey has me a bit scared that I'll be terribly bored. I'm not sure the plane has individual movie sets for each seat (yes I was spoiled with Air Canada?!?) and I have a problem with my eyes that makes it near impossible to watch a movie on a plane unless I'm directly in front of the large screen in the middle. So what can I bring to pass the time - Penguin publishing has the answer!



I was recently introduced to this amazing idea by friend backpacking around Europe. She had just picked up a few of classics (including Jane Eyre, Oliver Twist and Pride and Prejudice) for £2 a book. It's a simple green cover and it's not incredibly long lasting. But they are perfect for travel. Engrossing, flexible, light, fit in your handbag and will never cause a judging glance from your fellow passenger when you take it out.

last weekend in london

before L2 and I embark back to the Canadian west coast, we figured we had to say bye to London. We're gone for two weeks and I'm worried about seperation anxiety. I haven't been away from London for longer than eight days since I arrived.

Yes, I know that's insane.

So, we headed out with a few of L2's friends down to Kingston and didn't decide to return until very late and very silly. We wasted Saturday and watched Christmas movies (Love, actually which was far more fitting as we live in London), exchanged some prezzies with a fellow canadian and had breakfast at 4 p.m.

Sunday was far more productive as I rushed around to try to find a few more London specific presents, enjoyed my favourite market - Spitalfields, had brunch with a friend, did the oxford thing and was suprised at how empty it was..., and then sat back to watch Elf and make the family phone calls.

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All in all a typical canadian in london weekend.

my uae debate

It's been on everyone's 'to go' list in London for the past few years.

Instead of escaping to Egypt this year, it's about trying to combine business/travel holiday to the UAE. The recent recession has put a damper on claiming it as a business trip, but there are more than a few in the city that have not been affected and therefore could still do the combined trip.

A few friends have mentioned they are tempted to pick up and move out there for a year or two because of the money and proximity to travel India and more of the middle east...which means a free place to stay in a very expensive city...

I'm tempted to go there to see the crazy excess (and wadi world) similar to the reasons why we turn our heads for a car wreck and make several journeys to Vegas. However should I support the soulless nature of these cities, the lack of environmental concern (though recently Dubai water taxis went eco-friendly)? Also the idea of travelling only because it does have the crazy excess seems strange…… I normally travel for the history.

And there's just still so much to see on this continent...

Image via - Istockphoto.com

iconic London lit up

It was no surprise that London decided to go all out for Christmas. Despite being multi-cultural, it's a very traditional city with a large focus on materialism. To be honest, it's worth all the christmas jingles and ads as a decked out London is stunning.
Images lights leading up to the London eye and Carnaby Street at night (not mine!).

Venice is sinking and of course I want to swim

this is not another tragically hip song randomly foreshadowing the sinking of a city. Venice has had massive floods over the past two weeks resulting in a high alert for anyone travelling to the area and some very amusing shots of locals have breakfast in wellies, raincoats and their cappuccino. I guess I'll have to go sooner rather than later before it becomes a 21st century version of Atlantis (shot of HSBC print ad of water metropolis). (HSBC effective print ad to India to raise the profile of its eco-charity)

Images via venice, hsbc print ad

Back with a vengeance.

Back and with a purpose to the blog. For too long I've been blasé about the style and topics of my blog. For now - I'm going to be rather travel and London centric (with a bit of euro design, euro trash, and British fabulousness thrown in). Also for too long, I've just not been blogging. A lot has happened in the past month and a bit in my life... and no word of lie - it was just too crazy to sit and write. So suddenly not blogging for a few days became a few weeks and now it's almost Christmas and I've been as silent as a mouse.

But to give myself some excuses and a bit of a break - changes in my life included:

• having L2's sister and husband visit and me so cheerily giving them my stomach flu. I know, I'm a great girlfriend but I did make up for it and L2 and Kaili know how!


• tonsillitis (almost three weeks of fever, chill and bone splitting headaches) and penicillin for the first time. I could do without both ever again.


• The job. Not to be discussed but things changed. And for the excited better.


• Visit to Cambridge (which really isn't an excuse...)


• Trip to Copenhagen (which will be subsequent posts)


• Christmas shopping before 10 December (which really meant 4 December as L2 and I were away for the weekend and needed to buy boxes, gift wrap, etc) as airmail last posting date to Canada really shortens your shopping time.


• Trying to book ski holidays - it's surprising how that did take a lot of time. Which got quickly destroyed due to job…..Also I was starting to organise our big trip next spring... Morocco! So all selfish but good for more topics.


• Lost 7 pounds (but not in that healthy way - blaming the tonsilitis and stomach flu) but still hoping to keep it off as I'm about to have the family photograph. The last one taken was in 1986/87 and my cute button nose was the only thing I needed to look good then....


• plan the trip home - booking hotels, ferries, buses and well getting family members to give concrete times a month and a bit in advance was a bit strenuous. Well only one person was strenuous....


• consider volunteering for something that made me feel good - Crohn's society in UK. I have it, I'm in remission, I could help and understand the daily traumas and frustrations of living with the disease. Something that is always good in a volunteer.


• Christmas season. It's crazy here and that means something every night and not a lot of sleep to go on….

So perhaps nothing that crazy – just life, but still blogging just kept dropping off the list… I'll be better though, and I'm blogging over the holidays!

aha moments

If you have a moment, put a smile on your face. Thanks to Lily who sent me this over. I love aha moments and that's just for me. I wouldn't be able to comprehend watching an 'aha' moment on a child....

weekly shop: m&s

I'm rarely a fan of M&S clothes but their food and accessories can't be beat most days. Because I have several M&S food stores and one very giant store close to my work, I often pop in to peruse or pick up a few extras for the evening meal.

Their stockings, socks and undies are dependable, most of the time cute, and definitely the right price. However, I am partial to the bag above (I'm going through a yellow phase!)

I wish m&s had succeeded in Canada. I'll miss it when I go back. Whenever I return to London from a trip, its the m&s in the airport that makes it feel like I've come home again. Good branding!

canadianism

a random canadianism was noted today. English do not use the word 'kitty corner'. Anyone know where that came from?

Ex. the Gap is kitty corner to the starbucks (aka diagonal).

Image via etsy - isn't that adorable?!?

bite sized chunks of Britain

I may be a history junkie but I definitely lack the ability to remember everything! (Shocking I know). Coming to England, I had forgotten a lot of the monarchy history that my mom had once told me, the beginning of Britain and to be honest some of the key battles (and why) leading up to the 20th century. This book solved it all. 150 different events that shaped British history are written down in this very concise history book. Each event is approximately 250 words. Want to brush up or remember what happened in the Spanish Armada or who was the first king of England and Scotland?

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spam spam and more spam

i'm a big fan of monty python and was very excited to go see Spam-a-lot with my parents and L2. I'll admit - the Finland song was incredible and I'm always impressed with large theatre sets. It is a massive production. But I'm not a fan of musicals any more. I would prefer more plot to the all-singing, all-dancing.

I'll admit the most amusing parts of the show are in the movie. (They did keep them!) It has inspired me to do was rewatch all the python movies this weekend.

remember, remember

bonfire night/guy fawkes day celebrations started last saturday with fireworks blasting from battersea. while debate still continues over the guilt of many who were executed of treason - it still remains one of the greatest crimes in British history and has since spawned many songs, poems and the infamous V for Vendetta.

Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason, why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

the tiger woods of racing

Lewis is the cover boy of the day! As you probably watched yesterday – Lewis Hamilton was the youngest and first-ever black man to be an F-1 world champion. As a proper Englander – every UK paper has been plastered this morning with as-it-happened details and his tantalising risk of almost not making it at all. I'm not an F-1 fan, but this kind of hype, glory and revelry gets anyone to think 'maybe next year I'll watch a few'… which I think is what everyone always wants in the end.

Common quote used recently: Lewis is the Tiger Woods of racing.

yosemite sam arm punches

This weekend, L2 and I headed out to a Tottenham Hotspurs vs Liverpool game. It was amazing especially the second half when Tottenham (Roman Pavlyuchenko seen above)scored the winning goal at exactly 90 minutes. A gift to L2 for his birthday - we had second row and it was just like hockey when I discovered how large the men are... definitely was only used to seeing them on a tv screen! Favourite part of the game though - the dancing and chants that ensued upon any close goal or goal. Tottenham loves their dancing with grown men giving jazz hands, shaking their a** in their seats or punching the air (similar to Yosemite Sam and his guns...)

on all hallow's eve

most of europe has today off in lieu of all saint's day (a holiday for the majority of continental europe). All Saint's day is not a major holiday here (neither is Halloween) but it is becoming more popular. When walking with my parents yesterday, we saw a significant line-up at the 'fancy dress' shop.

My question always is that in a land of legends, myths, shakespeare, witches, etc - why do Englanders still head to work and previously not celebrated this holiday?? Especially with North America in love with its commercialism, and the rest of Europe loving the next day vacation?



No ghost stories, not many costume parties, no trick or treat - but there is a lot of candy at the office and on sale!

Legoman gets a suntan

If only I had any desire to head back to Brighton. Recently, a six foot lego man washed up on shore.......... and there it will stay.

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simpson and draper

A little escape - the Halloween episode airs this Sunday on the Simpsons. While I'll admit the show doesn't deliver the way it used to - this looks amazing.

Mad men+ Simpsons = one of the best Simpsons intros yet.

Link courtesy of Videogum.

the blue crystal

L2 and I had a relatively lazy weekend (art, friends and wine, sushi, french festival, shopping for a new bike, and scrubbing the house before my parents arrived again) but the highlight was 'Seizure', a interactive, large scale art project in Elephant and Castle.

I'm horrible at describing it - so please click here for the technical/artsy explanations. But in person - this art was fabulous. Despite the hour wait (for wellies and the real line), the crystal was just as bright in real life as the picture above. The small 'solution' flat was covered from top to bottom with the lightbulb and bathtub covered to also provide some dimension. Because they limit how many people are in the flat at one time, you really have a chance to explore without getting your clothes covered in chemicals.

On until 30 November, when they start to provide more 'affordable housing' in the area that may be a bit better..... ............

variety on a double decker ad

when a friend moved to London in the spring, she fell in love with the Westminster area and we repeatedly met so she could stare at Big Ben and parliament.. (now she's a regular visitor inside and saw the Dalai Lama).

However on one of our first meetings there, we sat in Churchill's park and took in the sight of multiple double deckers telling us that without us believing in God we would have eternal damnation. First thought – public service vehicles would allow such inflammatory and clearly one-sided remarks. Second thought- the church is big here and does still have the money. Third thought – would they allow this for other religions like Islam?

Well apparently we weren't the only ones that questioned the buses ads. The HAS have decided to take out a four week (maybe more) ad on 'there's probably no god' but you can go about your day no problem. I'm looking forward to seeing something different than Christianity or pop culture on the side of my bus.

sidenote: they are bringing back these old school double deckers to replace the bendy buses that had a few too many fires....

on a cuddly science note

I will be an auntie again this spring with another nephew on its way. While my first nephew seems to dig construction, maybe I can help turn the new little one into a science geek with these incredible stuffed toys. I'm partial to Hibbs Bobson.

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a flat fear

I've been getting better at conquering fears in London. I'm not as bad with take offs or landings in planes, I have no fear of getting runover by a train, my claustrophobia has improved slightly and I don't shriek at the sight of a mouse. (I think I was a bit of a wussy before).

However, a new fear has really come to light. After a recent incident, where a lady ran to catch my tube to work and suddenly just as soon as she hopped on, she hopped off. Curiousity got the best of me and I strained my head around to see what had motivated her to get off a tube that she clearly wanted to catch. She was wearing one shoe and the other one was not on the platform. Oh no - it had slid under the tube...... And as our train pulled away, I saw the look of sadness, frustration and pure anger slide over her face.

L2 saw a similar thing last week in Clapham Junction. And as he walked away, she was getting a station man use a pole to get out her shoe as she stood on one leg....

I've replaced any of my flats that were remotely loose and now gingerly go on any moving transportation. I really don't want to lose a shoe into a mice/rat home and try and get home.

rain in spain

it does rain in spain on the plains. significantly. Both days my fam and I got caught in pouring rain. So much so that my mom looked a like a drowned rat! But it did help cut the humidity and help me sleep in a very very paved city. Images of Oro Tower (above) and the city of Seville.

bull!

I'm back from another venture into Spain and escaping the bear market. This time it was the capital of Andalucia - Sevilla. Sevilla used to be a very important city in the world. As a river port for Spain it was a key trading connection from 'The New World' and Europe. Columbus launched from Sevilla and most of the gold/silver that was taken from its hills was brought back to Sevilla to then be distributed from there.

Highlights included: Real Alcazar (I could really get used to growing up in a palace) the church (third biggest in Europe after St. Paul's and St. Peter's), Columbus tomb, a random flamenco performance and the always delicious spanish tapas. I could have croquettes every night.

To be honest, its architecture was a shamble of so many historic ages with Baroque, Gothic and Moorish style. Needless to say most of it would have probably been very garish when it was first created but time has worn down the colours and created emphasis on the beautiful detail rather than the in-your-face colour combos.

While I won't go back to Sevilla - I'm in love with the Moors and desperately need to get to Morocco now. (I do know it's not quite the same but it's as close as I can get without returning to Spain)

That's it

I've said no more to the English stone that I carry around with me. Monday was the first day of earnest healthy habits. I have four days of the gym this week (before I head to Spain which may throw a dent in my plans) and planned out my meals accordingly. End date of healthy eating/better lifestyle – 20 December – well not really because it's a lifestyle change but I'll be able to splurge a bit more. I'm not buying a scale though. I just want to feel better and fit my clothes right!

Weekly shop: Oliver Bonas

oh oli. where everything in the store you can buy. No joke - interested in the mirror in the very small changing room -it's yours for £50. But this boutique store is at his best with all its amazing knickknacks, euro high street designers and very fun books. Also, they give out these great dark brown cloth bags upon a big enough purchase. I'm a sucker for their stuff and recently bought my own pantone mug 130C (mustard). It brightens up my tea.

Seville dreaming

I'm dreaming of flamenco, warm nights and Spanish tapas with a lot of wine in Sevilla. Friday doesn't seem close enough. Wish L2 was coming.... Image via

expat thanksgiving

Despite being exhausted on Friday night that I literally collapsed on the couch or Saturday being incredibly ill – Sunday was a fantastic day because it was Canadian Thanksgiving!

A huge array of Canadians and 1 Aussie turned up for a feast and a half. With many bottles of wine and our very large turkey breast with stuffing by Whole Foods (I judged and was completely wrong at how good and big it was) it was great to catch up with numerous Canucks and for some of them – find out what led them to the UK (we had a few Oxford master/phd students and a LSE masters student). I find everyone has similar threads to their story – including it was an opportunity and I couldn't say no. Or I've always wanted to move to Europe so I said why not? When having dinner conversation – it's nice when you already agree on one very major point.

The best part of the night though. L2's turkey chocolate cake. Gobble Gobble.

From London to Peru

Paddington celebrated his 50th birthday today. An icon of London – Paddington can be found at any toy store (despite if they ask you who he is…………..) or in the iconic station that bears his name. He was one of my favourite bears as a child – (bigger than Winnie the Pooh) and I got my nephew his first one last Christmas. I hope they read him all the stories so he grows up to travel too.

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Weekly shop Reiss

ah the standard work apparel. When shopping on the 'high street' you've got numerous options on what to wear from BR to Cos to Topshop to the standard suit companys (of which there are many) but my first choice is always Reiss. Similar to BR in looks, Reiss adds just a bit more flair and a bit more colour to their stuff. It's always a standard shop with sometimes snotty service but the clothes make up for it. A little ruffle here, a little bow there and you always have a classic updated. They are everywhere too, which means standards are adhered to - Recently coveted are these amazing flats.......I promise to wear them every chance that I can get. I bought a gorgeous charcoal skirt and its definitly become a weekly wearable item.

Not Gwynnie's London

My london is not Gwenyth Paltrow's London.

Thanks to Kaili for pointing this out to me via Lainey Gossip. Besides a few of those pubs, the average Londoner will never see inside most of those places. It actually makes me laugh to think that Londoners can afford a £££ meal and then stay at the Berkeley (often over £400 to £600 a night for the 'cheap' room) even without 'the crunch'.

1. What a horrible time to come out with a decadent living newsletter
2. Don't appeal to Americans with a London article
3. Honestly, everyone has their own special pub. Most of the atmosphere is from the people you come with and the attitude of the village. Not the food (though it should be decent)
4. I think that Gwen has lived in London for years but never really known what makes London such a great city. (Most of the time - that doesn't come with having money)
   
5. I am interested in that restaurant in Spitafields market though. It could be a good splurge. I'm normally cheap (like most) and head to M&S, Boots, for dimsum or sausage and mash.

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When concrete attacks

Oh I hunted on Saturday morning for these spray cans. They are not small so I was shocked when I found nothing. L2 and I walked the entire distance of Hyde Park (and then more when the Picadilly Line had a security alert and the victoria line was closed when we got there). And I came up with nothing. If anyone knows where these guys are (and exact google map location) please let me know. I couldn't find the extra one in Hyde Park or the one near the Serpentine Galley. I just want to see concrete!

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Cheaper than a date at the movies

So L2 and I scored this weekend and are headed to a four star hotel on Friday night because we got it for £10. A last minute sale - we're going to be sitting in the lap of luxury to the north of Hyde Park. Sometimes this town really loves me!

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Location: a little more pemanent

We're starting to really think permanency in jolly ole England. As we get more and more into a routine, I think more and more of staying for more than just a couple years. Especially since this year has just flown by. It still feels strange to have my second time around in a season. But as we think permanency we think animals. I'm a big dog lover and desperately wanted one since I left the faithful Maltese when I was 18. Since then, the Maltese has passed away and I still want a dog - but maybe (no definitely) a bit bigger. But - coming across some shelters - it's rabbits that are left in the cold more often than not. As they can be fully house-trained and you need two to keep each other company but you don't have to take them outside and they require less room in a home - it's now become an option. Anyone owned a rabbit and can provide advice or a yay or 'dear g*d no'.

I can't do cats because I'm allergic. I'm not sure about the hamster idea. Nocturnal (I'm not) and stuck in a cage (I hate that)....

from fall to autumn

and in one swoop the leaves are falling, the days are blustery and I've finally taken out my coat. While I miss the colours of Ontario, we still have maple trees here and its far more similar to the West Coast fall. Except one issue, people at work constantly make fun of my mention of fall. Apparently it's autumn and no other way can it be described.