a little romance

It could have been triggered by the sun streaming in after a drizzly day. Maybe it was because I felt like celebrating after a bit of a scary night last night. I just felt like the evening called for romance. I love how each person carries a different notion of what stirs up their heart. I'm not talking about the romantic connection you feel for your love. I am talking about little things you can do in your day that trigger your feelings of romance. What puts a little extra flutter in your heart? Cooking a beautiful meal for your loved ones with a glass of wine in hand and your favourite music in the background? Picking yourself a bouquet of wildflowers? Anything and everything by candlelight? Cozying up by a fire? Hiking in the great outdoors? For some reason, tonight's remedy called for baking pie and going to a movie.  I know there isn't a lot of poetry based on pie baking, but I think there is something beautiful in the creation of anything delicious. You put something personal into it and get to treat your loved one after. After dessert we caught Woody Allen's latest gem: Midnight in Paris. It's such a sweetly told little charmer with the main character finding himself in the most amazing company once the clock strikes midnight: Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Picasso, to name but a few. The steady stream of literary and artistic talent he encounters captivate him and inspire him to complete his fledgling novel. Being an English major, I loved the concept and think Woody did a great job of capturing the real whimsical romance of Paris. Do something special for yourself tomorrow. 

the nest is almost ready

*the second photo is the wall mounted book shelf that my father-in-law cleverly designed. He is pure awesomeness. 

Ann's 70th

Caroline and Murley

Janet and Ann

Mom and I

I grew up in a great little neighbourhood in Richmond with Caroline and Janet (pictured above). We have literally known each other since we were babies and our moms quickly became close friends. Ann turned 70 the other day, so we gathered the troops for a great celebration. We spent the day having lunch in Murley's garden, browsing Fort Langley's shops and cafes, wine tasting at Township 7 and topped the day off with wine tasting and a delicious dinner at Domaine De Chaberton. (note, I just had an appetizer for dinner - their main meals pack huge portions, but well worth it if you carry a big appetite).  I was the designated driver and the wineries were sweet enough to keep me replenished with ice water and a stiff shirley temple.  Langley has five wineries in really close proximity (Township 7, Domaine De Chaberton, Neck of the Woods, the Fort wine company, and Vista D'oro Winery) but we simply ran out of time to visit them all. I really loved Township 7. It has a beautiful farm-like setting. The ladies bought a bottle of wine and sat in the pretty picnic area by the vineyard. The wine is really reasonably priced - $3 for tasting, which is knocked off the price of a bottle if you purchase one (and most of their wine is priced under $20) - or you can purchase a glass of wine for $5 and sit in the garden. I'm looking forward to returning there once this baby is born and enjoying their delicious vino! 

nesting

We've almost got the baby's room done. It's been such a fun project to share together. We've got a few more shelves to put up for toys we have bought throughout our travels over the years. My handy-dandy father in law also gave us a great wall mounted book rack that he designed. I can't wait to put it up and show you. It may seem a little funny to have our desk in the baby room, but when your house is on the "cozy" side, like ours, you have to streamline your living space. I know I'll be spending a lot of late nights in the rocking chair, but I can't wait. I've already sat in it a few times just looking around, daydreaming of what's to come. 

Whistler fun

This past weekend, my parents rounded up the family for some Whistler fun. My hubby and I booked an amazing deal via: Jaunt. For $240:  we got two nights at the Aava hotel, a $50 gift certificate to the White Spot, and two adult peak to peak passes. We paid for a third night to coordinate the visit with my family. As luck would have it, the hotel was packed for the weekend and they offered the hubs and I a free upgrade to a suite for all three nights. Sweet! The day we spent doing the peak to peak was truly incredible. We took a gondola from Whistler village up the mountain, had a drink at the Roundhouse Lodge, with stunning 360 degree views from their giant patio, rode an open chair to the peak where we hiked around up top, took the peak to peak gondola over to Blackcomb and rode two open chairs (the solar coaster express and the wizard express) back down to the base. The entire experience was such a great part of our hotel package. I was in absolute bliss spending that much time on the mountains and in the fresh air.  If you planned ahead, you could pack up lunches and do some amazing hiking up top. It truly was a great experience sharing so much fun time with my parents and my brother's family. I can't recommend Whistler enough. 

The P.N.E.

We had such an awesome day walking around the PNE (or in my case, waddling around). Even though I couldn't go on the rides, there was so much to see and do. I highly recommend catching live shows like the Evolution of Extreme or the Peking Acrobats. (In the photos above, you'll see one of the Peking Acrobats about to do a handstand on a stack of chairs balancing on four bottles that are sitting on a table - I couldn't breathe watching it!) Every night there are also free live music shows. Tonight's was Hall & Oates. I was too wiped out to last until 8 after all the walking during the day, but I would have loved to have caught a little Maneater action. Ah the awesome cheesiness of the 80s. 

If you feel like checking out the PNE this weekend, here are a few tips to save you some cashola:

Get your tickets in advance - either online here or at your local 7-11. If you get there early enough, you can score free street parking by Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary school, mapped out here. If you have to pay to park, it's much cheaper to park with one of the local families instead of using the PNE parking lots. You are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks to the fair. It's a big money saver. We brought a backpack with our own bottled water and iced tea - most drinks on site average $4 a bottle. After all, your money should be saved for more important things, like mini donuts. $5 for two bags. Money, very well spent. :) I hope you have a great long weekend! 

Fairhaven, Washington

Just over half an hour south of the Peace Arch Border, you'll find Fairhaven, Washington. It's a great place to spend the afternoon walking around checking out a wonderful variety of stores, coffee shops and delicious restaurants. I cannot do malls. The artificial lighting and Muzak combo do my head in. I prefer spending an afternoon walking outside in the fresh air and popping into shops that I like the look of. We had delicious tea and snacks at Tony's, stocked up on some things for the baby room at Wild Blueberries and fell in love with Village Books.  There's even a great REI outlet five minutes away. I highly recommend Fairhaven for a fun afternoon.