Weekend Walkabout in an Instant

Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend.

We had our nephew, Jake, with us for the weekend, which is always fun. I gave him my old Nikon D200, so we took it out for a spin. He loves photography, and that makes me happy ;) I used my sx-70 and took a few "instant" pics during our walkabout...

By the way, I did take my sx-70 to Palm Springs to see how it would work in desert light. Let's just say, not at all as it was 43 degrees every day. Way too hot for the film, it seems. Expensive lesson learned!

What did you get up to this weekend?

janis

There's a new shop in town

I checked out a new shop near my home, called Much and Little. Sarah, the owner, has put together a fantastic collection of handmade items, household goods, and fashion, sourced locally and beyond. Here's a peek...

If you're in the Vancouver area, you should pop in and say hi. You won't be disappointed. 

Back soon!

Janis

Vancouver Neighbourhoods

How's your week going? If you're in Vancouver, do you have a voice left after the game last night? 4 more to go!

I shot a story, for Sunset Magazine, about one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Vancouver - Gastown. It's actually in the June issue, which is out now. It does have a touristy side, but it also has some of the best shops and restaurants in the city. Here are a few of the places I shot for the story.

Meat And Bread is a very popular lunch spot. Arrive at door opening, as the line-ups are long!

The Diamond is a fantastic "cocktail parlour". Josh made a real cocktail and I drank it after I shot it. Lesson learned. Don't drink on an empty stomach while shooting a story. ;)

L'Abbitoir is a great little restaurant that was Vancouver's first jail in the 19th century. Love that. It's a busy place, so reservations are recommended. 

That's my mini tour of Gastown! Definitely check it out next time you find yourself in Vancouver.

Have a great day! Back soon.
janis

Sunday Observations

I made just a little set today, but I've got visions 

of a future garden party. 

Etsy shop I'm loving: ReStyle

I also observed that hanging out with my nephews, Owain and Liam, is a lot different than hanging out with my niece, Annika. Holy Crazy Boys. Minute one of arriving at our house, there was a knee and slate stair collision. Ouch. The day could only get better after that, and it did.

What did you observe today? I'd love to know! Back soon.

janis

Sunday Observations

Welcome Spring! We squeaked out one beautiful day here in Vancouver to ring in the new season. Here are a few observations....

That was my first day of spring. What did you get up to? Hope you all had a great weekend!
Back soon.

Janis

I just checked out Marche St. George, a little neighbourhood grocery near my home, with my friend Caroline. She said I'd love it and she was right. Holy cute and cozy.  The decor and all the little details are perfect. They just opened 2 months ago, and have since become hugely popular in the 'hood and one of Vancouver's best kept secrets.

The coffee and croissants were so delicious. They also carry a fantastic array of deli meats, cheeses, and assorted gourmet products. You'll find non-edible treats here too: ceramics, scarves from Mexico, soaps and linen towels.

I had to pick up a jar of Mission Hill Oculus Cherries, a combination of organic cherries, Oculus wine, and balsamic vinegar. Klee, one of the owners of the shop, suggested I pour them over chocolate ice cream. I didn't have ice cream at home, so I ate them right out of the jar. Oh God, they are incredible.

 These really did bring tears to my eyes.

If you find yourself at the corner of St. George and East 28th, in Vancouver, check out Marche St. George. Delicious treats and cute decor....what more could you want?

Have a great day! Back soon.

Festive Observations

This has been the busiest week. I had plans to post before now, but I had an unexpected crazy (good crazy) shoot week. Must be a Christmas miracle, as it's usually a little quiet this time of year. Hallelujah! Shot stories for House and Home, Sunset and a happy family portrait session.

Needless to say, my weekend was spent with the computer working on hundreds of images. I had to take an eye break so I rugged up, grabbed my camera, and took a walk through my neighbourhood. I love my neighbourhood.

Feast your eyes on these over-the-top, a touch crazy, but festive houses. I don't know the homeowners, but I'd love to meet them all. I did meet two young girls running around with extension cords at the house above. They told me they had been working on the display with their dad. So sweet! Do you put this much effort into adorning your front lawn? I know we don't. If I could get my mitts on a glowing choir boy or girl, I'd be all over it.






I also checked out Walrus on one of my "eye breaks". Wow! They have some fabulous gift ideas. Love that fox face necklace! I hope my husband is reading this.


I've got to get back to sorting and colour correcting now. On a final note, if you're in the Vancouver area on December 14th, check out the extremely popular quiz night at The Cascade Room. They've paired up with Warner Brothers for a special quiz night to promote WB's upcoming Sherlock Holmes. You could win passes for 4 for the screening on December 21st and more! See you there!

I hope all you lovely bloggers are well! Looking forward to having some time to catch up and read your fabulous blogs.