Planning a trip somewhere? Check out the new travel site 12 hrs, launched by The Locals photographer Søren Jepsen and writer Anna Peuckert. On this site, they aim to give you tips “that aren’t about money, but about great discoveries from all around the world.” I absolutely LOVE their pictures. I was so happy to see their section on Copenhagen, reminisced over their guide on Vancouver and was excited to read their tips on Berlin (we’re going there in July). 
images c/o 12hours
A blessing was sent in the mail to me the other day: a gift card for Anthropologie. So I was able to do one final shop at my favourite North American store. Here’s what I got: metallic wedge sandals (perfect for my future life on a bike!), a “seafoam” latte bowl (a quintessential Anthro item) and this retro magnetic timer I’ve wanted for ages (so I’ll stop burning all my muffins!)
I’ll miss you Anthro!
Gee I’m going to miss the array of great shopping for kids clothes and toys, particularly this little gem in Kerrisdale!
at Cafe Medina, a must-do when downtown!
This is where it all happens in Vancouver – some of the best shopping (in my opinion) on the southern end in South Granville and all the concerts/movies/seedy stores/interesting characters on the north side of the street. It’s the centre of downtown Vancouver and the first view we had of Vancouver when we arrived 7 years ago! Like it or not, you can’t avoid this street!
I’d go here every week if it were closer to our house! Best cafe for Moms who really love their coffee and being able to chat with friends – Little Nest keeps every child entertained! 
Too often when I look through our family pictures our smiles are fake, strained, our kids have been forced into a stuffy studios and my husband would rather be watching cricket than attending yet another family photo shoot. Having a shoot with Megan was a whole different kettle of fish. Instead of a studio, we chose the location. Easy choice, our favourite family spot: the UBC endowment lands. Instead of holding a puppet behind the camera (that SO doesn’t work with my kids) this smart Mommy had fruit treats and an awesome wagon. Megan is just so enthusiastic, chatty and friendly, my kids couldn’t help but warm to her and immediately felt comfortable with her following us and taking shots. It was the first time we had a family shoot where there were no tears, whining, fussing or escaping toddlers. Bliss! It was just another rainy Sunday afternoon. And that’s the way we like it. Plus the result of the afternoon were some pretty awesome shots, don’t you think?
- West Point Grey
The upside of living in a rainy, moist city is that there are always plenty of gorgeous gardens to admire. Walking around the streets of Point Grey and visiting friends lucky enough to live here always inspires the green thumb in me!
A photo dump of our life lately…
packing boxes, watermelon on the stairs, walks in UBC Pacific Spirit park, spray parks, more boxes, berry picking, summer outfit, running in the fields, kids in front of a red door, a parent-friendly cafe, smiles in the midst of a tough month – good-bye Canada, we’ll miss you!
at Anthropologie. I couldn’t leave Vancouver without one last, sad, long, expensive visit to this beautiful store – aka my happy place!
