Sad Recession Time

So that title is probably not what is expected in my blog, even I think I should write something else... but this must be said!
So as I drove past a Milestone's today, I looked inside at the low-lighting, the leather(esque) bench seats, the diners dining and the generally cozy atmosphere, and it made me realize how little I have been eating out lately. I was a little sad to realize that my high life isn't quite so high as it was just six months or a year ago. Shall I blame the recession? Well, why not.
So many things have changed for me in the last year (jobs, jobs and more jobs!), and I supposed I could blame my lifestyle changes on that. But I won't. I'm going to blame that ever-useful scapegoat, the recession!
As well, by this time next weekend I'm sure I will have spent a little time in one of those cozy, dimly-lit chain restaurants that I love so much. Having a glass of wine and splitting an appy with one of my lovely friends. I can hardly wait!

Condo Gardener

I'm no hard-core gardener, but I can still appreciate all the awesome gardening stuff at Hollyfield's on Granville Island (hollyfields.ca). Whether you want a skinny vase for your lucky bamboo, a wrought-iron door knocker, or a new trowel, they'll have it.
I have a few potted plants in my apartment, and I love them, but I don't think I could ever manage a whole yard. Hollyfield's makes me wish that I had acreage that I could fill with plants, statues, fountains and flowers. Luckily for me, a lot of their stuff can be used indoors, too.
If I had an unlimited decoration budget, I'm sure there would be a fountain in my living room, a giant Buddha statue by my front door, and a crystal ball on my coffee table. Another item that tempts me every time I go in is the giant glass jewel. One day, I will find a way to fit it into my decorative scheme. Until then, I will just go browse and imaging all the lovely things I could do with a giant garden and unlimited budget.

The Bay

I know I've mentioned it before, but I adore The Bay Downtown. I had some time this weekend to go and wander through, so of course I did just that.
Their hosiery section is absolutely amazing! They have everything: dozens of different kinds of fishnets, silky nylons, sheer nylons, patterned tights, fun socks... the list goes on.
This weekend, I even stumbled on some Betsey Johnson tights: pink ones with a super-funky print. Where will I wear them? I really don't know. But I will find somewhere to wear them because they are treasure! And I will definitely be heading back to The Bay Downtown to stock up on tights before the weather turns warm (on a side note: it's supposed to snow on Tuesday... so there will probably be a few more chances to wear tights before the season changes!).

Dine-Out Vancouver

It's that time again! Time for Dine Out Vancouver! This is one time a year for two weeks (January 14th to February 1st) when almost 200 local restaurants want you to come try them out, so they serve you an established menu at a lowered price. Your meal will either be $18, $28 or $38, and you can dine in many of the city's best restaurants.
My favourite last year was Sip Resto-Lounge, and they look pretty good this year, too: Goat-Cheese Salad appetizer, Mushroom Cannelloni and Bailey's Mousse? Count me in!
I think my top picks for this year would be Bacchus Restaurant, with their Roasted Yam and Apple Velouté, Crisp Confit of Duck with Fingerling Potatoes "Forestière" and Vanilla and Mascarpone Cheesecake for dessert; and the Stone Grill's Cornish Game Hen stuffed with Wild Rice. Alright, now I'm hungry.
www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.php