I am married to a fellow who loves the outdoors. He thinks, and breathes all things adventuresome and wilderness filled. Camping is one of his favourite activities... ever. He is rather particular when it comes to packing things that work well to ensure the ultimate enjoyable experience in the wilderness. Tylor has helped me compile a list of his top camping essentials. Some are still on his wish-list, but most we have tried and love. 

Ladies, if you are with an adventurous man, here are some great gift ideas, for real. 

1. Flashlight / E2D LED Defender / www.surefire.com
2. Camping Guide / Camp Free in B.C. by Craig Copeland / www.amazon.ca
3. Rooftop Tent / Locally made in Langley, B.C. / rooftoptent.webs.com
4. Coffee Maker / AeroPress kit / www.aeropress.ca
5. Hand-powered Coffee Grinder / Hario mini mill slim coffee grinder / www.amazon.com
6. Hobo Stove / Hand-made coffee can camp stove / www.practicalsurvivor.com
7. Forest Axe / Gransfors Bruks small forest axe / www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com

I am so much more productive when it rains during the week, so for that, I am thankful. BUT today, I just wanted some sun!

It was just one of those weeks. BUT, its friday and I'm poppin' a bottle of wine. Enjoy your weekend everyone, and be sure to download this extra fancy wallpaper for your desktop!

Click here to download the Days of the Week desktop wallpaper.

Fancy Friday is coming early to you this week. Why? May Long Weekend. Usually the official kick-off of the camping season and much loved farmers markets. We will be out of the office tomorrow. What are you doing this weekend? I hope you take time to get outside, get some sun and maybe even hit the road to explore some place new. 

This week's Fancy Friday is inspired by my ongoing love for retro Volkswagen vans. I'm the girl who jumps and claps in her seat every time I see one on the road. There are quite a few where we live and I'd love to join the club one day :)

Enjoy your long weekend! You can download this VW van pattern right here to fancy up your desktop.

Sunday is Mother's Day. What are you doing for your mom this year? 

In case you have forgotten, write a nice card to your mom. She'll be delighted. You can even print one out right here. Try and find some nicer paper, hit print, cut out where specified, and fold in half. It should fit nicely in an A2 envelope, if you happen to have one.  

I'm wishing my mom lived closer so I could take her for a picnic.  This "early" summer is glorious :)

Tylor also insists that I make sure everyone on the West Coast knows that spot prawn season is beginning – he is very excited.

That is all.

I had so much fun creating a greeting card set for Christie recently. She is a girl who loves writing, all things vintage, and emerald green. I illustrated two cards for her, resulting in two versatile designs that are simple, fun, and very "Christie." 

If you would like to learn more about this lady, pay a visit to her witty and insightful blog at christiethinks.wordpress.com

When is the last time you took the time to write someone a note? We constantly drop emails and facebook messages, but it is sometimes nice (or more appropriate) to pick up a pen and write a message by hand. Try it. I bet the person on the other end of the mailbox will be delighted!

I know it is only the third of May, but why not begin your Cinco de Mayo festivities tonight! Today's Fancy Friday encourages you to cook a Mexican inspired meal this weekend. Why? Because even though Cinco de Mayo is mostly celebrated in the US, what day ISNT'T good for a Mexican fiesta? Say goodbye to that Old El Paso salsa, and make some of your own Salsa Fresca instead.


Salsa Fresca

Tomatos - diced (I like grape or cherry best)
Red Onion - diced small
Jalapeño - seeded, finely chopped
Fresh Cilantro - cut small (I usually cut a bunch with scissors)
Garlic - one clove minced
Lime - squeezed 

Add a good balance of ingredients, and mix with fresh lime juice.

This morning I had intended to do some meal planning, when  my hunger mixed with my pen and I started drawing instead. We consume a lot of fruit and veggies in our house. Tylor and I hit the market at least once a week to stock up. We're loving the new area that we live in, which is full of year-round farmers markets, and locally grown goods. We have a few staples that we always get on our grocery runs and are always looking for something new. Has anybody else been a little nutty with kale chips lately? And really, what ISN'T good with avocado?

We picked up some mustard greens today... that's a new one for us.  What are some of your fruit and veggie must-haves? And have you been bizarrely surprised with something healthy and new lately?