Thrifty retail therapy

I'm a sucker for a good thrift store.  Don't worry, I'm not an addict by any means - I'm very selective and won't buy things unless I'm actually going to wear/use them.  One of my go-to places is the YWCA Thrift Shop on the corner of E. 28th and Main.  The selection is big, the prices are low and the turn-over is frequent.  Best of all, all the profits go to support local women's charities and it is run by volunteers. Getting cool stuff at a fabulous price AND helping others - it's a win-win.

Today, I decided to go a little further afield and check out Mis'cel'la'ny on E. Hastings at Penticton.  It's another store run by volunteers and dedicated to helping women in need.  Everything was priced at $10.00 and there was a great selection of clothing, footwear, jewelry and household items.  I was so impressed that I decided to also check out their Commercial Drive location and was not disappointed.  These are definitely on my list for a return visit.

Closer to home, the MCC store at the corner of E. 43rd and Fraser is worth a visit - if for nothing else than to check out their eclectic selection of merchandise.  It's a huge place, but definitely more in line with what probably first comes to your mind when you think "thrift store".  Although this one is likely more suited to the occasional Halloween costume or ugly sweater party, I have found an occasional diamond in the rough there - including an authentic Starbucks stainless steel milk frother ($4) and a Tommy Hilfiger jean jacket (also $4).  Their selection of children's books can often be interesting and, at $1.00 for a hard cover, almost free.  Once again, the store is run by friendly and dedicated volunteers, and the proceeds go to a worthwhile cause.

In the Hood

Summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to explore your own neighborhood, especially if you spend most of your time working elsewhere.  Here are a few of my current favorite places, all within walking distance.

1.  Le Marche St. George - this little gem at the corner of  E. 28th & St. George could just be the find of the summer.  Lovely setting, great coffee and pastries, unique market, not to mention a quaint, friendly and comfortable atmosphere.  Just off the beaten track in the middle of a residential neighborhood.  We need more of these.

2.  Matchstick Coffee Roasters - new & funky coffee shop on the hottest new block at the corner of Kingsway & Fraser.  Hand-filtered, made-to-order coffees, sunny, inviting space & communal table.  Check it out.

3.  Sal y Limon - across Fraser from the above-mentioned hot block, serving up authentic Mexican street food.  Personally, I'm loving the added bonus - Mexican coca-cola (made with cane sugar).

4.  Outpost Cafe - E. 23rd & Fraser, this cozy little shop serves coffee, breakfasts and sandwiches.  Try the homemade breakfast biscuits.

What's to love about Spring Break

Update:  I have not touched this blog in a very long time.  I wrote this post months ago, but somehow it got lost in the shuffle and never published.  Although it is old news, I decided to publish it anyway.  The original date on this was March, 2012.

This has been one of the best spring breaks ever!  True, the weather was terrible, and I didn't go anywhere super exciting - but I got some much-needed R & R and was able to just relax.  Such a rare opportunity!  Here's what I got up to:

1.  I read 6 books and counting!  In 2 weeks!  That's definitely a record.  In order, they were:

The Art of Racing in the Rain
The Price of Privilege
Pigeon English
Life (autobiography of Keith Richards)
The Weird Sisters
The Hunger Games (for the second time)


2.  We took a trip to Seattle and stayed in the Mayflower Park hotel with valet parking!  I know, crazy!  We also had drinks in the hotel lounge on a Sunday afternoon (unheard of) AND ordered room service (which we got for free since they forgot our order the first time!)

3.  We ate French pastry and macaron at Le Panier in Pike Place market.

4.  We shopped till we dropped at the new and oh-so-improved Nordstrom Rack - which had conveniently moved next door to our hotel 2 days earlier!

4.  I went to a Wednesday afternoon movie (Monsieur Lazhar) and then for coffee with friends. I love  going to a movie when you know everyone else is at work :)

5.  I ate lunch with a friend at Cafe Medina - so yummy!  

6.  I caught up with a friend (by e-mail) that I haven't heard from in ages.

7.  I spent a day with my nephew - we played Lego, baked cookies, watched Puss in Boots and played in the park.  So fun!

8.  We celebrated our anniversary with dinner at Les Faux Bourgeois -delicious!

9.  In between all of that, I managed to do 2 pilates classes and a bit of running.

Yay holidays!