Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

May 31, 2019

Leaning Into Local Seafood Species

Filed under: Food,Food for Thought,Seasons,Travel — gardener @ 7:52 am

Hundreds of thousands of tourists pass through Vancouver every year, eager for culinary experience as well as some outdoor fun. Well, visitors asked and the city answered, all with a bit of help from a few friends with fins. Vancouver is known worldwide for its fishing industry. With opened access to oceans and water ways, there is never a bad time to track down a popular catch like salmon. Fresh seafood is a great export but for residents, it is practically a way of life, in both diet and recreation. There is a “catch of the day” in nearly every restaurant along the coast but some people prefer to catch their dinner the old fashioned way.

Throughout Vancouver, there are whole markets dedicated to the sale and purchase of fresh fish, but it doesn’t get any fresher than with chartered fishing excursions. Booking one of these experiences means clients can safely catch their own fish while spending the day on opened water. Is there anything more satisfying than catching and cooking your own dinner?

Because fish is such a staple of the everyday diet in the British Columbia area, both residential and commercial kitchens needs to be able to work around this staple food. Fish, in all forms, is a versatile main course but cooking it does require a bit of skill and the right tools. Outdated or inconsistent tools and appliances only hinder results with seafood. Updated restaurant equipment can make or break meals from ceviche and grilled fish; to sea urchin and prawns. Any eatery looking to take advantage of local species and availability has to create a well-outfitted space in order to meet customer needs.

For those who are fans of fresh seafood, there is no better place to go than Vancouver. From the ocean to your table, both residents and visitors are able to be a part of this industry at every level.

June 21, 2016

Celebrations

Filed under: Holidays,Life,Travel — gardener @ 11:43 am

One week ago today we headed home after a great vacation spent with family and friends. It wasn’t our usual vacation, instead we were there for two weddings- one of which I planned and ‘made happen’ in a week and a half time- along with help from mom- and the other I did a little help and directed it, making sure that everything went according to the vision of the gorgeous bride.

Since then, I’ve had a couple people ask me if I would consider adding wedding planner/ director to my ‘job title’ and right now the response is no. I loved doing it for the people I love, but it’s clearly a labor of love. To be paid to do it- I’m not sure if there is enough money. I love planning and making things come together, but it’s something that takes a lot of time, research and thought. Maybe I’ll change my mind once I’m past the jet lag, but right now- nah.

In the meantime- I did come back to a lot of work- I’ve been prepping all week and now I’ll be getting everything ready for delivery on Friday and Saturday. I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together and hopefully will bring a smile to a lot of faces and happiness to everyone’s taste buds.

Keeping Cool

Filed under: Life,Travel — gardener @ 11:05 am

We just returned from vacation in the Deep South where the heat and humidity were creeping up past warm to ‘hot’ and the air conditioning has been on for a while. My friend in Ohio had to call Colombus AC repairs when her air went out two days ago. I felt so bad for her knowing that she was having to endure the almost 90 degree temps until someone got out there to get the air back on. Luckily for her it was a quick fix and it wasn’t long before they came out for the repair, so she didn’t have to be without the cool air for long.

It’s funny how temperature can vary so much depending on where you are geographically. I remember many years ago, I flew into LAX airport and the pilot announced that the temperature was 93 degrees. It was my first trip out to California, but I remember thinking to myself, “Ugh, I thought it was cooler out here than in the Deep South.” Imagine my surprise when I walked out of the airport on to the breezeway to catch the hotel shuttle and it felt like I was standing in an air conditioned breezeway. I was surprised, very surprised. The difference? No humidity. The hotel and the friends we stayed with from San Diego to Hollister didn’t have air conditioner, but they didn’t need it out there. The evening temperatures were cool. Same during the day. Even though the temperatures did spike, it was never unbearable like in Ohio, the Deep South, or other humid parts of the United States.

Keeping cool and hydrated are two very important things during the summer months. In fact, I’d put them on the ‘key to survival’ list. Marcel is always one to talk about how he doesn’t ‘need’ air conditioning, but after spending time back home for our recent vacation- he has grown to love it and understand just how necessary it is. Keep cool y’all. I know I am.

Home Again

Filed under: Holidays,Home,Travel — gardener @ 10:54 am

We are back home and recovering from jet lag. It was an amazing vacation filled with a lot of love and celebration. I didn’t have a lot of ‘rest’ time, plus came home to jump back into the swing of things, but the great thing is- I’ve blocked next week for some ‘me’ time to do exactly what “I” want to do. I am looking forward to having that break to re-acclimate myself to daily life, plus to also work on a list of things that need to be accomplished ‘in house’, along with creating a new work out plan and the list goes on.

SO much to look forward to- plus July is my birthday month, so that means celebrating all month long! Who wants to come celebrate with me?

April 24, 2016

Wheels Up – Almost

Filed under: Travel — gardener @ 8:34 am

After an extremely busy month, my work is finally finished and I can start thinking about vacation. It won’t be long now until we are ‘wheels up’ to Atlanta and spending time with many of the people we love dearly.

It will be wonderful to wake up in my own ‘old’ bed, have coffee on the back porch with a view of the field. All things that I cherish and don’t take for granted.

Now that work is done, I can start packing and doing the little things around here that have been neglected as I’ve been so busy working and playing. The perfect balance!

Life is good- I am so grateful for the life I have and the amazing people who are a part of my life.

April 5, 2016

Life

Filed under: Shop til ya Drop,Travel — gardener @ 12:21 pm

Life is moving along at such a fast pace these days. Vacation is coming soon and work has me buzzing along at a busy pace until we leave. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though.

It was funny, because a friend said the other day- “Won’t it be great to have some time to do nothing when you’re on vacation?” I laughed out loud when I read her question because trips home are anything but chill time for me. It’s always a time for us to spend time with family and friends, so that often means seeing various people throughout the day- sometimes for lunch, dinner and in between. It can be crazy, but again I wouldn’t have it any other way- because I love my people, and I’m beyond grateful that they want to spend time with me.

This year- we are gearing up for the big wedding as well, and with the wedding means that yours truly needs wedding clothes to wear. I don’t have anything at all to wear to the wedding, and so far all my searches have come up empty. I know I’ll find something, but I want it to look great. The clock is ticking, but I know I’ll find just the perfect thing.

Anyone have any suggestions?

September 30, 2015

Brainstorming

Filed under: Gratitude,Home,Shop til ya Drop,Travel — gardener @ 11:12 pm

Part of having mom and diddy here means inspiration flowing for home projects. Painting (finally), window treatments and even the thoughts on building me some cabinets with 60 inch drawer slides for my business supplies.

It’s fun talking about it and sharing it with not only Marcel but the people who gave me birth.

Today though, we travel. Next week too, with much fun, laughter and good times.

Enjoy the little things- as one day they will be the big things.

September 13, 2015

Travel Planning

Filed under: Things I Love,Travel — gardener @ 10:44 am

A week from tomorrow, Marcel, myself and company will be taking a one week mini-break to a villa about two hours from where we live. To say I’m excited is the understatement of the year. Not only because I’ll be doing one of my favorite things- traveling, but because we’ll be doing it with my favorite people on the planet- my parents.

The villa is situated on a lake- with a private pier, so I have my fingers and toes crossed that the weather is perfect and will allow us to spend some evenings sitting outside watching the sun set.

After that- we have some other travel plans in the making- including a trip to Italy and Lake Como. We are VERY excited about that as well- and have rented an amazing apartment in the ‘Pearl of Como’- otherwise known as the town of Bellagio. There is also some talks of spending time in other areas as well, exploring and having one adventure after another.

I can’t wait- I’ll be sure to take notes to share later.

August 26, 2015

The Power of Focus

Filed under: Inspiration,Life,Travel — gardener @ 10:27 am

It’s hard to believe that we are almost to the end of August- and tapping on the door of September.     This month has been a challenge-   mostly because it has been filled with a lot of pain for many people that I love, myself included.   Through the tears, uncertainties, life questions- some that were answered and some that weren’t-  there has been one constant.   Love.   The love of family, friends, and in some cases- strangers.

It has included great opportunities, but also a time for many blessings.     Through it all, I am grateful.

I have learned the importance of focusing on the things that matter- and letting go of what no longer serves, as it will only serve to hold us back.

September promises cooler temps, and a time of fun and festivities with people I love and adore.  I, for one, am ready.

Best Deals

Filed under: Home,Travel — gardener @ 8:28 am

In the midst of vacation planning, I’ve found myself going from one web site to another in hopes of finding the best deals. I love traveling, and one of my favorite things is actually being able to do the planning online and finding my own savings. Not only with travel, but also with gift buying and everything else under the sun.

What about you- What are your favorite web sites to visit and why?

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