Little England

Our second day in Little England (Victoria) was spent exploring the nooks and crannies.  It is truly a beautiful place, with lots of lovely shops, great pubs, and superb restaurants.  

During our jaunt about the city, we found a wonderful place for breakfast...

Frank's Honeybun Cafe.  It is a charming place, where the owners welcome you, personally prepare and serve your breakfast.  

After a pleasant breakfast we headed to the historic Fan Tan Alley, where  we found a most delightful record shop, The Turntable.  

Disappointingly, there were no Tom Waits Lps, so onward we traveled to the Bard and Banker; a Scottish Pub in the heart of downtown Victoria. 

We selected fabulous brews from their wide selection of craft beers and enjoyed an appetizing grilled cheese sandwich.  

After a pleasing lunch, we strolled around the harbour and then headed to the Royal BC Museum.  

Despite a few scary moments, we enjoyed the museum and learned so much about the history of Aboriginal tribes in Victoria.  

We ended our day watching the water boats dance in the harbour to the music of Blue Danube.

  

Finally, we boarded a seaplane and settled in with spectacular views on the journey home.  

The Garden City

To celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary, the hubs surprised me with a spontaneous weekend getaway to quaint and beautiful Victoria, BC.   We hopped a seaplane early Friday morning and headed North to check out our neighbors. 

 Our first stop was the majestic Fairmont Empress where we said a swift hello to the ghosts,  dropped our luggage and set out to explore Butchart Gardens.   

Butchart Gardens is a 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria and is well worth the drive! The gardens were started by Jenny Butchart in 1904 and are a National Historic site of Canada.   

 Our first stop, the breath-taking Sunken Gardens, are surrounded by deep expansive walls (from the old quarry) that cradle annual flower beds.  

This is also where we found the beautiful Ross Fountain, gorgeous flowers and lots of bzzzzy little bees.    

 Following the trail and sweet smell, we found ourselves surrounded by beautiful roses that date back to the early 1930's.      

Next, we strolled amongst Japanese maples and lovely reflecting pools, towards the Japanese Gardens.

Our final stop, the Itailian Gardens.

Needing a little rest, we headed towards the Dining Room Restaurant to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea. 

We relaxed as we sipped Bachelor Button tea, enjoyed savory cucumber sanwiches and marveled at Italian Garden views.  It was a lovely anniversary!

Our wishes granted...

and bellies full, we headed back to downtown Victoria.  Where we soaked up the sun on the lawn of the majestic Parliament building overlooking the inner harbour.  

With a little color to our cheeks, we trotted back to the hotel to prepare for dinner at Ulla, a little place located on Fisguard Street near Chinatown.

Ulla boasts a innovative menu with a great presentation and spectacular drinks.  

My sweetie enjoyed the Island Beef and I had the delicious Shortrib Steak. 

After dinner, we explored Chinatown...

and enjoyed a little dessert.

Overall, we had a fantastic first day in Victoria and I can't wait to share with you the rest of our adventures tomorrow!  

Til' then...au revoir.

Hey Macrina!

If you love brunch like I do, than you must try Macrina Bakery in Queen Anne.  I popped in yesterday for a quick bite for lunch and was not dissapointed.   Their pastries are delicious and the desserts are some of the best I've ever eaten ---and believe me, I've enjoyed quite a few desserts.

  

It was so enjoyable that I stopped in again today for lunch; this time at the bakery in Belltown.  I enjoyed the Galette; a flaky quiche made with roasted wax beans, red peppers, and spinach.  I topped that off with their famous Lemon Tart.  It was divine!

If you live in Seattle definitely give this place a try!

That's Spa On

There is nothing like slipping on a warm bathrobe and spending the day relaxing at the spa.  With the hubs out of town, I snuck away to one of my favorite new locals here in Seattle, Classique Queen Anne Spa, for a little self pampering.  Where I spent my morning being rubbed, scrubbed, and wrapped like a burrito.   Emerging 3 hours later, I felt like a new woman!  

If you live in the Seattle area, you should definitely check this wonderful place out! 

Once S'more With Feeling

Nothing says Summer like camping and s'mores.  I am not keen on the camping idea, but love a good s'more recipe.  So I've decided to share some of my favs that I've discovered on Pinterest.  Most of my close friends know that cooking is not my fortae and these recipes are so effortless that even a non-cook like myself can make them.  So take 5 and enjoy these delicious treats!      

Photo Courtesy of the Chic Site

Lazy Day S'mores

Ingredients:

• 12 Keebler Fudge Striped Cookies
• 6 large marshmallows
• 1 Large Cookie Sheet

Instructions:

1. Turn oven on low broil with oven light on
2. Align cookies in the center of the cookie sheet; about 1/2 in. apart
3. Top each cookie with a marshmallow 
4. Place marshmallow topped cookies on the second rack
5. Toast until marshmallows golden; remove immediately
6. Place another cookie on top of the toasted marshmallow and gently press down
7. Serve warm; preferably with a glass of cold milk
8. Enjoy!

Photo Courtesy of Sunset Magazine

Candied S'mores

Ingredients:

• 6 Rolos or Reese's mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)
• 12 Chocolate Wafers or Ritz crackers 
• 6 large marshmallows
• 1 Large Cookie Sheet

Instructions:

1. Cut each large marshmallow in half (I use scissors...it's easier)
2. Turn oven on low broil with oven light on
3. Align wafers in the center of the cookie sheet; about 1/2 in. apart
4. Top each wafer with the marshmallow half (sticky side down)
5. Place marshmallow topped wafers on the second rack
6. Toast until marshmallows golden; remove immediately
7. Place 1 Rolo/Reese's Cup in the center of the toasted marshmallow and gently press down
8. Top with second wafer and press gently
9. Serve warm; preferably with a glass of cold milk
10. Enjoy!

Come Away With Me...

Longing for the Sun on this dreary rainy day, I am reminiscing about a vacation Chris and I took prior to moving to Seattle.  

So come away with me to a lovely little Mexican village: Quintana Roo. 

Where you can spend your days basking in the Sun and sipping on various tropical concoctions.  

 Where the days are gorgeously clear and astonishingly blue!  

I don't think I've ever been anywhere so serene and relaxing!  

What is your most relaxing vacation?  I would love to hear about it!