The only dates I have available for 2013 are in November

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T he Banff Farmers Market started this week which makes it feel a whole like summer around here. You can find the Banff Farmers Market every Wednesday in Banff across from the post office between 10am-6pm until September 11th. I love getting to walk around and see neighbours and friends and pick up fresh fruits and veggies.

The pioneer tent was also set up where you could pull up a stump and make bannock bread by the campfire.

It's a beautiful farmers market with the mountain views.

My favourite booth for yummy ingredients is Farmbox. Farmbox offers weekly farm fresh deliveries but if you missed out on getting your name on the share list like I did it's nice to know that you can visit them at the farmers market in Banff and pick up some great goodies.

Oriana from Little Bird Blue specializes in up-cycled jewelry. I love these typewriter key pendants which would make for nice bridesmaid's gifts or I think it would be cute to have your new married name initial tied to the stem of your bouquet.

These little peas in a pod pendants from Little Bird Blue would be sweet for a new mama.

Scrabble tile magnets.

An absolute must for summer is to get a homemade popsicle from Manna Momma and eat it in the park. I love the coconut Maui Manna.

New to the market this year was a booth called USED which featured handmade bags, bike panniers, dog collars and leashes all made from salvaged seat belts.

If you forget what day the market is on you are usually tipped off by seeing people walking around with trays of strawberries in the park.

JK Bakery had all kinds of breads and treats.

Belgian waffle stand.

I had the pulled pork sandwich for lunch and it was yummy.

Today is my dear friend Brittany's birthday. I feel so very lucky to know her. I asked Stephanie Roy to meet me at Brittany's home to do her hair and make-up to start out her birthday. I loved what Steph came up with after seeing the dress that Brittany was going to wear. A beautiful vintage inspired look that suited Brittany perfectly. Brittany, Kevin and I hiked up to a favourite lake and I took a few photographs of Brittany. I wanted her to have a record of this time in her life. Thank you Brittany for spending your birthday with us. You are beautiful.

L ast week I went to Vancouver to attend the Canada Photo Convention and spend some time with my brother. It was inspiring in so many ways, some of it was unexpected and I've returned home feeling really excited about putting that inspiration into action. I only took a few photos with my real camera, but I thought I'd share some of my favourite places in Vancouver that I took snapshots with my iPhone. You can click on my Instagram link above to follow along.

Our first morning together my brother and I walked to Granville Island and explored the food and flower markets. We came home with a couple of airplants. We saw several other airplants in various home shops while out and about and were shocked to discover that we paid about a quarter of the price at Granville island

I bought a couch!! I did not expect that to happen but while my brother and I were wandering vintage shop I came across this piece and simply couldn't resist. When the shop owner told me that she ships all the time I was sold. I can't wait for it to arrive. The shop owner Melissa was super helpful and I'd highly recommend a visit to her shop By Design Modern if you like mid century furniture. My brother had a crush on a desk we were tempted to pick up as well.

My favourite antique shop to pop into on Main street is called a Baker's Dozen. You could get lost in that place. Definitely worth checking out for inspiration.

The best ginger beef and dumplings can be found at Peaceful Restaurant. Be sure to go to the location on 5th & Ontario.

One of my absolute favourite shops to discover this trip was the handsome and well curated home goods shop much & little. The owner Sarah was lovely and very helpful and I spent hours exploring. I bought the tea towel above for a friend to hang on her wall. I loved the items were simple, well crafted and felt good.

I loved the succelent arrangements at the The Flower Factory. They had a gorgeous array of fresh flowers including some stunning peonies I wanted to take home.

We stepped into this little gem on a rainy day and it was perfect. Delicious coffee served in a variety of ceramic cups and yummy croissants. In better weather the backyard patio with hanging lights and chickens looked like a beautiful spot to hang out. Definitely seek out Le Marche St. George for an intimate coffee experience.

My favourite coffee shop was in my brother's neighbourhood called Matchstick. The muffins are delicious and so was the coffee. We got there on a Sunday morning right when they opened at 8am. My brother says normally it is really packed so we were lucky to have the place to ourselves right as they opened.

Another shop I spent hours in was the Regional Assembly of Text on Main Street. Oh my it was stationery heaven! They have all kinds of cards, journals, letter writing supplies and tshirts and buttons you can have custom made.

The cherry trees were in full bloom on my visit. The fallen petals are called Vancouver snow by the locals.

Here's a summary list of just a few of my favourite Vancouver shops; ReFind vintage furniture shop much & little handsome home goods By Design Modern mid century furniture Jojo's Place Great mix of old and new furniture, they create new furniture out of salvaged wood finds. Nineteen Ten Home boutique Peaceful restaurant at 5th & Ontario for amazing chinese food A Baker's Dozen vintage store on Main Street The Flower Factory for fresh flowers and great succellent arrangements Coffee Shop Le Marche St. George Coffee Shop Matchstick Regional Assembly of Text for stationary goodness "Old Stuff" vintage shop on Main Street Next trip I want to rent a U-Haul and load it up with vintage finds from Granny & Grumpa's Antiques in Abbotsford. My brother went and he says there are 4 barns full of vintage finds.

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