We're Moving!

About a week and a half ago, Curt and I got an apartment in Richmond B.C. for the middle of May. We have been desiring to move around this time of the year since I can remember. We were waiting for Curt to finish school.
Once we found out Curt had been accepted into the hiring process for the VanPD (his career goal is to work for them), we knew it was time to make our move.

It has been a stressful process, but things have been coming together so well, which is a great blessing, and I feel it means that this is God's plan for us.

Since we live a considerable distance away from the Lower Mainland, it was hard to look at places. I went over in February to look, simply to get an idea for the kind of market we were in.

What I saw, was junk, for much more than what we were paying for our nice little two bedroom in Esquimalt. I felt discouraged. South B.C. is an incredibly expense place to live.

Here is a list of my "MUST HAVES" and "PREFERENCES" for a place. 

Must-Haves

A good location: 

   -Walking distance to stores, and services (like library or gym)

   -Close to buses/skytrain

Isn't junky - looks pretty decent

Allows cats 

Patio/outdoor space

Good price

Preferences: 

No lease

Faces south

Hardwood floors or at least carpet that is not ugly

Gets lots of light/has lots of windows

Laundry on site

Heat and Hot water included

Good size kitchen 

Window by the kitchen

Storage  or at least lots of closet space

Bathtub

Electrical Outlet in the bathroom

Bathroom has a window in it

Bathroom Storage - actually drawers (our bathroom counter looks like it has draws, but it doesn't... so everything has to somehow fit in the little space under the sink)

Dishwasher

Double sink

Our last trip over, we checked out a basement suite in New Westminster. We decided we wanted it, because when it comes to apartment hunting, if you like something enough and it seems like a good enough deal, you just need to jump on it. But our jump was too late, someone had already decided to take it.

This turned out to be a blessing though. While still on the mainland, my Mom and I were driving in Richmond when I saw a billboard in front of an apartment building with a two bedroom vacancy. The location was pretty good, because just Richmond alone was a preferred city to live in (it's where I'm from).

When I called about the vacancy, it had been filled, but the landlady had another 2 bedroom available for mid-May (a time we were kind of hoping for) in an even better area in Richmond, with a price attached to it that was right in our price-range. We were able to go see the outside of the building before we left, and I knew right away that unless this place was a total piece of junk, it was going to be worth it... right near downtown Richmond, walking distance to the skytrain, malls, and transportation loops, I knew it was the ideal location.

My Mom set up an appointment and with all of my "must-haves" and preferences. After her viewing she called me, "I wouldn't pass this place up. It's huge". The landlady had even taken down the price. After my Mom described more to me, I agreed. I paid the deposit over the phone, and viola! Now the packing begins....

Beans helping his Daddy pack up books...

Features of our new apartment:

• A great location
• Good price
• Cats allowed
• Hot water included
• South-facing
• Patio
• Large rooms
• Walk-in closet
• Storage closet on the deck
• Linoleum floors in entrance
• Bigger kitchen than our current one
• L-shaped kitchen... meaning I can continue in conversation with guests when in the living room, and the kitchen will get some natural light from the living room. 
• And finally... there is a giant "storage room". My mom described it as large enough to be another bedroom. I am so excited at the prospect of this. 

I have not seen the place yet. Curt has, my parents have... this makes me excited and bothered! I can't wait to see it, and I will post pictures once I do!

Growing Celery and Green Onions from Scraps

I was browsing around blogs when I discovered how to regrow both celery and green onions on 17 Apart.

It was my lucky day. I had random scraps of both in my fridge. The celery, as you'll see, already had pieces removed from it, so it is not a full base, but nonetheless, it's growing fanstastically.

 Day One

Take a stalk of celery and cut of the base. You know, the part you won't eat because it's no good.
Now stick it in a saucer (I don't really have one, so I used this glass pot lid). Add warm water so that a good portion of the celery is resting in the water. Stick it in a sunny windowsill.

Day 3

After only a few days, you can see the celery beginning to grow. I swear, every time I look at this, I can see a difference. You can see above that what was flat when I chopped it, now is raised in the centre. From a birds-eye you can see the leaves developing.

Day Seven

Every couple of days, we replace the old water with some fresh water. And here we are a week later. Holy Palooza! I think it is an absolutely beautiful thing that I can buy some celery at the grocery store, and take such simple steps to grow myself more. Once this has more substantial roots, and has grown a bit more, I will transfer it outdoors to my balcony garden. At the same time, I think I will buy another stalk of celery and start it, so I will have harvests at different times. 

http://www.thekitchn.com/re-growing-celery-grow-a-new-bunch-indoors-or-outdoors-169801

On this wonderful day when I discovered I could regrow celery, I also discovered the green onion post. Lucky for me I had it in my fridge also. You know when I you buy something like celery or green onion at the store in a bundle, but it's always far more than you need? That was just the struggle with the onions, they were looking a little sad, as there glory days had come and gone. 

Day One

 I stuck them in this goblet with some warm water. Just as they were. There growth was not as significant as the celery, but you can definitely see it. I have trimmed them/used some too. You need to do the same thing as with the celery, and switch out the old water every couple of days.

Day Seven

As you can see, the roots have developed quite a bit. I will probably transfer them this week to my DIY oil tin planter from my first gardening post. 

http://www.17apart.com/2012/02/how-to-grow-green-onions-indefinitely.html

Finally, I wanted to share this book review. I'm thinking of getting it, because it's obviously what I'm all about right now. Does anyone own this/have an opinion about it for me?
http://www.shoestringmag.com/diy/review-dont-throw-it-grow-it

Happy Gardening everyone! 

Restaurant Review - Cora

The Food:

Cora is a chain of restaurants catering to breakfast and lunch. This particular restaurant had just opened in Richmond, so it was busy busy.
I ordered a "Crepomelete". It was spinach and cheese. Drizzled over it was hollandaise (which I am a giant sucker for!). So basically it was an omelette wrapped in a crepe. Served with it was a ton of fresh fruit and some toast.
It was definitely good. I wouldn't call it amazing though. It was a neat combo to try, and the food was substantial enough.

The Aesthetics:

Cora was decorated with lots of happy, bright decor. Around the whole restaurant were those shelves that you hang to a wall. On these shelves was random knick knacks, hens and roosters being the most common occurence. The walls were decorated with names of menu items in colourful, fun print. It was bright and happy, and the overall look was very young, simple, colourful... the kind of place to bring kids to.

The Service and Price:

Okay... here was the big mistake. When I received my order, I was super confused, because I could see ham sticking out of it. I said that I knew there was no way I could've ordered this, because I am a vegetarian. They were quick about getting me my actual order, I probably had it in front of me within 10 minutes. While I wasn't upset about the mistake, I think it is important to note. Screwing up an order is a big deal, and it makes me feel bad too for not just taking it... I hope someone in the back got to eat it, and that it wasn't a waste.
The rest of the service I found to be both really good, but also a little too pushy. When my friend and I were waiting in line, a man at the door was telling us all about the menu, which was helpful, and kind of a nice thing to do. We got a little bombarded as to whether or not we were going to have the morning smoothie, or whatever they were referring to it as.... they were really trying to promote it. Eventually she just assumed we were having water... I guess there's only a certain window of time to decide?
The price was pretty reasonable. You're looking at average restaurant range... the average meal being between about $10 - $15.

Final Say:


This restaurant is a happy, family restaurant. It's a good thing it's only breakfast and lunch, because that's all I can see it working for. I really like how it promotes healthy breakfast eating, as I do agree that it is the most important part of the day. I would probably go here again, because it has a pretty good menu, but I'm not crazy about it. 6.5 Happy Tastebuds out of 10.




Cora
11380 Steveston, Unit 170, Richmond
British Columbia V7A 5J5 
604-270-2672
http://www.chezcora.com/home

Gardening Update and Seed-Starting How-To

My Gardening Update:

I'm new to gardening. A week and a half ago I shared a post about beginning my balcony garden.

I have a couple of things to report: 

Remember my experiment with seedlings and mason jars? It worked! 

Mesclun seeds

Within a few days you could see sprouts forming. Since I started them a week and a half ago, they have grown even more then pictured here.

Basil Seeds 

I have now put them outside with the lids open to start to get them use to the temperature. This week I will put them in soil and transition them into life outdoors.

And remember my indoor tomato plant too? Also a success! There is a little sprout shooting up. I have now removed the cover and placed it on my sunny bedroom windowsill. 

Both of these are sustainable methods for growing. The mason jar method is even more sustainable, and totally inexpensive, whereas I paid maybe $10 for my windowsill tomato package, but it includes everything I'll need. 

How to Start Your Own Seeds in Mason Jars

You will need: 

Seeds - 1 type per 1 mason jar

Mini Mason Jars with lids

Cotton Balls

Some Water

Use a little bit of water to dampen the cotton balls. They will shrink, so try to stretch them out a bit. Place a few seeds on each cotton ball, and put the cotton ball slowly into the mason jar with seeds facing upwards, or outwards. Scatter a few more seeds on top of cotton balls once they're all in if you feel like you can get some more in there. 

Screw lid on mason jar and place on a sunny windowsill. 

Happy Gardening!

Practically Free DIY Wall Art

TOILET PAPER ROLL WALL ART

This is a craft that is growing in popularity. Yes, I'll admit, I am far from the first to attempt it. But come on, no wonder it's a hit - it pretty much costs nothing, and it's a great form of recycling/upcycling. 

You will need:

• A collection of toilet paper rolls
• Scissors
• A hot glue gun w/ glue sticks
• Paint (preferably in a spray container)

Step 1:
Fold paper rolls so they are flat. Then measure and cut your rolls. I cut mine into 5 pieces, as the rolls were 10cm each, so each piece was 2cm. Easy.
Arrange the pieces in a pattern... whichever you like!

Step 2:
Stick to that pattern (I took a picture of it to refer to) and hot glue gun the pieces together. This is the tricky part, because you want to make sure that all the pieces stay together and are aligned nicely. Keep a steady hand.

Step 3:
After hot gluing the pieces together, paint or spray paint your creation. I made the mistake of painting the rolls first, so when I cut them, the original colour of rolls were prevalent. So that is the reason I would recommend spray paint, as painting by hand with so many nooks and crannies might prove difficult.

Step 4:
Allow paint to dry. In the case of my final product, I used rolls that were still in their original colour, so add those after the paint has dried, otherwise, if you're wanting to paint two different colours, I would spray paint the ones with different colours and then hot glue them to the original colour after the paint has dried.

Step 5:
Hang and enjoy.

Restaurant Review - Il Terrazzo

Il Terrazzo is  open for lunch and dinner. Lunch is only served on the weekdays (Monday -Friday). This was my second time at this delightfully authentic Italian restaurant. There's a reason I went back (but there's also a reason it was only my second time).

The Food: 
First things first, the food at Il Terrazzo is divine. It is filling, incredibly delicious and definitely Italian. I ordered a the Filleto d'alibut dish. While I am trying to cut down my seafood intake, I knew that I had to cherish this dish as this is what Curt had the last time we went, and I had a few bites.
I find that great restaurants like to give you bread, or some sort of starter. We received a rosemary foccacia bread with an olive dip. This was a great beginning to our meal.
We went with my in-laws who recently came back from the Philippines. My mother-in-law had a pasta dish (linguine marco pollo), while my father-in-law and I had the Halibut dish, and Curt had a smoked trout (risotto trota affumicato). Everyone absolutely loved their food, and everyone was very full afterwards.
My halibut was tender, light, sweet, and definitely the best fish I have ever had. It's sauce was a blackberry asiago sauce. My father-in-law said likewise about his.
After our meal, we had some coffee. It was tasty and strong, good quality Italian coffee (it was so nice that I had two cups and was wide awake that night... oops!)

The Aesthetics: 
The walkway up to the restaurant is lined with plants and flowers, and it looks truly Italian. Inside is a rustic, yet fancy look. The place it lit mostly by candlelight (including real candle chandeliers hanging from the ceiling) and the fireplaces located about. There is interesting and large art all about. Nothing looks fake, cheap, or tacky. The bathrooms were clean and pretty.
My only negative about Il Terrazzo is the layout. I find it very cramped, especially the walkway to the washroom. Obviously it is an incredibly popular restaurant, so it is very busy, but that makes for loud chatter and tight squeezes to get where you need to go.


The Service and Price: 
The service at Il Terrazo was good. I wouldn't call it amazing, but it was professional. Everyone seemed to know what they were doing, and all of the staff were dressed in dress shirts, ties, nice dresses, and so on.

Il Terrazzo is certainly a treat. For all of the fancy, delicious food, you certainly pay a price. It is more expensive, with the average plates from about $17 to $28.

Final Say:
Il Terrazzo is a wonderful restaurant. It gets 10 Happy Tastebuds out of 10. I would keep Il Terrazzo as a special treat for anniversaries, or celebrations. Perfect place for dates, ladies night, or family/friend time (sans children). The location is central and easy to get to and from, even via bus.




Il Terrazzo 
555 Johnson Street Victoria B.C. V8W 3C6
250 361 0028
http://www.ilterrazzo.com/index.php

Environmental Challenge - Week 6

Scripture and Wrap-Up

Tofino, B.C.

So the challenge has come to an end! I want to thank all of those who read and especially those who participated in the challenge. It has really helped me grow in my passion, and has left me with a desire to learn more. I hope it has done the same for you. 

I wanted to leave off with environment-related scripture. As a Christian, I feel that the earth is God's precious creation and gift. From the wild flowers, to the ocean, to the mountain-tops. His creation is life-giving, and it is full of intricacy, mystery and incredible function. I want to protect it, nourish it, and cherish it. I'm sure you do too. So here's some encouraging scripture that reminds us that our planet is a gift from God. 

Scripture And The Environment

Horne Lake, B.C.

Everyone knows the old' Genesis chapter one verse one deal "In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth". I think it's a great start. Mankind has made the earth what it is today, but we couldn't have made what we've made without God creating  the materials first. We wouldn't be here if God hadn't created us. And it says it all clearly: He made it, not questions asked. Genesis Chapter One goes onto to describe what the Lord created.



^{Numbers 33-34} “‘Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.’”

Nehemiah 9:6 "You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you."


Acts 4:24 "When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them."


Psalm 36:6 "Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast."


Job 12: 7 - 10 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?  In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."


Psalm 24:1 "The Earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it."

Dallas Rd, Victoria B.C.

Psalm 104 "Blessed the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God you are very great.

You are clothed with honor and majesty,

    wrapped in light as with a garment.

You stretch out the heavens like a tent,

    you set the beams of your chambers on the waters,

you make the clouds your chariot,

    you ride on the wings of the wind,

you make the winds your messengers,

    fire and flame your ministers.

You set the earth on its foundations,

    so that it shall never be shaken.

You cover it with the deep as with a garment;

    the waters stood above the mountains.

At your rebuke they flee;

    at the sound of your thunder they take to flight.

They rose up to the mountains, ran down to the valleys

    to the place that you appointed for them.

You set a boundary that they may not pass,

    so that they might not again cover the earth.

You make springs gush forth in the valleys;

    they flow between the hills,

giving drink to every wild animal;

    the wild asses quench their thirst.

By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation;

    they sing among the branches.

From your lofty abode you water the mountains;

    the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.

You cause the grass to grow for the cattle,

    and plants for people to use,

to bring forth food from the earth,

    and wine to gladden the human heart,

oil to make the face shine,

    and bread to strengthen the human heart.

The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly,

    the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

In them the birds build their nests;

    the stork has its home in the fir trees.

Mayne Island, B.C.

The high mountains are for the wild goats;

    the rocks are a refuge for the coneys.

You have made the moon to mark the seasons;

    the sun knows its time for setting.

You make darkness, and it is night,

    when all the animals of the forest come creeping

        out.

The young lions roar for their prey,

    seeking their food from God.

When the sun rises, they withdraw and lie down in their dens.

People go out to their work and to their labor until the evening

O Lord, how manifold are your works!

    In wisdom you have made them all;

    the earth is full of your creatures.

Yonder is the sea, great and wide,

    creeping things innumerable are there,

    living things both small and great.

There go the ships,

    and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it.

These all look to you

    to give them their food in due season;

when you give to them, they gather it up;

    when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.

When you hide your face, they are dismayed;

    when you take away their breath, they die

    and return to their dust.

When you send forth your spirit, they are created;

    and you renew the face of the earth.

May the glory of the Lord endure for ever;

    may the Lord rejoice in his works --

who looks on the earth and it trembles,

    who touches the mountains and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

    I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

May my meditation be pleasing to him,

    for I rejoice in the Lord.

Let sinners be consumed from the earth,

    and let the wicked be no more.

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Praise the Lord!

Dallas Rd. Victoria, B.C.

What now?

Simple actions to take

Over the course of the challenge, we have seen all sorts of simple steps to take in order to help the environment. Let's look back on some:

*Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
*Avoid, avoid avoid plastic, especially single-use plastics
*Walk, bike or bus
*Don't use electricity when it's not necessary
*Buy Green
*Be content with what you have
*Fix up things that are broken instead of buying new
*Buy fair trade
*Eat organic
*Eat local
*Grow your own
*Don't eat highly processed foods
*Go vegetarian

Where to learn more

There are tonnes of books, websites, documentaries and so on about environmental issues.
Check out my article on some things I recommend.

Some websites I frequent are:
http://www.thedailygreen.com/
http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/
http://www.dothegreenthing.com/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/green/

How to get involved

There are tonnes of environmental groups that you can volunteer with. In Victoria, there's The Land Conservancy (TLC), Victoria Compost Education Centre, Dogwood Initiative, Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team and many more. You can choose which one is most suited to your interested, or start your own thing.
Living eco-friendly doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming. It's simply a continual learning process, and a commitment to making changes that are necessary. It's about being willing to go the extra mile sometimes.

Conclusion 
I hope that this 6 week challenge has helped you lead a more sustainable life, I hope that it has taught you, and ignited a want to learn more. Being eco-friendly is an on going process. I pray that you will stretch and grow as environmental awareness does. I pray that you will have discernment between what is truly green, and what is only being marketed as such. Most of all, I pray that you remember the simple act of getting outside and cherishing God's creation; that you go for walks, and hikes, rent a kayak or go for a swim, beachcomb, stargaze and camp.
And don't be afraid to check back here every once in awhile for more articles on the environment.

Ferry ride back from Pender Island, B.C.

Thank you!

All of the pictures in this article are my own photos. Please let me know if you are interested in  my nature photos, I have many.