Ryan + Sarah - Vancouver

Vivienne | Celebrating two-weeks

2012-02-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Viv & I did a little photo shoot to celebrate her two-weeks into this world! More photos on my Sparkle blog; www.mysparklephoto.com. I am the proudest mama. :)

New Arrival!

2012-02-16T09:53:00.004-07:00

So excited to welcome our little girl, Vivienne, into the world! She arrive fast & furious 19-minutes after we got to the hospital. She wanted to meet her mama & daddy right away. The natural birth was the most powerful experience of my life. When they put her on my chest & wrapped us up in warm blankets, the world stopped & it was pure bliss. The doula & midwife that delivered her were just amazing & so supportive. We feel so blessed & are totally in love! More photos on the way (as I cannot seem to put down my camera). :) xoxo

Baby Bump in Stanley Park

2012-01-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my wedding photographer from Whistler was in town & we did a quick shoot in Stanley Park. The park smelled so good of pine, moss, earth & crisp air. It was magical in the trees as the sun was just setting. The little baby booties I carried back from Bhutan when my sister & I were in the Himalayas a few years ago. I think they will fit perfectly when she arrives. :) Thank you Anastasia Photography for your time, energy & beautiful photography!

Vancouver Tips

2012-01-04T16:15:00.010-07:00

Ryan & I are so excited to welcome this baby & know we will have a lot of family & friends visiting in the coming months. Here is a little guide of the best ways to get to Vancouver, some of our favorite places in the city & also maps! We love you all & are on the final countdown! Don't forget your passports.

VANCOUVER | YVR Airport

TRAIN: The easiest & cheapest way from the airport to downtown is the SkyTrain Canada Line. The train is brand new, only about $5 & takes about 25-mins to stops along downtown. The train is directly outside the airport at the top of the escalators. The train goes one direction to Waterfront Station & our stop is Yaletown/Roundhouse.
TAXI: A taxi is about $40 from the airport to downtown.
TROLLEY: Once in Vancouver, there is a great Trolley that takes you to all the major sites downtown. You can hop on & off or take an actual tour. CLICK HERE for brochure.
WATER TAXI: All along False Creek (where we live) there are multiple water taxi stops. It is a fun way to see the city & take you to different places like the Science Center, Granville Island & the Olympic Village for just a few dollars. CLICK HERE for AQUABUS map.

SEATTLE | SeaTac Airport The best flight prices are always out of Seattle. From Seattle, there are a few options to get up to Vancouver.

BUS: If you are not renting a car, you can take a bus directly from the airport on the QuickShuttle & it does stops at all the major hotels in Vancouver. I have taken this many times & it has free wi-fi & around a 4-hour trip (depending on the time of day). It is about $99 round trip.

TRAIN: There is an Amtrak train that goes from Seattle to Vancouver. We have not taken this route, but it looks really nice, around 4-hours & is about $80 round trip. It looks like the train has a more limited schedule than the buses (which leave often). The Vancouver train station is about 5-minutes from our place downtown.
RENTING A CAR: You can always rent a car at the airport & drive up to Vancouver. The drive is about 3-4 hours. (depending on traffic & border time waits).
SCENIC ROUTE: Although a bit longer, one of the prettiest ways to get to Vancouver is by ferry.

From Seattle you take the Victoria Clipper. The ferry takes you from Seattle to Victoria in 3-hours through Puget Sound & is about $100 round trip with kids 12 & under free.
From Victoria you take another ferry toVancouver with BC Ferries. The only catch is that the ferry from Victoria to Vancouver leaves at another port about 20 minutes outside of Victoria (by bus or taxi). You leave out of Swartz Bay (Victoria) & arrive at Tsawwassen (Vancouver). The trip from Victoria to Vancouver is 1.5 hours & about $15.
You can also take a float plane from Victoria to Vancouver through Harbour Air. It is a gorgeous way to fly into the city & takes only a half hour.

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES...

STANLEY PARK: This is a gorgeous 1,000 acre park right along the ocean. You can rent bikes or walk along the seawall...it is gorgeous (with sand beaches, forest trails & yummy restaurants). It is 5.5 miles around the entire park. CLICK HERE for a great map of the park.

Vancouver Aquarium (located in Stanley Park)
Miniature Railway & Children's Farmyard (near Aquarium)
Prospect Point - one of the prettiest lookouts of English Bay. Stop by one of our favorite restaurants here, The Tea House at Stanley Park.
Third Beach - near Prospect Point, pretty sand beaches, great for picnics

GRANVILLE ISLAND: CLICK HERE for a map

Granville Public Market is open 7 days a week, 9am-7pm. It is a great place filled with local farmers & artists. It reminds me of Pike's Place in Seattle. You can take a food tour of the market through Edible BC & it is delicious!
Kids Market - Steps from the Public Market is a great place for the kids with shops & an outdoor play area.
Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design - art school on island with great galleries to explore.
The SandBar Restaurant - a favorite restaurant we love to go. It is worth the wait for the upstairs outdoor seating overlooking False Creek (great in winter too with heated floors, lamps & blankets).

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE: Capilano Bridge is a gorgeous place to see about 20-mins from downtown & full of bridges up in the trees.

SKI RESORTS: There are three ski resorts within 20-30 minutes from downtown & Whistler is about 1-2 hours away.

Grouse Mountain - A great place in the summer or winter with beautiful views of downtown Vancouver. In the summer there is The Grouse Grind hike, Ziplines, Lumberjack show & a Grizzly Bear habitat. If you are not skiing, you can always just take the Gondola up to the top to soak in the view & eat a great lunch. $58 full day ski pass.
Cypress Mountain - This is a great mountain to ski, snowshoe, cross-country or even go tubing (there is a snow tube park that looks fun). Holyburn Lodge is only about a mile in on snowshoes & a great place for lunch. $59 full day ski pass.
Seymour Mountain - Great place to ski, tube or even toboggan. $46 full day pass (open until 10pm).
Whistler Blackcomb Mountain - One of our favorite places! The drive is beautiful along the Sea To Sky Highway & takes you about 1.5 hours from downtown Vancouver to Whistler. $96 full day ski pass. Be sure to ride the Peak2Peak Gondola where we got married. :)

VANCOUVER ART GALLERY: The art gallery is right downtown & a favorite of mine! They have fun family activities on the weekends too.
ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM: Located on University of British Columbia Campus & is a incredible museum of First Nations Art (huge totem poles & canoes). The drive to get there takes you along West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano where there are great restaurants & shops.

RESTAURANTS: a few of our favorites....

Tea House in Stanley Park: Great Brunch/Lunch/Views
Medina: Tiny restaurant, delicious breakfast/lunch (the wait is worth the waffles)
Dirty Apron: Cooking school with a cute deli inside (down the street if Medina gets too long of a wait)
Chambar: Delicious spot for dinner (mussels are one of my favorite dishes here)
Sandbar: On Granville Island, worth the wait for the upstairs outdoor patio
Tomahawk: Great breakfast if you are headed to Capilano Bridge or one of the ski resorts, diner style, very casual, open since 1926
Bistrot Bistro: French restaurant on West 4th Avenue & the boeuf bourguignon is a must!
L'Abattoir: Great little restaurant right in Gastown
Nuba: Delicious, casual lebanese food (a few locations downtown)
BaoQi: Casual Vietnamese in Yaletown & best Pho Soup!

FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS: CLICK HERE for some good places! Tim Horton's is also a Canadian staple. :)

HOTELS...

There are many hotels right downtown & everything is walking distance or you can always hop on the Canada Line train. Here are some hotels close to us. You can also search on hotels.com & we are downtown Vancouver near BC Place Stadium.

Hampton Inn & Suites: 111 Robson St
The Westin Grand: 433 Robson
Georgian Court Hotel: 773 Beatty St
Comfort Inn: 654 Nelson St
Moda Hotel: 900 Seymour St (Boutique style hotel)
Opus Hotel: 322 Davie St (Right outside Yaletown/Roundhouse Train Station)

OUR ADDRESS:

8 Smithe Mews, Apt #1806 - We live in Yaletown along False Creek near BC Place Stadium
Building Code #6090

CLICK HERE for a great map of downtown Vancouver

Happy Holiday's from Vancouver!

2011-12-26T13:38:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas from Vancouver! This was our first Christmas together in Canada & although we really missed all our family & friends back home...we are counting down the weeks for our little baby to arrive! Vancouver had some great holiday traditions from the 'Carol of Ships' right outside our place in False Creek to Solstice celebrations. It was so beautiful to see the boats all lit up on the water & playing Christmas music the entire month. We also celebrated the Winter Solstice at Vancouver's annual Lantern Festival. We headed out on the seawall to find a drumming circle & people with their handmade lanterns. From different points in the city you follow the drummers along the seawall that led us to a big fire spinning show. I loved it! Christmas Eve was spent at a delicious Italian restaurant in Yaletown. We got all dressed up & had a little date night out. It was either that or we were going to attempt to stuff a goose...so glad we went out to dinner. :) It was a cozy, perfect weekend in front of our Christmas tree, cuddling with Pilot & of course my growing belly! So excited for the New Year! xo

32-weeks...

2011-12-05T14:55:00.001-07:00

This week our little one is the same weight as a fresh coconut & 16.5 inches long! I can feel her kicking, dancing, hiccuping & bouncing around...I just love that. We have been setting up her little room & it is filled with three paper mache animals that are covered with French newsprint (an elephant, giraffe & gazelle). There is not much pink in sight, but Ryan did come home the other day with the most adorable red dress. He had been walking past it every night after work & finally caved in. :) I also found a great mobile made of white paper cranes from a local Vancouver artist off Etsy. I love the way the birds float in the air. Ryan was recently in Portland where he picked up the cutest little shoes. I love how tiny everything is. We are getting so excited for this bundle to arrive the end of January!

Lilac Maternity

2011-10-07T15:25:00.000-06:00

I have to give a HUGE thank you to my best friend Becca who has made me feel so beautiful my entire pregnancy. Her & her sister own this darling line, Lilac Clothing, & she has kept me well-dressed. She let me go 'shopping' at the warehouse a few months ago & it was like Christmas. :) Thank you my lovely! xo

23-weeks with my soon-to-be Canadian baby :)

2011-10-07T14:50:00.003-06:00

It is so amazing how much has already happened & is still being created inside my body. Ryan & I have apps on our phones that alert us every week. The baby is always compared to a fruit or vegetable & this past week was a spaghetti squash (so of course I had to go buy one & cook it for dinner the other night). At five months our baby can hear our voices, music, even Pilot barking...I love that.

Having a baby in Canada has been a very new, but incredible experience. So far it is very personable & hands-on. I was very lucky that a good friend, also having a baby at the same time, referred me to the South Community Birthing Center. The center is made up of 2 doctors, 5 midwives & a doula. Everyone takes care of you & you always meet with someone new each visit. The midwives in Canada are more integrated into the heathcare system & are often the ones delivering the baby. Everyone at the center has their babies at the BC Women's Hospital. Ryan & I got lost for our ultrasound appointment there, so we will have to do a few practice drives before the big day. It is only about 15-minutes from the house, so very close. :)

Last month we started a class at the center where you are with other couples having babies just a few weeks before or after you. It is led by one of the midwives & a doula. The classes are every few weeks & they continue after everyone has had their babies & you just bring your baby with you. In Canada it is also very common to have a doula before & during your labor. You also have a nurse come to your home afterwards to teach you about caring for your baby & to make sure you are all settled in. It is all very exciting & we can't wait!!

My Drown's in Vancouver!

2011-09-19T14:50:00.001-06:00

What a magical Labor Day weekend with my family in Vancouver! The weather could not have been more beautiful for their visit. We packed a lot in their few days here, but loved every minute of it. We headed to the Vancouver Aquarium, picnic in Stanley Park, Chinatown Night Market, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain (Emily & Justin braved the Grouse Grind hike), brunch at our place, and many delicious dinners overlooking the city. My mom found an incredible 3-bedroom condo/penthouse on vrbo.com. This condo had it's own rooftop patio with a 180-degree view of downtown Vancouver. We spent many nights there cooking dinner, sipping wine & soaking up a great view! It was so wonderful to have you all here...little 8-month Zoe & all! Wish you all lived right down the street. :) xo

Magical Moments + A Baby Girl

2011-09-13T19:13:00.000-06:00

Wow, so much has happened since May! Ryan + I are welcoming a baby girl the end of January! We are so excited to be parents & can't wait to show this little one the world! I am twenty-weeks along & feel great so far. This little baby has already traveled to Costa Rica, Utah many times, California, a float plane to Tofino & all around Vancouver. My weddings are finally winding down & I am looking forward to relaxing in Vancouver until this little one arrives (that means more posts along the way). :)

The Day's Visit Vancouver!

2011-05-31T14:34:00.000-06:00

Ryan's darling sister & family visited us over my birthday weekend & it was so good to see them! I wish they lived right down the street. I have fallen in love with their little girl Stella, who is so well behaved & stayed out with us until 10:30pm one night for dinner. She just sat at the table eating her olives & hanging out with the adults, too cute. We headed to the Capilano Suspension Bridge one day, which is gorgeous. There are many little bridges hanging in the trees & it is so pretty. It is a must-see in Vancouver if you have not been. On my birthday Ryan surprised me with a FULL spa day...what a sweetheart! He dropped me off at the Spruce Body Lab in Yaletown for a massage & facial. After that, Ryan surprised me again by dropping off his sister & I for mani-pedis. I am such a spoiled girl on my birthday! :)

Becca + Jerral visit Vancouver!

2011-05-31T13:40:00.001-06:00

I had huge butterflies in my stomach the day my best friend arrived with her boyfriend to visit me in Vancouver. I knew he was going to propose & I had to try really hard to keep it a secret. On day two, the sun peaked out of the clouds & he knew that it was ‘the’ day. I watched with happy tears as they road off on their bicycles to ride around Stanley Park. The 1,000 acre park has the most gorgeous seawall path that stretches along the ocean for 6-miles. After passing Siwash Rock which according to legend, was once an Indian warrior, he knew it was time. They walked out onto Third Beach leaving their bikes in the sand & that is where Jerral got down on one knee. The sun had just opened up & it was a perfect moment. The next day they took me back to Stanley Park & we did a little photo shoot. I feel so lucky to witness my best friend happy & in love! Life gives us many precious moments to treasure. Congratulations you two & can’t wait for the wedding! xo

You can see all their photos here: www.mysparklephoto.com

Easter in Vancouver

2011-05-31T13:22:00.003-06:00

L'Abattoir Restaurant, Gastown, Vancouver

Ryan & I love it when Veena + Miro visit us from Victoria, BC. They are always traveling the world & come stocked with delicious chocolate & wine (great house guests). We ate at a delicious restaurant in Gastown called L'Abattoir where they greet you with vintage drinks in antique glasses. Ryan's fun drink came in a funny pistol glass. We dyed Easter eggs, had egg wars & made a yummy Easter dinner. It was a great kick off to the weekend!

Spring Fling!

2011-05-27T18:39:00.000-06:00

Wow! Life has been busy & I am a bit behind on the blog. Back in March we had officially made enough friends in Vancouver to justify throwing a party. Ryan & I were very excited. :) It was a fun night of full moons, great food & wine into the wee hours of the morning. I have learned Canadian's love any reason to celebrate! Thank you to my sweet flower friend, Stephanie, for making our amazing centerpiece.

Dirty Apron Cooking School | Izakaya Kings: Japanese Cooking

2011-03-21T17:24:00.000-06:00

At the end of February I joined a cooking class with one of Ryan's co-workers, Stephanie. It was an incredible gourmet night of feasting & cooking. The Dirty Apron Cooking School was started by a founder of one of our favorite restaurants, Chambar. Each person has their own kitchen set up & stove, which was very hands-on. You would watch the chef cook the first course & then you would go & cook it at your station. Between each course you took your food into this cute dining room where they served you wine & then you would go back & cook the next course. We learned how to make Dashi Stock, Spinach Gomae, Prawn Sunomono Salad, Chicken Yakitori, Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancakes) & my favorite, a Miso Sake Roasted Sablefish. It was so delicious & I am ready to go back again with Ryan! :)

A Little Snow in Vancouver...

2011-03-21T16:38:00.000-06:00

Vancouver rarely has a snow fall that sticks in the city as we are so close to the ocean. A few weeks ago we were so lucky to play in the snow before it quickly melted. I was so excited to break out the puffy snow coat, mittens & snow boots in lieu of my rain gear. Thank you for the photos my love. :)

Mom + Dad in Vancouver

2011-02-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous Vancouver weekend for my parents to visit & celebrate with us! It was so wonderful to see them & give real hugs. It was my mom's first time to Vancouver & my dad visited here on a road trip over 40-years ago. We took them to all our favorite spots to eat...Chambar, The Sandbar & the Tea House in Stanley Park. We drove up to Horseshoe Bay which is at the base of the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway that takes you to Whistler. I miss you both so much & loved sharing a great weekend together! xo

Grow Old Along With Me...The Best is Yet To Be

2011-02-07T22:27:00.001-07:00

"Grow old along with me the best is yet to be...when our time has come we will be as one...face the setting sun when the day is done...spending our lives together man and wife together..." -John Lennon

We joyfully announce our marriage high above the valley floor on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola—Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort / British Colombia, Canada at noon on Saturday, February 5, 2011! We are so happy & blissfully in love! Thank you to our family & friends for your love & support. :)

Here is a website with details from our wedding... http://www.mywedding.com/sarahandryanbaltz/

Annie Poon is an incredible artist & friend living in New York City. She created this amazing stop motion animation to announce our marriage. We love it Annie, you are so talented! xo

Evidence of the Past | Museum of Anthropology

2011-01-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I visited the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, an incredible place to see for anyone that comes to Vancouver. I recently joined a contemporary artist group & my first meeting with them was for one of my favorite photographers from the 1930's, Man Ray. The show was 'Man Ray, African Art, and the Modernist Lens' & how he changed the perception of African objects from just artifacts to objects of fine art. The museum is open late on Tuesdays & they have free tours...which is great because there is so much to see! The giant totem poles, canoes, masks & rugs from the First Nation Tribes of Canada were amazing. Some of these tribes were in Canada 10,000 years ago (before the Pyramids in Egypt were even built). They also have a section of over 37,000 artifacts from around the world that you can now access online. I know I will be back with my sketchbook & big camera to play in the museum & be inspired soon!

Walking + Exploring + Wandering

2011-01-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's long Sunday walk took us along the Seawall to Granville Island & then on little boat back to Yaletown again. I am quickly falling in love with our new home & being so close to the ocean, mountains + nature. Pilot quite likes Vancouver too...meeting a new dachshund every time we go out. :)

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive at where we started
And know the place for the first time.
- T. S. Eliot

Happy New Year + 2011

2011-01-08T02:56:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year + 2011! The holidays were filled with one precious baby Zoe, a real pine tree growing in our living room, 250 homemade truffles (what were Ryan, Steph & I thinking;), Christmas day spent at the Baltz Ranch, skiing on a Utah bluebird day, many good feasts & great bottles of wine shared. We brought in the New Year up in Vancouver with the annual Polar Bear Swim in English Bay. It has been a tradition for 91 years & thousands of people in costume jump into the water & go for a swim. I jumped in while Ryan & Pilot cheered me on from the beach (I admit I just jumped in quickly...it was freezing). 2011 is going to be an incredible year for us...we are so excited! :)

We were so happy to see family & friends in Utah (although missing the Day's & Baltz families back East). We miss & love you all! xo

Total Lunar Eclipse + Celebrating Winter Solstice

2010-12-20T23:54:00.001-07:00

What a magical time of year with the total lunar eclipse & winter solstice. I arrived from Vancouver to soft gentle snowflakes & Utah crisp air....hmmm, love being home. Ryan & Pilot will be joining me later this week & we are so happy to be in Utah for Christmas! The skies look a bit overcast to view the total lunar eclipse, but I will still be watching to see if the red moon peaks out from the clouds. Soaking up the beauty of all things aligned & new beginnings this next year!

To view the eclipse live on NASA's website: http://www.nasa.gov/

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes behind the earth so that the earth blocks the sun's rays from striking the moon. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with the Earth in the middle. Hence, there is always a full moon the night of a lunar eclipse. The type and length of an eclipse depend upon the Moon's location relative to its orbital nodes. The next total lunar eclipse will occur on December 21, 2010 at 0817.

Zoe Elizabeth arrives :: Magical Christmas

2010-12-15T20:28:00.001-07:00

Zoe Elizabeth arrived at 11:22am on December 13th weighing 6 lbs 11 oz - 18 1/2 inches long & is healthy & beautiful! My sister & her darling husband made having a baby look effortless. I jumped on a plane as soon as I heard my sister was in labor & was so happy to welcome this bundle of joy into the world. As a first time Auntie, I am already so in love with this little one! Little Zoe arrived a bit earlier than her Christmas Eve due date...maybe it was the infamous Trio pizza Rachael had on Friday night...I think little Zoe just wanted to celebrate Christmas with all of us. :) What a magical Christmas gift!

Gobble Gobble in Vancouver

2010-11-30T15:37:00.001-07:00

We celebrated our first Thanksgiving in Vancouver on Sunday & it was such a delicious feast! Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October so we invited over some Canadian friends for a second round. Ryan & I picked up all our goodies at the Granville Public Market. It is an indoor market that is open year around & filled with beautiful produce, butchers, cheese shops & bakeries. Ryan made his first homemade apple-caramel pie (in his new Star Wars apron:) that was topped with of course, cutouts of Pilot. It was so delicious! We made corn bread apricot sausage stuffing, my mom's cranberries soaked in black muscat, leek mashed potatoes, dates stuffed with goat cheese & of course the 16-pound turkey. Friends brought over homemade chocolate truffles, mushroom truffle crostinis & a blueberry pie...so we had plenty of food & great leftovers. We are so thankful for our incredible family & friends (old + new). We miss & love you guys!

Washington Wine Country

2010-11-30T15:03:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago Ryan & I went on a quick trip to Washington. Ryan's old friend Roger was visiting from Paris & had friends that lived in the Seattle area (with the cutest daughter). With the drive from Vancouver to Seattle being just a few hours we headed off on a little road trip for the night. With Roger in his Parisian fireman coat (which I loved), we ventured out to the wineries in the drizzle of Seattle rain. A few delicious ones I remember were Chateau Ste. Michele & Brian Carter Cellars. It was too short of a trip, but well worth the drive to see great friends & drink a little vino. :)

New Baby.

2010-11-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to some photos I took of my little sis back in October. Beautiful new baby is almost here!
www.sparklephotoblog.com

Tea Party Baby Shower

2010-11-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Six weeks to go before I officially become an Auntie! I flew home to celebrate a baby shower for my beautiful little sis. My cousins, Aunts & older sis, Emily, helped host a very cute tea party shower complete with my Aunt Lynne's great collection of antique tea cups. We were so lucky to have Chaia Cucina cater & Madam + Steve make all the cute cupcakes & cookies....so delicious! She is due on Christmas Eve...such a fun Christmas present to the family...I can't wait to meet her! :)

Sister's Week in Vancouver

2010-10-19T19:05:00.000-06:00

What an incredible week for Emily's birthday! We hiked on the infamous Grouse Grind, watched grizzly bears, food-toured Granville Island through Edible BC (great company with kayak food tours too!), skipped around Gastown (while not missing Blood Alley of course), celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving over Indian fusion at the famous Vijs, watched dolphins, beluga whales & jelly fish play at the Vancouver Aquarium, warmed up in the Teahouse in Stanley Park, ate at the yummy Jean-Georges restaurant, Market, in the Shangri-La & of course ended with more food & Ryan at our favorite Sandbar on Granville Island. I love you Em & am so happy you got to soak up our new home! Pilot misses you already!

A Saturday Afternoon in Vancouver...

2010-10-04T00:09:00.000-06:00

A beautiful Saturday afternoon over Lion's Gate Bridge up to Grouse Mountain...a gorgeous 15-minute ride up in the Canadian mountains. We took a gondola up to the lodge (great views of downtown Vancouver) & then took a chairlift to the top. There is a grizzly bear refuge near the lodge & they are huge! Two orphaned grizzlies, Grinder & Coola, roam on 5-acres with an electric fence surrounding the area. They were playing a bit when we arrived & then quickly passed out in the trees (so no photos this time). There is a locals favorite hike called the 'Grouse Grind' that we will have to try the next time where you scale up the face of the mountain to the very top. There are also huge zip line rides everywhere & a great viewing spot, 'Eye of the Wind' wind turbine where you can get a 360 degree view of Vancouver...awh, such a beautiful place!

Feels like Home...

2010-09-14T17:31:00.004-06:00

View from deck in bedroom...awh, love the water!

View from deck in kitchen...great sky tonight.

First official dinner party with Ryan's yummy lasanga

Sparkle headquarters...I am very inspired :)

It is so nice to be all moved in & in our home in Vancouver! We live right on the water & seawall which is beautiful. On a clear day you can see Mount Rainier off of our deck & hear the Dragon boats racing below us. This is a magical city & we welcome any visitors! :)

Little Cuties.

2010-09-14T17:17:00.002-06:00

Here are some much be-lated photos from the Fourth of July in Park City & Stella's first birthday. It was a Minnie Mouse theme & so cute! Love being around these kids...they make me laugh, giggle & see all those beautiful things in life. :)

Our New Home!

2010-08-02T00:49:00.004-06:00

FINALLY, we have our apartment in Vancouver!!! Thanks for the awesome photos Ryan & Pilot. :) The movers are coming on Thursday, yay!

Ryan's Flicker Photos, Click Here

Our new address:
1806 - 8 Smithe Mews
Vancouver, BC V6B 0A5
Canada

Celebration of Light | English Bay

2010-07-23T10:09:00.003-06:00

This past Wednesday night Ryan & I took part in the annual Celebration of Light...along with hundreds of Canadians. Each July over four nights there is a huge fireworks competition over English Bay. Everyone flocks to the beaches (which are just a 10-min walk from Yaletown) to watch the show. They were the most amazing & original fireworks I have ever seen! They are set to music & judged by color, originality, concept & rhythm to the music. This year USA, Spain, Mexico & China are competing. Go USA! ;)

Wiener Dog Race - Vancouver

2010-07-18T00:33:00.012-06:00

Thank you for the video Robynn...hilarious :)

Hastings Racecourse, known for its horseracing, hosted the second annual wiener dog race this weekend! 40 Dachshunds took part in five heats to advance to a championship race for a prize of $1,000 & the Hastings Wiener Dog Champion crown. Although Pilot never made it over the finish line (and did not quite leave the start gate either) he was so cute. Ryan's co-worker said it perfectly...'What he lacked in speed he made up for with adorableness & hilarity.' He does not seemed bothered at all that he was beat out by a girl named Wiggles. ;) Next year Pilot!

New Home in Vancouver!

2010-07-01T01:21:00.007-06:00

Our backyard...

We just found our new home (building on the left) on the 18th floor! I fell in love with the bike/running seawall path that wraps around all of downtown Vancouver. There is a dog park just outside our building & kayaks we can reserve for a quick paddle...love our home. :)

Fragrant lavender plants line the paths all around our building...delicious!

Yaletown is just steps from our new building & filled with cute shops, restaurants & plenty of yoga studios. www.yaletowninfo.com

Map of downtown Vancouver. Yaletown is just at the bottom & we live along False Creek.

Misty San Francisco

2010-06-25T12:13:00.005-06:00

I am in San Francisco for a few days on a couple of photo shoots. The fog is slowly lifting so I can finally make out the islands across bay. I am staying up on Nob Hill at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel (you have to love the internet when the lowest price for downtown hotels is the Fairmont) & have a great view from my room on the 21st floor of the entire city stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to Chinatown. I wish Ryan & Pilot were with me! We are heading home to Utah for the Fourth of July & are so excited to see everyone!

Lush. Green. Rainforest.

2010-06-20T13:16:00.007-06:00

I love our new home! Ryan & I had a great weekend exploring a rainforest draped in moss & filled with mushrooms. Our friends Howie & Julie took us on a great hike in Lynn Canyon Park past waterfalls & tall pines. The air is cool, refreshing & everything is so green...we are going to love it here. Breakfast before the hike was at a cute local place called Tomahawk. It has been open since 1926 & so yummy! Miro is in town from Victoria & he is the best guide to delicious food in the city. He took us down a quiet back road called Blood Alley in Gastown. You walk down this dim long alley only to find this delicious hidden restaurant called the Salt Tasting Room. Off a chalkboard (that changes throughout the night), you pick your cheese, meat & condiments paired with wine...my kind of meal! ;)

Beautiful Moab Utah

2010-06-18T11:07:00.006-06:00

Feeling energized and so relaxed after photographing a wedding in Moab last weekend. There is something so magical about Southern Utah...the desert air, starry skies, red rocks and warm sun on my body. I drove to the wedding with one of my best friends, Becca Sue. She sang and played her guitar during the ceremony...it was so beautiful. The couple, Cindi and Jason, were such an inspiration to me...so full of love and adventure. They did what we all talk about doing~ took a year off of life to travel the world together, so romantic! Photos of their wedding will be on my Sparkle blog shortly! :)

Bienvenue à Vancouver!

2010-06-08T15:27:00.007-06:00

We arrived in Vancouver last night after plane delays & a few hours clearing customs. We both have our work permits & are so excited to be in Canada! Pilot was great on the plane & the crew loved him...even giving him wings. ;) Our super friend Miro met us at the airport with a stretch limo & took us to Bin 941, a tiny tapas parlour...giving us such a warm welcome. Our home for now is on Seymour Street in a warehouse district called Yaletown - Downtown Vancouver. Please visit us! :)

York Street | Dallas

2010-06-08T14:54:00.001-06:00

York Street Dallas

6047 Lewis Street

(214) 826-0968
www.yorkstreetdallas.com
For Ryan's birthday dinner & one of our last nights in Dallas, we headed to the delicious & very tiny restaurant of York Street. Located in a neighborhood & truly hidden...we slipped inside where just a few tables awaited us. The chef Sharon Hage has been nominated numerous times for the famous James Beard Award & her restaurant is one of the top 50 in the nation to try by Gourmet Magazine. Her menu changes daily according to what the local farmers may be growing & raising, truly supporting the small local businesses. My friend Corissa gave us a certificate to this amazing restaurant & we loved it! Thank you love!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

2010-06-01T11:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday my love! To an incredible 32 in Vancouver, Canada! xoxo

Rare #1 Texas Plates for Sale :)

2010-05-17T21:14:00.003-06:00

Ryan is selling his new one-of-a-kind Texas plates to the highest bidder on Ebay before we head off to Canada.
EBAY AUCTION DATES: 5/22/10 - 6/1/10
www.1plates.com

Vancouver, BC Canada

2010-05-12T20:30:00.004-06:00

Our stay in Dallas is coming to a close & a new adventure awaits us this summer in Canada! We are so excited to soon have the ocean & beautiful mountains of British Colombia to explore. It will be an amazing new place to call home! :)

Remembering A Soul

2010-05-11T11:48:00.006-06:00

Bleeding Heart flower from my mom's garden.

A beautiful soul passed away on my birthday this year. I flew home this past weekend to be with my family for the funeral. It is always hard when someone leaves us so suddenly. It felt so much better to give real hugs & cry tears in person rather than over a phone. Remembering to live life to the fullest at each moment.

'If I had to live my life over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring & stay that way until later in the fall. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would have more sweethearts. I would pick more daisies.'

Mother's Day Soufflé

It was such a peaceful way to end the weekend honoring the beautiful & strong mother's in my life. I was able to see both grandmother's & my mom...my true inspirations. Every moment with them is beautiful.

Jasmine Blossom Bath from Our Tree

2010-05-11T11:42:00.004-06:00

Our Jasmine tree is in full bloom & smells so sweet & fragrant!

Ryan surprised me the other night with a bath full of fresh Jasmine blossoms from our tree outside. It was one of the sweetest presents. :)

May Day Love + Mint Juleps + the Derby

2010-05-11T11:31:00.006-06:00

Thank you Emily, Sherry & Ed for the pretty flowers!

Old treasures from my grandma & grandpa stuart...I love the way old books smell.

Mint Julep celebration for the Derby & May Day

It was another incredible birthday & delicious flowers covered every inch of our place. Ryan & Pilot spoiled me rotten with my own birthday tree, presents all week long & a homemade dinner topped with mint juleps & a little horse racing. Thank you everyone for all the birthday love! :)

Art + Love + Magic

2010-04-21T22:11:00.015-06:00

Nasher Sculpture Center 2001 Flora Street, Dallas
We are so lucky to have this amazing museum just one mile from our house in the Arts District. My sister & I saw an amazing show by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. He intimately pulls you into his sculptures using light, text & sound. Some of the pieces are so large you can walk inside of them & become completely enveloped by words & symbols. My favorite piece was a wall of metal letters that form the lines from his favorite poets. The letters were like chimes as you walked through them, so peaceful.

Outside at the Nasher sculpture garden

Dallas Museum of Art - Center for Creative Connections 1717 North Hardwood, Dallas
The Dallas Museum of Art has an amazing section that is completely interactive, inspiring you to feel, touch & make art. I would love to have something like this in my house one day! :)

Art + Love + Magic :: Deep Ellum
Ryan & I went to the Deep Ellum Art Festival last Friday. It was raining so hard we only made it to a few galleries, but it was a fun night out dancing in the rain. :) Art, Love, Magic is a group of artists, musicians, designers & poets that put on events all year to raise awareness for local art. I love any excuse to go to Deep Ellum as that part of the city encourages artists to paint graffiti art all over the buildings & it is gorgeous!

Horse Racing, Fashion Shows & Art

2010-04-13T15:53:00.014-06:00

My older sister came into town this past weekend & we packed so much into our super sister weekend. We started with 'Rock the Runway' fashion show at F.I.G. (a boutique fashion center downtown). There were five designers, six judges & one challenge. The designers showed their line of clothing & then designed one outfit completely from issues of D Magazine. They were so creative! There were hundreds men & women in their 'rock chic attire.' It was such a fun way to introduce Emily to Dallas. :)

Hat by Diane Harty
On Friday we headed to the Fort Worth Art Festival (25th year). There was amazing art & I actually got to meet the artist from California who made my metal heart for Ryan!

On Saturday, horse racing was calling us at the Lone Star Horse Park. Ryan was so excited to be there it was contagious. He has had quite the lucky streak for horse racing & it was fun to learn from him. Emily & I learned all about exotic wagers, trifectas, blinkers, quinellas & superfectas. The horses were so strong & gorgeous...beautiful animals!

Emily & I discovered this amazing park while she was here, so peaceful & gorgeous. It was complete with lily pads, a bag piper & blooming rhododendron plants.

Mansion along Lakeside Park, Turtle Creek

Easter Weekend

2010-04-13T15:12:00.010-06:00

Easter at the elegant Hotel St. Germain ~ built in 1906

The beautiful library we had brunch in with my parents complete with white gloved waiters & French macaroons :)

Botanical Garden & Arboretum

Thousands of gorgeous blooms & live music filled the Arboretum over Easter weekend, so beautiful!

Mom & Dad under a gorgeous blooming wisteria plant...smelled so delicious!

It was so nice to have my parents in town for the Easter weekend! The spring weather was perfect for long walks with Pilot, warm patio restaurants & playing in the tulips at the Arboretum. Thank you so much for visiting us! We sure miss you!

Spring in Texas

2010-03-26T14:55:00.010-06:00

Thank you Mom & Dad for the tulips!

It is beautiful springtime in Dallas & the air smells so sweet. We go on long walks with Pilot & it is nice to be outside when the air is still cool before the heat of summer. Soaking up the spring!

'March arrives...the first whisper of spring. Slowly our spirits reawaken, along with the natural world, from a long winter's slumber. Deep within we feel stirrings of hope. Turn over the earth in the inner garden. This month we plant the seeds of simplicity in the fertile soil of our souls.' ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Grandma's 75th Birthday

2010-03-26T14:01:00.011-06:00

Grandma & Grandma Stuart~ married for 58 years:)

Grandma at 16 years old...beautiful!

My Aunt Lynne has the same China that is in the new Alice & Wonderland movie, so perfect.

My Great Grandma Agie~ I love this photograph of her taken on a camping trip.

Jayden & Lindsey

Spring Dinner, hmmm

Jayden & Mel

Rach & Dad

Uncle Mitch & Jayden
March 21, 1935 my Grandma Stuart was born. Happy 75th Birthday Grandma! My beautiful grandma first instilled my love of travel with her exotic stories of India, Spain, Nepal, Sri Lanka & Singapore. My grandparents would bring back little treasures from these amazing places & I fell in love with the world through their eyes. My Grandmother has created a beautiful family with so much love in her 75 years. It was special to be home to celebrate with everyone. Thank you Aunt Lynne & Uncle Mitch!

rise nº1 - Lovers Lane

2010-03-26T13:46:00.005-06:00

26 Feb 2010 :: Perfect evening; French wine, music, soufflé, one knee, butterflies, knowing you're going to spend forever together. :)

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2010-03-17T19:27:00.007-06:00

Becca playing on Temple Bar, Dublin

These things I warmly wish to you-
Someone to love
Some work to do
A bit o' sun
A bit o' cheer
And a guardian angel always near.

This St. Patrick's Day reminded me of an amazing trip to Ireland I had with one of my dear friends Becca. We had such a beautiful adventure together. The people of Ireland were so warm & the countryside lush & green. I am craving that warm cheer found everywhere on Temple Bar in Dublin tonight. :)

Texas Metal Heart

2010-03-10T12:26:00.006-07:00

Adventures with someone you love is one of life's most precious treasures. Ryan & I have been on quite the journey from first meeting in kindergarten to moving from Utah, to New York City, to Texas....and engaged, all within the past year. I feel like such a lucky girl to be with someone who loves me so completely. I commissioned this incredible artist, Anthony Hansen, to make a heart for me to give Ryan. He uses recycled metal from old cars that have been beautifully rusted & worn by the weather. I was so excited when this 3 1/2 foot heart came in the mail from Morro Bay, California. It is fun to have a piece of original art reflecting where you are in life. I have a feeling this art collection will continue as Ryan & I keep traveling on our adventure. :)

Just got engaged to my soul mate...life is so beautiful!

2010-02-27T16:09:00.005-07:00

'Love is the force that transforms and improves the soul of the world.' Paulo Coelho

Olympic Love

2010-02-26T12:46:00.015-07:00

Miroslav & Ryan in Whistler Village

The Swiss House

Such a beautiful memorial for Nodar, the Luge Olympian.

Great live music everywhere in the Village

The Swiss House in Whistler...one of my favorite places for endless amounts of cheese fondue...yummy.

Love these beautiful handmade skis from Switzerland

This was our amazing chalet in Whistler...gorgeous views of Blackcomb & Whistler ski resorts. I could move in tomorrow. :)

My favorite suit of the Olympics, The Russian Team by Bosco Sport

Photo stills from a video Sam Chadwick took on our trip (he is an amazing photographer from the UK who travels the world). www.samchadwickphoto.com

We had an amazing trip to Vancouver & Whistler for the Olympics. The energy on Robson Street, Vancouver & in Whistler Village was contagious. Our group consisted of 1 Bulgarian, 1 Canadian, 3 from the UK & 4 Americans...such a fun mix. The weather & snow were gorgeous & we skied two days at Whistler/Blackcomb resorts, which are now connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (the longest unsupported cable in the world- 1.88 miles)! We were able to watch some of the downhill races between ski runs & just soak up the Olympic energy in the Village. I am inspired & in awe of so many incredible athletes! Whistler is one of the most beautiful places I have visited & know I will be back soon.

Vancouver + Whistler 2010 Olympics

2010-02-16T10:08:00.009-07:00

Ryan & I are headed to Vancouver & Whistler tomorrow morning! We love watching all these amazing athletes, so inspiring. I was excited to see my friend, Emily Cook, on the cover of last week's New York Times Magazine! Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the designing sisters behind the Rodarte line styled the athletes in this amazing knit clothing, beautiful & so artistic.

Good luck Team USA!

Emily Cook's Today Show piece with her dad, so inspiring!

Happy Year of the Tiger & Valentine's Day :)

2010-02-15T19:09:00.006-07:00

Delicious Maine Lobsters, Wild Mushroom Ravioli & White Truffle Butter...hmmm

Ryan making his French Macaroons...inspired by one of his favorite places when he was living in Paris, Ladurée. We will have to track down the secret Ladurée recipe!

Getting ready for roasted garlic...one of my favorites

Life is tough for Pilot...eats, sleeps, plays, sleeps & sleeps some more :)

I returned to 12-inches of snow in Dallas when I landed on Friday! It was exciting to see snow in Texas. We had a great weekend watching the Olympics & are getting ready to head up to Vancouver in just a few days!

Acoustic House Concert ~ The Mother Hips

2010-02-11T10:10:00.004-07:00

My older sis, Emily always invites me to these great acoustic house concerts when I am in Utah. A good friend has them at his beautiful home right below Mount Olympus. It is a great setting to hear live music over the city. Tim Bluhm with The Mother Hips played with his wife Nicki & it was amazing...very raw, intimate & small. Thanks Em! :)

Heading to Utah

2010-02-07T13:22:00.005-07:00

Park City, UT
I am heading to Utah to work for the week! I love traveling back home & it is such a quick flight from Dallas. Ready to soak up some winter weather & be cozy in front of a fire. :)

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
::William Blake

Happy Birthday Lexi!

2010-02-05T09:52:00.007-07:00

Isabelle, Conner & Lexi, Christmas 2009

Isabelle, Lexi & Conner, February 2006

I first met Lexi on her 5th birthday...she has grown up so much! Here are the kids then & now...time goes by so quickly! Happy Birthday cutie~ we sure miss you guys! xo

New York City Wedding

2010-02-03T11:36:00.003-07:00

I just returned from photographing an incredible wedding in New York City. I love the great energy there, it is instantly contagious. The bride wore a gorgeous red Indian sari & the reception took place at the historic India House Club in Lower Manhattan. The groom is Scottish & an incredible musician & composer on Broadway. He has been part of the Jersey Boys Broadway Show for 4-years now. He personally owns 26 different guitars, my dad would have loved meeting him. Veena, the bride's sister, gave her a wedding gift of photography...what an amazing sister! It was so special to share their day with family that had flown across the country & also a bonus to be in New York photographing a wedding. Life is beautiful. Photos to come on my Sparkle blog soon!

The Elegance of the Hedgehog - Muriel Barbery

2010-01-25T08:31:00.003-07:00

'The ultimate celebration of every person's invisible part'

I have joined a book club here in Dallas & we just finished reading The Elegance of the Hedgehog, which takes place in Paris. It is translated from French & beautifully written by Muriel Barbery. It is magic when someone can put together words in just a particular way & suddenly it is art...I love that. This week I will have 15 book clubbers in our tiny apartment to drink wine, eat French macaroons (so excited, just found a place that sells them) & talk about this incredible book. :)

'Madame Michel has the elegance of the hedgehog; on the outside, she's covered in quills, a real fortress, but my gut feeling is that on the inside, she has the same simple refinement as the hedgehog; a deceptively indolent little creature, fiercely solitary - and terribly elegant.' 12-year old Paloma

The author also has a beautiful personal blog, muriel.barbery.net, with photographs taken by her husband, Stéphane.

Pilot - 4 months old

2010-01-20T16:55:00.004-07:00

Pilot is growing up & eight pounds already! He was neutered (sadly) last week, but does not even realize anything is missing. He will be going on his third week of training & is such a good student. He is in an 8-week course with 5 other puppies every Saturday, so cute. We went to an outdoor dog park on White Rock Lake last weekend, it was so beautiful! It was Pilot's first time & it was pretty hilarious as he hid under our legs most of the time...finally venturing out to play with the cutest bulldog puppy. :)

Rachofsky House - My dream home!

2010-01-16T12:29:00.009-07:00

I was so lucky to tour this private home last Friday~ The Rachofsky House in Dallas. This is my dream space. The home belongs to Howard & Cindy Rachofsky who are huge contemporary art collectors. The home is designed by the well-known architect, Richard Meier...every window has a view that opens up to the pond, trees & outdoors, gorgeous! Meier created a space for both an individual to live as well as an international private collection of artwork. Meier made 'art a part of the experience' in the house. There is so much art in the collection it is switched out completely multiple times a year. The current installation I saw was called 'Presence' & filled with amazing contemporary artists.

Happy Birthday Sherry + Jayden!

2010-01-14T11:38:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday Sherry ~ An incredible mom & grandma!

Happy 1st Birthday to Jayden! I can't believe how fast a year can go by. He has grown up so much since this photo.

Heading to Vancouver

2010-01-12T12:43:00.005-07:00

Ryan surprised me at Christmas with a trip to Canada during the 2010 Olympics. We are meeting up with friends in a chalet in Whistler...so very excited! I loved seeing the 2002 Olympics in Utah...so much energy & such talented athletes. A good friend, Emily Cook, will be flying high as one of the aerial ski jumpers...so we hope to watch her if we can! I am so proud of her! Ryan & I also went to high school with one of the bobsledders on the US Team, Steven Holcomb. There was always so much talent training up in Park City. Good luck everyone...we will be watching!

Christmas with the Baltz Family

2010-01-04T15:56:00.004-07:00

Winter Wonderland at the Baltz House :)

Pilot & Ry soaking up Park City

Kari & butterfly Hannah

Isabelle, Conner & Lexi

All the kids...Isabelle, Haydin, Conner, Hannah, Lexi & Stella. Kids make Christmas so magical all over again. :)

Ed & Sherry with the grand kids...so much love.

Eve before Christmas

2010-01-04T15:35:00.006-07:00

An old photo of us with dad...precious moment. Time goes by so quickly.

Mom's tree made up of 30+ years of handmade ornaments, memories & love.

Dad's perfect Christmas Martini

Pre-loved gift grab...such funny & random things :)

Emily's super vegetable dish! The yellow vegetable in the center is called a Buddha Hand Squash & smelled of fresh lemons...hmmm.

Heading to Winter Wonderland today...

2009-12-23T11:06:00.004-07:00

Snowbird, Utah

Park City, Utah

Winter Solstice

2009-12-21T12:45:00.006-07:00

Happy Winter Solstice! The first day of Winter & shortest day of the year...when the earth tilts the furthest distance from the sun. Throughout the world there are amazing celebrations & in places like Newgrange, Ireland & Stonehenge, England the sun falls through these beautiful ancient structures...aligning perfectly on this one day.

Stonehenge, England

Newgrange, Ireland - Every Winter Solstice the sun lights up inside this 5,000 year old structure through a perfectly positioned hole in the rock. A lottery is held every year for those lucky few who get to view this from inside, as it is so small. I watched it live on the internet one year & it was beautiful!

Christmas Love

2009-12-18T13:45:00.006-07:00

Merry Christmas everyone! We are heading back to Utah next week & are so excited to see family, friends & soak up the mountains.

Thank you Emily for our very cute Christmas package. Pilot found his treats right away & loves them! :)

Ryan & I found this cute dachshund cookie cutter a few months ago & have been making Pilot gingerbread cookies since....our place smells so good.

Ry brought me my coffee in bed the other morning...so cute. Yes, we love our puppy! ;)

Denver Trip & Scuba Santa

2009-12-16T11:45:00.007-07:00

I went on a little adventure to Denver last weekend to visit Corissa, Emily & Sally Jo. Corissa & Sally Jo are amazing mothers & it was so good to spend time with their little ones; Emma, Maddox & Lucia. Emily is getting married this March on a tiny island in the Bahamas, Eleuthera. We had a bachelorette party for her Saturday at this yummy Denver restaurant, Duo. Our last day we visited the Denver Aquarium where we got to see scuba Santa. It was so cute to see the kids faces light up & were so curious why Santa was swimming with all the fish. :) I feel so lucky to have such great, old friendships...so much love there!

Maddox has grown up so much since I saw him last. He is the best little boy & so well-behaved...Corissa is an incredible mom.

These are Sally Jo's shoes when she was a little girl. Her mother kept them all these years & now they are Lucia's...love that.

Lucia is such a happy baby & just giggles so much...she takes after her mama, Sally Jo:)

Cute Emma is just 6-months old, but already so smart~ truly an old soul.

Emily & Emma

Sally Jo soaking up the beautiful aquarium...so peaceful.

rise n°1 salon de soufflé

2009-12-10T10:34:00.005-07:00

escorgot soufflé ~ my main course & just melted in your mouth:)

chocolate dessert...hmm.

A local school hand-makes their pottery dishes

The wine glasses are made of recycled wine bottles...beautiful green!

I joined a Gourmet Dinner group in Dallas & they just love good food & wine, a perfect match for me. :) They meet once month at one of the many delicious restaurants here. I met with them this week at a great restaurant, rise n°1 - salon de soufflé & wine bar.

The entire menu is filled with various soufflés....everything from escarcot to pumpkin. I could not remember the last time I had such a perfectly fluffy soufflé, these were incredible! The restaurant makes you feel like you are in the French country side with the cozy atmosphere, fireplace, French dishcloth napkins, pottery dishes & short tumbler wine glasses. I could have stayed in this restaurant all night! This was a fun group of new Dallas friends, great connections. :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-12-02T11:33:00.004-07:00

Happy Birthday Beautiful Mom! My mom raised three girls & we are all best friends...she did such an incredible job & passed along so much love. Enjoy your day under the December full moon. Love you so much!

Who-ville Ice Village

2009-12-01T14:11:00.012-07:00

Harbin, China - Ice Festival (inspiration for Who-ville in Dallas)

This was one of the cutest things I have ever seen...Dr. Seuss 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' made of two million pounds of hand-carved ice! Mackenzie & Mike invited us to this fun show called "Ice." 40 artists from Harbin, China come to Dallas each year to create Who-ville from 5,000 blocks of ice...it is amazing! In Harbin, China they make a complete outdoor village of ice (another place to put on my wishlist). They give you giant blue parkas so you are nice & toasty in the 9 degree indoor space. Such a funny night complete with a ride down an ice slide. :)

Scents of Christmas...

2009-12-01T13:48:00.008-07:00

'Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.' ~Norman Vincent Peale

We headed to the Christmas tree lot the day after Thanksgiving & found the perfect Fraser Fir. Along with the cinnamon pine cones, our place smells deliciously like Christmas. Our tree came all the way from Oregon to be in our living room in Dallas...such a long journey. It was funny to pick out a tree when the weather was so warm outside. I am actually looking forward to being bundled up, cold & in the snow over the Christmas holiday in Utah...so soon! :)

Thanksgiving Feast

2009-12-01T13:21:00.014-07:00

Stella Ryan is the sweetest baby & so cute...just look at those pretty blue eyes :)

Stella with her Uncle Ry

Stella & Mack

Stella in her cute Thanksgiving day outfit

Yay, the turkey worked! :)

Thanksgiving prep...so colorful

I wish you could smell these cranberries & port...so delicious!

The apple-spice brine smelled so good when I was simmering it in apple cider. The turkey soaked in the brine for over 24-hours & made it so juicy.

All the goodies found in our turkey. I am so glad Ryan just bought plastic gloves ;)

Ryan & I were so lucky to have Mackenzie, Mike & baby Stella in Dallas for Thanksgiving. They were my guinea pigs as it was my first time cooking a turkey (which was quite an experience;) . I made all my mom's recipes...port-soaked apricot cranberries, hot Italian sausage/apple focaccia stuffing, apple spice brine for the turkey, harcot verts (those tiny French green beans) & of course garlic mashed potatoes...so delicious! The scents of the kitchen made me feel so close to home. I miss you guys, but felt so close knowing we were all eating the same food. It was such a cozy Thanksgiving filled with PJ's, champagne, yummy food, darling baby Stella, our cute new puppy & such great company...so blessed. :)

Happy Birthday Gorgeous Little Sis!

2009-11-30T12:01:00.005-07:00

Mom, Emily, Rachael & I~ Boulder, CO
Happy Birthday Rachael! (in the red;). One of my best friends & soul mate...love you sweetheart! See you in just three weeks for giant hugs, wine & giggles. xo

Happy Birthday Beautiful Mack!

2009-11-24T15:02:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday Mackenzie! Mackenzie, Mike & their new baby Stella Ryan, are visiting Dallas for Thanksgiving. We are so excited to see them & cook Turkey dinner...yummy. These photos are from the Baltz girls trip to NYC last year...New York is so magical at Christmas time. Getting excited to see the Day family soon! :)

Booker T Washington School for the Performing & Visual Arts - Dallas Arts District

2009-11-18T13:38:00.012-07:00

Dallas Arts District - An amazing 68-acre, 19-block neighborhood in the heart of downtown. Ryan & I are so lucky to live just one-mile from here.

I have started to volunteer at Booker T Washington School for the Performing & Visual Arts in the Dallas Art District. Norah Jones, Erykah Badu & Edie Brickell are all alumni, so it gives you an idea of the amazing talent coming out of this school. Recently I helped film the dancers & it was like I was right out of the movie, Fame. These students are so passionate & it is exciting to see their talent. This week I am helping during their Senior Showcase where juniors & seniors in dance, music, theatre & visual arts will present their portfolios, gallery exhibition & performances to colleges, universities & conservatories. I wish I could have gone to a High School like this growing up! This has been a fun way to immerse myself in a new city. Dallas has been such a refreshing surprise! :)

Weekend with Rach & Justin

2009-11-17T13:48:00.010-07:00

Incredible fans at TCU!

Yummy dinner & margaritas downtown at Iron Cactus.

Pilot just loved meeting Rach & Justin. He loves his new tiny tennis balls & puffy winter jacket guys, thank you..ruff, ruff :)

Bath time...

The Cupcakery...hmmm, Tickle Me Pink, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup & Champagne Delight.

The boys out to BBQ Ry's famous burgers :)

Ry & I love visitors in Dallas & it was such a great weekend with my little sister & her hubby. Pilot misses you guys already! Thank you so much for visiting us. Love you both! =)

Happy Birthday CJ!

2009-11-17T13:08:00.005-07:00

CJ (Ry's older brother) is a huge Browns fan...I think this photo totally works, ha. ;)

This is CJ's cute family, Kari, Haydin & Hannah last Halloween when Ryan's mom made her famous 'Spooky Halloween' dinner. We are so excited to see the Baltz family at Christmas!

Rachael & 'Big Tex' arrive today!

2009-11-13T08:05:00.004-07:00

My cute sister Rachael & her hubby Justin arrive today! We are so excited to have them for the weekend. Justin is a true Texan, so it will be fun to have him show us his secret spots around the city. They are both huge UofU fans, so we are headed to the Utah/TCU game on Saturday. Pilot is getting excited to meet you both! ;)

8-week old Pilot

2009-11-07T21:05:00.005-07:00

Pilot is 8-weeks old & we are totally in love with this little guy. He is a big hit in our apartment building & gets so much attention when we take him through the lobby for his daily walks. He loves to snuggle & is so excited for all our November visitors! :)

Happy Birthday to a True Cowboy

2009-11-05T08:20:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday Ed! Ryan's dad is a true cowboy & pretty much spends every day at their ranch, on a horse & soaking up the Utah mountains. It is the most gorgeous place in the world! They will soon be offering dog sledding this winter (along with sleigh rides)...so fun! I am already counting down the days for Christmas to be back in Utah. :)

Rocky Mountain Recreation
Weber Canyon, Utah

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-10-30T12:37:00.005-06:00

One of the greatest gifts in my life, my dad. Happy Birthday to my rock, inspiration & best friend! I love you!
'A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.' John Lennon

Pilot has landed! :)

2009-10-26T20:45:00.006-06:00

Ryan & I picked up Pilot on a Sunday afternoon drive to Louisiana. The drive was gorgeous & filled with lots of thick pine trees & so many hawks flying above us. Pilot is a black & tan 6-week old miniature dachshund that will grow to be just 8-9 lbs, so cute. He is a fun & cuddly new addition to our place! Picasso was a huge fan of the dachshunds too & you can often find them hiding in his art. Lump pretty much lived in his art studio & gave him plenty of inspiration. More photos to come of Pilot as he explores Dallas. :)

State Fair of Texas- Yee Haw!

2009-10-22T20:36:00.000-06:00

This year's famous deep-fried butter winner ;)

My mom was in town last weekend & it was so great to see her! Ry & I took her to the Texas State Fair to get the full Dallas experience. It has been running since 1886 & filled with tons of mysterious & strange fried foods. Some past winners...deep-fried oreos, coke, bacon, Twinkies & peanut butter, wow. 'Big Tex' cowboy at 52-feet welcomes you to some deep-fried butter (yes, this year's winning recipe), alligator kabobs, huge butter sculpture, largest Ferris wheel in North America, Corny Dogs & even pig races. We went the same day as the annual Texas Longhorns/Oklahoma game...a crazy day. The Cotton Bowl sits at the center of the fair...so it was pretty busy, but so great for people watching. :)

Beautiful Fall Weekend with Mamma Mia

2009-10-18T17:59:00.009-06:00

13-foot 'Sho' by Jaume Plensa

Meadows Museum ~ SMU Campus
Mom & I had an incredible Fall day doing what we love best...looking at art. I was surprised to learn Meadows Museum is one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain, inspired by the Prado in Madrid...who would have guessed in Dallas? :) There are amazing artists Picasso, Goya, Miró, Velázquez, El Greco & also a great mix of modern art. A new contemporary piece 'Sho' by Jaume Plensa, is a 13-foot mesh metal face of a young girl...so beautiful! I was so happy to have my mom here in Dallas...I sure do miss her!

Villa Estrella Mar - South Shore

2009-10-14T08:12:00.005-06:00

Villa Estrella Mar ~ Puerto Vallarta
Stephanie & Conner rented this amazing villa for the weekend to get married in. I felt so lucky to be there as their photographer! The entire family stayed in the villa (as it is so large at 20,000+ square feet & has its own staff of 14-people to cook, clean & tend to anything you need). The villa has two elevators, 6+ bedrooms, swimming pool, and direct access to your own beach. The master suite is 2200 square feet & opens up to the most amazing view of the ocean. It was a magical wedding!

Birthday Girl!

2009-10-13T19:43:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday beautiful sis! xo

Off to Mexico...

2009-10-07T21:19:00.004-06:00

We are headed to Puerto Vallarta tomorrow, yay! I am photographing a wedding & of course need to bring Ry along to soak up the sunshine too. He is hoping to catch a Blue Marlin, so we will see what the ocean brings. Adios Amigos (from Ry;).

Thievery Corporation at House of Blues

2009-10-06T14:03:00.007-06:00

Our super front desk girl at The Glass House got us in the VIP section at the House of Blues before the concert. The VIP Foundation Room is gorgeous & has this great Indian/Moroccan feel where you can sit on the floor, sip on wine & order delicious food. We felt so lucky!

Veena & Miro ready for some Thievery

Sporting his new Dallas hat, lookin' good Miro! :)

The boys...

Thievery Corporation puts on one of the best concerts I have ever seen with sitars, trumpets, saxophones, bongo drums...incredible. They had some amazing singers from Brazil, Jamaica, South Africa & the US. It was a great way to end the weekend with Veena, Miro & Shaun...so fun! :)

Perfect Weekend with Old Friends

2009-10-06T13:46:00.004-06:00

Beautiful Dallas sunset Friday night...

A little vino before heading to our favorite Tei-an Restaurant for endless amounts of soba noddles & sake bombs

Ry's boss gave him a superman cape Friday afternoon...he is ready to save the world!

Lazy, perfect football Sunday...

Miro cheering for the Bears! :)

We have had such an amazing weekend with our Canadian friends from Vancouver, Miroslav & Veena & Shaun from Utah. Our apartment was very cozy this weekend. We sure miss you guys!

Giant Redwood Tree Photo

2009-09-29T13:08:00.011-06:00

This was beautiful...I had to share. This 300-foot Redwood tree is 1500 years old. National Geographic photographer, Michael Nichols, created this one image with 84 photographs as as the tree is so tall. He spent over a year in the Redwood forest just to create this photo, gorgeous!

Video

Dallas Farmers Market

2009-09-28T16:40:00.006-06:00

Ryan & I went to the Dallas Farmers Market this past weekend & it was huge! It is open 362 days of the year...I love that. It started as an official market in 1941, so it has been around a very long time. We picked up fresh tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, Deep Ellum honey (from a guy in a bee costume), and some very hot Habanero peppers (from a cute farmer who told us everything there is to know about peppers;). Living in Texas, I am learning all about peppers. There is the Scoville Heat Index that rates peppers from mild to very hot. Zero is mild & it goes up to 1,000,000+ for the hot, hot ones. The pretty little orange Habanero's we bought rank around 100,000-315,000 & are super hot! The hottest pepper to date is called a Ghost Pepper/Naga Jolakia from India, whew!

Imperial Jewels of China Trip

2009-09-23T09:07:00.005-06:00

My parents are floating down the Yangtze River today...I am so excited for them! They are on a 3-week adventure with 6 of their friends throughout China. They are seeing some amazing places...The Forbidden City in Beijing, Tiananmen Square, The Great Wall of China, The 8,000 terra cotta life-size warriors in Xian, The Three Gorges, the Bund in Shanghai & ending in Hong Kong. It is their first time to Asia & I know they will love it. :)

Fall Afternoon

2009-09-18T18:47:00.005-06:00

Fall in Midway, Utah...beautiful

Swiss-inspired Main Street, Midway

My dear friend Becca & I...perfect afternoon.

Becca & I decided to drive through Guardsman Pass (connecting Big Cottonwood to Park City). We saw some of the most beautiful red & yellow Fall leaves just coming out. We headed to Midway for lunch, the Homestead for homemade fudge, & Windy Ridge in Park City for wine. It was a great afternoon! I am so proud of my friend Becca who just got her clothing line, Lilac, in Costco. Life will truly give you anything you ask of it!
www.lilacclothing.com
www.expectedmaternity.com

Delicious Meditrina

2009-09-18T18:28:00.008-06:00

Homemade Sangria

Strawberry Bruchetta

'Drucken Oreos' in Port wine
Meditrina
1394 West Temple, Salt Lake City
"Come In & Be Happy"
Delicious sisters night at Meditrina...mmmmm. So lucky to have two amazing sisters in my life. They are beautiful souls! :)