Paradise Found.

My grandfather ('Papa'), used take us as children, on all sorts of adventures during our visits to their place in Qualicum Beach (Eaglecrest to be precise). There was Coombs Market (to visit the goats on the roof), Butterfly World, Go-Carts, and the Wildlife Sanctuary, but our all time favourite was miniature golf.



It made sense that when we came back to the Island for my Grandmother's 100th birthday celebration (opposite side of the family), we would take in a round.

Surf Sisters.

I was fortunate enough to get a last minute invite to Tofino with some girlfriends from work. I've never surfed before (played spectator/photog on the Wales trip...if you recall), and was honestly VERY nervous about it.

What else?

I think it's possible that I'm experiencing a little PTSD following last weekend's activities. As I write this, it's 2:08pm and I'm in my PJs, nestled in bed, with tea, my new book, and the latest copy of HELLO. Are you judging?

Apart from pure laziness, what else has the week entailed?

Seattle's Finest...

If you follow my instagram account @beyondtheblueumbrella, you will have realized that last weekend, there was a quick jaunt across the 49th parallel. Operation 'wing-woman' was in full effect. I received the call from my best friend mid-week to accompany her (along with 10 others) down to Seattle for a friend's (her friend's) bachelorette festivities. Yes, I was a tag-along, but pleased to be included none the less. I would have called it a bachelorette 'party', but that simply doesn't do it justice. I had only met the bride-to-be a handful of times prior, and little did I know just what she and her sorority gal-pals were capable of.

Every minute of the weekend was planned. This group of friends had set the bar high when it came to hen parties, and this one was going to be no exception.

Their weekend included an r-rated pyjama party, a tasty brunch, a scavenger hunt around Seattle, A toga-clad evening on the town, and Sunday afternoon tea at the Fairmont. What a weekend. Due to unforeseen circumstances, K and I had to miss out on some of these events, but had a weekend full of laughs none the less.

My favourite breakfast spot: The Crumpet Shop (by the market)

 

*Special note to friends and family: Should (ahem..WHEN) I get married, unless you want me in the fetal position, hiding under the bed, rocking back and forth, STAY CLEAR of the stripper