Month: November 2016

Hiking Treasure Loop Trail in Lost Dutchman State Park (PHOTOS)

Greg and I were in Scottsdale and Mesa (Arizona) earlier this month and I couldn’t leave town without squeezing in some hiking at Lost Dutchman State Park. Why? The Superstition Mountains; I mean…they’re iconic to the Mesa-area. Treasure Loop Trail: 2.3 miles (3.8 km) Rating: Easy Elevation gain: 500-ft + then – 500-ft Location: Lost Dutchman State Park Trail notes: A well-maintained trail that winds through the low scrub of Tonto National Forest. This hike is not demanding for those who are physically fit. If you’re after a workout, opt for Siphon Draw Trail which involves some scrambling. “Standing in a parking lot at the ominously named Lost Dutchman State Park, I’m far from winter’s reach. But will Arizona’s heat will dry my running nose? I stuff a litre of water into my backpack and think what a cruel irony it is to suffer a cold in the desert.” Continue reading about our hike here: http://www.explore-mag.com/Go-Here-Hiking-Below-the-Superstition-Mountains-in-Lost-Dutchman-State-Park-PHOTOS  Otherwise, enjoy the photos! Have you hiked beneath the mighty Superstition Mountains? Let me know: comment below!  

Where Can I Buy a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree in Vancouver, BC?

I’ve done it! I’ve finally found a fiddle leaf fig tree in Vancouver. Thanks to Instagram I’ve been coveting a fig tree. I’m happy to announce an addition to our family.  Take a look: Isn’t she a beaut? We bought our tree at Maple Leaf Garden Centre in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver. The last few times I’ve stopped in they’ve had one or two on hand. This visit, they had one fiddle leaf fig tree (which we bought) and one fiddle leaf fig bush. If you don’t live on the North Shore, it might be worth giving them a call in advance. Address: 1343 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver Telephone: 604-985-1784 Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sunday and Holidays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. According to their website, there is a Maple Leaf Garden Centre in West Vancouver too. I’d wager a bet that they also carry fiddle leaf fig trees. Address: 2558 Haywood Avenue, West Vancouver Telephone: 604-922-2613 Hours: Open 7 days a week 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Here’s for hoping …

We Are the Crazy Canadians Who Honeymooned in Bolivia

Text originally published in Canadian Traveller magazine, Fall 2016 Excuse Me While I Kiss the Sky Few places provide such an unworldly sense of advneture as Bolivia. From the mesmerizing way the earth meets the sky at Salar de Uyuni, to the star-splattered desert night skies that will simply play with your mind – to say a trip to Bolivia is ‘epic’ could perhaps be something of an understatement.   Bolivia has few qualities of a destination that attracts honeymooners. It’s landlocked, mountainous, high altitude, and in February it happens to be pretty damn wet. But no one can convince me to go elsewhere. Tucked deep in the South American continent, few travellers arrive in Bolivia by chance. I’m reminded of this each time I’m queried, “What brings you to Bolivia” not by locals, but from other travellers. It’s as if we are all ‘in’ on the secret but want to know who – or what – gave it away. My husband and I have come to Bolivia to lose ourselves in Salar de Uyuni’s …

Gypset Home Must-Have: A Kilim Rug

  Hooray for the weekend! Well…secretly I’m excited beyond belief for the upcoming week. I’ve got two packages being delivered to the house and later in the week I’m heading (back) to Arizona. But right now I want to talk about my inbound kilim rug, because a) she’s a total beauty; b) it’s super gypset; and c) I’ve been craving a rug for our ‘dining’ space in the apartment for three years now. So without further adieu, here she is: What can I say? It was love at first sight. Bold design and pops of pink. It’s such a statement piece. Backing up, you might be thinking, what’s a kilim rug? Simply put, it’s a rug without piles. Look at the carpet in your home. Notice that it’s comprised of short strands? Those are piles. Kilim rugs are characterized by a flat weave, which is also how their patterns are formed. ‘Kilim’ is a Turkish word and most kilim rugs are produced in Turkey (Anatolia and Thrace), North Africa, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, …