Read Boulevard February

Read February
February’s cover was the most fun to shoot – not only is it a dog, but one of my favorite dogs, Munro! He stayed in position for a good two hours, definitely earning the Woofles treats. As he posed with his bow tie (inside story), I said it looked like he was about to have a scotch. So photographer Gary McKinstry made it happen! Out came the scotch, glass and ice. Very debonaire.
Although Esi Edugyan has had plenty of local coverage lately, Azim captured her in a light that presents her in a new way. Thanks to The Superior for opening up especially for us.
I’m very excited about Sarah MacNeill’s involvement with the magazine as the writer for Design Matters. Check out the liberty print boots and birdcage umbrellas on page 54.
Everybody has time to make popcorn, right? Love the vintage/rustic feel of Justin Eckersall’s shot of our recipes.

Read Boulevard January

Read January
On the cover is the home of architect Terence Williams, a modern yet subtle retreat in Cadboro Bay, shot by Vince Klassen.
“Football” and “Victoria” aren’t generally spoken in the same sentence, but the story on Terrel and Marcus Davis, Victoria’s best in the football scene, is opened by a dramatic family portrait by Vancouver based photographer Justin Eckersall. Also in this issue by Eckersall is a shot of the new Chevy Volt in front of Dockside Green. He managed to capture the vehicle in motion while fending off commissionaires.
Emily Sawyer Smith, a “real” cowichan knitter is captured by Dean Azim in a beautifully melancholic tone.

Read Boulevard December

Read December
You’ve heard of “Christmas in July”, in this case it was “Christmas in August”. It was one of the hottest days of the summer up at Bear Mountain for the Hot Properties shoot for this issue. The team at Home Style Solutions exploded on the scene with all the trimmings for a small space Christmas. Also in this issue, Dean Azim presented me with so many outstanding images from the Stone Soup Inn, that I was unable to choose – so I didn’t! Nigel Brown, new to Boulevard, was my go-to person for shots to accompany the Travel Near Pacific Marine Circle Route story.

White Lily and Mai Tai at Morimoto Waikiki

Wow, a long blog break has ensued. I blame work, holidays and a little thing called Pinterest. More on that later. On top of keeping up the blog, I need to update my website and my blog design. Maybe the coming year will allow. It has been my most busy and creative year to date but I think my best creation yet will show it’s face in 2012.

It’s New Years weekend. Friends, family, noise makers and… cocktails. A couple of weeks ago I was at Morimoto in Waikiki and tried their White Lily cocktail. It’s fresh and citrusy and is concocted from unique yet available ingredients. I’m not sure of the exact measurements, but the menu stated:

White Lily
shochu (Japan’s other indigenous alcoholic beverage, but unlike sake, shochu is distilled. Available and BCLC)
calpico (a beverage made from non-fat milk with a citrus tang)
yuzu (a japanese citrus, sub in mandarin)
fresh lemon

It was served in a martini glass, so my best guess would an ounce of shochu, 2 ounces calpico and a squeeze of both mandarin and lemon. Shake it up and serve with a flower floating on top.

Check back for more on Morimoto and The Modern hotel in Waikiki.

via www.sitkasurfboards.com

This time of year it seems people think less and less about getting out and about. It’s worthwhile to face the elements and enjoy downtown – things are happening here people.

Sitka has opened a new store, just east of their old location on Yates Street. It feels like Ralph Lauren’s surf-crazed cousin’s living room where flip flops are de regur in November and every nook and cranny is lovingly curated. They have added a coffee shop where the focus is on local, sustainable ingredients. Inca Porridge for breakfast anyone? Light lunches are also on hand. The ramp has not been lost in the move and there are eyefulls of gorgeous clothes, accessories and gear. The old location is having a moving sale, and there are samples on sale at the new store. Read more about this local surf shop here.

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.