Monthly Archives: April 2014

Naturalizer Outlet 

Since I started working full-time and taking more consideration on what I wear on my foot, not in terms of fashion, but on comfort and support, I’ve really love Clark’s for their comfort, though they are not the most fashionable footwear brand.

I found Naturalizer Outlet, and was even more thrilled to find the only outlet near where I work. I bought this super comfy, but stylish black flats. Originally, it’s priced at $69.99, but was on sale for $27.99 + tax. What a bargain! You are going to find that most of the shoes at this outlet are the last ones, so they may not be untouched and right out of the box type of thing. But it’s not like they’re going to be spotless unless you intend to wear them only inside your home or office.

This was my first purchase, so they asked me if I wanted to sign up for a membership. Since I AM the coupon-girl, I was immediately interested in the benefits. First thing first, is there a fee? If there is, I’m never interested. Luckily, it was FREE. The benefits were that upon signing up, you got a $10 gift certificate for your next purchase, withing 90 days of signing up.  Perfect. I need really good walking shoes for my upcoming Germany trip, so I can use it for that.

They also send promotions and discounts through email, and bonuses on your birthday! The outlet has lots of really great deals though finding the right size and colour may be a challenge sometimes (it IS an outlet). I have been to the one in the Seattle Premium Outlet which has more selections, but I didn’t find anything the last time I went…

As I see more and more young women sacrifice their postures and knees for fashion with high heels, it’s time to take care of your base. I really recommend Naturalizer Outlet!

Hachi Hana

Sheepie’s acquaintance had mentioned that Hachi Hana was pretty good, so we went to North Van to check it out. When we arrived to the Korean-run restaurant, it was only half full, but shortly after, it was full house at 7:30pm. Soon, there were people waiting at the door, and some even walked away because they didn’t want to wait.

I wanted something light, so I ordered the Vegetable Udon $7.95. It was pretty good, though a tiny bit heavy on the soy sauce (salty). But good portion with lots of veggies.

Vegetable Udon $7.95 Sushi Combo $10.95

Sheepie complained of his California rolls being dry, falling apart and not tasting that good of his Sushi Combo (8pcs California Roll & 2pcs Tuna, 2pcs Salmon) $10.95. For the portion and quality, it was way overpriced.

The service and atmosphere was good, but the food didn’t wow us. Because of the location, it’s unlikely that we’ll go there again, but if we are, there are so many other places that we haven’t tried on Lonsdale so we’ll probably end up going elsewhere first before we return.

Taste: Price for Value:

Atmosphere: Service:
Location:

Canadian Rockies

2 Replies

From Vancouver, you can drive out to Calgary in about 13 hours. Even with meal and washroom stops along the way, you can get there in a day. Of course, if you’re wanting to sightsee and you haven’t gone before, then taking several days may be a better course for you.

You can also take the Greyhound Bus which does stop at various pickup/drop off points which does delay the time, resulting in 16 hours. But the stops are short, so this is NOT for a sightseeing option other than seeing the scenery through the window.

Best time of year to go is between June and August. I remember still in May, the lakes can be still frozen (like at Morraine Lake) and weather can be pretty unpredictable outside of those summer months. Depending on the season, you’re bound to see some wildlife such as Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Mountain goats, eagles, porcupine, coyotes and if you’re lucky, some bears. I have yet to see a cougar, fox or a wolf. (see my post on a guidebook on the animals and birds of the Canadian Rockies that I illustrated and my dad published)

Wild Bighorn Sheep!

Greyhound Bus

Vermillion Lakes with Mount Rundle in the background

Streets of Banff in summer One of my favourite mountain – Castle Mountain

For me, I grew up in Calgary (1 hour and 30 minutes from Banff) and my dad ran a tourism company, so I went to the Banff National Park often. I also lived in Banff over a summer when I was a student, so the Rockies are like my backyard. I’m not the nature-camper-hiker-snowboarder type, but I do enjoy the serenity and peacefulness. It’s especially nice after living in congested, loud downtown of Vancouver to go somewhere that is the complete opposite.