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What is a Lifestyle Blogger, because I really want to be one!

What is a Lifestyle Blogger, because I really want to be one!

My definition of a lifestyle blogger is one who aspires to live their life to the fullest. A lifestyle blogger loves everything about life and they put it into words and onto a very cool platform. In fact my favourite part of blogging is having control of what I want on it, and then decorating it in my personal style and colours to entice readers. Then, of course, watching the stats! Every…

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Writers Block

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-on-ground-2868847

Can I still call myself a writer? That’s a question I ask myself more often than not these days. I work at my day/night job, I try and keep my apartment clean and welcoming, I read ton of excellent books, but I’m still not writing.

Should I still call myself writer if I feel it in my soul, yet continuously unable to actualize my dream?…

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Lifestyle Blogs - Why I Decided to go Multi-Niche and Loving it!

Lifestyle Blogs – Why I Decided to go Multi-Niche and Loving it!

I’ve always loved writing, and blogging seemed like a natural step towards an exciting venture, but far too out of reach for the average person. But I will be honest when after watching countless episodes of ‘House Hunters International’ I realized that many of the guests on the show were writers and bloggers. That’s when it came to me that I too could become a blogger!

I started a few years ago,…

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If you’re anything like me, when you want to make something happen there’s no holding back! Picture the hottest day of the year, okay it was around 35 celsius, or around 95 farenheit making temperate Vancouver seem astoundingly hot! Well I was absolutely determined to do ‘The Arbutus Greenway‘; a 9 km trail from South Vancouver on down to Granville Island. I was determined, regardless of that perfectly cloudless (should be in California) sky.  The sun was HOT.  Many of us Vancouverites are quite comfortable with our typical overcast days… So you get the picture – it was hot.

I have to be honest, shade literally defines my daily itinerary, daily walks, in fact even my day to day life, and shade is my only saving grace from turning into one of the ‘Cullens’ from the Twilight Series!!

    Arbutus Greenway photo by Kathy Lum

The long trail ahead – photo by Kathy Lum

As I left my apartment walking towards the trail the excitement started to quicken my pace, I was going to do this trail – and I was going to do it today. After all, you can only put things off for so long until you become an ‘I wish I had….’ person!

It started off innocently, it simply looked like your typical urban city trail but as I continued on I realized that it was anything but urban. The trail is straight so unlike many other trails one is able to see how far they’ve gone,  and how far is still ahead. I loved it, and surprisingly (or not so surprisingly in that heat) I was the only person on the trail for a large portion of the journey.

A little country was found in the middle of the city! This was the scenery through the majority of my 9 km jaunt, and it was during my expedition through this hidden gem here in Vancouver that I realized this was it. This was me, exploring the various trails, exploring nature even in a large Canadian city such as mine that every trip I take will be based around the joy that I find in nature.

Of course I was seeking out as much shade as possible, which as you can see by the photo was pretty limited; it however did not stop me. I absolutely loved my 9 km trek along this relatively unknown trail and was able to do a little soul-searching, a little introspection while consuming a vast amount of water to get me through to the end of the line.

  Beautiful flora and fauna all along the way

As I reached the end of the line at Vancouver’s very well known Granville Island I was about as happy and exhausted as any person could be after a journey from one end of the city to the other, and I was proud for my accomplishments. I’ve never been known as being overly athletic, so this was something that I could hold as my own, something that I could harvest and work on!

I do however feel compelled to mention that the trail is currently in planning stages for further additions such as bike rentals and seating areas plus any other tidbits to make the trail more urban. I however am very thrilled to have experienced it during the initial and natural stages – and also look forward to the transformation!

When we find a passion in life, whether it be painting, writing, hiking or even walking… It keeps us focused on what is important to us.

Comfortable shoes, plenty of water and a little unknown trail… Who knew this would be my inspiration to continue with trails, hikes and walks, and who knew the  Arbutus Greenway would spark so much adventure for my future journeys!

Tell me about your hiking adventures!  Are you a nature and trail person too? I would love to hear from you, and I would LOVE to hear about some of your favourite trails…

  9kms to Me, Urban Trails Vancouver Part 1 If you're anything like me, when you want to make something happen there's no holding back! Picture the hottest day of the year, okay it was around 35 celsius, or around 95 farenheit making temperate Vancouver seem astoundingly hot!

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The Lure of Urban Living

The Lure of Urban Living

There is something comforting about walking alone, strolling along the pavement of our city, admiring the urbanscape of a place we call home. This city of over 2.4 million people, the city I call home, continues to occupy my thoughts wondering how it is that I never feel alone while immersed in Utopian concrete, glass and ambition.  It’s an awareness that struck me in my earlier years while…

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When I walk along the avenues of downtown Seattle I marvel at the understated eminence of this ‘Emerald City’.  The tree lined urban streets bordering old rugged brick buildings with their grand presence that have stood the test of time. All this of course is set against the often grey backdrop of the Pacific Northwest rainy weather.  However, for some this grey backdrop provides the perfect canvas for illuminating the various rugged colors of the buildings with the elegant colors of the Ocean and rain-forest of Seattle.

This landscape and color canvas of Seattle for me is what ‘tropical beaches’ are to others…..The views of the city and its coast are my paradise.  There is a certain ‘je ne sais pas’ about the West coast charm of Seattle.  Perhaps it’s the overcast grey skies that we as West-coasters regard as the norm and to which our rain gear and designer umbrellas are consciously coordinated.  Maybe it’s the phenomenal Pacific Northwest cuisine that is renowned world wide… or maybe it’s Pikes Market where if you’re not careful you may be hit by the fish being thrown your way!

Pikes Place Market

This iconic local and tourist destination has been around since 1907 and is located along the famous waterfront of Elliott Bay.  Pretty much anything you are looking for can be found here; fresh produce, a European bakery, fresh dairy, traditional butcher shops, fresh fish markets, specialty fine foods, artisan crafts, restaurants and entertainment.  Of course you can’t miss the grand experience of the expert Sea fellows throwing fish across the way to one another for packaging in their traditional, well known and well practiced ‘extraordinaire’ customer service!!

If you’re looking for the quintessential Seattle Coffee House, then your first stop should absolutely be the upper level of the Pikes Market and right into Storyville Coffee.  A designer’s dream with a fusion mix of urban contemporary meets a rustic brick factory with  heavy wooden furnishings, a warm fireplace and incredible floor to ceiling dome shaped windows.  Storyville Coffee is definitely a great place to relax with their prime roasted coffee before taking on more of Seattle!

  Photo Courtesy of Storyville Coffee Company

Of course any trip to the stunning West Coast is not complete without authentic West Coast cuisine.  Seattle is certainly known for its ‘there is no word to describe how wonderful’ amazing seafood restaurants. And I do mean AMAZING….

Elliott’s Oyster House is basically synonymous with Seattle.  It is less than a 10 minute walk from Pike’s Market and also next to Seattle’s Great Wheel.  It offer’s stunning views of the bay and coastal mountains… you may even see a family of Orcas in the distance!

The Walrus and the Carpenter is another simply delicious seafood stop.  The aioli sauce for the oysters and grilled sardines are very popular items on this menu!  Another Seattle old Seattle factory transformed into a popular seafood eatery for all locals and tourists!

The Music Scene

Toula’s Restaurant and Jazz Club will absolutely get you into the Seattle spirit with live performances seven nights a week!  Located close to 1st Avenue and Lenora Street, it is the epic place to check out local and national talent on a nightly basis.

Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley has been entertaining the locals for 30+ years, and shows no sign of slowing down!  Located at 2033 6th Avenue – in the heart of the Seattle Live Music Scene.

Neighborhoods

Freemont – artsy, trendy and truly Seattle, this neighborhood carries an eclectic vibe that is a large part of the city itself.  It’s quirky, artsy, food trucks and culture abounding!  Here you will find trendy shops, bars and a bohemian atmosphere, however you had better take caution because rumor has it that there is a giant troll living under the overpass…  You won’t want to miss the eclectic Sunday Farmers Market which definitely pays homage to the quirkiness of this Seattle neighborhood!

  Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

Pioneer Square is an architectural haven for those of us that revel in the revival of old brick character buildings.  Seriously beautiful and seriously Seattle, Pioneer Square is indeed the heart of Seattle.  Stroll along this 1800’s neighborhood and check out the underground tour, it’s truly interesting and you will learn a lot about the history of Seattle whilst consciously aware of the city – and footsteps – above you!  Located at 614 1st Avenue at Pioneer Square.

Photo Courtesy of ‘Visit Seattle

Nature

The one thing that everyone must do when they visit Seattle is take a drive along the coast and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.  Seattle is home to many landmarks, historic stories and incredible scenery.  Enjoy the fresh air and breathe in the true nature of the Pacific Northwest that makes this side of the globe such a popular place to visit!

What is your favorite part of Seattle? Have you been here?  Are you wanting to make the trek out?  Let us know!!

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[contact-form] Seriously Seattle – Coffee Houses, Jazzy Cafes and Serious West-Coast Style… When I walk along the avenues of downtown Seattle I marvel at the understated eminence of this 'Emerald City'. 

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Great place to visit!

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Vancouver's Granville Island - Top Destination for Locals and Tourists!

Vancouver’s Granville Island – Top Destination for Locals and Tourists!

A familiar West Coast site for local Vancouverites is the North Shore mountains, the quintessential Vancouver buildings and our Famous False Creek Seawall.  Granville Island, a familiar shopping stop for all, and a familiar local hangout for everyone of all ages and backgrounds shares in Vancouver’s understated elegance mixed with local pride and West Coast charm. I have lived here for 20 years…

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7 Kick-Starting Tips for Aspiring Writers!

I walked downstairs into the kitchen of our 90 year old home located on a street called Bell Avenue, and as I was running down the stairs as any true 12 year old would… I heard a strange sound and found my mom clicking away at a typewriter.  I was surprised firstly to see this antique looking machine.. I asked her what she was doing… as any 12 year old would and she replied, ‘I’m writing a…

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The Multitask Writer

Many of us often wonder if it’s okay to have more than one project on the go.  I mean how could we possibly focus on two or even three articles, or work on an e-book and keep up our blog all at the same time without sacrificing quality? Of course, let’s not forget the freelancing as well!  Working on a blog and an e-book while ensuring clients are receiving the top-notch product they expect and…

[kathyinvancouver]

The Multitask Writer

Many of us often wonder if it’s okay to have more than one project on the go.  I mean how could we possibly focus on two or even three articles, or work on an e-book and keep up our blog all at the same time without sacrificing quality? Of course, let’s not forget the freelancing as well!  Working on a blog and an e-book while ensuring clients are receiving the top-notch product they expect and…

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Why do I Love New York? ~ Why do You Love New York?

Why do I Love New York? ~ Why do You Love New York?

  I was recently asked what my favourite city was, and why it was… and although I have always known, I had difficulty accepting the truth.  I love Vancouver with all of my heart, this is where my family is, and the city is beautiful. But why do I love New York? What is it about New York that captures your soul, and the curiosity and interest of those from all around the world?  Why do we love New…

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Why do I Love New York? Why do YOU Love New York?

Why do I Love New York? Why do YOU Love New York?

  I was recently asked what my favourite city was, and why it was… and although I have always known, I had difficulty accepting the truth.  I love Vancouver with all of my heart, this is where my family is, and the city is beautiful. But why do I love New York? What is it about New York that captures your soul, and the curiosity and interest of those from all around the world?  Why do we love New…

[kathyinvancouver]

The Multitask Writer

Many of us often wonder if it’s okay to have more than one project on the go.  I mean how could we possibly focus on two or even three articles, or work on an e-book and keep up our blog all at the same time without sacrificing quality? Of course, let’s not forget the freelancing as well!  Working on a blog and an e-book while ensuring clients are receiving the top-notch product they expect and…

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10 Ways to Design Your Own Life!

10 Ways to Design Your Own Life!

Are you’re feeling in a rut, wondering why you’re not happy with your life, thinking of how much you wish you could change things?  Maybe you spend far too much time wishing you had more control over daily events, or control over your thoughts or even feelings, and if you do, then a change may be needed. It wasn’t too long ago that I was feeling that exact way, believing that fate had already…

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Is it Time to Plan Your Personal Writing Retreat?

Is it Time to Plan Your Personal Writing Retreat?

Reveling in the excitement of planning my own personal writer’s retreat, I have decided that I really must share this idea with all of you!  Of course it is by no means a novel idea, as it’s been around since the days of Ernest Hemingway.  However, it is something that can be easily overlooked as we are pounding away at deadlines, working at our day jobs, and consciously ignoring housework…