However, a couple of Sundays ago the sun was peeking out from the clouds and it had actually stopped raining. I thought I better make the best of this non-rainy day. I didn’t want to deal with the traffic of Granville Island or Kits, but wanted to go some where to enjoy a nice latte and the fresh sea air.

So, off I went to Steveston, where I could have my latte and also purchase fixings for my dinner. Fresh seafood was just up my high on my list and $5 would get me a fresh bag of shrimp enough for 2.

Once I parked my car at a 2 hour free parking spot, no change needed – thank you very much! Off towards the Fisherman’s Wharf I went, but the smell of fish and chips at Pajo’s distracted me from getting to the fish boats. I decided to stop and enjoy a bit of lunch on the dock. Nothing can compare to sitting on the dock with the sun on your face while you enjoy some great fish and chips from Pajo’s. The salt air and the seagulls calling from above, create the perfect moment to relax and unwind.

After devouring my cod and chips, I felt energized. I strolled along the boardwalk then along the village streets till I found a spot to grab my latte. It was so nice to walk around peeking into windows of shops and just enjoying my day and latte.

Finally, it was time to head home but I still needed my shrimp for dinner, so back to the wharf I went. After waiting my turn and $5 later, I had my bag of shrimp for dinner. I must say they were delish!

In the quest to help the Valentine’s planner here are some lovely options in Richmond, BC for an evening of romance.

Take a lovely stroll in Steveston Village and stop by Bare Basics to pick up a little something for your sweetie. Or enjoy London Farms "Chocolate Valentine Tea" service then head off to Garry Point to check out the beautiful sunset.

Enjoy a romantic dinner by the water, several of restaurants in Steveston Village are offering special Valentine's Day dinner menus - Reflections Gastronomie, Shady Island Seafood Bar & Grill, Steveston Seafood House, Tapenade Mediteranean Bistro and Sockeye City Grill are just a few places to dine in Steveston.

http://www.reflectionsgastronomie.com/
http://www.stevestonseafoodhouse.com/
http://www.tapenade.ca/index.html/
http://sockeyecity.com/

In the heart of Richmond, you can enjoy a lovely Valentine's dinner at the Wayfaring Tree then sneak off for you night's stay at the Best Western Richmond Hotel.

http://www.richmondinn.com/dining.html

Tee off at Mayfair Lakes Golf and Country Club in the afternoon then enjoy a romantic event at the Lakeside Grill Restaurant.

My procrastination over Christmas shopping finally caught up to me, I was leaving for mom's in Victoria for the holidays on Saturday, December 23rd, only 2 days away! So, I had no choice but to go forth and shop! I, who love to shop, found the thought of Christmas shopping this year too overwhelming. I just didn't want to deal with the task of finding parking and paying an arm and a leg to park. Then dealing with the crowds. But Christmas shop, I must!

I took Thursday off work to shop. Instead of heading downtown or out to Burnaby and the megaplex, I went south into Richmond. First stop, Lansdowne Mall. Shopping list in hand, off I went to Future Shop and Best Buy. I was in the hunt for a few cds, web camera, memory stick and a dvd player. An hour later, I had what I needed and even had time to check out Winners and HomeSense for some new Christmas decorations.

Second stop, was Richmond Centre, needed to find something nice for mom and the cousins! Parking was a bit more challenging but I was parked within 10 minutes. After hitting Coast Mountain Sports, the Gap and the Bay, I had the boy cousins' gifts done and 3 new pairs of work dress pants for me. Got a couple of great deals on items - 50% off! However, I was still in the hunt for mom's gift when I spotted out of the corner or my eye a lovely lavender cashmere cardigan - perfect! 80% off! Wow! Now would they have my mom's size? Fingers crossed - success!

Next stop, Chapters and Starbucks! The Blue List 2007 by Lonely Planet and a vanilla latte break for me - decaf! After checking my list, I found that I was more than half done and it wasn't even lunch time yet!

With renewed determination and energy, I set off to Aberdeen Centre to find gifts for friends and the girl cousins and then for a bit of dim sum lunch. I had only been to Aberdeen for dim sum previously but had wanted to come back to check out some of the stores - Daiso and Smart Living Design Furniture. A couple of jade bracelets and home accessories later I was able to check off another 2/3 of my list.

Next stop was Ikea - yep, a risky endeavour but it had to be done! I needed to get a couple of picture frames and kitchen gifts - so in and out was my thought! Parking was not as easy but I did manage to find a spot at the back after circling the lot a few times. I was good and by-passed the showcase centre and went straight to the Market Place. Got what I needed and was in the cash line and out within a 1/2 hour. Checked my list and found that I was DONE! 6 hours from start to finsh, including a coffee break and lunch! Not bad! I'm going to shop out in Richmond more often in the future!

Come and explore for yourself the great shops and free parking is a bonus!

http://www.aberdeencentre.com/en/index.php
http://www.richmondcentre.ca/home/index.ch2

I was not sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. After meeting up at the Steveston Museum, we meandered through the village, checking out the shop lights and decorations. A few of the shops really pulled out all the stops and had some impressive displays.

We were one of the first groups to arrive at the starting point. The evening was cool and crisp, no rain! We had a chance to see the crowd gather. Lots of families, kids bundled up and dogs on leashes. Volunteers were giving away glow sticks, which were a HUGE hit with the kids. Emma loved her orange one and Helen was happy with her "yellad" one. I must say that I liked my green one too! Kids playing with each other and adults chatting - "Community Spirit."

The caroling procession started with the arrival of Santa in the motorized Steveston Community hayride at No. 1 Rd and Moncton, in behind went the ROC Chorus. Once the kids saw Santa that was it! Off everyone went after the hayride. We all began caroling down Moncton to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, where the tree lighting ceremony was going to happen. Tim, Bren and the girls got to greet Santa as the hayride was stopped close by. Emma was very excited about meeting Santa! However, Helen being only 2 was a bit shy but she didn't cry.

After a few songs by the chorus to allow the crowd to gather. There were welcoming speeches and then Mayor Malcolm Brodie pulled the candy cane switch and the tree light up! "Wow! Pretty!" said Emma. The McMath band played a few tunes after and the crowd went on their way. Some went home, while others stayed to shop or eat.

We choose to eat. We had done some research prior to deciding where to have dinner since Emma has quite a few food allergies which makes it a bit more challenging. No dairy, wheat, peanuts or tree nuts - quite a list! We were able to enjoy a lovely meal at the Tapenade Bistro, just off the waterfront in Steveston. Tim, Bren and I shared the mussels, carpaccio and a ceasar salad as appies. All were very tasty! While the kids enjoyed their apple juice boxes, roasted chicken and pomme frites. Their chef was more than accomodating when it came to making the girls' dinners sans allergy items. Our main meals were also very delish! Coq au Vin for me, lamb special for Tim and the Prawns Provencal for Bren. We will definitely come back again. All in all a fun evening with friends.

If you would like to find out more information about events in Steveston & Richomond please check out these websites:
http://www.steveston.bc.ca/
http://www.tourismrichmond.com/visitors_calofevents.htm
http://www.tapenade.ca/

It always seemed too far for me to go, really its only 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver. So, really not far at all! However, I would drive by Richmond to White Rock for dinner or to Whistler for a day of skiing – so my “too far” excuse didn’t really hold up under closer examination!

Recently, I started a new job in Richmond and decided that I have no more excuses! My co-workers opened my eyes, and now I finally understand what my friends and family have been telling me for years! The food really is amazing!

Dim sum like I have never tasted before and so many choices! Fisherman’s Terrace in Aberdeen Centre and the Gingeri in Landowne Centre are two of my favourites! I love the hustle and bustle of dim sum! You are surrounded by the sounds of clinking of chopsticks, slurping of tea, shouts of greetings and the crashing sounds of tables be cleared and set. So many people gathered together to enjoy a meal and bit of gossip! It’s always a mixed crowd of family or friends or business groups gathered together, all ages.

It’s been a wonderful to share the dim sum experience with my friends. A few are seasoned dim sum connoisseurs (because I dragged them kicking and screaming to go to dim sum with me many years ago) and others have never been. Among the many bamboo steamers and plates with metal lids are exotic smelling dumplings, noodles, pork spareribs, sticky rice and much more. Hidden within a rice wrapper dumpling is a tasty mixture of seafood or meat and spices. Haw Gow (shrimp dumplings), Sui Mai (pork dumplings), Haw Chung Fung (shrimp rice rolls), deep fried tofu with spicy sauce and even marinated spicy chicken feet – only for the adventurous! With the variety of dishes, there is something for everyone to try.

I also get to impress and amuse my friends with my ordering skills all done in “Chinglish”! My friend, Cathy was the one who dub my ½ Chinese, ½ English conversations, “Chinglish!” My friends think it hilarious since they can follow bits and pieces of my Chinese conversation. However, I am sure that my mother would be horrified if she knew! Being a Canadian born Chinese gal, I don’t get much opportunity to use my first language now that I am living away from my family. I’ve gotten a bit rusty but I am still able to order my favourites. Dim sum brings back memories of my childhood and good times that I have spent with friends and family!