We Are Local

Spring in these parts brings a scattering of sunny days amongst the grey ones. This intermittent sunshine is a telltale sign that warmer sun-filled days are on the horizon, and that can only mean one thing — more alfresco meals! Prepping and gathering the supplies for outdoor dining is as much fun as the meals themselves. A bright tablecloth, cute drinkware, and oversized napkins are all on my checklist; this year, I will be adding @xeniataler bamboo plates to the list. I admit choosing which of all the playful patterns offered will make it to my table is tricky. Luckily there are mix-and-match sets to ease the selection stress. Which patterns would you choose? Read more about Xenia Taler's work on our site — link in bio. ✌🏽💛🙂 #wearelocal #supportlocal #shoplocal

We love seaweed. In fact, we were just saying how great it is for your plants — see two posts ago — but we can still relate to this candle. That moment when something underwater brushes against your leg 😱 nothing conjures images of sea monsters or killer fish quite like that. May the laidback style of this candle quell these irrational fears and limit the wild flailing when next brushed by that unexpected algae. Designed and hand-poured in Tofino by @speakingoftheweather , the candle is a 70/30 mix of Bee to Soy wax which lends itself to the perfect slow burn. Also available at @daylightcannabis and @mergegoods .

We've all heard of the many benefits of seaweed — we eat it, we drink it, we put it on our face. Did you know that your plants can reap their benefits too? @kelpyplants Liquid Plant Fertilizer is made with wild kelp harvested off the coast of British Columbia. It is cold-pressed, a process that helps maintain its vitamins and nutrients levels. Adding a small amount of Kelpy to your watering routine will help with new growth — larger and more vibrant leaves — and help your plants build resistance to pests. Plants helping plants, 🌿 who can argue with that? Read more on our post '3 Ways to Keep Your Plants Looking Good' on our website — link in bio. ✌🏽💛🙂 #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocal #kelpy

The clocks springing forward and the cherry trees in my neighbourhood revealing their blossoms have me daydreaming about the bright sunny days of spring and summer. In these sunny musings, I, of course, envision my uniform for such days — a breezy dress in a bold colour, preferably one by @warrenstevenscott . Warren Steven Scott has been creating contemporary indigenous design since 2018. The Cedar in the Sec-He Sky collection draws inspiration from many sources. From a frequented bakery to a favourite celebrity's style to thousands of year-old traditions of the Pacific Northwest. The results are playful pieces with beautifully executed details such as smocking and gathering. The colours include rich tones of cobalt, emerald, fuchsia and hibiscus. The sunshine and warmth cannot arrive soon enough! Photographs by @kristinadittmar . ✌🏼💛🙂 #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocal #canadiandesign

Here are four last-minute local gift ideas 💖 for your friends, partners, family, and yourself. - @tavceramics Ribbed Incense Holder: beautifully handmade to hold both incense cones or sticks. Made in Vancouver; available on their website or @nineteentenhome & @thecoastgoods @karayoojewelry Anna Hoops + Bloom Charms: the 14K gold-fill hoops can be worn on their own or with these sweet glass charms. Made in Vancouver; see shop website for stockists. @shopcadine Classic fresh floral arrangement: this designer's choice of seasonal fresh flowers and foliage in a glass vase comes complete with Cadine chic wrapping. Available for Vancouver delivery & pick-up. ✌🏽💛🙂 #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocal

The term ‘obsessed’ gets tossed around quite frequently these days, so I hesitate to use it. I hesitate because I worry that my use of the word may come across as trite or trendy when in fact I wish to use it in the true I-cannot-stop-thinking-about-it manner. So here I go, I am obsessed with @mariaidadesigns . Maria Ida Designs is a Vancouver-based blown glass production company founded by Maria Struk in 2015. To quote the website, "Every piece is hand-blown, melding creativity, danger, science and molten glass into one-of-a-kind pieces." This is what I love about the pieces. There is clearly a thoughtful design process in terms of shapes and colourways but, the magic lies in the danger and science components that allow each piece to be itself, so to speak. You will very likely find me visiting @walrushome or one of the other Stockists to find a piece to call my own. PS. I am to this day living with the regret that I was not able to make the seconds sale back in December. If you happen to hear about another one be sure to go... after you've let me know about it.😉 ✌🏼💛🙂 #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocalontario

I love classic pyjamas. For me, they conjure images of dapper Cary Grant or Rock Hudson, chic yet cozy and casual. The limited-run VIPJs by @anianmfg are all that and more — they are sustainably produced as well! Based on Vancouver Island, Anián is a circular fashion company transitioning towards using entirely recycled, natural fibre textiles from landfills. In line with their mandate, their PJ sets are made with leftover cotton from a run of their flannel shirts. It is so wonderful that coziness didn't go to waste! The unisex PJs are available in three colours — Canyon, Tide, & Brick. Anián has locations in Vancouver and Victoria as well as various stockists; see their website for details. ✌🏼💛🙂 #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocal

The claim on the @merciboulangerie website is spot on: A little taste of Paris, delivered straight to your doorstep. The bakery offers a wide selection of freshly baked goods along with a few frozen bake-at-home options such as the delicious Pain au Chocolat pictured here. I love entering the kitchen in the morning to find the puffed up rolls ready to pop in the oven. And the aroma as they cook...oh my! 🤤 Their goods can be picked up at their east side kitchen or delivered to your home or workplace — details are on their website. You can find Merci Boulangerie at the Hastings & Riley Park Winter @vanmarkets and a selection of their goods can also be found @legends_haul . ✌🏼💛🙂 #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocal

Stopped by the @sunflowersquamish to pick up a Homer doughnut for the ride home. Or perhaps I should say, Homer DOH-nut! 😁 🍩 #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocal #squamish ✌🏼💛🙂

Celsia Florist in Kitsilano is looking particularly festive. 🤩 @celsiafloral #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocal ✌🏼💛🙂

VANCOUVER! There is still time to pop by a locally-owned shop to pick up a gift or gift card for those left on your list! Find a lovely businesses like @foundandfreed @communitythriftandvintage @redcatrecords ✌🏼💛🙂 #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocal

VICTORIA! There is still time to pop by a locally-owned shop to pick up a gift or gift card for those left on your list! Find a lovely businesses like @habitcoffee @assemblyoftext @amelialeeboutique ✌🏼💛🙂 #wearelocal #shoplocal #supportlocal