ĭn'də-strē

doers' and dreamers'

I have a confession to make. Today I officially became a Newfoundlander but I am smitten with another province-- Nova Scotia. I drove through Nova Scotia and although covered in snow, it was extraordinary. My mum was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia along with her 5 other brothers and sisters. The province has always had a certain appeal to me not only because of family roots but because of the climate and the Annapolis valley. Nova Scotia has an amazing climate that allows for amazing fruit farms and wineries-- two of my favourite things.

I also love how close it is to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. I love Newfoundland so I'm a bit torn. I won't be leaving Newfoundland any time soon as I have a one year lease on my apartment. I also believe that I need to fully experience Newfoundland culture before I make any decisions on moving. I plan to visit Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island this summer to get a real feel for these two amazing provinces.

To add to the Project Noble Beaver list, I did visit TVAL Skincare and purchased two jars of Lilac Blossom body butter to help with my dry skin. Not only is TVAL Canadian but the products I purchased were made right here in St. John's. Cool eh? Did I mention Lilac?! My favourite scent. I am also posting this blog entry from the Hava Java cafe. I almost went to Starbucks today and turned around. Some habits die hard.

I have the weekend to relax and read since government as usual doesn't do weekends. So the reading list:

• Anita Stewart's Canada by Anita Stewart
• A Taste Of Canada: A Culinary Journey by Rose Murray
• Food Security for the Faint of Heart by Robin Wheeler
• doers' and dreamers' guide - Nova Scotia Tourism
• Experience New Brunswick - New Brunswick Tourism
• The Gentle Island - Price Edward Island Tourism

today we are 33

Happy Birthday to me :) It's another gorgeous day here in St. John's, NL. It's warm and sunny and the snow is melting. I have to head off to the Ministry of Transportation to renew my driver's license; after that, I'm just going to enjoy the rest of my birthday.

Today is the official start date of Project Noble Beaver. Right now I am at a local coffee shop named Coffee Matters Too. After that I'm heading down Water Street to TVAL Skincare to buy some much needed body lotion. My skin is so dry from being in Alberta that it hurts so moisturizer is essential for helping retain what moisture is left in my skin so it can heal. Being home in St. John's helps because of the humidity and soft water.

Yesterday I bought 3 books for my birthday. Two of them are by Canadian authors. One book, called Anita Stewart's Canada: The Food, The Recipes, The Stories by Anita Stewart is truly an amazing book! I am in love with it and have been reading it all day and last night. I never realized how influenced by Canadian culture my mum's cooking was. This book has been an eye-opener and I'm really pleased with myself for finding this gem. The other book is called Food Security for the Faint of Heart by British Columbian author Robin Wheeler. The real test will come tomorrow when I go grocery shopping. I don't have a lot of money to spend on groceries so I have a feeling I will be at the grocery store awhile trying to figure out how to get what I need but still buy Canadian.