Oh, where has Anne Marie been all this time? This is my new favourite author. I came across her through a reference in another book and I couldn’t believe I haven’t discovered her earlier. This is the first book over 500 pages that I have finished in a long time, savouring every word. I usually get tired of either the subject or the author’s writing style. But not this time.
It is not only Anne’s story that captivates, nor the characters that become so real and human, it is also the seemingly simple sentences and expressions that paint a picture of a family throughout 3 generations, living in the early 20th century in Canada.
The sometimes dark and surprising turning points add to the drama, but Anne manages to still keep it believable, as though a new acquaintance is telling you a true story from their far away home town.
Anne further entices the reader by letting them see the same events from multiple points of views, sometimes a bit delayed, adding dimension to the already intriguing story.

Usefulness

I was already hosting my site with GoDaddy, but decided to venture out because my site was running very slowly and GoDaddy said it must be my site and not them. I looked around for top hosting sites and came across InMotion. I have just moved my site over a few days ago and I can't give them anything less than 10, even considering the short period of time I have been with them. If anything changes, I will update my review, but so far I couldn't be happier. I am hosting a website with the cheapest plan. It's $2 more than what I had with GoDaddy, but the results are many times better:

- Amazing customer service - the online chat feature is invaluable. Someone is always there to answer your questions right away and they will try to help you even if it has to do with the configuration of your site. I have used the online help numerous times already and I couldn't be happier with what I got.

- Fast response times - GoDaddy blamed it on the inefficiency of my website, but this is pure proof. I moved over to InMotion and the website response time improved by at least 4 times.

- Ease of Use - I found the control panel interface to be easier to use than the cumbersome GoDaddy's. And if you can't locate something fast enough - use the awesome online chat feature.

Usefulness

What a great website for discovering hikes in the Greater Vancouver Area! Feel bored and not sure where to go? Check it out. You will find something close enough that you haven't tried yet.

I love how this professional website contains all the information you need to choose a hike: from conveniences, to descriptions (distance, difficulty), to pictures, to step by step instructions on how to get there. Conveniently, people in the comments section can let you know what the conditions are like on the mountain trails (snowy, muddy, etc.)

No more piecing info from here and there. All in one place! Enjoy!

Usefulness

If anyone asks me to name one book they should read, this would be it. The book describes the 48 things to consider when trying to attain power, wherever it may be: work, personal relationship, etc.

There are three things I love about this book:

1) The laws themselves. Even so I'm sure some of them will seem on the unethical side, each law's application can be adjusted to your comfort level. If anything, it opens up your eyes to other people's behaviors, drivers, motivators and intent. The descriptions are clear and to the point, supplemented with practical advice.

2) The historical examples. Each law is supported with historical examples of how things went right when one was following the law and how the person failed when they didn't. Of course, one can find an example to support just about anything, but I think these were meant more for illustrative purposes. I took these as history lessons.

3) The language. I love the way Robert writes. His vocabulary is vast and his style is clear and articulate, giving him the ability to drive the point home many different ways. A pure joy to read! This is the one book worth having in my home collection.

Don't forget to check out his other book - The Power of Seduction.

Usefulness

Swimming lessons at the Vancouver Aquatic Center for babies 4 months + are fantastic. The teaching pool is quiet, located in a separate area from the adult pool, and extra warm to keep the little ones comfortable. The instructors make the lessons fun by including games, songs, floating critters and water props. The lessons aim to make the babies at ease in the water but also introduce the first steps toward swimming such as submersion. The lessons only last half an hour as to not to overtire the babies. Children and parents alike have a great time and it's a very fun-filled, joyful, and rewarding experience.

Usefulness

This cafe earn a 10 from me!

Situated right by Vancouver Convention Center, it's a cafe, deli, and bakery rolled into one. You can even get greeting cards there!

First, the coffee. The coffee from here is currently at the top of my list because in this latte (and God knows I love latte's!), I can actually taste the coffee and it doesn't taste, burnt, bitter, sour, and whatever else it tastes like in most coffee shops.

Second, the pastries. The ganache pastry is to die for! I go to heaven every time I have it. Every little spoonful gently melts on your tongue, transforming from one flavour into another, in a firework of sensations. This is literally how I feel!

At the back of the coffee shop, there is a display of about 10 beautiful cakes that I have yet to try (but definitely will!). They look amazing.

Finally, there is also a deli where you can get sandwiches, thin crust pizzas and the like. The portabello mushroom grilled sandwich was very good (now I made myself want one now)!

The decor is nice and the coffee shop itself is modern, but still cozy. I now make a point to go their weekly and look forward to trying it all!

Usefulness