This afternoon we decided to hop in the car and go exploring a little so 3 hours and 3 states later, I give you a photo post (mostly featuring the mighty Mississippi River).
You can explore more in my Iowa 2009 photo set on Flickr.
This is an extended version of a post I originally wrote for E!Online
Last September it was officially announced that Vancouver will host the 2009 Juno Awards this spring and with our city’s diverse blend of acts and media forms it’s sure to be a one-of-a-kind event for Canada’s music scene. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
As we’re staying about an hour out of anything that might resemble a “big city” it’s a treat to head into John’s old university stomping grounds when we come back for a visit — It’s only fair to say that I’m a big University of Iowa supporter, especially since I was recently seen on the big screen at GM Place (in front of 18,000 people) wearing my Hawkeyes sweater.
The day started out with breakfast at the Hamburg Inn after which John noted there’s a serious lack of a patty option for your breakfast sausage back in Vancouver.
We walked around a bit, explored the Ped Mall and strolled past the old and new bars and boozing establishments for all those good college kids.
After a visit with some of John’s old co-workers and a trip through the mall (that is slowly being taken over by the university) we headed out to… a different mall but not before stopping in at what John lovingly referred to as “Dirty John’s” to pick up some refreshments for later in the evening.
We drove past many places that were still closed due to the floods last year, including a restaurant that we were going to eat at tonight that we’ve been meaning to go to every time we come to Iowa City but have never had the chance.
Over at the mall we missed the public skate by just a few minutes (yes, in Iowa they have ice rinks in their malls) and we took a walk through the sporting goods store where I had to pose for this photo (above) in honor of Keira’s blog post from yesterday. We also had some time to pick up tshirts in support of our favourite baseball team.
When all is said and done, Iowa City is a great place and I love visiting – from Fridays at the Java House, to warm summer walks along the river holding hands with my man. Culture, innovation, and fantastic down-to-earth people are truly the reason Iowa City has such a special spot in my heart.
I recently got my hair cut and coloured for the first time in 12 months from our friend Minoo at Envy Hair Studio on Denman. She is never too busy for John and me as we’ve been trusting her with our locks for the last 3 years – and I have to say she is a master colourist – she always gets it just right and makes sure you’re happy.
My “before” hair.
My “after” hair.
Envy has recently expanded with a few more staff as they used to get so busy it would take hours to get your hair done, which I always factored in when making my appointment. She’s recently hired on a new esthetician who is offering up a free massage with every facial treatment, which starts at just $28 (ladies only, first time customers only).
If you’re looking for a great local neighbourhood salon, check out Envy on Denman (and let them know Rebecca and John sent you).
Disclosure: I was not paid to write this review, or have any services done, Minoo has just become a good friend of ours over the years and I’d like to help her business grow.
My long-time friend and logo design specialist, Linus, has been brewing up a very special swag item that we’re offering to all those who attend WordCamp Whistler.
These toques are one-of-a-kind swag items (and the first WordCamp toques as far as we know) and they are being specially made by Linus for this event.
Linus was also responsible for my Miss604 laptop sticker and John’s now SkyTrain-infamous Johnny Canuck t-shirt.
WordCamp Whistler 2009 tickets are currently $35 (early bird price ends Friday) and we’re adding new speakers to the lineup daily so sign up today. Check out the website and our conference blog for more details – the only way in (and to get one of these toques) is to get your ticket today.
