Staying Creative while Traveling

One of the hardest things for me when I originally started toying with the idea of a nomad's lifestyle was the idea of where the heck I would put all my crafting supplies. Seriously, I basically had a slightly smaller version of Michael's packed into my bedroom and studio at my old place. I still dream about how glorious it was. I make everything out of everything, plastic bags get saved for plarn, newspapers are saved for paper mache, plastic bottles have infinite uses, dumpster diving or picking up stuff left on curbs has been a part of my life since childhood... My sewing and embroidery machine is second only to my laptop in what I would carry out in a fire.

Naturally, being on the road presents some challenges to my lifestyle of semi-hoarding or ultra upcycling as I prefer to term it. Namely, where the heck do I store all my tools.

Unfortunately the answer is I do not.

But thankfully, I have learned a few things that help indulge my inner urge to craft.

1) If I'm in one spot for a few months and I really need something that isn't crazy expensive (like jewelry findings), and I can't find it at a reasonable price locally, ebay is always the answer.

2) You can craft with almost anything if you try hard enough. Basket weaving with wood, spinning with locally available fiber. Not having access to your local craft shop can be immensely good for your creative juices as they need to flow extra hard.

3) Find something you love that is transportable. If you scrapbook, try smashbooking. If you sew, try hand embroidery (so fun). Write everything you can anywhere you can. Make your hobby work for you, instead of you working for your hobby.

4) Digital design work can be almost as satisfying. Obviously I have this blog, and while I do have mountains of work to get done as far as design and layout, it's something to play with. Recently, me and one of my Winnipeg friends also decided to launch an online t-shirt company (shameless self promotion) filled with wonderfully nerdy t-shirts available in limited time prints. No clue how successful it'll end up but it's another outlet (and another income source that enables me to be location independent).

Do you consider yourself crafty? What kind of art do you make while traveling? Let me know!

Cheers,

Day 55: Dance Parties and Bucket Lists

Today marks my 55th day living and working at Huelo Lookout. Where the heck has all the time gone? Seriously, I am convinced I got here last week. Last night we had a party celebrating the 15th year of this property being operational, and I felt the same sentiments from everyone who has been around significantly longer than me.

Why yes that is me hula hooping on the dance floor mid party.

I cannot believe that in 31 days I will be getting on a plane, headed through Vancouver, and then settling back in Winnipeg for the remainder of April, then running off to Victoria, BC for at least 2 months, but quite possibly the rest of summer. Life has been such a glorious whirlwind lately, I'm feeling so peaceful and spiritually found while running around with pretty limited direction other than keep moving and make sure there's wifi.

This is for the 8 billion tourists every day that ask me where to find a waterfall.

I have yet to make it all the way to Hana, but depending on weather that may just been an attempt for tomorrow. I still need to hike the Bamboo Forest and explore Twin Falls more.

What's on your free Maui hotspot list? Any activity suggestions? Let me know in the comments!

Cheers,

Do Whatever the Hell You Want to

So I guess this comes in the form of a half motivational post - half rant.

Literally at least once a week, if not more frequently, someone tells me that they "wish they could travel as long as I do" or that they are "so jealous" of my life. These people are usually 20-somethings like myself, often are not in school, and are working in minimum wage jobs that they hate while living at home with their parents.

I'm going to drop a truth bomb on you right now.

You can do whatever you want.

I know, people will immediately say that you can't just fly to pluto, or levitate objects with your mind, or burn your ex boyfriend's house to the ground (okay well that's more of a you really should not do than a can't).

If you want to travel, you are completely capable of making that happen.

If you want to be a writer, start writing things and submitting them everywhere, blog, self publish.

If you want to make crafts or art for a living, start an etsy and learn everything you can about photography and self promotion.

We live in a world with not only vast libraries of knowledge, but the wonder of the internet which makes mountains of information available to us FOR FREE.

If you aren't willing to put in the time to chase your dreams, you are never going to be living them.

#endrant

Finding Your Mantra

I am a firm believer in having a simple, repeatable phrase which governs all of the decisions made in one's life. I find it to be incredibly grounding and self assuring in those moments when we inevitably find ourselves making more difficult decisions, or facing self doubt.

My mantra for the last few years has been "make pretty things". Corny, I know, but let me expand.

"make pretty things" is a constant reminder that when I'm stressed out, I should probably pick up my yarn, or make some jewelry, or spin some fiber, and release whatever tension I am carrying into something positive and lovely that will either bring me or another person joy.

"make pretty things" is a reminder that all the energy I bring into the universe should be beautiful and positive and bettering to those around me.

"make pretty things" is also a statement that if the world is being gross and terrible and filled with ugliness and cruelty, it is my responsibility to attempt to make it prettier.

See how many things I can pull out of one simple mantra?

Find one that makes sense to you, and say it out loud literally every day when you wake up, every time you are stressed out, and every time you feel like you need a little reminder of what makes you so wonderful and uniquely glorious.

I highly recommend meditating and burning a little sage for clarity while searching for your own mantra, but if you need some suggestions, here's a few to test run:

- " I am enough"

- "I choose love"

- "I create/design my own life"

- "The universe sends me everything I need in any moment"

Do you already have a mantra? Is is ridiculously awesome? Share it in the comments!

Cheers,

March Reading List - What's on my Kobo!

Hey internet friends!

As you may have guess by my affinity for writing, I am a self proclaimed book worm. Always have been, always will be. I was the kid who got in shit for hiding a flashlight under her blankets so she could stay up past her bedtime reading Harry Potter. As an adult, I am comfortable admitting that I have done the exact same thing in an even more spectacular blanket fort, and had to blame myself in the morning when I was exhausted and did not make it to class. Sorry Mom and Dad.

Any who, my questionable life choices and overall nerdiness aside, I've been working on this 100 books a year challenge I set myself on GoodReads (which is proving to indeed be a challenge). I have this crazy notion that posting a monthly reading list may just a) inspire some people to download a book or two and b) maybe hold me a little bit accountable to doing something other than Pinteresting in my free time

MARCH

Already in progress

1)The Subtle Knife: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
I tackled The Golden Compass in Feb, I want to actually get through the entire trilogy and enjoy the scathing commentary on Catholicism before I get back into a Catholic Studies classroom in the fall.

2) Yes Please by Amy Poehler
So I kept seeing book lists that say every woman should read this book and being about halfway through I completely agree. Amy Poehler is a wonderful writer and goddess and if she ever happens to read this I hope she decides that we would be good friends and that I am a helpless 20-something year old in need of a mentor who I also live with.

Starting soon! For realsies!

1) The Amber Spyglass: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
I will finish this trilogy and I will do it soon.

2) Bossypants by Tina Fey
Another amazing woman who is totally welcome to adopt me should she ever feel the need. Teach me your golden ways.

3) Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin
I've been told that finding my tribe is the key to a solid blog, and that seems to stem from this book. I feel like I could have a pretty rad tribe. Matching tshirts will be essential.

4) A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
I read Wild by Cheryll Strayed and it was fucking fantastic. More books about distance hiking and more incentive to plan a quest on the Trans Canada Trail, though bikes are my preference for speed factor (sorry Mom and Dad, I know how you feel about this idea).

I think that's enough of a list to not be super overwhelmed by, yet also keep me out of trouble.

What are you reading this month? Tell me in the comments so I can add it to my list!

Cheers,

Creating a 5 Year Plan

Recently, I've been browsing around the internet for writing prompts (here's an excellent list for March) because I assume that at some point, you will all get bored in reading my weekly life updates and want some actual thoughtful and semi-well written information. So in that spirit, I present to you my thoughts on 5 year plans, mission statements, bucket lists, and over arching life goals. Ready?

Do it. 

I know that may seem like a bit of departure from my usual devil-may-care, travel everywhere, do whatever, laid back, low stress, life advice. Hear me out. I have a 5 year plan. The thing is, my 5 year plan goes though at least one significant change about every 6 months. 

Planning out approximately 5 years in advance gives me TONS of motivation when I'm stuck in the occasional months where I am not traveling, laying on a beach, or spending the vast majority of my time playing with craft supplies. 

No, I do not plan out every day on my wonderful 5 year plan. It's a simple document in my Notes app on my Macbook, readily accessible and incredibly easy to change. 

I like to block things out in semester long periods, because I find them to be sensible dividing points. Janurary - April I do one particular thing (in the present case, Maui), then May - August I do another thing (Victoria), then September - December one more thing (in this case, my schedule reads: take classes either online or in Winnipeg and make some progress on your degree ya bum). 

I think it's healthy to give yourself lots of "breaks" in life, and try tons of new things in new places. Dividing my year into 3 sections encourages me to do that frequently, and has the added benefit of working quite well with my on again off again approach to University. 

I also like to have a side list of goals for the week + month in my paper day planner, just to keep me on task. One of the biggest challenges I find myself faced with in daily life is my desire to throw myself into a million and one projects, which inevitably leads to things being half finished if they aren't written down.

How do you structure your 5 year plan? What kind of goals are you reaching for? Tell me your life!

Cheers,

Day 49: Chasing Waterfalls and No Money March !

Oh so many wonderous life updates! Where to begin? Firstly I suppose, Maui continues to be great. This island has continued to fill me with positive thoughts and good vibes only. Secondly, I've officially got a summer job in Victoria, British Columbia, so my return to Winnipeg will be wonderfully short lived, at least until September when I go back to champ out another semester at good ole UofM. Thirdly, and I promise I will expand on this, I've declared March a no spending month or "no money March", and will be endeavoring to literally not spend any cash while saving all my tips and side business money, since my food and lodging are covered, it's the most opportune time I can think of.

sunset on the beach

First off, I am consistently in awe of the beauty that is all of Maui. I admittedly spend most of my time off the beaten path given that I have no car and live in the middle of the jungle, but ermagawd. Everything is pretty.

random stream/waterfall/pool off of the Hana Hwy

Seriously, if I didn't remind myself off all the pretty places in Canada I would seriously be considering burning my passport and becoming a beach hobo. I also really like the internet so beach hobo might not be the perfect lifestyle for me. A girl can dream.

The decision to move to Victoria for the summer came from literally online polling my Facebook friends on Vancouver vs Toronto and then being told Victoria is the land of the hippies. Never been but that's enough of an incentive for me to test it out and a potential Canadian home base a few years down the line. 

coconuts are literally everywhere and fair game. eat them all!

Lastly, No Money March. So working out here, all my food and lodging expenses are covered. I make tips from work, which average to around $30 US a week, and I'm going to start selling friendship bracelets on the beach for some extra cash. Mostly, this money hides in a very sneaky location inside of my tent, the rest of it goes to me buying postcards, souvenirs, and booze. However, I've recently come across the idea of doing a month free of spending money on Pinterest (aside from a tiny budget for essentials) and thought, hey, I literally have all of my essentials covered, I should challenge myself to not spend any money on shit I do not need for an entire month. So that's the plan. Feel free to join me and get your spending habits under control (I'm looking at you my online shopping addicts club).

Anywho, that's my life lately. It's pretty freakin great if I do say so myself. Build yours to be equally lovely in your own eyes and tell me how you're doing it!

Cheers,

Day 37: Wanderlust got me hard and hasn't let go.

I love traveling. I've grown up traveling. I've never had the inclination to not take any random opportunity presented to me to travel. Being in Maui is a prime example of that love. But man does the wanderlust have me sucked in right now, even as I'm in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

The original game plan was to be "home" in Winnipeg for summer, work, take a summer class or two or three. Standard student stuff. But oh man. I want to be everywhere. Winnipeg is becoming less and less likely, and my eyes are drifting towards Toronto and Vancouver. Last summer I was planning a bike tour out to Ottawa before a nasty injury and a lot of physio therapy, and for some reason the idea of biking fully across Canada on the Trans Canada Trail is really settling in again. Probably not a realistic goal for this summer but still. It's there. Growing in the back of my mind.

The other looming potential travel plan is New Zealand and/or Australia for 1-3 years doing the whole working holiday thing that's so very popular out there. Unfortunately they don't hand out that visa to people with basically empty bank accounts. The struggle is real.

Toronto or the GTA at least seems like a reasonable summer, I can always stick around Ontario for a while, maybe branch down into Quebec in the fall with some time to practice my french.

Where do you think I'll end up living next, suggestions? Staying in Canada for at least 6 months to work and actually make some money so towns up here would be wonderful.

Cheers,

Day 34: Spinning yarns and omnomnoming

tiny lizard friend I made this morning

 Today was another blissful day off to enjoy living in paradise. I decided against adventuring, mainly because I felt lazy, and also crafty as all hell. My inner housewife is still lacking the love earned from feeding the ravenous masses I called roomies and neighbours in Winnipeg (love you all). I breakfasted on some super simple but delicious french toast and devoured the majority of a coconut toasted in the same pan. My belly is happy.

Cinnamon Raisin Toast made into french toast with fresh coconut (also toasted). I like toast.

Next step: Crafternoon. Finally pulled my test yarn out of it's several day solar dye bath in old moldy Spriulina/water/vinegar solution! Also harvested some more cotton, carded and spun for literally 4 hours with time flying by.

Who knew Spirulina dyed so pretty?!

I cannot get over the wonderful shade of teal the cotton changed into, and the unevenness and multi-dimension to the color is basically making me fall over from sheer joy. #dying. Next step, trying to get a pink with avacodo pits and skins. The internet told me it was a thing. Also basket making.


Cheers,

1 month in Maui !

Cannot believe I've already been in Maui for an entire month! Time flies ! Yesterday I had the day off and went to Jaws. Absolutely a must see on a big swell day. Nothing quite like the peace of watching 30 foot waves and surfers. Personally I advise catching a ride in though as 4 of us walked it and it is about 2.2 miles each way on a narrow gravel road. I fell and scraped up my foot and knee, but that's more of a "I'm hella clumsy" moment then a "this road is trying to kill us all" moment.

Meditation Pad view at Huelo Lookout Workawayer's area

View from Jaws

so so so pretty

Cheers,

Day 22: Refelctions on living your best life

I had the day off today, but it was raining in the morning so I opted out of the beach and in to sitting in our kitchen sending off applications for summer jobs. Looks like I'll be headed back to Winnipeg until December at this rate. Sigh.

But I've been thinking about people who seem to come out of the woodwork of my life, old facebook friends I went to school with or met once or twice and then never talked to. For some reason, these type of people always tell me the same thing, how incredibly jealous of me they are. To some extent, I totally and completely get that, you're in winter, I'm posting bikini pics. But at the same time, I always have to remind them, you are an adult, you are in control of your life, live your best one. If you want to travel, get on workaway, find a gig that says yes, sell your shit, and book a flight.

I just hate that people are so conditioned to feel like they can't just take a break for a year and run off somewhere, particularly in their 20s, though seriously ever. So this is for all you non-travelers. If you want to go, dedicate yourself to that. Pick a place, set a date, and make every decision in your day to day life lead you one step closer to your trip. Take the plunge. Do something crazy.

So far, I've learned to play with a machete safely, chased down a roster and several chickens unsuccessfully, made hawaiian shaved ice and some epic crepes, juiced sugar cane, and hitch hiked with some of the chillest people I've ever met. I have zero regrets about leaving. Just do it.

Cheers,

Day 18: Shaved Ice and Sun!

Today was another one of my blissful days off, and I decided to venture into Paia in my usual lovely hitch hiking fashion, to check out the bead store and just generally adventure and relax. Got a ride in with some lovely hippie types bringing their dad back from some dance your emotional pain away for 12 hours a day retreat that sounded pretty chill. The local bead store is well stocked and reasonably priced for beading supplies, but be advised they don't cater to other forms of crafting and I was disappointed by a lack of embroidery needles which were what I was questing for. Ah well, to Amazon I go. Shaved ice from Tobi's in Paia is epically delicious, I opted for Mango and Tiger Blood with cream on top, so freaking good. Highly recommend.

2 Weeks in Huelo Lookout !

Holy crap, I cannot believe I have already spent 2 weeks living in a tent in Maui. Life is crazy, and I am for sure still in a state of shock. This workaway has been a really great experience so far, though less farming and more renovation projects than I expected to be doing. All is well though, and I've really had fun blasting country music while painting a rental property out here.

I've been working 5 days a week, usually 9-330 with a half hour lunch break at 1230, as this is the standard "Land" shift (this are the property cleaning and renovation shifts I'm more into), but there are also day or afternoon shifts available at the fruit stand we run, making smoothies and crepes as well as selling fruit. Reno work is much more my thing as I have to talk to fewer tourists and can be a lot more physically engaged with the land itself.

my tent in "the mansion"

I would have heaps more photos, but alas, yesterday I lost my iPhone while hitchhiking. So. Those are lost to the struggle of life. Backup phone on the way from home soon, with an international sim card which may or may not prove to be an awesome investment. Planning on spending a pretty limited time in Canada over the foreseeable future so probably one of my better plans. Anywho, that's my mini update for the moment.

Cheers,

First Night in Maui - Courtyard Marriott Airport

I arrived safely in Maui on Monday night, and although I had planned to stay in a hostel and review it instead, my mom decided that my leaving for 3 months warranted her booking me a more upscale venue. The Courtyard Marriot near the Maui airport also offers a shuttle service, which makes transportation a little less of a headache (I tend to be very cranky when trapped inside planes for long periods of time).

That being said, the hotel in gorgeous, I was upgraded to a suite, full kitchen, lots of space. No complaints here. No free breakfast in the morning, but Krispy Kreme is a short walk away as well as Costco and Kmart. Personally I opted for a couple greek yogurts from kmart, I'm not a big breakfast person unless I'm hungover.

Pretty pool area as well, I just didn't have the time to take a dip, I'm presently packed and waiting on my ride over to the farm.

Cheers,

Pre Departure Update

Saturday afternoon, boxes are piling up in my room, lists of where things are being stored have been made. Still a ton more packing to get done, such is the joy of moving out of one space and into another. I'm going to miss Winnipeg. Most of my friends and family are here, or at least have a home here for part of the year. This is weird. My whole life has been filled with travel, but aside from a couple weeks in April, I won't be back here until September, and even that's a maybe. I'm in a state of perpetual excitement and complete shock, as well as mild fear. Can I do this? Can I just get on a plane and change everything? What?

At the same time, I'm setting my eyes on winter outside of Canada next year as well. Or at least out of the chill that is a prairie winter. Wherever the wind takes me really. I'm going to try and maintain a balance of one semester of school, one semester of cash focused work, and one semester of traveling as economically as possible. Seems like a manageable healthy balance for me. Anyways. I should be boxing up more of my life.

Cheers,

Justifications to Travelling NOW and Finishing School Later

I know when I finally got around to breaking the news to both of my parents that I was taking another

semester away from my University to take a working vacation, they took it... alright. Thankfully, they both were bitten by the travel bug pretty young as well, and tend to be wonderful supportive people. However, I would be crazy if I didn't walk in with a few reasons other than "wanting to see the world" and "insatiable wanderlust", otherwise I would get the dreaded lecture about "abandoning my education and destroying my future". 

Study Abroad

This may seem like the obvious one, but it has to be said. Many schools offer excellent opportunities to work on your classes while abroad. I know in my case, tutition is the same, and you just need to finance your cost of living/flights/etc., which is often cheaper outside of Canada. Check in with student services and see if this works for you!

     

Working Holiday Visas

Working holiday visas are a great way to get yourself into a country for a full year and still be entitled to work legally wherever you want in the country, however they usually have age restrictions at 30 or 35. As someone with the intent of life long travel on a limited budget, working while I'm gone is pretty essential. This might mean being a waitress or bartender and less of a focus on classes for a semester, but everyone needs a break sometimes right?

Online Classes

I'm lucky in the fact that my university offers a good selection of classes online, so for example, I'm still technically going to be a full time student while I'm in Maui this semester on a WorkAway project. If you can pull off being location independent while not actually putting off your education (or not putting it off as much by only taking one or two classes), why not? Online classes are often actually a bit cheaper as well!

Summer Classes

I know this is a bit of an odd sidebar, but many people don't consider that most schools offer intense summer classes where instead of spending a semester on a course, you crank it out in a month. Traveling during the Fall and Winter off season can be a lot more affordable than going in summer prime time, so picking up courses in the summer can be a great way to offset missing time during other semesters.

Travel Interning

Chances are, at some point in your college career, you're going to be doing an unpaid internship. It's great for resume building and has kind of become an expectation (I have my qualms with it, but that's me). If you use WorkAway, go WWOOFing, volunteer overseas, or any combination, PUT IT ON YOUR RESUME. Most long term hosts will be more than happy to write you a simple reference letter if you get along, and you'll be gaining valuable skills in your placement, even if they don't seem to directly correlate with your chosen field.

Reasons To Keep a Handwritten Journal

Personally, I've been on and off as a journaller throughout basically my entire life. Last time we cleaned out my Mom's place we found some very basically worded fuzzy pink one dated from when I was 8 years old. I love keeping a record of what's going on in my life and how it makes me feel. So without further adieu here's a few reasons to hop on the bandwagon!

1) Write to work things out
I often find, whether I'm on the road or at home, life tends to throw crazy challenges our way. Looking back, my longest journal entries tend to be an explanation of whatever semi-dramatic event is going on in my life, but from the first sentence to what often becomes several pages, I see myself find solutions to the problem. Writing helps to slow you down a little, think consciously, and come to a defined conclusion.

2) Physical copies to reflect on
As much as I love the Facebook memories feature, and my old blog posts, or my old anonymous livejournal, I love paper. I love physical copies of books, and pretty covers that make me smile. As much as my journal is also one of those highly personal things that I don't let other people browse through, I also recognize that someday I will no longer be on this earth and nothing reflects my thoughts better than those memoirs, should someone want to hold on to them.

3) Boost Creativity
In my opinion, the only way to get better at anything is to experiment and practice until you find out what works best for you. I spend a lot of time changing up my writing style and playing around with new ideas on real paper before I throw them all over the internet, and I would like to think it helps!

4) Books don't need batteries
Long term travel doesn't happen without my Macbook present. But every now and again, I want to go camping for the weekend, or hang out at my Dad's permaculture homestead, or go on a short road trip, on hop on a train/plane/cruise without free wifi. If I'm not going to have wireless access, I don't see the point in hauling my laptop around in addition to a journal when I'm literally only going to use it to play the Sims or Roller Coaster Tycoon (I like a lot of "bad" vintage games).

I hope I've given you enough inspiration to start journalling, or increase the amount that you already do, maybe from once a month to once a week, a few times a week, of even daily.

Cheers,

4 Ways to Make Money (Legally!) While Abroad

1) Blog
I couldn't write one of these posts as an ever traveling woman who blogs both for business and to keep family and friends updated on where I am at any given moment (many still think I'm crazy and will end up living the plot of "Taken"). That being said, new bloggers don't make much. Take some time, build something pretty, throw a couple ads on, and create good content. I'm a firm believer in journaling being good for the soul, and while I maintain my own more personal thoughts on paper, keeping an interesting record of things online as well is a great way to look back on your thoughts. You can read a million wonderfully written articles online about SEO, blogger vs wordpress, and how to use basic HTML. For reference, at the time I'm writing this, I use blogger because it's simple and free, though buying your domain name through a service like GoDaddy will usually run you under 20 bucks a year and looks a lot more professional in my opinion.

2) Teach English
This has become a massive industry that is fantastic for determined life long travelers. Personally I'll be doing my certification next summer when I'm back in my home city tackling a bunch of education and sticking around for a few months. Some countries require a degree but others do not. Pay at the very least usually covers a middle class standard of living, though some countries like South Korea can become quite lucrative with perks like your flights and accommodation included with salary so if you're content to stay in one country for a while you can really build up that travel fund!

3) Sell Photos Online
If you're anything like me, when you're on vacation, you tend to take a bunch of epic photos not only of yourself and companions, but of the scenery and interesting landmarks as well. Sites like Shutterstock will pay for your photographs, so you can create a nice little passive income stream from all the great shots you get!

4) Working Holiday Visas
Many counties offer working holiday visas for people ages 18-30/35, which allow you to legally work and reside in a country, usually for a period of one year. Whether you want to stay in your current field, bar tend, or find a completely random position is up to you!

Maui!

So I'm very excited to announce that I've accepted my first WorkAway offer! In Maui ! Goodbye Winnipeg winter and hello tropical paradise!

You can see the listing for the post I've accepted here.

Omygosh I'm so excited. Hence very short and immediate post.

Cheers,

25 Reasons I will aways love Winnipeg

1. I grew up wandering around the city, I can't fathom not being connected to your hometown.

2. Bike paths almost everywhere! Cycling is a passion and over the years the city has added more and more!

3. BDI. Living in very close proximity from the infamous Bridge Drive In ice cream shop for 2 summers has been amazing. If you make it to the city in the summer, it's a must do. Highly recommend the Saltzberg, a waffle cone with nutella on the inside, vanilla soft serve, dipped in chocolate, with a light drizzle of caramel sauce on the outside, topped with coarse salt and whipped cream. it's divine.

4. Beautiful old buildings everywhere. Seriously, everywhere.

5. Random walks next to rivers.

6. The St.Norbert Farmers Market in the summer.

7. Shopping down Osbourne street for fantastic and unique indie clothes, housewares, antiques and jewelry.

8. Speaking of Osbourne, A Little Pizza Heaven. Garlic Butter Crust after proper Whiskey Sours from The Toad next door. Enough said.

9. Although we are the capital city of Manitoba, I don't remember the last time I met someone more than 3 degrees of separation away from me. Everyone either knows everyone, or knows someone who went to school with someone who works with your uncle. It's kind of great.

10. Getting crazy defensive about our Slurpee capital of the world title... and the endless 7/11 events people get wayyyyy too into.

11. So really random fun fact, the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg do have a combined greek system. It's small but part of the cozy charm of the city. The parties are also pretty great (sue me I'm 21, I like cheap drinking). Also, our University is some of the most affordable in the country.

12. Spring Hill. It's a ditch. We ski in a ditch.

13. Socials. It's a Manitoba thing, but for those unfamiliar, usually it's for a wedding or some other fundraising, rented hall, silent auction, 90s music, snacks, and of course lots of boozin. (Fun fact: my Father featured a shooter bar at his most recent one, and that would be the reason I can no longer drink Baja Rosa)

14. The Golden Boy. Why yes, we topped our provincial legislative building with a giant naked golden dude that we got from France, are you really that surprised?

15. Unless it's rush hour, I can get from one end of the city to the other in an hour absolute tops. Usually closer to 30 mins.

16. There are some cities that think they take hockey seriously, and then there's Winnipeg Jet's fans. I remember literally getting the afternoon off school in high school when we got our team back to go party and enjoy the free concerts at the forks, and everyone waiting in our library watching tv waiting for the official announcement.

17. Train schedules. This is one of those "grew up on railroads" things not many of ya'll will relate to, but I can leave Winnipeg on Thursday night, hang out in Toronto all day Saturday, and be home Monday morning/afternoon. Perfect relaxing weekend.

18. Museums. Again, we're a small city, but we have a ridiculous number of museums. The Manitoba Museum (also contains our sweet planetarium and an interactive science centre), the Children's Museum, The Electrical Museum, The Costume Museum, The Craft Museum, The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Air Force Heritage Museum, that's not even a complete list.

19. First Fridays. On the first Friday night of every month, most of the art galleries in the city host evening events. If my museum list was any indication, we also have a borderline obscene amount of art galleries.

20. The Phantom of the Paradise. If you know this movie, you're probably from Winnipeg or Paris, as those were the only areas it ever really took off. If you like Rocky Horror, you'll probably be really into it. The soundtrack is amazing, basically it's a rock opera where Phantom of the Opera meets Faust meets Rocky Horror? Seriously just go watch it online somewhere, so great.

21. Oh a bear from here inspired Winnie the Pooh. You're welcome world.

22. Tons of great performance venues. MTS centre and Investors Group Field are the usual for larger shows, but the Pantages Playhouse, Burton Cummings Theatre and the Park Theatre are really awesome mid-sized but pretty venues. The Manitoba Theatre for Young People is another amazing space which provides so many great opportunities for youth to get used to being on stage!

23. Well housing prices have exploded all over Canada, Winnipeg is still relatively affordable. I'm currently renting a pretty sizable entire top floor bedroom in a shared house (one of my girlfriends owns it), and pulling it off on a university frugal budget.

24. So many festivals around the city! Folklarama, Folk Fest, Dauphin Country Fest (Manitoba so it totally still counts), Phantompaloza, Festival du Voyageur, Jazz Fest, Comedy Fest, Nuit Blanche. I'm at the point where when in doubt there is some kind of fest going on at any given time.

25. Our winters may get colder than Mars, and our summer's may get hotter than imaginable, but it's home.