Hui Sim

Gorgeous places that won't break the bank (or perhaps, cost you little or nothing at all)! 😉 I've explored all these places – and some, if not all, are worth revisiting.Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Here is a shortlist of scenic spots in BC to consider for your next getaway to Canada’s westernmost province. These places are located outside Metro Vancouver (and yes, I have explored all these places – and some, more than once). Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

The third largest metropolitan area in Canada boasts a wonderful number of things to do or attractions and places to visit. Some can be seen throughout the year; others are seasonal and weather dependent. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links..

How do I unwind, mentally, emotionally, and/or physically, when things get tough. It isn't by indulging in primal scream theory or holding my breath until I turn blue. Let me count the thirty ways. 😉Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Some of the products I've used over the years because they are or work as advertised. They run the gamut from kitchen kitsch to clothes, health and beauty, gardening, and more. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Home decor and furnishings that take your home to the next level of creativity, imagination, functionality, or humor.Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Who did not grow up playing with LEGO? As a child, I was enthralled by the joy that these seemingly nondescript rectangular colored plastic bricks could bring. The creatures and worlds that existed only in my imagination could finally be given realistic form (even if they didn't move or breathe like their living counterparts).LEGO is not a game in the traditional sense of the word. It is a unifying force that needs neither language nor rules. It appeals to individuals across a wide variety of ages, demographics, and cultures. The building blocks of LEGO foster creativity, curiosity, and even teambuilding spirit, and result in some jaw-dropping works of art that can take hours, days, weeks, and even months to craft. Check out the LEGO Masters TV show – contestants can spend up to NINE hours constructing their masterpieces! To say nothing of the real-life structures that may have come about as a result of prototyping using LEGO, or the careers that were launched in architecture, urban planning, medicine, science, technology or mathematics as a result of early (and long-lasting) encounters with LEGO!Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Yep, you guessed it. I golf, too (even with a pesky frozen shoulder!) I don't pretend to understand golf – I'm not even a scratch golfer (I actually do BETTER after not having practiced). Here are my bragging rights (an understandably short list): draining TWO consecutive 100-foot putts in the hole (in the dark – a feat for which I did have a witness who rolled his eyes in disbelief) and did a 100-foot putt uphill and into the hole (while the other members of my foursome were busy trying to find their respective balls in the rough).Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Brisk walking? Yeah, I'm all for this all-season fitness activity. I believe in taking 7,500-10,000 steps a day (several years ago, I was logging 20,000 steps daily. You can bet that my dogs were barkin' on those days). Even if the weather is misbehaving, several hours of spot walking with just enough intensity to get my ticker going just a little faster can be a big boon and mood booster. This is a list of the items that I believe no recreational walker should be without, from apparel to accessories.Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Get the buzz on bees, my favorite flowers to attract them, and accommodations for them (bee hotels and bee hives). Give thanks to the hardworking little creatures that make it possible for us to enjoy one of three bites of food!Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links..

Thinking of turning your garden into a paradise for the birds? As a bird nerd, nature lover, and wildlife photographer, I've compiled a shortlist of some backyard essentials (and extras, should you wish to “birdify” your living space, too) for your consideration.Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Spring is here (for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere). Why not consider planting some of the more exotic (and lesser known) edibles that I've dabbled in growing? Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links..

The Bedouin call mares “daughters of the wind.” It's a fitting and poetic term for large and beautiful creatures who are graced with dazzling speed that makes it seem like they can fly.I grew up drawing horses, and all their imaginary derivatives: unicorns, pegasii, and pegacorns. For me, they were the essence of speed and beauty. Horses were one of the reasons why I wanted to work with animals and become a veterinarian. To this day, I still have great respect and love for equines. That I live in a part of town that is “horse country” is a big plus (in fact, I see more horses than any other livestock). Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Small pets have been a staple in my life: guinea pigs, fish (yes, those count, too), cockatiels, budgies, and dogs. Granted, my menagerie has not been as varied as that of some other animal lovers, but if it crawls, swims, or flies (that even includes small lizards, spiders, snakes, and scorpions – which I've all handled), I'll develop an affinity for it. Having small pets taught me about LOADS about responsibility. In many ways, it's like taking care of kids who never grow up … but that said, it's been more rewarding, not to mention personally fulfilling! 😉Pets need that intangible known as TLC, but my recs cover the tangibles that you need or should also consider when buying a pet. Note #1: pets (of any size or lifespan) should DEFINITELY not be an impulse purchase, during the holiday season or otherwise -- some pets, like turtles and parrots/macaws can outlive their first and second owners!Note #2: vitamins are no substitute for medical attention when your pet requires the latter (urgently!) Note #3: this list covers my recommendations for most animals that are small and furry (excepting dogs and cats; they have their own lists here https://benable.com/whsimdesigns/fascinating-ancient-and-designer-dog-breeds and here, respectively https://benable.com/whsimdesigns/of-cars-and-cats). Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Once a very long time ago, I had pets … dog, budgies, cockatiels, guinea pigs, fish (but generally not all at the same time). I had dreams of becoming a veterinarian when I grew up, because that would mean that I could spend all my time with animals! I was an avid reader of James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small novel; I watched Doctor Doolittle as if my life depended on it; I pored over books that featured animals in prominent, if not leading roles (Where the Red Fern Grows, Black Beauty, and The Black Stallion, to name a few); and you could not tear me aware from the boob tube when the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Agility and the Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show shows were being televised. I had memorized some 200 breeds of dogs before I turned 10; and still, there are so many breeds out there that, to this day, I am left amazed and wonder, “How come I didn't know about this breed?” So this list shows the breeds, old and new, that have piqued my interest, plus my recs for pet essentials. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Do crochet, decoupage, quilling, sewing, or slime float your boat? Well, here are some designs and supplies to help inspire you or a budding artist!

Etsy can yield some interesting collectibles, secondhand stuff, and downright unusual items (and I am always curious to know how much something is worth (aren't you?) ;)) Here's what's up for grabs online: everything from merchandise for iconic brands (like Coca Cola and Disney), to movie props, celebrity signatures, rare and unusual plants, mushroom lamps, ugly pillows, unusual candles, and more. Note: These lists may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Here are some things to consider before you head out to twitch – whether on land or water. In addition to the recs below, these five cardinal 🐦 rules of birding should also be observed to optimize your experience: (1) keep quiet; (2) avoid quick, sudden movements; (3) do not flush and stress your subject into flight for an action shot; (4) maintain a respectful distance; and (5) do not report sensitive species online.Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Some of my favorite (and spooktacular) choices for Halloween candy, costumes, made-to-order invites, shirts, mugs, and more to help you make the scariest time of the year the most fun, too!Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Elegant, religious, and cute customizable and fixed designs, treats, and party supplies to celebrate this season – on candies, invitations, stickers, leggings, mugs, shirts, and blankets. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Gifts and merch for first-time parents, established parents, grandparents, and more. Choose from serious and sophisticated to silly and sublime designs.

I believe that the mind is a powerful force, and skepticism is the largest barrier to learning *and* healing. Here are designs that celebrate and resources that build emotional intelligence, inner peace, and gratitude … while breaking destructive, repetitive patterns.

Music sets the mood for me. It can lift my spirits, make me anticipate the next scene, and nuance the subtleties of humor, epiphany, and sacrifice in so many evocative, yet sometimes wordless ways. Here are some personal favorites with which I can design to or simply relax.Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

This list showcases hilarious designs of hamsters, pigs, and other animals doing quirky or extraordinary things. Great for animal lovers and--if you're not into yoga, meditation, or other stress reduction techniques--these recommendations will certainly get a few chuckles out of you, especially in today's hectic world! Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Because first impressions count! From an eclectic selection of designs that celebrate nature, gardening, to ballet, meditation, soccer, yoga and so much more, there's a journal (or planner) for that.

Here are the cameras, phones, tech accessories, and software that check all the right boxes for a creative who's worked in the tech industry for many years. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links..

Tote-tally awesome bags and cases that look good while protecting your stuff. When I worked in the computing industry, my company sold thousands of messenger, backpack, and attaché-style bags for laptops and tablets, so I am no stranger to terms like “denier”, “IP ratings”, and “crossbody”. For made-to-order and customizable bags/totes, please visit my other list benable.com/whsimdesigns/now-you-re-trippin-before-you-board-that-planeNote: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

The pending pitter patter of little feet and oh so pinchable cheeks mean diapers, carriers, showers, baptisms, nesting invitations, nursery decor, gifts, and more! Plenty of pre-preparations and those inevitable sleepless nights. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Whether the birthday boy (or girl) is turning 5, 15, or 50 (or any number in between or above), there's a fun design/theme, and a collection to celebrate that annual milestone!Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links..

Commemorate wedding anniversary milestones with a mix of time-honored and modern themed gifts and party supplies/decor. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

As a former event planner, I know all about the struggle (and worry) to get everything you need for The Big Day. Lists and notes are indispensable! Here's what you should consider to host the perfect summer gettogether with family and friends -- from BBQs to food, furniture, and entertainment!Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Here's what I watch, usually on YouTube or Roku, when I need to get away from it all.Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

What I have found interesting is often, shall we say, less-than-mainstream. High on my (rather eclectic) watchlist are thought-provoking documentaries that focus on nature or chronicle the origin stories of famous consumer brands – and some sitcoms and comedies that span quite a few decades. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.

Just because there's no wheat in it, doesn't mean that gluten-free food can't be tasty or easy to make! Here are some of my favorite GF-free comfort foods and top-rated cookbooks!

Local dining establishments that impress me with their menus, ambience, and/or both!Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links..