Monday 27 August 2012

Arm Swag

Arm Swag: Stacking random number, order and style of bracelets on your arm or arms.

The beauty of arm swag is that there really are no rules. Wear as many as you want, in a variety of colours and even mix up the metals. So get stacking!  There are so many affordable and funky pieces out there now that creating this type of look doesn’t have to break the bank, and if you already own some magnificent pieces, then why not show them all off?!


Here are some of my favs.


Pinterest arm swag




For more inspiration, check out the queen of arm swag, Aimee Song from Song of Style.




Monday 20 August 2012

Crafty and Creative

This past weekend was a wonderful weekend for showcasing the many talents of the women of Kingston.  On Saturday, there was the Kingston's Women's Expo, an indoor event held at the Invista Centre. The KWE main goal is to bring together local businesses that are run by women, or that offer services to women. It was a day filled with exhibits, samplings, entertainment, interactive demonstrations, and shopping opportunities.  Then, on the Sunday, held outdoors at City Park, was the Women's Art Festival. The WAF was originally started in the late 70's by a group of women who were interested in promoting the work of women artists. Offering another opportunity to enjoy entertainment, samplings and more shopping!

At the WAF there was one particular vendor that stood out for me.  365 Lucky Days.  Now, I have done a little background check, and I seem to be the last person in the blogosphere to know about her.  Almost a year ago, Lucky Jackson set out to embroider something everyday for a year. And, to hold herself accountable, she has created a blog where she posts each piece she makes.  This is not your typical embroidery either. These pieces are fun, whimsical and colourful. The great thing about these hoop embroideries is in the details. Not only does she use super cool vintage prints for the background, but there are also touches of lace, beads and other playful fabrics.  They are all so cool that I am still trying to decide which one I want to buy!



I could go on and on about her and her work, but I will let the embroidery do the talking! Check it out for yourself. http://www.luckyjackson.bigcartel.com

I wonder what I'd look like if I was LUCKY enough to be embroidered?!

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Fancy a Pimm's

Travelling to England was something that we did almost every summer when I was a kid. Both my parents were born there, and we still have relatives living in Richmond.  When I was 21, I was lucky enough to live in England for just over a year. So it's no wonder that I hold a soft spot for Britain.
And just like fish & chips, bangers & mash and scones with clotted cream, Pimm's won a special place in my heart!

So, 1, to celebrate the end of the London Olympics and 2, my parents return (yes, they were just in England & got to experience the games!), I have decided to share my version of a Pimm's Royale.

Mix one part Pimm's No1 with two parts lemonade along with 2 parts sparkling wine (or Champagne) and add lots of ice. Then, if you like, you can add to the mix, chopped cucumber, some strawberries and a handful of mint.  Refreshingly delicious!

Wednesday 8 August 2012

A little bit of this & a little bit of that

There's no such thing as a typical week for me. They change constantly! Since my husband does shift work, we are fortunate that he has every other weekend off and some days off during the week.
Some weeks I book in clients and some weeks I don't. Some weeks we go on mini family adventures and some weeks we stay put.  I like it that way. I like change. And I especially like that we don't have to do grocery shopping on the weekends!

So here is a brief look into my life - it's a little bit of this mixed with a little bit of that.



I have been on a bit of a quest to brighten up our dark dining room. So I painted the Whatnot and the writing desk. (Those of you against painting wood - you may want to look away)

 Before

 After

After

I have been out of brochures for a while and finally got around to creating some new ones. I kept them very simple and I think they turned out alright!

Doing some styling for a client and friend Jill over at say yippie

 I LOVE hanging out with my friends. When we heard that our friend Emily was playing AND there was a BBQ, we were there!  Here I am enjoying my burger at Pan Chancho for their Back Yard BBQ & Band Series. (Yes, my jeans match the topping on my burger)
Great food, great friends and great music!

 Shenanigans! Always up for a challenge.


 Having a great time at the Princess Street Promenade. A fun event that turned our main downtown shopping street - Princess Street, into a pedestrian only zone.  Stores and restaurants opened their doors and moved out to the street offering discounts, promotions, food, drink, along with lots of special events including music, bouncy castles, climbing walls and face painting.
 My girls LOVED it and it is forever called Opposite Day since they were allowed to walk on the street.


Dancing and singing. 
Enjoying the cooler weather on our front yard swing.



 Birthday Party fun. Celebrating Braeden's 4th birthday.



How could we NOT sit here!
Going for a family walk at Lemoine Point.



Since when did Andy start drawing faces?!


 Making paper peace lanterns at Skeleton Park for Hiroshima Day.

Now...I wonder what this week will bring?!

Friday 3 August 2012

Mini Heart Fajitas



When I make something for supper that BOTH girls enjoy and actually stay seated to eat, it's a HUGE deal to me.  These occasions are so few and far between, that when they do happen a) I document it with pictures and of course blog about it & b) I break into my happy dance - think Pee Wee Herman meets Snoopy!

What's so great about these mini fajitas, is that they are ridiculously easy to make.
I used a heart shaped cookie cutter, tortillas, their favourite cheddar cheese, some diced tomatoes and chicken. 
Then I just let them do the creating. 



 
 I was able to get 2 heart shapes out of one tortilla.








 Cue Happy Dance!

I think I'll be making these again, and again, and again!
And wouldn't they be perfect as a fun party appetizer?!


Wednesday 1 August 2012

Our family countdown

6 years ago today we moved into our house on Raglan Road.

what the front looked like when we bought it

Now!

5 years ago I married my best friend on a small beach in Mont-Tremblant.

it truly was the most incredible day

4 years old is the age of my oldest daughter Ryan.


33 years old is my age. Which I celebrated in style of course, with a great group of friends.



My birthday pics were taken by a local photographer Sam Cen.


2 years old is the age of my youngest daughter Andy.


1 incredible journey as a couple and as a family!