Jul
04
When was the last time you sat down to read a book? Not a business or educational book. Not when you try to go to bed book. But actually take the time during the day to pause, to stop from the world. I’ve been trying to take breaks to relax, but they either involve technology or feel forced, which I start to count down till I’m done so I can race back to plug myself back into the world. Kevin and Lizzie convinced me to take a break. Grab a book and a chai, get out of the house and just be.
I’ve been people watching. There are only three people (including me) who have ordered and sat down. One of them is on his blackberry. The others have ordered and walked on to continue the rest of their day. What really surprises me is the amount of people not willing to park, but sit in their fancy cars to drive through to get their coffee fix.
Now the second guy sitting has his blackberry out.
People wonder why we have become a selfish race. How can someone be unselfish when we don’t take the time to relax from our busy schedule and even with our busy schedules we don’t relate to people face to face. What happened to the old days with the dinner parties, the lunch meetings, or heaven forbid the phone where you ‘ring’ someone?
When was the last time you spend an hour relaxing away from the world of technology?
Jun
26
I’m sorry that lately all my posts have been weekly Friday Finds, I’ve been really busy with meetings and a big branding surprise!
Today’s Friday Finds comes out of my secret love of boats and ships. Since I was a little girl I was enraptured in the Bluenose and then later the Titanic. When I was young my parents sent me to visit my godparents on Vancouver Island every summer, allowing me to grow up by the beach and and have an inherent love of the sea. Luckily for me they had a speedboat that I looked forward to be on, feeling the breeze rush into your face and the boat bumping a long the waves. I would love to own my sail boat when I get older, but right now I’ll content myself with these awesome boating inspired Etsy finds.
a) Made by Mosey – I want to buy this, so if I ever have a baby they can have this in their room, adorable!
b) Penelope and Pip – I love the combination of warm and cool colours, with a simplistic style.
c) Galalabel – A simple breezy dress for a day out in the boat or on the beach.
d) Carolina Cottage – What about some tea lights for your cabin by the beach?
e) Tie Obsessed – This would have made it on my Dad’s Friday Finds, I love looking for ties.
f) Ika Bags – A big bag for that day out on the boat.
g) preettysandhu – And a comfy scarf to wrap around you when it gets cold.
h) Anita Curtis – Sail Away with this simple but creative necklace.
i) Suegray Jewelry – I love the old fashion feel of the imprinted ‘wax’
Jun
18
If you missed yesterday’s Friday Finds, I suggest taking a look.
This week is extra special for Father’s Day this Sunday, I’m lucky to not just have one Father, but have two! Today’s Etsy specials go towards my blood Father. We may have our ups and downs, we may complain to our significant others about how stubborn the other is, but despite everything, I’m sure we would drop everything to help if we were in dire need.
I remember him when I was younger for his quirky sense of humour to the sense of elegance, to the smell of sandalwood to the school supplies. Now it has matured to the gimmicks of technology, good food and good beer. But despite over the years the shell has changed, he is still my Father underneath.
He taught me the love of family history, to stick to my ideals despite how different they are from the ‘populace’, to fight for what I believe in. To be me.
This I’ll Defend.
a) Fine Embroidery Inc. – Old stitched linen with a engram, reminds me of the Irish linen.
b) Tyler’s Workshop – Dad always has a quirky side to him .. and a golden retriever lover.
c) Downtown Roasters – Every morning the coffee pot will be on, not to mention Starbucks runs.
d) JB World – Classic linen/cotton for the dining table.
e) revolt70 – For some reason, old fashion watches remind me of him, what an interesting collection.
f) Squares of Flair – Some funky cuff links to go with that thinking game mind.
g) Anderson Soap Company – Sandalwood is one of the only scents that reminds me of him.
h) Cuncuna by Meme Galarce – Some eco friendly colour pencils, school teacher anyone?
i) Rubypress – What about some calling cards for all the times you stop and chat?
j) Gibberish – Have a science nerd for a Father, what about this card?
Jun
17
I’m one of the lucky ones. Every year I don’t get to go and celebrate Father’s Day with one fabulous man, I get to celebrate it with two. This year I’m taking them to Sláinte by the Pier, in White Rock – a pub that I’ve heard has marvelous food, wonderful people, and excellent music.
This week’s Friday Finds are extra special today and tomorrow I will be posting two etsy specials in things that I would love to buy them (if I had the money ;) ) and things that remind me of them.
Bob my Dad’s partner is probably the instrumental person to push me over the edge and dive into photography. Last year he recently biked to Seattle for “The Ride to Conquer Cancer” at the age of 55. A feat that impresses me immensely, especially when I couldn’t tell you the last time I was on a bike. He’s a kind hearted man, that sticks to his ideals and I wouldn’t be where I am without him.
a) La Brocanterie – Bob was one of the first people that influenced me to get into photography.
b) Enduring Arts – Last year he biked from Vancouver to Seattle.
c) shmattson – I have to say I love this old vintage bike bag. I’m not a bike person but this makes me want to get one just to have these.
d) byrd and belle – I’ve seen these laptop sleeves over and over on etsy, I love how classically stylish they are.
e) Portland General Store – Take some time out to enjoy some nice lotion. Interesting way to label.
f) ex libris handmade – The first memories I have of him is a photo of him beside a bear in Seattle.
g) substrata – A iphone/itouch cover that reminds me of the 70’s/60’s hmm…
h) – A book about the era’s marvelous musicians, just for a music lover.
i) – I remember in the mornings when he would take time out before work to play on his guitar.
j) Record Time – Something funky to put up on your office walls.
Jun
16
Our hostesses this month, Evelyne of Cheap Ethnic Eatz, and Valerie of a The Chocolate Bunny, chose delicious pate with freshly baked bread as their June Daring Cook’s challenge! They’ve provided us with 4 different pate recipes to choose from and are allowing us to go wild with our homemade bread choice.
I have to admit – I don’t like pâté, I’m not squeamish at all about offal, I don’t mind giving anything a try, but the idea of a bunch of organs squeezed into a gelatine form and then spread on some sort of starch base, isn’t exactly delicious in my mind. Our hostesses gave us the option for a veggie option and even that wasn’t exactly jump up and down in excitement. On top of that we were told to make a bread option – since a pâté is supposed to be ’spread on something’. Yeast risen food and I don’t get a long, we have constant battle of the wills and despite my shame yeast always wins.
I think I may have won the battle this time.
