Happy Monday

I need this print for my desk at work. Happy Monday, y'all!


(image courtesy of Print Press by Flea Market Trixie).

Name Conversation-Starter Game

Over the last couple of weeks, my life has revolved around weddings - even more than usual. When I'm not dreaming about my clients' wedding (Justin & Marlyse are getting hitched next Saturday - July 14, 2012) I'm dreaming about my own. The latest series of panic attacks have centered on the dreaded seating chart. Who do I pair with whom? What is the perfect recipe for conversation chemistry and all around good times? These rhetorical questions continue well into the wee hours of the morning...

Fortunately I have nothing to worry about: none of our guests have issues being social. That being said, when I found the templates for Martha's Name Conversation-Starter Game, I was an instant fan. Team Martha has created the perfect, non-awkward, icebreaker for tables with assigned seating. {Visit Martha Stewart Weddings for the details & templates}.

Even though we aren't having assigned seating, I am going to attempt to fit this project onto my to do list (it must be noted that did in fact laugh out loud as I typed that). Nonetheless, I think these fact sheets would spark some awesome conversations. After all, we're friends with some pretty fantastic people.

(Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings).

Memory Bank

I am absolutely smitten with the idea of a memory bank. Designed to store special mementos like ticket stubs, to do lists, and love notes, these adorable little piggies collect life's memories instead of pocket pennies. I'm tempted to order one to store the special keepsakes from our first year of marriage.

Do you keep things like ticket stubs or notes in a journal, scrapbook, or shoebox?



(Memory Bank available through Speechless Studios; found through swissmiss & A Cup of Joe).

Happy Weekend.

Why do short weeks always feel like long weeks?

Nonetheless, happy weekending, everyone. What are you up to this beautiful spring weekend? I'm hoping to spend as much time outside as possible: hiking, gardening, dog-parking, and BBQ-ing are on the agenda. Add a Saturday shift at work and formal ball (for real) and that's my weekend.

In the event you need a new song to get through the weekend, check out the first single off the forthcoming Grace Potter & The Nocturnals album: Never Go Back. (The single is available on iTunes now; the album, The Lion the Beast the Beat will be released June 12).





(Video courtesy of Rolling Stone).

Sassy Door Mats.

I just love these door mats. I needed a good laugh this afternoon and rediscovering them on Pinterest did the trick. What a perfect housewarming gift.



(Front door mats by Uncommon Goods: nice underwear + not you again).

welcome, autumn.

Oh autumn, I always forget how much I love you until the air becomes crisp + I have to put on a sweater + I begin to drink tea 4 or more times a day. What a perfect season.

This weekend I am cleaning house (literally and figuratively) and crafting. I'm 100% addicted to brush script (c/o script school) and I can't wait to share some of my work.

What are you up to, friends? If you need something fun to do, why don't you make a fall wreath or make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich or reflect on your favourite cold weather rituals?

What is your favourite thing about autumn?



(Image courtesy of Real Simple via Pinterest).

tabletopics

Have you ever been at a party where you played tabletopics? I love this concept; with the right group of people you can have a fantastic time with these fun little cubes (not to mention the most random + awesome conversations).

I have played the Original tabletopics before and I’d love to purchase the Dinner Party edition for our games night arsenal (the girls night out edition may be fun, too). Wouldn’t one of these fun cubes be a great hostess gift?

Have you ever played tabletopics or a game similar to it?


(Photo courtesy of tabletopics).

friendship bracelets: yay or nay?

Friendship bracelet DIY's have taken over the blogosphere and the finished products are frequenting the wrists of stylish birds everywhere. I for one enjoy the fact that one of my favourite summer-at-the-cabin-pass-times is now mainstream and that my mum, sister, cousin, aunt & I are going to be considered trendy. Score.

Where do you stand on this one? Do you need a tutorial to brush up on your knotting skills to fashion an arm-full or are you over it?



(Photo and tutorial via Honestly WTF)

let's get our celebration on.

Although I have a monthly membership with cocodot, I love sending (+ receiving!) cards through the mail. It's always such a fun treat, especially if it is sent just because.

Birthdays are the perfect time to brighten a friend's mailbox and these are some of the prettiest cards I've seen in a while. Eat cake and be merry? Pretty much my 'party' mantra.

These beauties were created by Sam Dubeau and stumbled upon via Beyond Beyond + Pintrest.

Psst... If you haven't experienced Pintrest you are missing out on something special. We should also be friends (find me here).

Do you send cards by mail? by email?



(Photos for Sam Dubeau by Scarlet O'Neill).

kin. reunion tees

Although I thoroughly enjoyed every family reunion I attended as a child, I can safely say I never left one with a fantastic graphic tee. Actually, I'm pretty sure I left with a tie dyed tee...

Enter Angela Hardison (of seesaw designs) who has created the solution for craft-projects-gone-wrong: kin shirts.

Angela has designed a collection of customizable templates that you - in turn - have printed on to shirts for your entire family. How awesome?!

Visit the kin website to learn more about how it works and Angela's blog to follow her work.

My favourite? The bicycle built for the whole lot!


(Photos by Angela Hardison for kin.)

First Day of Summer

Dear Summer,

Welcome.

How I have missed your long + lazy afternoons and outdoor dinners. Your days at the beach and thrown-together-picnics. Your barbecues and badminton tournaments. Your post-work-patio-time and last minute cul-de-sac parties. Your mid-week-house-guests and long weekend road trips. I love everything about you.

Signed,

C.


Happy Summer Solstice, everyone. What are your plans for the longest day of the year?



(Photos 1, 2 + 3 via Cherry Blossom Girl).

Confetti Eggs

I've been trying to fit in some background tidying on the blog; however, this idea was too awesome not to share.

Dying eggs at Easter is a traditional pass time in my house, although I've never had this much fun with them! What a perfect idea for a "big kid" egg hunt. Check out the fabulous DIY by Rebecca Wright on Oh Happy Day.



Rebecca describes them perfectly: Confetti eggs (aka Cascarones) are like mini pinatas for your head.

Um. How fun!?




I'm storing this one in the 'must try' bank for future Easters (& I'm already trying to brainstorm what other kind of fillings I can come up with)!



Photos by Robyn Kessler for Oh Happy Day.

Girl Crush.

I'm wondering where the term "female comedian" came from. You never hear "male comedian." Why is the distinction required for women? Funny is as funny does, in my opinion, and Kristen Wiig + Maya Rudolph embody this statement in every way. They are't funny... for a girl. They are funny. And awesome. And coming to a theatre near you. (See the trailer here).

If you like funny, you should probably check out these honeys.


Photo by Paola Kudacki for Vanity Fair

April First.

April. Here you are. Full of sunshine and flowers and allergies and birthdays. One such birthday will be celebrated tomorrow night. I am excited to see your face, dear friend.

What are you up to this weekend? I have SPRING on the brain which signals newness and love. It's no wonder why I was drawn to all things sweet + whimsical this week... Here are a few of my favourite links:

• I can't get enough of this man's voice. Don't all songs sound better when sung with an accent?


• New Camera + Cherry Blossoms = My Sunday Afternoon.


• Cheese makes me happy. So does this cheese plate guide.


• Easter crafts!


• I'm in love with this little girl's room.


• Must Buy: Tape.


• Paris in the Spring? Let's go!


• How to assemble the perfect gallery wall + awesome art clips.


• I've been laughing at this all week.

Happy Weekending, friends. Enjoy the sunshine.


Print by EeeBee & Jack.

Puppy Love.

Happy third Birthday Bauer, you beautiful, loveable, cuddly, hilarious creature. You make us laugh every day and brighten our world. Thank you for being awesome.

Big Love to you, Bubba.

Friday. At Last.

It's been (another) long week. Heading to Vancouver this weekend with a heavy heart, I am reminded that life is a precious gift. I hope you all take a moment out of your busy weekend to enjoy the quiet moments and relish the company of loved ones.

Why don't you...

• Whip up a sweet or a savoury treat.


• Organize your workspace.


• Arrange a Spring bouquet.


• Order a pair of fabulous boots.


• Read a good book... or re-arrange your book shelves.


• Toast to the weekend.


• Deck yourself out in yellow. I promise it will make you smile.

Photo by Ellen Rowles via style milk.

Lemon, Lime + Tangerine

I have been drawn to Spring colour palettes lately; this citrus-infused combination makes me smile.


I think this duvet set would look fantastic against the charcoal walls in our master bedroom; this sweet little pineapple sits on the window sill above my kitchen sink and it smells amazing; these fun ballet flats pack the perfect amount of neon punch for any classic outfit; Kate Spade does colour like Martha does cookies. This wallet is the perfect example.


What colour combination are you inspired by these days?

Bookish

I love reading. I love books. I love art. It's no wonder why I love these books in art form. Every print in this shop is amazing.


While we're on the topic of book collections, have a look at this fun video. I wish someone would organize my shelves by colour...



What was the last book you read? What's on your "to read" list?


Prints by Jane Mount.

Tea Towels for all Seasons

Aren't these tea towels lovely? The colours are fantastic; any one of them would add the perfect punch of colour to your kitchen.


Illustrations by Claudia Pearson.

Arizona Sunshine + Valentines

Well friends, it is ta ta for now as B and I are heading to Arizona until next Wednesday. We plan to explore the Phoenix - Mesa - Scottsdale area and do some shopping, hiking, eating, and - above all - relaxing. I haven't been feeling 100% all week and I'm hoping a dose of Vitamin D will be the cure all I am looking for. When I return I will finally post our Boardwalk Empire-inspired NYE party.


Until then, enjoy the weekend! Why don't you...

• Send some cocodot Valentines? Psst... cocodot is free for new users during the month of February!


• Put a little love in your... hair!? Love these barrettes.


• Enjoy some tea & chocolate. Delicious.


• Bake a heart cake! I wish I was ambitious enough to attempt this...

Our 2011 Valentine, created at cocodot.