tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51122545433921013672024-03-13T05:58:28.187-07:00food market newsirenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-69600407173823117652011-12-22T15:16:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.839-08:00The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So the countdown to Christmas has begun and all of my gifts are wrapped and ready to go. I had a couple of ideas for Christmas wrap themes this year but the one I decided to go with was a winter wonderland which is quite fitting as it doesn't look like we're going to have a white Christmas. The gifts are wrapped in all white banner paper, the ribbons are neutral yarns and white ribbons, the tags are un-embelished kraft tags and the embellishments are feathers, birds and glittery ornaments. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmR0wjICwyw/TvO2QU0DLsI/AAAAAAAAAW0/-OAyEqEFUM0/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmR0wjICwyw/TvO2QU0DLsI/AAAAAAAAAW0/-OAyEqEFUM0/s320/DSC_0332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEXCDiL6oXU/TvO18srZAWI/AAAAAAAAAWs/61xhCAI-Fm8/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEXCDiL6oXU/TvO18srZAWI/AAAAAAAAAWs/61xhCAI-Fm8/s320/DSC_0336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtGJxEqZm8A/TvO2osa7dcI/AAAAAAAAAW8/tLKhh2sCDiQ/s1600/DSC_0337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtGJxEqZm8A/TvO2osa7dcI/AAAAAAAAAW8/tLKhh2sCDiQ/s320/DSC_0337.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hope you like the photos and that it inspires any last minute wrapping you have to do. Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays!</span>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-51849088075033654392011-12-06T19:56:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.839-08:00Sullivan & Bleeker At The Underground Food Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to experience a new edition to the Toronto food scene - The Underground Food Market. I was able to because of a friend and client – Sullivan & Bleeker. It was a fantastic experience. All of the food was incredible and the cupcakes of course were tops. The Underground Food Market allows the newest and brightest on the food scene to show off there latest tasty bites to the most "in the know" foodies. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sullivan & Bleeker's table was fantastic! It was hard to miss and hard to resist all of the pedestals full of their unique cupcake flavours including my personal favourite – S'more. It was such a pleasure to be invited and to see all of their hard work being appreciated by so many eager customers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBN59SXYGck/Tt7dxsaEufI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/JuftkGItZvk/s1600/IMG_0328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBN59SXYGck/Tt7dxsaEufI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/JuftkGItZvk/s320/IMG_0328.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJVu3W4f7Y8/Tt7eA3W98QI/AAAAAAAAAWY/LPBiFbUm7yk/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJVu3W4f7Y8/Tt7eA3W98QI/AAAAAAAAAWY/LPBiFbUm7yk/s320/IMG_0326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aysp3otTgLU/Tt7eRaSdXdI/AAAAAAAAAWg/eJy8X1xKeKM/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aysp3otTgLU/Tt7eRaSdXdI/AAAAAAAAAWg/eJy8X1xKeKM/s320/IMG_0327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out my Portfolio page to see their full brand and check out their <a href="http://www.krop.com/sullivanandbleeker">website</a> to see all of their delicious confections.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I know that it's been a while but I'm back! I have lots of news and ideas for Christmas and some wedding tid bits to update you on.</i></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-27397645562554633132011-10-20T21:59:00.001-07:002011-10-20T22:00:00.741-07:00food market newswelcome to my dear friends from all parts of the worldirenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-70727383300181028882011-07-08T13:59:00.000-07:002012-01-13T01:12:32.840-08:00Chewie's Family Photo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so excited to share this photo of Chewie and I with all of you. Chewie is a new addition to our family. She has been with us for about six months and as we all know there is no better way to welcome a new family member then with a photo session. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raY5uriEfts/ThdtIu2ucEI/AAAAAAAAAWM/KKylJL91gCM/s1600/chewie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raY5uriEfts/ThdtIu2ucEI/AAAAAAAAAWM/KKylJL91gCM/s320/chewie.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This gorgeous photo was taken by a fantastic photographer named <a href="http://www.kerryshaw.com/">Kerry Shaw</a>. Make sure to check out her website and portfolio.</span>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-29674733796515000632011-07-08T13:43:00.000-07:002012-01-13T01:12:32.840-08:00Ideas, Ideas, Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the wedding planning moves along the ideas have started to come together. With the wedding about ten months away we've picked a date, a theme, a venue, I've got my dress and the save the date cards are almost done. I've also picked a colour palette - yes a whole palette not just a colour or two. And this palette of greys, pinks, oranges and purples, along with our vintage modern french theme (inspired by our style and venue) has started the ideas flowing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KV4-vIUa30/ThdnkufP7YI/AAAAAAAAAV8/UG-GEASDMrY/s1600/supplies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KV4-vIUa30/ThdnkufP7YI/AAAAAAAAAV8/UG-GEASDMrY/s320/supplies1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I've started gathering supplies and inspiration. Above, a delicious grapefruit soda that has a hint pink colour makes me want to serve sodas with striped straws, the grey and white twine will function in a few different ways, and the candy in all the colours of my palette will add a bit of fun and whimsy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STPZueQx3oM/ThdnrQQxBzI/AAAAAAAAAWA/rCBa06e7wME/s1600/colours1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STPZueQx3oM/ThdnrQQxBzI/AAAAAAAAAWA/rCBa06e7wME/s320/colours1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This candy makes me think of beautiful jars filled with sweets and served up with scoops and tongs, with something for everything it's like a self serve candy store.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv7YS25QAz4/Thdn3aypqzI/AAAAAAAAAWE/SnnZYTtfs_8/s1600/reception_items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv7YS25QAz4/Thdn3aypqzI/AAAAAAAAAWE/SnnZYTtfs_8/s320/reception_items.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't want to give it all away but a couple hints won't hurt. I hope that other brides and those looking for some fun summer party ideas find inspiration in my palette and ideas.</span>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-2336565956107689472011-05-18T13:39:00.000-07:002012-01-13T01:12:32.840-08:00Working on a Wedding<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As some of you know I got engaged in January and it has been a whirlwind ever since. As a graphic designer and stationary addict the idea of planning a wedding and designing invitations is an exciting one but there were things to do first. You have to set a date, find a venue, and design the feeling you want your wedding to have. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So...how do we find inspiration? And what do we have to consider? At this point you have to look at where the wedding is going to be, what time of day, how formal, the dress and most important what do you love. After answering all of these questions and considering my ring and dress and time of year I have decided to describe it as </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">MODERN. VINTAGE. FRENCH.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ss8P5STVMk/TdQuv08sWtI/AAAAAAAAAV0/-whWDAgOp7M/s1600/Wedding_inspiration.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ss8P5STVMk/TdQuv08sWtI/AAAAAAAAAV0/-whWDAgOp7M/s400/Wedding_inspiration.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608158835185048274" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My inspirational group of items include - french macaroons, Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, le labo, vintage florals, pops of bright color, and a little glitter. This took some time, we're getting married next spring so the colors of macaroons mixed with grey seemed like the perfect colour palette. My style is a mix of vintage and modern from my clothes to my cocktail ring collection. I want the type on the invites to be modern with some vintage floral illustrations to add romance and whimsy. And lastly I have always loved Audrey Hepburn, Funny Face, Fred Astaire and Motown. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The colors have been chosen and the invitations are in the concept phase. I have a couple things to try will keep you up to date with all of my DIY ideas without giving too much away. What would your dream wedding concept include?</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-92113993645812097442011-03-31T13:36:00.000-07:002012-01-13T01:12:32.840-08:00Recent Inspiration<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It has been quite a while since I last posted but there is a lot coming down the pipe line right now. First, I'll catch you up, I've spent the last five weeks at a Design Internship and it has been great. I've recently adopted a dog which is also awesome but the two combined have taken up most of my time. But both are yielding a great amount of inspiration along with the following:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfocQwG47gc/TZTmkZE-0OI/AAAAAAAAAVs/BUNLXj5ccVw/s1600/getimage.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfocQwG47gc/TZTmkZE-0OI/AAAAAAAAAVs/BUNLXj5ccVw/s400/getimage.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590346550355087586" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; ">Neutraface Thin from House Industries, I love this font and can't wait to find a project that fits it.</span></div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rmjonjthlDY/TZTmaZH8cNI/AAAAAAAAAVc/5ejUoEugds0/s1600/avion1l.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 386px; height: 290px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rmjonjthlDY/TZTmaZH8cNI/AAAAAAAAAVc/5ejUoEugds0/s400/avion1l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590346378568822994" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">French Stationery Set from Present and Correct. I love the colors and bold shapes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hP82-CEwco/TZTmRcH6xKI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Kg_Vv4ggxVg/s1600/SL019.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hP82-CEwco/TZTmRcH6xKI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Kg_Vv4ggxVg/s400/SL019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590346224755197090" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Superior Leather Keychains. I love the leather and stamped metal. I bought one in NYC and the belt hook is always useful.</span></span></div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTJFP0klAMo/TZTmC2DCSJI/AAAAAAAAAVM/HfG3TzUk8Fw/s1600/seanjsprague.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KTJFP0klAMo/TZTmC2DCSJI/AAAAAAAAAVM/HfG3TzUk8Fw/s400/seanjsprague.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590345974016002194" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; ">Sean Sprague Photography. The Rock and Roll subject matter and the de-saturated colour schemes are amazing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have lots to post about too many ideas to jot down right now. All of this combined should culminate in some amazing projects. What has inspired you today?</span></div></span></div></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-25768716996513213562011-03-02T20:42:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.840-08:00New Job: Updates Soon<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I haven't posted in a while and it is for a great reason. I started an internship this week and it is awesome! I promise updates and new projects soon!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUWjyy3BUgM/TW8eafGbtrI/AAAAAAAAAVE/DyNOcV4zW3Q/s1600/DSC_0174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUWjyy3BUgM/TW8eafGbtrI/AAAAAAAAAVE/DyNOcV4zW3Q/s400/DSC_0174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579711903709247154" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Take a moment to smell the flowers and enjoy the view. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A photo of flowers in an alley taken last August 2010 by Cassandra Radstaak.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-480775777496959222011-02-14T07:02:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.840-08:00Happy Valentines Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARHgf1iFH3w/TVlGVkprWnI/AAAAAAAAAU8/sBeXgjvSEpY/s1600/Valentine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARHgf1iFH3w/TVlGVkprWnI/AAAAAAAAAU8/sBeXgjvSEpY/s400/Valentine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573563350277380722" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hope you have a beautiful Valentine's Day!</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-84769768034074998432011-02-02T13:21:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.841-08:00Home Again<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our trip to New York was wonderful. It was...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TUnLjfgdeoI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QiqXbnttGA8/s1600/nyc1a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TUnLjfgdeoI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QiqXbnttGA8/s400/nyc1a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569206224833837698" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...covered in snow...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TUnLcRt6FsI/AAAAAAAAAUk/_n-ak--Ntto/s1600/nyc2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TUnLcRt6FsI/AAAAAAAAAUk/_n-ak--Ntto/s400/nyc2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569206100873057986" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...full of good food...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TUnLUjJpXfI/AAAAAAAAAUc/2me_H2UdzbU/s1600/nyc1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TUnLUjJpXfI/AAAAAAAAAUc/2me_H2UdzbU/s400/nyc1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569205968113851890" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...filled with stationary fun....and...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TUnK51YiKjI/AAAAAAAAAUU/NB5JFgBT70U/s1600/nyc3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TUnK51YiKjI/AAAAAAAAAUU/NB5JFgBT70U/s400/nyc3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569205509151664690" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...filled with joy! I didn't think I could love New York any more then I did but after this trip I learned it was possible.</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-224409575855789572011-01-25T13:50:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.841-08:00Goin' On A Trip<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{travel essentials}</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When you go away for a week or even a weekend it is important to bring things that will keep entertained while on a plane (train or car), something to read, and something that will make you feel at home. These items evolve over time and with gained travel experience. Here are some of mine and Aaron's (I figured out his from years of observation).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TT9GAppO7OI/AAAAAAAAAUI/tfTCJDdgUFI/s1600/histravel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TT9GAppO7OI/AAAAAAAAAUI/tfTCJDdgUFI/s400/histravel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566244641445965026" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For Him:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- A stylish toiletry bag (I made him this one for Christmas)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- A good magazine </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Playing cards</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- A men's essentials kit (comb, scissors and nail clippers)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- A bottle opener </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TT9F6d6TdhI/AAAAAAAAAUA/QO62pFNW6BE/s1600/hertravel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TT9F6d6TdhI/AAAAAAAAAUA/QO62pFNW6BE/s400/hertravel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566244535217124882" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For Her:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Notebooks and Paper</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Bubble gum </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Travel size products (Static Guard - Don't forget it)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Newspapers and Magazine (New Monocle Newspaper!) </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- My trusty Travel Organizer</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TT9Fxieh8XI/AAAAAAAAAT4/eQW1oFrSBmQ/s1600/travel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TT9Fxieh8XI/AAAAAAAAAT4/eQW1oFrSBmQ/s400/travel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566244381823988082" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A travel organizer is very important for me, I have to have everything in the same place or I am bound to forget something. This one (that I made) has space for passports, travel documents, a notebook and a pen. I am much more prepared for Check In and Security with this pouch and it fits nicely into my carry on. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Are there any travel items that you find essential? I'm always looking for new items and tips!</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-56182192673439993662011-01-21T11:43:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.841-08:00Make: Punk Rock Chic<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Inspired by Rock and Roll and Hermes I came up with this bracelet. I love studded items and wanted to find a way to incorporate them into the everyday without looking cheesy. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTni85GbRQI/AAAAAAAAATw/XedOJM2utkY/s1600/bracelet1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTni85GbRQI/AAAAAAAAATw/XedOJM2utkY/s400/bracelet1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564728350340760834" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You will need:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- 1/2" wide leather strapping</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- pyramid studs</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- embroidery floss</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- a flat head screw driver, utility knife, hammer and punch</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(if you don't have a punch you can use a drill with a small bit)</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTni1uahL6I/AAAAAAAAATo/mLOa6g6rXdw/s1600/bracelet2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTni1uahL6I/AAAAAAAAATo/mLOa6g6rXdw/s400/bracelet2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564728227213160354" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cut a length of strapping to fit your wrist. Now get studding. The studs fit perfectly around the strapping and with a little help from the screwdriver the prongs easily bend.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTnipISua2I/AAAAAAAAATg/x94IGizbLBo/s1600/bracelet3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTnipISua2I/AAAAAAAAATg/x94IGizbLBo/s400/bracelet3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564728010821495650" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next, punch the holes for your embroidery floss ties. Mine are about a 1/4" in and centred.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTniYWUO64I/AAAAAAAAATY/Tsa6YV70V7I/s1600/bracelet4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTniYWUO64I/AAAAAAAAATY/Tsa6YV70V7I/s400/bracelet4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564727722528140162" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last, thread two lengths of embroidery floss through each hole and tie a knot. I also knotted the end of each strand of embroidery floss to keep it from unraveling.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTniLvhoYyI/AAAAAAAAATQ/hbMaZWxIzjs/s1600/bracelet5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTniLvhoYyI/AAAAAAAAATQ/hbMaZWxIzjs/s400/bracelet5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564727505956922146" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tie it on and you're done! It is a great gift and easy to make for yourself or a friend. Now you can add a touch of Rock and Roll to any outfit without it looking cheesy or over the top.</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-40588602705276165912011-01-17T09:01:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.841-08:00Don't Waste the Proof<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This past Christmas I gave my Mom a gift that I was more excited about then any other gift I have ever given. During a trip home in the fall I was looking through some photos with my Mom and found a beautiful snapshot of my grandparents from before they were married. I knew that we needed to preserve some of these photos so I brought a couple home with me with the promise of digital files. My real plan was to scan the photo, touch up all the cracks and creases, enlarge it, have it printed on archival paper and have it framed. It turned out beautiful and was the focus of conversation for much of the holiday. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Part of the printing process was the approval of a proof, the proof was in itself beautiful and I had to come up with a way to display it. The proof included a section of the full size image and a full size snapshot. Below is how I took the proof and found a way to display it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTR29oY6VMI/AAAAAAAAATI/FZ-5cbkJ_UU/s1600/proof1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTR29oY6VMI/AAAAAAAAATI/FZ-5cbkJ_UU/s400/proof1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563202240895407298" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Above are the materials I used - the proof, a piece of mat board, a ruler, utility knife, some photo corners and a frame. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTR214slmeI/AAAAAAAAATA/NAIgJ8zLd0E/s1600/proof2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTR214slmeI/AAAAAAAAATA/NAIgJ8zLd0E/s400/proof2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563202107833948642" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next, I took some measurements - the frame, the photo and the border factor. I decided to just use the large portion.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTR2uZuycLI/AAAAAAAAAS4/oOk4JVz2Shw/s1600/proof3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTR2uZuycLI/AAAAAAAAAS4/oOk4JVz2Shw/s400/proof3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563201979262595250" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I trimmed the photo and picked the larger photo corners. I moved the photo around and took some measurements and used the eraser and knife to hold it in place while I attached the corners.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTR2nnC3ciI/AAAAAAAAASw/L1XfpH9tD94/s1600/proof4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 234px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TTR2nnC3ciI/AAAAAAAAASw/L1XfpH9tD94/s400/proof4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563201862577386018" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Place it in the frame et viola! A beautiful piece of art with a great story.</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-86039231571345931592011-01-12T12:57:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.841-08:00Winter Wonderland<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{These are the people in my neighbourhood}</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I live in a very interesting neighbourhood in Toronto. It is just above downtown and feels like a real neighbourhood. In the last couple of days it has snowed more then it has all winter so I went for a walk and took some pictures to show what winter is like in my neighbourhood.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TS4WVdKfGKI/AAAAAAAAASo/DhBGWkn-aOE/s1600/winter1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TS4WVdKfGKI/AAAAAAAAASo/DhBGWkn-aOE/s400/winter1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561407147710814370" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(taken with a Nikon with the Diana+ lens)</span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">First, a woman cross country skiing down the sidewalk. Not something you expect to see in the city.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TS4WKa6i_7I/AAAAAAAAASY/w1gAdf0xvZQ/s1600/winter2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TS4WKa6i_7I/AAAAAAAAASY/w1gAdf0xvZQ/s400/winter2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561406958128529330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(taken with my iPhone with a Retro Camera App)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next, a couple of blocks over is a house with a giant elephant in their front yard, covered in snow. Not it's usual habitat.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TS4WARZZl_I/AAAAAAAAASQ/aDsU4bQXdPE/s1600/winter3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TS4WARZZl_I/AAAAAAAAASQ/aDsU4bQXdPE/s400/winter3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561406783774889970" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">(taken with my Nikon)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of my favourite houses in the neighbourhood the greek house. Good anytime of year but even better covered in a blanket of snow - like a gingerbread house. What makes your neighbourhood unique? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; "> </span></div><br /></div></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-51756813735685273812011-01-07T13:49:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.841-08:00New Year. New Stationary.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A new year means a new start and new stationary. I had a wonderful Christmas and recieved some beautiful things to start 2011 off right.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TSeNTbNCHvI/AAAAAAAAASI/b-l7vx7imwU/s1600/newyear1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TSeNTbNCHvI/AAAAAAAAASI/b-l7vx7imwU/s400/newyear1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559567629871619826" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Together all of my new paper goodies have a feeling of glamour (the gold binder and lacroix notebook and postcards) and rock and roll (my biker notebook).</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TSeNIu0BoiI/AAAAAAAAASA/v1OtUuPkm1M/s1600/newyear2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TSeNIu0BoiI/AAAAAAAAASA/v1OtUuPkm1M/s400/newyear2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559567446156878370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TSeNAMwUobI/AAAAAAAAAR4/vYWvyjdYd5k/s1600/new%2Byear4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TSeNAMwUobI/AAAAAAAAAR4/vYWvyjdYd5k/s400/new%2Byear4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559567299575587250" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But the most exciting part is the L Letterpress that I received. Above are a couple of my first attempts and below the magical machine. I have not even scratched the surface yet. The best part is that you can order custom plates for a reasonable price. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TSeM7E9IVkI/AAAAAAAAARw/T-N58qCMRYs/s1600/newyear5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TSeM7E9IVkI/AAAAAAAAARw/T-N58qCMRYs/s400/newyear5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559567211582477890" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm so excited for a new year and all of the opportunities that it brings. Get ready for a new year of crafts, design and hand written notes. </span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-89763662519345878672010-12-23T11:19:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.841-08:00I Wish It Was Christmas Today!<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TROgzA8YlQI/AAAAAAAAARc/n2uDrJAIodk/s1600/julian.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TROgzA8YlQI/AAAAAAAAARc/n2uDrJAIodk/s400/julian.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553959563764995330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">(A new favourite to add to the playlist!)</span></span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Christmas is just a couple of days away and with all of the excitement in the air it is easy to forget that the holidays are a time for fun, food and family not just gifts. So while you're out finishing up your final errands don't forget to smile, open the door and help out those who need it. I hope that everyone has a wonderful, safe and magical holiday!</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-45309375037047459612010-12-15T13:40:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.842-08:00Holiday Cheer Gift Basket<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have been making, buying and wrapping gifts lately and as I mentioned before I love a gift bag/basket. I have been putting together a couple gift baskets and found that the perfect container is a clementine crate! Below is a basket that I put together with some stemless champagne glasses, some sparkling juice, cocktail napkins and some chocolates, perfect for a special treat.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQk2RFhAUyI/AAAAAAAAARU/dvJgVF0zXaA/s1600/gift%2Bbasket1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQk2RFhAUyI/AAAAAAAAARU/dvJgVF0zXaA/s400/gift%2Bbasket1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551027682877133602" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's important to make every gift look beautiful so to start put some tissue in the bottom of the crate, place your gifts inside and use some celo and craft paper to wrap it up.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQk2BajG09I/AAAAAAAAARM/Xyy8BQu0f1Y/s1600/gift%2Bbasket%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQk2BajG09I/AAAAAAAAARM/Xyy8BQu0f1Y/s400/gift%2Bbasket%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551027413645186002" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To finish it off add some ribbons, a gift tag and something that glitters! So when you start wrapping your holiday treats look for a creative solution before you go to the store or throw it in a gift bag.</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-55660917592791654772010-12-09T13:35:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.842-08:00Make: Holiday Crackers<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{Christmas: Idea 3}</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Making your own Christmas crackers is a lot of fun and really easy. By making your own crackers it allows you to personalize the crackers to the people or the party. The crackers below do not actually crack but the piece that cracks is available for purchase at some craft stores. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here we go:</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQFNgc5mKFI/AAAAAAAAARE/5z7Y3H67a1g/s1600/cracker1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQFNgc5mKFI/AAAAAAAAARE/5z7Y3H67a1g/s400/cracker1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548801435806083154" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You'll need - toilet paper rolls, scrap paper, ribbon, treats and trinkets, stuffing and items to decorate the outside of the crackers.</span></span><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQFMcz1_LCI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/A_4_VkRgTlc/s1600/cracker2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQFMcz1_LCI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/A_4_VkRgTlc/s400/cracker2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548800273733856290" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">First, wrap the toilet roll with paper leaving a couple of inches on side of roll. Tie one end closed with ribbon and stuff the bottom with stuffing. I make my stuffing from scrap paper and ribbon run through a paper shredder.</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQFL6PBLbeI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ryKo0lEl9Kw/s1600/cracker3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQFL6PBLbeI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ryKo0lEl9Kw/s400/cracker3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548799679733132770" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next, fill the cracker with candy, trinkets and a fortune and a little more stuffing. Tie the other end of the cracker closed and decorate as you see fit. If you're personalizing them make sure to add the persons name or first initial.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQFLvo3VsRI/AAAAAAAAAQs/0ygRYqVQUEw/s1600/cracker4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TQFLvo3VsRI/AAAAAAAAAQs/0ygRYqVQUEw/s400/cracker4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548799497692623122" /></a><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This year I didn't include a crown inside because I found these great metallic crowns from West Elm by David Stark but tissue crowns are always a nice touch. We use our Christmas crackers for breakfast on Christmas morning so the fancy crowns will be an added bit of glam. No matter your age a holiday cracker will add a bit of fun and whimsy to your holiday party.</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-13116530130765719792010-12-08T12:23:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.842-08:00An Australian Surprise!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This week has been really busy with lots of holiday prep and crafting (posts to come) but the highlight of the week was receiving a package of stationary from my friend Danielle in Australia. Danielle moved to Australia almost two years ago and is due back soon (I hope). She is my stationary partner in crime so I was so excited when I came home to find a package of notebooks, clips, pens and gift tags and cards hand picked and hand crafted by Danielle.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TP_pbT-hnCI/AAAAAAAAAQc/gRvMMNIJdnk/s1600/danielle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TP_pbT-hnCI/AAAAAAAAAQc/gRvMMNIJdnk/s400/danielle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548409921372003362" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Danielle is a true stationary crafter (you should have seen her wedding invites), a great friend and a true inspiration and I can't wait until we're back in the same country again!</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-66846967498238485632010-12-01T15:21:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.842-08:00Holiday Cheer<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My favorite gifts have always been bags or boxes filled with a bunch of small presents that follow some sort of theme. I have always thought it was more fun to delve into a gift where I have to open a bunch of small packages. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Below is the perfect gift bag for the holidays:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TPbZNE350WI/AAAAAAAAAQU/I9WRldCRcwM/s1600/dayglo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TPbZNE350WI/AAAAAAAAAQU/I9WRldCRcwM/s400/dayglo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545858809823088994" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Lanvin/H&M/Unicef tote bag, a David Stark for West Elm Flower Clip, Kate Spade Christmas Cards, Supremes Buttons from Albert and Victoria Museum, Cabled Hand Warmer's Made by me, Lime Green Pentel Correction Tape Dispenser, Mark's Notebooks and Le Pen and Kikkerland Pens.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Perfect for the Fashionista on your list.</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-1020760410697055882010-11-29T12:36:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.842-08:00Homemade Gift: Caramel Corn<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TPQQT5wPhOI/AAAAAAAAAQM/qS1_8v8gCe8/s1600/caramel%2Bcorn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TPQQT5wPhOI/AAAAAAAAAQM/qS1_8v8gCe8/s400/caramel%2Bcorn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545074975306646754" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I received a lovely email from Charissa at <a href="http://thegiftedblog.com">The Gifted Blog</a> asking if I could share the recipe for the caramel corn I posted about last week. So here it is <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/caramel-almond-popcorn">Caramel Corn Recipe</a> . (just click on caramel corn recipe) It is a Martha Stewart Recipe with a couple of modifications</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1. I omit the almond extract </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2. I use pecans not almonds</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have used almonds before as well as a mixture of nuts but have found that I enjoy the texture and flavour of the pecans the most. I hope that this recipe puts a smile on a few more faces this holiday season!</span></span></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-73878428452241313032010-11-26T09:07:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.843-08:00Holiday Gifts : Past and Presents<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you haven't started thinking about Holiday shopping today is the day! In the spirit of Black Friday I thought I would share a couple of gift ideas. These gifts are thoughtful, won't break the budget and should please almost everyone.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. Homemade Treats</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TO_pxvR4ThI/AAAAAAAAAP8/_bF68Q42u6M/s1600/food.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TO_pxvR4ThI/AAAAAAAAAP8/_bF68Q42u6M/s400/food.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543906707030691346" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">No one can pass up a yummy homemade treat. My favorite is caramel corn with pecans. I make enough for my extended family - this year my Aunt Nancy will get her own jar (It was so popular last year my uncle ate the whole jar while everyone was opening their gifts). You can put it in a mason jar or other glass container, tie a bow and ta-da instant gift.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. Coffee and Tea</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TO_pqoLB1nI/AAAAAAAAAP0/LWtg5bdYG0c/s1600/coffeeandtea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TO_pqoLB1nI/AAAAAAAAAP0/LWtg5bdYG0c/s400/coffeeandtea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543906584863823474" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The coffee sleeve how-to is great gift on it's own but if you want to jazz it up why not add a cup (paper or ceramic) and some coffee, tea or coffee giftcard. Put all of the items in the cup and use some celo or wrapping paper and some ribbon to dress it up. A great mix of homemade and thoughtful.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. Personalized Stationary</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TO_pkJx6wpI/AAAAAAAAAPs/NmmXH-jSWQ8/s1600/stamps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TO_pkJx6wpI/AAAAAAAAAPs/NmmXH-jSWQ8/s400/stamps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543906473626223250" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An easy way to give the stationary fan in your life some personalized stationary of their own is to have a stamp made. Last year I drew Ann Marie for secret santa and came up with this gift. A personalized stamp, a stamp pad and some blank stationary - now the sky's the limit! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. Author Signed Books</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TO_paqu9DoI/AAAAAAAAAPk/fz5QytsNPGw/s1600/books.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TO_paqu9DoI/AAAAAAAAAPk/fz5QytsNPGw/s400/books.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543906310673469058" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not everyone will have the opportunity to get their book signed in person but most bookstores ask authors at book signings to sign extra copies to sell in the store. So if you missed the book signing take a look for signed copies at the store or online. Make the gift a little more special with a signed copy. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I hope these ideas have inspired you today. Remember you don't have to spend a lot to find a thoughtful and meaningful gift!<br /></span></span><br /></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-19315580103712590312010-11-18T12:04:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.843-08:00Christmas Came Early Today!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today I met Jamie Oliver! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">I have been a fan of Mr. Oliver's for 10+ years now and have always wanted to meet him but I didn't commit to going to this book signing until this morning. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I had known for about a week that Jamie was coming to Toronto and that he was doing a book signing but last time he was in Toronto people started lining up at 6am to get their books signed and I didn't want to show up but miss out. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">This morning though, I was sitting here thinking to myself you have to at least go down there and see how long the line is, if it's too long you can leave. When I arrived at 10:30 I was shocked, I was only about 40 people back. As time passed we all got more and more excited and it was great! He was so sweet and just the way you expect him to be. The people at Chapters/Indigo were sweet enough to take some pictures and if you could see my face you would see a huge smile. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; "> </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TOWHG3bD9pI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ZLAY2a6BH1Q/s1600/jamie2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TOWHG3bD9pI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ZLAY2a6BH1Q/s400/jamie2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540983468575684242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TOWG61pH4CI/AAAAAAAAAPU/fNrxiUvc3m4/s1600/jamie1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TOWG61pH4CI/AAAAAAAAAPU/fNrxiUvc3m4/s400/jamie1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540983261939359778" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thanks Jamie for making my day, signing my books, shaking my hand and for all of meals you have helped make delicious! </span></span>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-67365903845209527292010-11-09T07:07:00.000-08:002012-01-13T01:12:32.843-08:00Give: French Wrapping<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{Christmas: idea 2}</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I discovered this wrapping technique a couple of years ago after receiving a beautifully wrapped gift from my mom. She had gone on vacation to France and brought me back one of my favorite gifts - stationary. Since that trip I have been using this techniques for all sorts of gifts. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNlnFcG5P_I/AAAAAAAAAO0/lPxt6g3Gm2c/s1600/french%2Bwrap1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNlnFcG5P_I/AAAAAAAAAO0/lPxt6g3Gm2c/s400/french%2Bwrap1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537570559970852850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You'll need wrapping paper, tissue, twine or yarn, a gift tag and an embellishment (optional). First, cut the paper and tissue to fit the gift. In this case I used craft paper and grey crepe paper.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNlm9yrnaZI/AAAAAAAAAOs/GAW6gh7MaTs/s1600/french%2Bwrap2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNlm9yrnaZI/AAAAAAAAAOs/GAW6gh7MaTs/s400/french%2Bwrap2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537570428591499666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNllt0NyD3I/AAAAAAAAAOk/Ohz66VWJy1s/s1600/french%2Bwrap3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNllt0NyD3I/AAAAAAAAAOk/Ohz66VWJy1s/s400/french%2Bwrap3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537569054613704562" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next, place the tissue paper on the table and craft paper directly on top. Fold both layers back an inch and then over itself another inch, just like you're creating a hem.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNllKirZBTI/AAAAAAAAAOc/NKGRGlAXVps/s1600/french%2Bwrap4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNllKirZBTI/AAAAAAAAAOc/NKGRGlAXVps/s400/french%2Bwrap4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537568448610633010" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now wrap your present like you would traditionally except you want the seam on the front not the back of the package. Also don't tape the flap down on top. Fold the ends in and affix to the back of the gift.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNllDVKxwqI/AAAAAAAAAOU/mC0FSjylA2E/s1600/french%2Bwrap5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNllDVKxwqI/AAAAAAAAAOU/mC0FSjylA2E/s400/french%2Bwrap5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537568324725097122" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lastly, secure with twine or yarn, attach your tag and embellishments and you're done. This is a great way to wrap almost anything but works really well on fabric, notebooks and other floppy items. This is a great way to wrap gifts for any occasion. It's not difficult and doesn't take long but will make the person receiving the gift feel special to receive it.</span></span><br /><br /></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112254543392101367.post-3790005165741341212010-11-05T11:06:00.000-07:002012-01-13T01:12:32.843-08:00Collection: Cocktail Rings<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love jewellery! I wear the same earrings and watch everyday but can't get enough cocktail rings. Some are old some are new all of them are big!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNRH5Wct5zI/AAAAAAAAAOE/yDMrO_5Rvqs/s1600/rings1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNRH5Wct5zI/AAAAAAAAAOE/yDMrO_5Rvqs/s400/rings1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536128892549326642" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Above some of my collection is a Laudree truffle box.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNRHzX5A0NI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ms1sDBiZtZw/s1600/rings2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNRHzX5A0NI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ms1sDBiZtZw/s400/rings2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536128789857226962" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Above is a selection of the glitzy and the simple. One of my favorites is bottom left - it's blister pearl.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNRHtbl2cMI/AAAAAAAAAN0/JgQwgSs4ig4/s1600/rings3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nocxaGbSGcQ/TNRHtbl2cMI/AAAAAAAAAN0/JgQwgSs4ig4/s400/rings3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536128687771381954" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You can't have too many rings.</span></span></div></div>irenghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01300960102193450452noreply@blogger.com