Things That Make Me Smile

It seems like ages since I've sat down to do anything at my computer.  I took an unplanned hiatus just from being too busy with the kids and their schedules!  I chose not to fight it and go with the flow and ended up having a fantastic week...

Canada's Wonderland was a highlight.  Max had been invited for a friend's birthday so Liv and I decided to tag along. I wasn't sure how we'd make out with the heat and long lines but it was pure excitement and fun! 

Things that make me smile

Sheer determination.....

and the fact that you can still smile and be proud of yourself and your team even when you don't win!

Well done Max!

Things that make me smile

This weather is making me smile!  

It has been hot this week...hot and sticky.  The kids have been playing in the sprinkler, the full-coverage sunscreen is now always within reach and there has been little to no action in the kitchen!  We've been taking our cooking outside - it's barbeque season!!  I am inspired to freshen up our tiny yard: add more shade (it gets too hot back there!), have some portable and cozy seating areas for reading and relaxing and make it a place where we all want to be.  Here are some images that are inspiring me...have a fantastic weekend!!

via House & Home

Domino Magazine

via LivingEtc

Canadian H&H via Poppytalk

Things that make me smile

What a glorious Friday we are having...so glorious in fact that I've spent most of it outside and away from my computer.  That, I tell you, is something to smile about!

I found this fantastic organization this week while browsing the web called Hands Up Not Handsout.  This group partners with women around the world in the production and marketing of one-of-a-kind goods.  They currently have hand-embroidered bracelets from Palestine and fantastic hoop earrings from Rwanda.

all images via Hands Up Not Handsout

Pop over here to find out more and maybe even support the cause and score some fantastic new accessories!
Have a great weekend & I'll see you on Monday!
xo

Things that make me smile

I love music...I grew up surrounded by it and crave it daily. I believe we all have our own soundtracks that we build as we move through life. Mine is varied but heavy on the singer/songwriter side! My parents were folk singers so this may have something to do with it :) I popped my iPod in the dock this afternoon and selected Jeff Buckley's 'Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk'. Buckley is genius! I haven't listened to this for ages but it is so beautiful I wanted to share a song with you! Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you add to your soundtrack...

Things that make me smile

A Spring Cocktail Party

Apple Limeade

I love this quick and easy menu plan from Williams Sonoma for a Cocktail Party!  I love to have friends over for a meal but I would like to do more informal drop-ins with fun drink and appetizer recipes.  

White Lillet Cocktails

Smoked Salmon & Watercress Wraps

Marinated Feta Cubes

Crostini with Fava Bean Spread & Mint

What are your plans this weekend?  I have the mom to mom sale  Saturday morning and am planning a  quick visit to my parents.  I'm looking forward to a great time and hoping for a few more days of this glorious sunshine we've had this week...

Things that make me smile

I received a notice yesterday from my friend Karl that his amazing weekly web-comic 'The Abominable Charles Christopher  is going to be made into a book (well the first 2 years anyway!)...I am so happy for him.  I don't remember a time when Karl was not in my life and I also don't remember a time when he wasn't drawing comics.  He's been drawing professionally for 15 years doing everything from Superman, The Flash, Teen Titans and the new 'Marvel Kid's' line featuring Spider-Man!!  

Charles Christopher is like little slices of life played out weekly through a cast of animal characters.  It is beautiful, touching, hillarious and sometimes sad.  

artwork available for purchase here

The new ACC book with a 40" gatefold featuring all the characters and a 'this book belongs to' page.  

paintings by Karl...

I am so intriqued by these characters and I would LOVE to see an ACC children's book (hint, hint)!  I would also love to have these characters gracing the walls of my kids bedrooms or playroom.  Maybe one day...right Karl?  Until then, I highly recommend a read through of The Abominable Charles Christopher.  Even if you aren't a regular comic fan you will be amazed at how these characters draw you in and leave you wanting more...

Things that make me smile

This home tour from Martha Stewart popped into my inbox late yesterday and after the kids had gone to bed I sat with my laptop and perused the photos.  

I was immediately drawn to this house and it's clean lines and un-fussy decor.  It just looks good!  

After going through the images once, I went back to look at the art and it's placement throughout the rooms.  In the main foyer, propped and framed prints make for easy rotation and complimentary groupings.  It's not always neccesary to hang your art.

Symmetry at play in the bedroom.  Two bold framed prints flanking the dresser.

A fun vintage print in the playroom...

all photos via Martha Stewart

Whether it's a favourite hobby or object grouping like pictures in the same frames makes a striking feature wall.  These airplane pictures are taken from a book. 
 Art is everywhere!!

Things that make me smile

Spring Jam 10'

A good friend of mine from my childhood has spear-headed this awesome tribute concert that is taking place in the Niagara Region April 9th and 10th...

What really makes me smile about this (other than the fact there are a ton of great local artists playing and it will be such a great time!) is that they are doing this to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross and their disaster relief efforts in Haiti!  Tickets are a steal for $12 (advance) or $15 at the door.  If you are local or are interested in taking a trip to beautiful St. Catharines this Spring, why not plan for the weekend that Spring Jam is on?  Go see the sights, do a wine tour maybe and then pop over to Robertson Hall (85 Church St., St. Catharines) to enjoy an evening of fantastic music and  to do just a little bit more to help those struggling in Haiti.

Here's where you can find out more about Spring Jam 10' and purchase your advanced tickets!  

Between Two Lakes

Things that make me smile

You may have noticed that I'm slightly obsessed with bunnies!  I was called bunny as a child so I was subsequently given many bunny things.  When our daughter was born, my husband called her bunny even though he hadn't realized it was my parents nickname for me!  And so it goes that my fondness for these little cute creatures goes on....

Liv

via Flickr

via Flickr

via Etsy

via Flickr

Things that make me smile

Cherry blossoms in Akasaka, Tokyo.  One of the most beautiful sights that I've been lucky enough to see!  Beautiful.... 

image via Flickr

Things that make me smile

A tea party in honor of Tim Burton's 'Alice In Wonderland'!

all images via Country Living

Things that make me smile

Arts & crafts with kids....

Things that make me smile

A beautiful cool, crisp winter morning.....

Bare Trees via Flickr

Things that make me smile

Happy Friday!
All things that just really get me; the smell of freshly baked bread (we made these rolls last week)....

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Birds in flight...

An Aga (what I would give for one of these in my kitchen!) via jonny2love on flickr