A Few Things I Discovered This Week

1. Gin + tonic flavoured marshmallows are pretty darn yummy (even if they really taste like lime marshmallows).

2. Nadège Pâtisserie makes the most adorable and treats ever invented (see item #1). Here’s further proof:

Nadège Pâtisserie – Le Marie Antoinette

Those macarons were about the size of a quarter. Seriously.

3. I love oysters – the raw kind! – after an amazing meal at Oyster Boy. For years and years I resisted eating oysters because I had a not-so-great experience 15 or so years ago. Not anymore. Bring. Them. On.

4. Watching live, professional basketball games is so much fun – who knew? After seeing the Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons game on Monday night, I am hooked. This is a sport that I could totally get into. Definitely.

Raptors vs. Pistons action

5. Being a brunette isn’t so bad. It’s definitely an adjustment from being a blonde my entire life, but I’m kinda liking it:

The not-blonde me

Did you discover anything new this week?

30 Days of Lists: Days 11-17

30 Days of Lists: Days 4-10

So I’ve been quite remiss with updating my progress on my 30 Days of Lists project. I’ve actually managed to stay on top of the prompts; I’ve just been terrible at updating my blog! To avoid creating one crazy long post, I’ve broken down the last two weeks’ prompts, and my interpretation of them, into two posts – here are days 4 to 10…

 

30 Days of Lists: Days 1-3

I decided to try something new this month, by taking part in a month-long activity alongside other list-makers in the 30 Days of Lists Challenge. I’ve been focussing so much on work these past few months, that I needed a fun project to get my creative juices flowing again. This type of challenge is perfect for me because I am such an avid list-maker!

A total of 30 prompts is sent to participants (one per day). The challenge is to make a list based on the prompt, using whatever form or media you like.

In preparation for the challenge, I made a 5.5″x8.5″ mini binder to house all of my daily layouts. I used some beautiful paper featuring early 20th Century ladies’ fashions for the covers:

 

And now, the prompts – and my interpretation of them – for Days 1 through 3!

 

 

 

 

 

 

So far, this one-page-a-day format is working perfectly for me. I need something that is quick, especially if I’m busy or tired or sick (like today). I’ve always been terrible at sticking through these types of projects for more than a few days – the OCD person in me quickly gets discourage if I miss a day and fall behind… I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself and focussing on just having fun (and maybe learning a few things about myself along the way)!

Are you taking part in the 30 Days of Lists Challenge too? If so, share the links to your layouts – I’d love to see them!

Introducing: LP Mini Binders

I’m so excited to share this sneek peek of my newest product: Mini-binders made from vinyl LPs! Aren’t these adorable?

Ta Da – the new LP Mini Binder!

These beauties are made with a 1/2″ binder ring, which can hold approximately 100 sheets of 5.5″ X 8.5″ (half letter-size) paper. This standard size means that many accessories (such as the Martha Stewart Home Office™ products: zipper pouches, business card holders, etc.) fit perfectly inside this binder. Neat-o!

LP Mini Binder – Open

The front cover is made from the actual vinyl LP, whereas the cardboard album sleeve is used for the back cover. Included are also three cardboard dividers made from different album sleeves, as well as 60 sheets of paper: 20 blank pages, 20 pages of  a “Things I Should Really Get Done” checklist, and 20 pages of lined paper.

LP Mini Binder – Back Cover

Now you can be the hippest, most organized person in your entire office building!

Of course, the mini binder would also look great as a scrapbook album or notebook – just sayin’…

Be sure to check out the shop for the full list of LP mini binders that are currently available.

Thriller.

In a fantastic mood right now because I am officially ON VACATION for the next two weeks – woo hoo!

I thought I’d share a few thrilling performances to go perfectly with my mood.

This first clip goes to show that you can make the best of any situation, no matter where you are. These are prisoners at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Centre dancing to a choreographed version of MJ’s Thriller:

Those who know me well know about my slight obsession with anything created by or featuring Taika Waititi. This video is part of the closing credits of the 2010 coming-of-age film Boy – Taika (as MJ) and the other stars of the film mix Thriller Haka moves with the Maori-language song, Poi E. Flippin’ brilliant!

And finally – Buckingham Palace Guards having fun with what would otherwise be pretty mind-numbing work:

Now if only I could find a copy of my figure skating club’s 1984 end-of-year show…we performed a Thriller number (complete with dry ice and full makeup and costumes) and it was awesome!

Happy Friday – enjoy!

what an amazing week it’s been.

In large part because of this.

Head-Crushing Fun

I came across this tonight while playing on my spiffy new computer. Here’s a little something to make you laugh by sketch comedy troupe Kids in the Hall (oh, how I miss them!):

Short Films Galore

I recently discovered the National Film Board’s Facebook page and website – what an amazing treasury by Canadian artists and filmmakers! For the past year, the NFB has been embedding their films online to make them more accessible to the public, with very successful results.

I’ve been enjoying so many classics that I hadn’t seen in years – here is a sampling of my favourites.

The Big Snit by Richard Condie

The Cat Came Back by Cordell Barker

The Sweater by Sheldon Cohen (based on “The Hockey Sweater”, a story written and narrated by Roch Carrier – every Canadian child has read this at least once in their lifetime)

Le même court métrage, mais en français cette fois-ci!

The Log Driver’s Waltz (a fitting tribute to Kate McGarrigle)

I’ve also discovered some very cool new-to-me films…

A Sunday at 105 by Daniel Léger (a fascinating story of a 105-yr-old Acadian woman, filmed by her great-grandson)

Madame Tutli-Putli by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski (a stunning animated film in HD)

I am totally hooked – I can’t stop watching!

The Sweetest Birthday Gift Ever…

So I’ve been feeling a bit down lately because of the broken ankle and feeling overwhelmed with my huge workload and work-related travel…

Then this morning I received this very sweet (no pun intended) birthday gift and it totally made my day:

My lovely colleague Barbara gave me not one, but TWO sugar daddies (literally!) – in the form of Colin Firth (whom I’m in love with) and Anderson Cooper (who will give me access to the Vanderbilt fortune)!

Barbara and I have this running joke – whoever finds her sugar daddy first will adopt the other so that we can both live a life of luxury. We have lots of laughs over our list of ‘potential’ sugar daddies… It’s nice to know she’s always looking out for me!

Being Sick Has Its Benefits…

I stayed home all weekend nursing a nasty cold, which meant I had lots of time on my hands. Perhaps too much.

As a result, I watched all 9 episodes of glee. Within 24 hours. Oh, but what joy! [Will I burn in hell if I admit that Sue Sylvester is my favourite character? The gems that come out of her mouth are shocking – but so, so hilarious!] For days, all I’ve wanted to do is sing and dance to Journey and REO Speedwagon… is that wrong?

Being sick also allowed me to make these beauties (while watching the aforementioned tv program):

Chunky books made from beer coasters! Can I tell you just how much I love these books?!!

I also spent time playing at Rollip (a fantastic site recommended by the lovely Shanley). It allows you to transform your digital photos into Polaroids – how freaking cool is that? For example:

BEFORE: Me and my *imaginary* boyfriend Jim Cuddy at the Jackson-Triggs Winery this summer (notice what he’s holding in his hand – one of my LP journals!).

AFTER: Again, how cool is this?!! [I actually prefer this photo to the original one.] I could easily spend hours and hours on this site…

This weekend I also discovered an amazing online magazine: Modern Handmade Child

If you’re into living simply, handmade gifts, crafting, and stunning photography and design, this magazine is for you. The Winter issue is chock-full of ideas and projects to try – and they’re not all centered around kids, as the title would imply. I am childless and have found so many items that appeal to my crafty, inner child…

Hope you’re enjoying your week so far – happy Monday!

It’s a Heartache…

Yes, the song by Bonnie Tyler. Except this version is by the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra – and highly addictive:

I’ve been listening to it ALL DAY. I can’t get enough of it. Help!

While you’re at it, check out their live cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya” – way cool!

If you look closely, you might notice that the second guy from the left is Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords fame. No wonder they’re so damn cool.

Spring Schming

Should’ve known I’d jinx it…mention spring and it disappears immediately. Argh.

Yesterday: 11C (52F) and warm, bright sunshine on a cloudless, carefree day.

Today: OC (32F) and a miserable, slushy snowstorm. Sigh.

To cheer myself up tonight, I’ll be watching a few episodes of these guys:

Flight of the Conchords are my newest obsession – and I don’t even watch TV! However, I’ve managed to watch every episode of season 2 (and a few of season 1) online. And now a co-worker has just lent me her DVD of season 1. Woo hoo – It’s Business Time!

They’re playing at Massey Hall later this month – the show is sold out, but I’m determined to find tickets somehow, somewhere. Got a few tricks up my sleeve yet…wish me luck!

Manic Monday

Here’s a little something so make you laugh, by Canadian sketch comedy troupe Kids in the Hall (man, I miss them!)

I’ve run into Mark McKinney (the headcrusher) twice since moving to Toronto – it was quite the experience for me to come across someone I had idolized so much as teenager growing up in smalltown New Brunswick!

I remember when the episode below aired – I was giddy because Perth Andover is so close to where I lived!

Engineers and Cats – An Instructional Video

So this video has nothing to do with paper arts or bookbinding…except for the cardboard chewing part. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am NOT a fan of engineers (this despite the fact that a few of my best friends are engineers), but I couldn’t resist posting this video – the cat yodelling part had me laughing so hard I was in tears…enjoy!

 

Paper Ornaments Galore…

I am so in love with these – and they’re super easy to make!

Find the tutorial here.

Weekend Update

This Thanksgiving is definitely going down in the history books as being the warmest on record in Toronto; at one point today it was 32 Celcius, not counting the humidity factor. Unbelievable and unbearable! Fall is my absolute favourite season, and I’m starting to despair that it will never arrive. I fear we’ll have a long long long summer, then BAM! Winter. Ugh.

I’ve spent the last few days on the road, travelling to Kingston and Ottawa for work-related purposes. B tagged along so we made a mini-vacation out of the trip. Friday night we stayed with my little brother, where I wasn’t a very gracious guest and fell asleep during the movie we rented (after a week of working madly, while desperately fighting the flu, I was pooped). Oh well. He’s family; he is required to forgive me.

Saturday morning B and I headed to Montreal, where we visited one of B’s art dealers’ new gallery. Wow. Very impressive, and things seemed to have really picked up for him in this new location right in the heart of the touristy art district. Great news for everyone involved.

Despite the short stay in Montreal (about 24 hours), there was much good food and beverages consumed, much appreciation about being served in my native tongue (French), and much shopping done at my favourite store in the world, simons. Sigh. Although my first mad trip there (45 minutes before closing) didn’t yield much of interest, my subsequent trip was much more productive. I bought 8 (!) sweaters in every colour imaginable. They are so comfy (made in part from angora)…although it looks like I won’t be able to wear them anytime soon, if this incredible heat wave holds up. Grrr.

We arrived home last night and I spent a good chunk of today cleaning my craft room, purging anything that I “might” one day use but “know” I won’t really. It felt wonderful. Tonight I worked on some swap projects (for which I’m terribly late) and on a bio for a special project that will soon be published in a national magazine (*blush*). Can’t talk about it just yet, but it’s all very exciting to a publishing newbie such as myself! I’ll keep you posted…

All in all, it was a great weekend. Although the stay in Ottawa and Montreal was much too short, I needed to get away even for a little while. I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the upcoming week, which I know is going to be insane at work.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Bookmark Books

I love, love, love this idea! I’m kicking myself in the derrière for not having thought of this first!

Found through SpaceDog’s blog and available on her Etsy shop.

I’ve Been Tagged!

Paper Kitty has tagged me – here goes…

The rules of the game: list 6 weird/interesting things about yourself and then tag a further 6 bloggers (by going to their blog and telling them to check out your blog post related to this) to keep the momentum going. List your 6 tagged bloggers at the bottom of your post.

1. I have a deep fear of cemeteries. I cannot walk by them, in them or anywhere near them. I will take the extra long route and walk all around a cemetery rather than take a shortcut through it.

2. I can lift each of my eyebrows separately. For some reason, many people find this fascinating and ask me to show them over and over again. I’m always happy to oblige.

3. I’m allergic to fabric bandages and first aid tape. I suspect it’s something in the glue. I get these god-awful rashes that take forever to heal, which kinda defeats the purpose of using bandages.

4. Although I have a fantastic memory when it comes to names, numbers and useless information, I cannot retain anything about books or movies. Ask me what last night’s movie was about and I’m clueless. Ask me what my favourite book (Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald) is about, and I’m completely blank. Despite having read it no less than three times.

5. My mother was a Home Ec teacher, whereas I don’t cook, do housework (voluntarily), crochet or sew, nor am I particularly fond of small children.

6. I taught myself to knit. My first project was a turtleneck sweater for B. My mother laughed when I told her, and I decided I was going to finish the sweater no matter what just to prove I could do it. And I did. Three sizes too large.

I’m tagging:

TJ Bookarts

Bookarat

Much of a Muchness

…and you! Since I don’t personally know tons of bloggers, here’s your chance to tell me a bit more about yourself!

A Little Inspiration

It continues to be unbearably hot and humid here in Toronto – I haven’t even looked at my paper or projects this week. I can’t even bear the thought of doing anything more than lying on the sofa in front of a fan or sleeping in our cool basement.

That doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about projects and ideas – there are many stirring around in my little blonde head… I just can’t execute any of them because of the heat…

Since I still don’t have anything to show off to you, here is a little inspiration – hopefully it’s not as hot in your neck of the woods and you might just get something accomplished:

– Cardboard Folding – in case you’re in need of cheap furniture
– Magazine Box Tutorial – should you want a box made of magazines
– Book Sculptures – what to do with all those old library books you forgot to return
– One Little Word – for all those scrapbookers and art journallers (like me) looking for one-word inspiration
– Jennifer Collier’s shoes – because a woman can never have too many shoes

Enjoy – I’ll be back as soon as the weather cooperates!