xox
Joanne
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Feel free to leave a comment and let’s chat!
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Wednesday, 17 July 2019
Monday, 1 July 2019
Hola!
Tomorrow at this time, Quinn, Jake, and I will be on our flight to Varadero, Cuba.
xox
Joanne
This trip is a promise I made to my boys way back in 2010—the last (and fourth) time I travelled to Cuba. I promised them the next time I went, it would be with them—just the three of us. They were nine and four then, now 18 and 13.
Quite honestly, even though I have wished a thousand times I could have taken them sooner, I think now is the perfect time. They are old enough to understand the value and opportunity of this adventure, and young enough to appreciate our time together (I trust I have raised them to always appreciate our time together 😉). I am so proud to be able to make this happen—so looking forward to the laughs we will have, and witnessing the wonder in their eyes as we tour though Havana, their amazement at the sights + scenes, and their appreciation for the local culture, and my love for the country and its people since my first visit in 1998.
This will be my fifth trip to Cuba, and by all counts, the most special.
✨☀️👩👦👦💕
Quite honestly, even though I have wished a thousand times I could have taken them sooner, I think now is the perfect time. They are old enough to understand the value and opportunity of this adventure, and young enough to appreciate our time together (I trust I have raised them to always appreciate our time together 😉). I am so proud to be able to make this happen—so looking forward to the laughs we will have, and witnessing the wonder in their eyes as we tour though Havana, their amazement at the sights + scenes, and their appreciation for the local culture, and my love for the country and its people since my first visit in 1998.
This will be my fifth trip to Cuba, and by all counts, the most special.
✨☀️👩👦👦💕
xox
Joanne
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Feel free to leave a comment and let’s chat!
Saturday, 12 October 2013
“Operators standing by…”
In my last post, I shared a little secret. Well, I have been busy branding, researching, and most recently cooking, in order to grow Mavis Naturals a little more each day.
The website is up and running, with the first few products ready to go! The blog is being updated daily when possible, and the Facebook and Twitter accounts are hopping with action as well. Please consider sharing, liking, following + commenting so Mavis can continue to inspire the use of all-natural, handcrafted skincare throughout Ottawa and the rest of the world.
Oh yah, for those of you wondering, there are only 73 shopping days until Christmas :)
The website is up and running, with the first few products ready to go! The blog is being updated daily when possible, and the Facebook and Twitter accounts are hopping with action as well. Please consider sharing, liking, following + commenting so Mavis can continue to inspire the use of all-natural, handcrafted skincare throughout Ottawa and the rest of the world.
Oh yah, for those of you wondering, there are only 73 shopping days until Christmas :)
{
Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }
Monday, 5 November 2012
JoeDesigns©… For Hire!
Most of you already know I have been a doodler my entire life, designing handmade greeting cards and, more recently, gifting custom illustrations to friends and family members who have purchased a new home, who have had a new baby, or who are celebrating a special birthday or milestone.
Many of my loved ones have been encouraging me to offer my illustrations for sale. So… in time for the holiday season, I present you with a sampling of my custom artwork. If you would like to gift a custom illustration to a loved one, I invite you to contact me so we can collaborate on your keepsake gift.
Here is some of my recent work, to inspire you to consider a custom illustration for your loved ones.
Many of my loved ones have been encouraging me to offer my illustrations for sale. So… in time for the holiday season, I present you with a sampling of my custom artwork. If you would like to gift a custom illustration to a loved one, I invite you to contact me so we can collaborate on your keepsake gift.
Here is some of my recent work, to inspire you to consider a custom illustration for your loved ones.
- Artwork is provided on heavy watercolour paper, as either a 5x7 or 8x10, and is shipped in an acid-free sleeve with a heavy card for protection.
- May be matted and framed for an additional charge.
- Commissions vary, based on complexity and size of the illustration, ranging from $45 for a 5x7 nameplate, to $250 for an 8x10 home illustration.
{
Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }
Friday, 14 September 2012
Wordless…
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Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }
Friday, 20 January 2012
Inspiration 365: Day 20
You know those times when you see a product in a store that you think looks super cool, but… well, you’re not too sure if it’s really gonna work as well as they say it will? So you go home and look it up online, and… yah, people say it’s cool, but… really?
So the item falls to the back of your mind until you come across it again in another store. Damn. That thing really looks so cool. You add it to your Christmas ‘maybe’ list for the kids. You continue to investigate online—customer reviews, photos, blog references. Yep. Trés cool.
What the heck. It is reasonably priced, available for purchase in your neighbourhood, and again… seems really, really cool. You go for it. You wrap it up all purdy, and eagerly anticipate your children unwrapping it, and reveling in its glory more so than any other gift under the tree.
{Who are we kidding? There was a remote-control helicopter under the tree this year.}
But you know what? I nailed it. ZOKU nailed it. Their Quick Pop maker is everything they said—and I hoped—it would be, and it is without question the gift we have all spent the most time enjoying since its unveiling Christmas Day. Elegant design, simple use, fail-proof instructions, creative recipes and the opportunity to spend time exploring adventurous flavour combinations for—and with—my kids.
Go check it out. You know you want to. ZOKU Quick Pop Maker.
And yah, it can make grown-up pops too.
So the item falls to the back of your mind until you come across it again in another store. Damn. That thing really looks so cool. You add it to your Christmas ‘maybe’ list for the kids. You continue to investigate online—customer reviews, photos, blog references. Yep. Trés cool.
What the heck. It is reasonably priced, available for purchase in your neighbourhood, and again… seems really, really cool. You go for it. You wrap it up all purdy, and eagerly anticipate your children unwrapping it, and reveling in its glory more so than any other gift under the tree.
{Who are we kidding? There was a remote-control helicopter under the tree this year.}
But you know what? I nailed it. ZOKU nailed it. Their Quick Pop maker is everything they said—and I hoped—it would be, and it is without question the gift we have all spent the most time enjoying since its unveiling Christmas Day. Elegant design, simple use, fail-proof instructions, creative recipes and the opportunity to spend time exploring adventurous flavour combinations for—and with—my kids.
Go check it out. You know you want to. ZOKU Quick Pop Maker.
And yah, it can make grown-up pops too.
 |
| Chocolate Peanut Butter with Fresh Strawberries |
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
A lesson in judgment… Under the Christmas Tree.
This past weekend, my birth mother Leesa, sister Sarah, and I participated in an annual ladies and daughters tree-trimming party. The party is hosted by one of Leesa’s friends, and is well attended by a group of professional, dynamic woman. Sarah and I were the new girls, and had no idea what to expect.
The invitation included a request to bring a gift for the Secret Santa exchange—you know the drill… Grab a gift from either under the tree or from someone else’s lap, and hope you end up with something decent, and no life-threatening injuries when the exchange (read: catfight) is over.
Under typical circumstances, I would have had the time and the tools to wrap my contribution nicely at least, with the designer in me adding some extra flare. Leesa wraps her gifts à la Martha Stewart. Nicer, even. Papers used are exquisite, ribbons wired and finger-curled, folds perfectly pressed, and pattern-matched seams concealed with double-sided tape. Immaculate, I tell you. Pristine presents… a shame to unwrap them, really.
My apartment has not yet been stocked with the finer gift wrapping supplies to disguise anything other than the occasional child’s birthday gift. No boxes, brightly coloured paper from IKEA, cheesy ribbon scraps, and shiny sticky tape from Dollarama. I did the best I could with what I had on hand.
I went in with a sense of humour that my gift would be the booby prize, and laughed when Leesa asked “Is *that* your Secret Santa gift? You’re kidding…”
As each gift was laid under the tree, I sank a little lower in my seat. Yep, my gift truly was the ugly duckling. The others were daintily designed, appropriately adorned, perfectly polished. Even the gift bags, which I typically despise, were dressed for the occasion. It was unlike me to bring such an eyesore, and I was embarrassed.
As each guest drew their name, a gift was taken from under the tree. First, the pretty silver box with green ribbon. Then, the little metallic number... My gift was soon the last one under the tree. Now though, guests had the choice to select *it*, or steal from another person. So they stole. Wow.
Suddenly, my embarrassment turned to fascination. The situation became a study in behaviour and judgment. My gift was avoided and ridiculed. Left on the side of the field while the rest of the team was picked. Finally, because nobody wanted to go home empty-handed, my gift was chosen, and yes… even unwrapped, as all eyes observed each rip and tear, curious to see what could possibly be inside.
The recipient was not disappointed. She would be taking home two sage green heart-shaped side dishes. The appropriate “ooohs” and “ahhhs” ensued, and their former exterior ugliness forgiven, or at least forgotten.
Amazing how, in a room otherwise filled with sophistication and class, so much judgment existed.
The invitation included a request to bring a gift for the Secret Santa exchange—you know the drill… Grab a gift from either under the tree or from someone else’s lap, and hope you end up with something decent, and no life-threatening injuries when the exchange (read: catfight) is over.
Under typical circumstances, I would have had the time and the tools to wrap my contribution nicely at least, with the designer in me adding some extra flare. Leesa wraps her gifts à la Martha Stewart. Nicer, even. Papers used are exquisite, ribbons wired and finger-curled, folds perfectly pressed, and pattern-matched seams concealed with double-sided tape. Immaculate, I tell you. Pristine presents… a shame to unwrap them, really.
My apartment has not yet been stocked with the finer gift wrapping supplies to disguise anything other than the occasional child’s birthday gift. No boxes, brightly coloured paper from IKEA, cheesy ribbon scraps, and shiny sticky tape from Dollarama. I did the best I could with what I had on hand.
I went in with a sense of humour that my gift would be the booby prize, and laughed when Leesa asked “Is *that* your Secret Santa gift? You’re kidding…”
As each gift was laid under the tree, I sank a little lower in my seat. Yep, my gift truly was the ugly duckling. The others were daintily designed, appropriately adorned, perfectly polished. Even the gift bags, which I typically despise, were dressed for the occasion. It was unlike me to bring such an eyesore, and I was embarrassed.
As each guest drew their name, a gift was taken from under the tree. First, the pretty silver box with green ribbon. Then, the little metallic number... My gift was soon the last one under the tree. Now though, guests had the choice to select *it*, or steal from another person. So they stole. Wow.
Suddenly, my embarrassment turned to fascination. The situation became a study in behaviour and judgment. My gift was avoided and ridiculed. Left on the side of the field while the rest of the team was picked. Finally, because nobody wanted to go home empty-handed, my gift was chosen, and yes… even unwrapped, as all eyes observed each rip and tear, curious to see what could possibly be inside.
The recipient was not disappointed. She would be taking home two sage green heart-shaped side dishes. The appropriate “ooohs” and “ahhhs” ensued, and their former exterior ugliness forgiven, or at least forgotten.
Amazing how, in a room otherwise filled with sophistication and class, so much judgment existed.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
JoeGirl Shoots!
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to try a few things I had never done. Actually, they aren’t just things I had never done, they are things I swore I would never do.
My new friends, C + J have some fabulous property in the woods. Scattered with wildflower gardens, secluded swing sets, whimsical birdhouses and ornaments, their landscape is also home to a firing target.
Before arriving to their camp, the suggestion had been made to me that we might try shooting and 4-wheeling. Inside, I cringed. Guns, shooting, hunting… no way. Never. Not me. However, in this, my time to do something different, I threw all previous judgment and concern out the window and decided to… bite the bullet. Har, har.
J was my firing coach. It took me about two minutes to even look at the rifle, and—because I was certain I would turn to ash upon doing so, like Voldemort in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone—it took me another five to reach out and hold it.
All set. Positioned, hair tucked behind my ear, elbow up, targets pinned to the board. Ready. Aim. Fire! “Go again! Go until you run out of ammo!” Bam! Bam! Bam!
That groundhog didn’t have a chance… Wow. Beginner’s Luck? Nah… I’m just that good.
Next up was four-wheeling. J took me out to show me the trail. What a strange sensation to be able to drive over trees, boulders and through swamps (I swear this is where Shrek lives). We stopped for a beverage, then I hopped in the driver’s seat for the ride back.
Okay. THIS is fun. Once familiar with the amount of gas the beast required to make the obstacles, I was riding this bull moose like nobody’s business. I tore through the swamp, dousing myself and J with more mud than can be found on Joan River’s face.
What a brilliant adventure. Take every opportunity to Do Something Different.
My new friends, C + J have some fabulous property in the woods. Scattered with wildflower gardens, secluded swing sets, whimsical birdhouses and ornaments, their landscape is also home to a firing target.
Before arriving to their camp, the suggestion had been made to me that we might try shooting and 4-wheeling. Inside, I cringed. Guns, shooting, hunting… no way. Never. Not me. However, in this, my time to do something different, I threw all previous judgment and concern out the window and decided to… bite the bullet. Har, har.
J was my firing coach. It took me about two minutes to even look at the rifle, and—because I was certain I would turn to ash upon doing so, like Voldemort in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone—it took me another five to reach out and hold it.
All set. Positioned, hair tucked behind my ear, elbow up, targets pinned to the board. Ready. Aim. Fire! “Go again! Go until you run out of ammo!” Bam! Bam! Bam!
That groundhog didn’t have a chance… Wow. Beginner’s Luck? Nah… I’m just that good.
Next up was four-wheeling. J took me out to show me the trail. What a strange sensation to be able to drive over trees, boulders and through swamps (I swear this is where Shrek lives). We stopped for a beverage, then I hopped in the driver’s seat for the ride back.
Okay. THIS is fun. Once familiar with the amount of gas the beast required to make the obstacles, I was riding this bull moose like nobody’s business. I tore through the swamp, dousing myself and J with more mud than can be found on Joan River’s face.
What a brilliant adventure. Take every opportunity to Do Something Different.
Friday, 1 January 2010
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Ooey Gooey Goodness: Hallowe’en Popcorn Balls
Despite my attempted avoidance of all things sugary and sweet, I couldn’t resist making up a batch of these Popcorn Balls with the boys today. Something fun we could do together, which I knew they would enjoy in anticipation of Hallowe’en ahead.
What you need:
[makes about 18 balls]
16 cups of popcorn
10 cups mini-marshmallows
3/4 cup butter
1 cup Smarties or M&Ms
1 cup Candy Corn
1 cup mini-marshmallows for glue
How to make them:
1. Combine popcorn and candies in a VERY large bowl.
2. Melt butter and marshmallows over medium-high heat, just like when you make Rice Krispie Squares. When smooth, add to popcorn mixture, and stir quickly to combine evenly. You may need to use your hands, but be sure to butter them or you'll be all stuck together! Oh, the Smarties or M&Ms will melt a little, but that's what gives the balls their all-over chocolatey goodness!
3. Form moderately-tight balls with your hands. Allow to cool/dry on waxed paper for several hours.
Ooey Gooey Glue:
Melt 1 cup of mini marshmallows in the microwave for about 20 seconds on high. Stir well. You’ll have to reheat the marshmallow glue several times throughout the project to keep it pliable.
Decorate with licorice strings and allsorts, gummy worms, Smarties, etc...
Happy Hallowe’en!
What you need:
[makes about 18 balls]
16 cups of popcorn
10 cups mini-marshmallows
3/4 cup butter
1 cup Smarties or M&Ms
1 cup Candy Corn
1 cup mini-marshmallows for glue
How to make them:
1. Combine popcorn and candies in a VERY large bowl.
2. Melt butter and marshmallows over medium-high heat, just like when you make Rice Krispie Squares. When smooth, add to popcorn mixture, and stir quickly to combine evenly. You may need to use your hands, but be sure to butter them or you'll be all stuck together! Oh, the Smarties or M&Ms will melt a little, but that's what gives the balls their all-over chocolatey goodness!
3. Form moderately-tight balls with your hands. Allow to cool/dry on waxed paper for several hours.
Ooey Gooey Glue:
Melt 1 cup of mini marshmallows in the microwave for about 20 seconds on high. Stir well. You’ll have to reheat the marshmallow glue several times throughout the project to keep it pliable.
Decorate with licorice strings and allsorts, gummy worms, Smarties, etc...
Happy Hallowe’en!
Monday, 12 October 2009
Giving Thanks…
Today is Thanksgiving Monday here in Canada. I am taking a break from the hustle and bustle in the kitchen—baking Ginger Cookies and Apple Crisp with the boys—to write a quick post of Thanks.
Every year, every moment, I am thankful for my health, my family, my friends. But this year, I am digging deeper. This year I am thankful for knowledge. This year, I have been given the gift, and the tools, to discover my path.
My path leads me to inspire and be inspired. To create and be created.
At the moment, that means to help others on their journeys to health and fitness, and to rediscover my love and talent for design, primarily in the form of my publication business, inDetail.
So too, am I thankful to those who have helped guide me on this path, who fed me the tools to discover this knowledge: Andrew, James, Marshall, Derek, Brian, Dave, Kate, Finola, Nat, Shawna—and in many ways each and every person with whom I have connected along my journey.
Marshall reminds me often, “People come into our lives when we need them most.” Embrace every connection, and the knowledge you gain from each moment.
Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!
[Please comment with your thoughts… it’s the only way I know you’re out there!]
Every year, every moment, I am thankful for my health, my family, my friends. But this year, I am digging deeper. This year I am thankful for knowledge. This year, I have been given the gift, and the tools, to discover my path.
My path leads me to inspire and be inspired. To create and be created.
At the moment, that means to help others on their journeys to health and fitness, and to rediscover my love and talent for design, primarily in the form of my publication business, inDetail.
So too, am I thankful to those who have helped guide me on this path, who fed me the tools to discover this knowledge: Andrew, James, Marshall, Derek, Brian, Dave, Kate, Finola, Nat, Shawna—and in many ways each and every person with whom I have connected along my journey.
Marshall reminds me often, “People come into our lives when we need them most.” Embrace every connection, and the knowledge you gain from each moment.
Happy Thanksgiving, Canada![Please comment with your thoughts… it’s the only way I know you’re out there!]
Monday, 28 September 2009
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Top 10: Holiday Traditions
With each year that passes, I am discovering certain holiday activities that have been making repeat appearances in our December schedules. These are activities which have developed out of pure enjoyment, rather than obligation—making them the very best kind of holiday tradition ever.
Here are my Top 10 Holiday Traditions:
Here are my Top 10 Holiday Traditions:
- Baking a batch of Mom’s shortbread cookies early on in the season. So early on in fact, that a second batch is required by mid-December.
- Having plenty of the real, classic Coca-Cola on hand. And rum.
- Revealing our library of holiday movies, music and books on December 1st.
- Arranging my Department 56 Dickens’ Village on December 2nd—by birthday.
- Walking up to Main Street to watch our village’s Parade of Lights, typically the first Saturday of December.
- Attending the Christmas Eve pageant with Andrew’s entire family, at St. Andrew’s Church in downtown Ottawa. In fact the same church where we were married. A very special night, where holiday hymns are sung by candle light and the Zimbelstern (the sweetest twinkling chime, created by bells on an organ) reminds me of our first matrimonial kiss.
- Trimming the tree with my boys, listening to carols, while Andrew and I sip Amaretto.
- Keeping memories alive each year by writing in my Christmas Memories Book given to me in 1998 by Andrew’s Aunt Susan. Amazing how much we forget from year to year unless it is written down. A treasure.
- Late evening walks to enjoy the neighbourhood’s holiday adornments.
- Reading Matt Tavares’ exquisitely illustrated account of Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to the boys on Christmas Eve*.
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Touches of Holiday
C’mon in…
Make yourself at home…
Pocket advent calendar I designed for Quinn years ago…
Tiny Santas beside the front door…
Three luminaries dress the dining room table…
Dicken’s Village on the sideboard…
I just love escaping within my little town…
Tiny snowman tucked away…
Touches of tin…
{the birthday cards will soon be replaced by holiday cards}
Holiday reading…
Peekaboo, Santa sees you…
Send some holiday love over to Laurie at Tip Junkie and explore a virtual tour of more beautifully decorated homes!
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Monday, 1 December 2008
Saturday, 15 November 2008
Reaching Out
It’s that time of year again, when my thoughts turn to the design of our annual holiday card. We send out approximately 75 cards each year—to family, friends, neighbours and clients. Most of the cards are printed, a few are emailed. Whatever the delivery method, the design must be indicative of the past year’s mood, developments and inspirations.
Some of my recent designs…
If you’d like me to design a holiday card for your family or business, please contact me at {joanne at indetail dot ca}, with subject “Holiday Card Request”. All designs are 4 x 6", provided to you as a .jpg file—ready to print at your favourite photo outlet or on your own printer.
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