Married To George

What it's like...

2012-01-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

It’s been a while since I last posted as I have been much to busy enjoying my beautiful little boy but here we are now...
For those of you who have yet to be blessed with children or for those who are just curious...

It's like that feeling you get when you’re looking forward to something. You know when you are bored at work but you get through the day knowing you have that night out with friends in only a couple days. Or when you are leaving on a trip and you have butterflies days before you leave. Being a mother is exhilarating. Exciting. Exhausting. But most of all fabulous! Phineas Antony Antonopoulos is the love of my life! He is extraordinary and our adventures every day have been the best days of my life! I will cherish these days forever, for a lifetime. For those of you who haven’t been up to date on my facebook page here are a couple photos.
Phin is currently having a little snooze and to be perfectly honest he looks like a little cherub as he sleeps; its bliss. So I will leave this post by saying yet again...It's like the best day ever, best job ever, it's wonderful!

The Non-Organic Organic

2011-10-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

I like to look at the argument of organic and non-organic a lot like politics and the spectrum of left wing and right wing beliefs. Anytime I consider an organic lifestyle I fall somewhere in the middle and I cant seem to swing on to one side or the other. For instance in my babies nursery I have several receiving blankets and garments which are organic cotton and I have to admit they feel like heaven to touch but I also have several other 100% cotton garments, blankets and other items which are equally cozy. Will my baby know the difference between these items…I will have to keep you posted once he arrives. Another organic argument is disposable diapers or cloth? I know it creates an excessive amount of waste and I wish I was more dedicated but we have decided to go with disposable diapering. I have heard from parents who went the cloth route that it was awesome if you had a service such as the "Happy Nappy" or some other local service which takes care of the dreaded washing and redistribution of diapers on a weekly basis. I guess what made me feel sort of repulsed by this was either the washing of the soiled diapers myself or having some service pick them up wash them with a variety of other soiled diapers from children I don’t know and then redistribute them all over the city. I know that they would be taking every precaution to clean the diapers in specific washers and dryers that are capable of cleaning the diapers more than adequately but I just can’t get my head around it- pampers bring it on! So what about formula, bottles, bath products, strollers, play mats, clothing, bedding, furniture…the list goes on. I sort of feel like if your going to raise your baby in an organic home you can't be a person like me who falls in the middle of the spectrum you need to be dedicated, committed and overall on the right wing to maintain consistency and be successful. Let’s face it, it doesn’t hurt to have organic items amongst your non-organic items but to truly call yourself an “organic parent” requires you to embrace it as a lifestyle from diet to every day essentials in your home.

For those of you interested in organic baby items I have compiled a list below. These websites are really awesome and some are even local like "Organic Kidz" the Calgary based Organic Bottling Company which was founded by a local mother of two. The bottles are super cute and perfect for the organic household!

www.organickidz.ca

www.luvabunbaby.com/

www.happynappy.ca/

www.growinguporganic.ca

www.edamamekids.ca/

www.cheekymonkey.ca

Organic Kidz Bottles

Onesie- Cheeky Monkey

Baby Leggings-Cheeky Monkey

To Bank Or Not To Bank?

2011-10-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

With our little one due in less than a month’s time the crunch is on to make a decision regarding cord blood banking. There is a ton of research or as my legal trained husband would call “due diligence” which needs to be done to make an informed decision. To me banking a specimen of blood immediately after your baby is born seems a no brainer if it could mean one day curing your child of a variety of serious diseases. I have spent a lot of time discussing cord blood banking with friends and family and to be honest there is no consensus and a pile of controversy. I want to share with you some of the discussions which have evolved over the past few weeks surrounding this topic.

Naturally one would think the best person to ask is your doctor…right? So I did just that and was shocked at how diplomatic and unbiased my doctor was about the topic. I learnt that Doctors sadly cannot give their personal opinion on this topic in Alberta/Canada as we have public health care and this falls under the private sector as there is a fee involved. So, after asking my questions I was given some things to think about defending each side of the argument…Here are the pros and cons that I was faced with.

-If you don’t bank privately there will still be options available if your child falls ill, such as donor banks

-Also, with the way technology is evolving we are finding cures every day for illnesses and diseases which we thought we would never be able to cure, so if your child does fall ill there will be more and more options for treatment over the years

-Both you and your husband are healthy adults and therefore the chances of your child falling ill is slim

Ok the Pros

-You likely have insurance for your house right? and therefore you can look at banking cord blood as an expensive insurance premium for your child and your family

-In the event of your child falling ill there are several diseases which cord blood can and will treat with a high rate of success

-If you are in a position where you require stem sells or cord blood to cure or treat your child, your specimen will be a 100% match and therefore the most effective form of treatment

-your baby’s cord blood could one day save your life as well or other children you may have

I was really happy my doctor took the time to point out my options and offer her professional opinion however it would have been so much easier for her to just say either Do it or Don’t bother…but I understood that she couldn’t and respected her opinions.

So the discussion continued

Many of my friends said if they were currently expecting they would definitely pursue cord blood but some said that they didn’t think it was necessary and just another scheme to make more money off innocent new parents. Some even made reference that in a way it was like playing “God” as if you might be interfering with a bigger plan that shouldn’t be in your control.

After several discussions on the way to sports events, movies and dinners with my husband we decided that for us we were going to take the plunge and bank our baby's cord blood. I suspect this came from the fact that my husband is incredibly risk adverse and I am bordering on being a hypochondriac. It also didn’t help that the same scenario kept playing over and over in my head, one that I couldn’t seem to get rid of- it went a little like this…

You give birth to what you think is a beautiful, healthy child but one day he falls sick and there you are in a Doctors office with your husband and your baby and they drop the bomb, telling you your child has…....the good news is says the Doctor we have found that this illness responds with high success to cord blood or stem cell treatment. Did you by chance bank your babies cord blood?

It was this scenario that I pondered with for several days and the one which finally led us to our decision. Before I continue any further I need to make it clear that I hold no judgement to parents who choose not to bank cord blood in fact in a way I admire their ability to not obsess over things like this. At the end of the day you hope that you and the people around you will never be in a situation like I described above. Anyway the decision was made and the next step was which provider…yes, who knew there were so many cord blood banks in our country and why couldn’t there be just one?

The three major cord blood providers that we researched were life bank which is based in Toronto, Cells for life which has a Calgary office (idyllic) and Canadian Cord Blood Registry which is based in Edmonton. Each organization essentially does the same thing; banks cord blood. Each costs about the same amount approximately $1000.00 plus the cost of an annual storage fee of about $100-$140. After perusing their websites and speaking to representatives I picked up the phone to talk to parents who also decided to bank cord blood to get their opinions on why they chose the company they did. Turns out we know people who have used each service and all have positive things to say about their experience. Again the decision was up to us so we went with our gut and chose cells for life for no other reason than it felt right when I spoke to a representative over the phone plus we attended an excellent information session that talks new parents through the entire process which was perfect! There you have it our process/dilemma of debating To Bank or Not to Bank…Now, we just pray and cross our fingers that this insurance policy never has to be put to use.

A little prince is on the way...

2011-10-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

With about 6 weeks or so to go before baby comes I decided to plan a last minute shower with the help of a couple friends! Even though it’s been a fast planning process it’s been a total blast. Baby stuff in general is so much fun to shop around for and on the weekend I had a great time with my sister discussing little games and activities for the shower. I like the idea of a prince theme and of course because we know were having a boy blue has become my new favourite color. Here are some photos which inspired my planning as well as a few photos of baby clothes that I came across during my search. I absolutely adore these preppy little outfits…thoughts?

And the sweetest baby clothes!!

Hand of Hope: Inspirations for a random Wednesday

2011-09-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

It is proof like this that there is so much more going on in the world beyond everyday life! This is truly one of the most remarkable moments ever caught on film! I copied this photo and description from a friends facebook page. Absolutely amazing!!!!

This picture began circulating in November. It should be "The Picture of the Year," or perhaps, "Picture of the Decade." It won't be. In fact, unless you obtained a copy of the U.S. paper which published it, you probably would never have seen it.

The picture is that of a 21-week-old unborn baby named Samuel Alexander Armas, who is being operated on by surgeon named Joseph Bruner. The baby was diagnosed with spina bifida and would not survive if removed from his mother's womb. Little Samuel's mother, Julie Armas, is an obstetrics nurse in Atlanta. She knew of Dr. Bruner's remarkable surgical procedure. Practicing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, he performs these special operations while the baby is still in the womb.

During the procedure, the doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes a small incision to operate on the baby. As Dr. Bruner completed the surgery on Samuel, the little guy reached his tiny, but fully developed hand through the incision and firmly grasped the surgeon's finger. Dr. Bruner was reported as saying that when his finger was grasped, it was the most emotional moment of his life, and that for an instant during the procedure he was just frozen, totally immobile.

The photograph captures this amazing event with perfect clarity. The editors titled the picture, "Hand of Hope." The text explaining the picture begins, "The tiny hand of 21-week-old fetus Samuel Alexander Armas emerges from the mother's uterus to grasp the finger of Dr. Joseph Bruner as if thanking the doctor for the gift of life."

Little Samuel's mother said they "wept for days" when they saw the picture. She said, "The photo reminds us pregnancy isn't about disability or an illness, it's about a little person" Samuel was born in perfect health, the operation 100 percent successful. Now see the actual picture, and it is awesome...incredible..

Safari Portraits!

2011-09-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Many of you are aware that we are creating a safari theme in our little guys nursery. I wanted to make something for him during my last couple months off so naturally I turned to canvas and paint and put my BFA to good use. I had a lot of fun creating these little portraits for his room and thought I would share them with you!

Here are they are:

I love Birdy and Bug!!!

2011-09-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

With baby stuff on my mind 24/7 its no wonder that I have fallen made in love with Birdy and Bug. Birdy and Bug is an organic Canadian business, run by two extraordinary sisters; Kirsten and Rebekka. Kirsten, is based in Calgary with three children and Rebekka lives in Ottawa with 1 toddler and rumoured to have another on the way. Their families are totally precious just like their collection of wares. They have been sewing and knitting most of their lives and to me they truly epitomize the wonderful qualities we all admire in a family run business. They create beautiful handmade bags, mats, mobiles and more. All of their designs are highly practical, unique and made from 100% cotton; they are out of this world! Their attention to detail in using large wooden buttons and squiggly stitching is what really sets their creations apart from others. They have taken the ordinary diaper bag and made it trendy, chic and easy to wear! The best part is each Birdy and Bug creation is durable, affordable and easy to wash. Did I mention the mats conveniently fold up to hold your wipes, diapers and fit perfectly in to the messenger style diaper bags AND you can choose your style of fabric! For a soon to be mom I can tell you that after perusing the many shelves of bags and mats it was an easy choice to select designs by Birdy and Bug. Below are the items which I have from the Birdy and Bug line please check out their website and see the many creations these two beauties have made.

http://www.birdyandbug.com/birdyandbug/Welcome.html

Marathon at 32 Weeks

2011-09-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Who knew the day would come where I would no longer be able to touch my toes, lace up shoes or I’d struggle to put on pants. The day has come my friends and I am struggling with everyday tasks due to this lovely belly. It’s quite comical how difficult putting socks on has become and Thank god for flats and flip-flops or I would be without shoes most of the time. Speaking of shoes…I will address this further in a few minutes. I always heard pregnant women talking about the difficulty associated with bending down in the third trimester, I even recall watching the odd prego bend over noticing just how awkward it looked and yet I never thought this would happen to me. Oh how the mighty have fallen! Recently I have become a proud member of the following clubs for prego’s; “I can’t bend over very well”, “yes I am a side bender”, “I can hardly put on my own socks”, “I waddle in heals” and “hun a little help with the right pant leg please”. This realization became vividly apparent in the last 24-48 hours…

On Sunday, I attended a beautiful baby shower for a friend who is due only a couple weeks before me. The soirée was held at the River Café and was absolutely fabulous! If there is an award for best shower of the year, my friend just won it hands down! Anyway, I felt like dressing up a touch as yoga clothing has been my staple for the last few months, so I pulled out the stiletto knee boots, leggings and tunic and began my get ready ritual. Even though I had some issue with the leggings the real concern came with the boots…I sat quietly for a moment eyeing them up while reminiscing how comfortable I had always thought they were. I visualized stepping in to them and made a plan of attack about the best way of getting them on without falling over. Turns out I was successful getting my feet in and I must say this in itself was quite the achievement but the hurdle of zipping them up had yet to come. I sat for another moment while my feet molded to the soft leather and then I awkwardly hunched forward in what I like to call the side bend and reached down for the kill. While holding my breath I grabbed the zipper and like a size 10 woman sucks in her belly while lying down on the bed to zip up her favourite skinny jeans (which are no bigger than a size 8), I too struggled while zipping the sexy black boot over my swollen foot, ankle and calf. To my amazement it closed and needless to say I was elated with excitement from this accomplishment. Left foot was in and I was ready to tackle the right…several minutes later operation stiletto boots was a success! After all this, I sat a moment longer to catch my breath. One more challenge stood in my way of getting to the party; walking! I slowly stood up with a wobble here and there and after a few baby steps I was feeling pretty stable. The outfit looked great and I was impressed with how well I pulled it all off. I knew this lust would soon pass and quickly turn in to an ocean of regret after sitting around with my legs dangling down, pooling violently with fluid. It was a risk I was willing to take, plus the thought of changing footwear at this point was the greater of two evils and more importantly I didn’t have the time. My taxi arrived and I was on my way to the restaurant.

The River Café is gorgeous but as many of you know there isn’t a drop off zone right outside the restaurant, instead you have to walk a fair distance across the river before arriving. So, while in transit I prepped myself mentally for the walk from Prince’s Island Sheraton, across the bridge to the restaurant and I even had a conversation with my baby that went a little like this “ok angel please don’t kick or do any acrobatics while I walk across this bridge or you and I are both going down”. I laughed to myself as I slowly waddled along, catching stares from passerby’s who clearly thought I was crazy for rocking the footwear I was while 8 months pregnant. Finally the entrance was in sight and I had made it! I felt like a marathon runner waiting to get my high fives and Gatorade at the finish line but sadly no one was that impressed so in the spirit of accomplishment I applauded my unborn son for being so good on the walk over.

The shower was excellent and the entire afternoon was full of love for the mother to be and her gorgeous bump! We laughed, played games and ate delicious bites over the next couple hours. I knew we would be wrapping up around 5 and I couldn’t help but clock watch around 4:35pm as my attention was averted to my throbbing lower extremities and how stupid I could have been for wearing these fabulous boots. I actually think I welled up with tears for a moment while thinking about the marathon walk back across the bridge to where George would be picking me up. It seemed a suicide mission! I rubbed my belly while trying not to think about the pain and had another self talk reassuring myself it would be fine. I even thought about faking an injury and asking one of the staff to hail me a golf cart that could chariot me back to the Sheraton. Or was there a secret driveway that only the staff knew about where cars could actually come to the front door and get me? I pondered my options…sadly I felt like I couldn’t stoop this low and after all it was my idiotic decision to wear these boots in the first place. The next 20 minutes went by and it was go time; George would be meeting me in 10 minutes. I said my goodbyes, well wishes and Thank you to the host before I began the trudge back across the bridge. In agony I slowly waddled, feeling as if my ankles may give out at any moment and I would come down like a 6 foot refrigerator box. I kept telling myself this was great practice for child birth as it was hell and I truly thought I wouldn’t make it but here I was slowly approaching the half way point. I could see our car parked in the near distance ready to pick me up and so I did what anyone girl with sore feet does, I chanted calmly “baby steps Talia, you can do this”. Every step seemed to worsen and I could only imagine what it would look like once I removed the boots from my feet; it was going to be a disaster! I hopped in the car let out a massive sigh and silently thanked god for the seat which supported me, I may have went as far as thanking god for the man or lady who installed the seat in our Infinity; it was heavenly. We got to our condo and I still had a couple stairs, an elevator ride and about 10 steps to the front door to go, needless to say I hardly made it. I unzipped the boots and slowly pulled my feet out, they were frozen in a permanent arch, the seams from my socks and leggings had left dents in my ankles and I am quite sure I could see bruising form in blue and black around my calf. I spent the remainder of the evening with my feet above my heart to drain the fluid mess in my lower legs and feet…luckily it subsided by 8 am Monday morning.

I have made a new vow that comfort takes the cake over style. Because I have about 8 weeks to go before baby boy makes his debut below are some of the more comfy styles I plan on wearing! Thoughts?

An Hour or so With Ashley Barker...

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have known Ashley since high school and her photography is literally out of this world. Her shots are described as insiprational and magnificent...enjoy the interview below along with an album of her awesome work!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

For starters, I’m a terrible writer. I like doing things, experiencing life, travelling, meeting people, talking, not texting. I love music, mountain life, surf, food, yoga, dancing, singing, jamming and those kinds of things.

I have two amazing older brothers and my dad worked for airline companies until I was 7 so we moved around a lot and travelled often. When he quit we stayed in Calgary where I was raised. I went to French immersion until I was 16 and hit the ski hill every weekend since I was 2. I tried every sport available to me for at least a year.

I looked up to my brothers my whole life, they molded me whether it was in skiing, boarding, music or photography; they're my roots, my role models.

Did you study photography or are you simply a natural talent?

I studied. I went to a photo school in Victoria for a year. School was awesome, just expensive.

It appears as though you travel a lot for your shoots, where has your favorite place been so far and if you could move anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Yes, it's unreal. Favorite place I travelled to shoot snow sports would probably be Argentina. I spent 80 days there one summer working with SASS, a ski and snowboard camp and living with the coaches. They have great snow and terrain with a more 'laid back' vibe. Most of the trips I shoot are a week or two, so you don't really get to soak in the culture but in 80 days I really got to experience Argentinean living.

As for living, I think its Whistler, at least for now.

When did photography really begin for you and how long has it been your profession?

I've been shooting for fun for almost 10 years now and it has been my only job for 3 years.

My favorite work of yours is your sports photography; it is truly out of this world! Is shooting
snowboarders and skateboarders your favorite subject matter or do you prefer other genres like

weddings, portraits and fashion?

I like shooting snowboarding and skiing because it allows me to be in the middle of nowhere, yet feel so at home. All the elements make it a real challenge, which is exciting and always new. People that aren't out there doing it have no idea what kind of work can go into a shoot. So, when you get a banger shot, something you’re really proud of, the harder you had to work to get it, the more rewarding it is. That feeling, that effort, makes it all worth the while.

I like shooting portraits and lifestyle too, it's just different. Anything you can make fun and put your real heart into is fun for me.

I would suspect that you’re using digital cameras, have you always used digital and what camera do you use now?

No I started with film before digital SLR cameras were all the rage; they weren’t very good back then. Now I’m on a digital camera 99% of the time. It's fast, efficient and what my clients want right now. Pairing a digital shot with a film shot makes for two different looks, in other words they don't go well together so it doesn't make sense for me to shoot with film much.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

Most memorable trip might be Alaska. I would go there anytime, that place is unreal.

If you could shoot anything in the world with another photographer, what would you shoot, with who and why?

Wow, anything? I guess I'd probably take the opportunity to shoot with David Lachapelle, because his work is so new and conceptual. I feel like I'd learn the most from that right now.

I know that you are an avid snowboarder and skateboarder, so when you are on location for a shoot, specifically for snowboarding, skateboarding skiing etc. do you feel like you get in on the action and ride along with your clients or do you try not to get involved?

It depends on the day/client. I try to snowboard everyday I'm shooting. I'm mostly out on a snowmobile these days so I clock mad hours on those things which is pretty fun once you get the hang of it, but photos come first. Other times I'll be on a "shoot" where your riding time is greater than your shooting Last year I went to Baldface with DVS Snow Team Riders (Mikey LeBlanc and Marc Frank Montoya) it was a shop giveaway contest and we shared the cat with the public. Because there were paying clients in the cat we couldn't hold up the crew by stopping to shoot for more than a minute every run, so I rode with my camera in my jacket, and snapped a couple quick ones every run. It's hard to get good shoots like that, but that's how it is sometimes and I can't argue with that.

How did you get your first photo in a magazine, which magazine was it and what did you do to celebrate that occasion?

It was a contest photo of Jeff Pepperdine in SBC Snowboard Canada. The photo credit went to Geoff Andruik, so I was pretty disappointed. My next best published shot was the cover of Snowboarder in 2007, which happened to be their 25th Anniversary Issue, so they hosted a party in commemoration of this success. Everyone else was celebrating the Abdominal Snowjam and Mag party, but I was celebrating for my first US published photo and cover.

What is the most rewarding part of your career and why?

The people I've meet and places I've been because life is lonely by yourself and there is so much world to experience.

For more work from Ashley check out http://www.ashleybarker.com/

Inspirations!

2011-07-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

Well let’s just say it’s been way too long since my last post. So much has happened from jobs to things at home…as many of you are aware in a few short months George and I will be welcoming a new addition to the family; our little boy!

Needless to say we are totally thrilled and can’t wait to meet this little guy who kicks me all night, made me sick for 12 weeks, helped me gain several kilos and makes my heart flutter every time I think of him! As naïve parents to be, we have been checking out children’s stores on a regular basis and have become experts on cribs, strollers, car seats and more. It is incredibly overwhelming for new parents but a ton of fun no less! I suspect one of the greatest activities is planning the nursery from décor to must have essentials there is a ton of ideas and great DIY inspirations out there. Here are some of our favorite ideas that I have found online…Love the Safari theme!

Comments Welcome

5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Britni Weston

2011-04-30T23:08:00.000-07:00

Britni Weston-Marketing Manager, Holt Renfrew

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

I love that everyday is different from the last and even though I apply the same process to many parts of my job, the outcome is always different depending on the brand, product and customer. I love the brands I work with and it's exciting and rewarding to turn a simple idea into something spectacular. Something I loathe is that it never seems to end!! The fashion industry is fast paced, always changing and operates 7 days a week so it's difficult to find downtime and separate work from the rest of my life.

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

I'd describe my personal style as modern classic. I've often felt that I'm living in the wrong era and get my inspiration from style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jackie-O. I love anything that is feminine, sophisticated, timeless and iconic - Chanel, Prada, Oscar de la Renta and always amongst my favourites! My wardrobe staples are dresses, coats and blazers, wedges or riding boots (depending on the season), and oversized sunglasses and handbags. I love shopping and finding that "perfect item", but I try to invest in timeless classics rather than trends or this season's must-haves. And as anyone at Holt can attest - I'm a sucker for anything with a puff sleeve and a bow!!

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

My job occupies most of life from Mon-Fri so weekends are filled with friends, family and "me" time. I enjoy time spent with friends, watching movies, shopping, Sunday family dinners and I think a big glass of red wine with my girlfriends is the perfect finish to the week! To relax I like painting, hot yoga, listening to music or just reading the Sunday paper with a great cup of coffee - and I'd never turn down a day at the spa!

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)?

My university guidance counselor told me to "pick something you love and find a way to get paid to do it". When asked this question, my passion for fashion and fascination with the luxury goods industry rose to the top of the list and I never looked back. I've been very fortunate during my career at Harrods, LVMH and Holt Renfrew to work on some incredible events/projects and meet some truly amazing people. My passion for the industry continues to grow and today, I can truly say that I love what I do. There are so many designers, authors and mentors that have influenced my career but someone that stands out... (as cliche as it may be) is Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. Unfortunately, I'll never get a chance to meet her but I've always been fascinated by Coco's personal story, her rise to the top of the fashion industry and with that, her ability to single-handedly change the image and perception of fashion. Women across the globe owe her a lot for fusing strength, independence and style into what fashion is today.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

Always put yourself first and do what makes you happy. I think it's easy in business today to get caught up in what you "should" be doing, instead of what you "want" to do. Passion is something that can't be taught and when you truly love what you do, you'll always be more successful in the long run.

5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Julie Bedford

2011-04-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

Julie Bedford: Lawyer, Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

My favourite aspect of my work is probably the intellectual challenge… I have always been motivated to engage in difficult mental tasks by the promise of the end result of deeper understanding and knowledge. This is something I love and I’m happy to strive for… I like to know things, and even more so, I like to figure things out. As child, I did logic puzzles all the time, finding them more fun than drawing or colouring books (not to mention much easier for me to succeed at)

I feel the most satisfaction when I’m working in the field of Cleantech (an umbrella term that encompasses renewable energy and fuels as well as a variety of clean/green technologies)… When I do this work I feel that I’m helping improve upon the world, rather than maintain the status quo, and ultimately, I think this is of the utmost importance.

I also love the people I work with, which I think is important always, but especially important at a job that is often twice the time commitment of a regular 9-5…. which segues nicely into my answer to part two of this question… I don’t love the hours, and sometimes I just may loathe them… I find that when I’m really busy at work, the little bit of time I spend not at the office, I feel physically and mentally exhausted and can be pretty irritable with those that I’m closest to as a result.

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

First off, thanks for calling my sense of style “wonderful”… you’re too sweet ;)

I’m a bit of a chameleon and my taste changes constantly along with my environment. The fluidity of my style is easily evidenced when looking through old photos and seeing the entirely different looks I’ve embraced over the years, some of which are incredibly laughable. I was recently reminded of some of my earlier undergrad years, when my makeshift homemade outfits matched my three-foot long dreadlocked hair, and I would cut up, and attempt to refashion, random Value Village purchases, like pillowcases and tablecloths as clothing!! And I remember unpacking my suitcase, just a couple of years ago, the night I arrived home from a few month stay in East Africa, and, to my surprise, finding the African printed Moo Moos and tailored shirt and skirt outfits made much less sense to me in Calgary than they had only two short days earlier in Dar es Salaam…

These days, my style has certainly tamed. I take fashion cues from all around me, largely without my own recognition or knowledge. I note the clothing women are wearing in magazines (strangely perhaps, GQ is my fav), television and movies, and even walking through the +15’s in Calgary. Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, and Zooey Deschanel are the probably celebs that I model looks after the most.

Of course, my various lady friends’ impeccable senses of style influence me greatly, especially that of my sister, with whom I’m very close. Her and I live together and share most everything, which is a brilliant way to double one’s wardrobe.

I love accessories, necklaces especially. Lately, my favorite outfits are simple and flowing, with one stand out piece…. And when I dress myself, I often have in mind the idea of an antique broach… in hopes I end up resembling one in some way.

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

I exercise pretty regularly, switching it up among jogging, cycling, weights, yoga, and occasionally a game of squash with my boyfriend… I love being active outdoors, hiking especially, but admittedly, I don’t do much of this these days.

Socially, I have two favourite pastimes, dinner parties and dance parties. I live in a vegan household with my sister, her husband, and my 10-year-old nephew, and we love to entertain guests and feed people. If I weren’t a lawyer, I think my family and I would own and operate a delicious little vegan restaurant.

When I can steal away from work early on a Friday afternoon, I also try to volunteer at the Rescue and Sanctuary for Threatened Animals (R.A.S.T.A), spending a few hours outside, cleaning stalls, feeding and doing chores around this wonderful volunteer run farm. I also volunteer extensively with Fig Tree Foundation, which is an umbrella organization that services a number of international development agencies. I coordinate various initiatives for Fig Tree, within its mandate of fostering cooperation and collaboration between non-profits with a view to supporting sustainable development initiatives.

When I want to turn off my brain, I turn to Internet television and have a pretty serious love/hate relationship with America’s Next Top Model (as well as Canada’s, Britain’s, New Zealand’s, AND Australia’s… it’s a little embarrassing). I also love love love to watch nature shows, especially those narrated by David Attenborough.

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)?

I’m not 100% convinced that I chose to be a lawyer; rather, I feel that a series of significant coincidences, accidentally developed skills and the aforementioned strange affiliation for logic chose my career for me. Although, when I was a child, I was often told, whilst incessantly arguing some senseless point as though it mattered, that I should be a lawyer when I “grow up” as at least then I would be paid to be so argumentative.

I’m really struggling to decide on an answer for a person that I would love to meet one day, and at first, I was assuming that I’m allowed to choose someone from any time in history. This was overwhelming. I’ve decided to limit myself to currently living people to narrow the choices and help me decide. With this, I’m going to go with Christopher Hitchens and Malcolm Gladwell, likely because these are the two thinkers I’ve been the most impressed with recently. I’m in awe of both of these men and their ability to articulate ideas in both writing and speech. Reasoning their way through complexities and presenting them clearly, concisely, and convincingly. And literally, I think Malcolm Gladwell could make ANY topic fascinating. Any one.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

Cliché though it is, I think some of the best career advice I’ve ever received went something like this: Find what it is that you love to do then figure out how to get people to pay you to do that thing. I recognize both of these things can be pretty hard to do… but it’s certainly worth a shot. Life is so very short, and the more time we spend watching the clock, waiting for time to pass, wishing it would hurry by, the less we get of this gift we were given.

Finally, it’s important to me that at least some of the things I do are focused on making the world a better place… I consider this both a joy and a responsibility, having been born in arguably the best time and place in history. Our opportunities are endless, and with this comes a responsibility to do more than just soak in all the good around us… we need to be present and aware and devote some of our skills to giving back to our wonderful world.

5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Noor Mubarak Al-Sabah

2011-04-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

Noor Mubarak Al-Sabah: AlOthman Fashion Director

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

I absolutely love the fast pace and constant change and surprises that happen in fashion. Every few months there are new collections to view, new trends to work, and new designers to discover. It makes day to day work always interesting without being predictable.

I loathe the brash competition between clients over dresses. I’m sure it happens all over the world, but in Kuwait, it gets extremely competitive as to who wears which piece first, sometimes I just want to tell them- “Hey, its just a dress.”

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

My style is a true result of my mood and state of mind. When I am feeling sexy, I’ll wear a femme fatale silhouette, when I’m feeling troubled I’ll layer several pieces over each other to distract from my mind, and if I’m feeling playful I’ll be a little daring with my clothes and try something new.

Having said that, I still do have some style icons such as Anna Dello Russo, Bianca Jagger, and Sophia Loren.

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

I love to workout; it really relieves my stress. Trying anything from biking, running, kayaking, or boxing. I love being on the sea, on boats just cruising. But I will admit, nothing beats lazing with a fantastic film, sushi, and ice cream.

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)?

I always loved fashion, since I was a little girl I’ve been sketching gowns and shoes. I also grew up in a household with one very fashionable mother and four sisters, so it seemed somewhat inevitable. I never really thought I would find this position in Kuwait, but it turns out that there is so much potential here as it is yet an unsaturated market.

I would love to meet the late Isabella Blow as she was so essential with discovering talents such as Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy. She also seemed to have a dynamic personality with both glamour and terror that took over her fabulous hat wearing head that led her to suicide. When will there be a film about her?

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

I am blessed to be working in the industry that energizes and excites me, but still there are days when I feel overwhelmed. My best advice is to always remind yourself of your goals and dreams; this will keep you going on and on. Also, remember that you are your own best tool, so look fabulous, be driven, be courageous, and take risks. People will admire you for your accomplishments and you will take a lead among others.

5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Beth Abbott

2011-04-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Beth Abbott- Operating Room Registered Nurse

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

I absolutely love working in a profession where I truly feel that I help make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. People come into the operating room ‘broken’ and leave with a new hip, reconstructed breasts, or new hope with the removal of a potentially catastrophic tumour. Every day I am learning new things and taking part in state-of- the- art surgeries which have a profound impact on patient’s lives.

I loathe getting up every day at 5:30am! Also, I have to admit that as a nurse you get two 30minute breaks during a shift, and I am such a slow eater that I find it hard to ever have a proper meal!

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

Well... I do enjoy watching the red carpet at the Oscars, Grammies etc, and I am known to always have a good magazine (such as Vogue) on hand, but honestly I am very much inspired by everyday people in my life. I admire those that have their own style and embrace fashion risks. Gillian, my little sister is never afraid to try a new haircut and can look incredibly young and girly one day, but look like a sexy vixen the next. Another example is my friend Cheryl who often sports a bohemian style that I believe was highly influenced by her time in Israel. She is always comfortable in her own skin because she wears what she wants and wears it well- wink! She is not afraid of bright colors and vintage jewellery. My hope is that my style is just that... my own! Lately I have been embracing the laid back casual look that I fell for while travelling in Australia- hence the long hippy hair that I have at the moment!

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

I enjoy working out at the Glencoe Club, but these days I mostly love doing yoga with good friends. There is something about practicing next to the people you love. I am also always down for a coffee date with friends or a good movie. Lately, I have been thinking of new hobbies such as an acting course etc that I can take on as an extra dimension in my life (but I will have to keep you posted on that one). And finally, I would have to say that I love shopping- but really what girl doesn’t?!

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)?

I chose to be a nurse because I love science, especially the human sciences, and I have always had a desire to help others and give back. I ended up in the operating room specifically because of my passion for anatomy and physiology as well as the appeal of a team environment in the OR (surgeons, anaesthesiologists, RT’s, and nurses). Within nursing there are many options to work part time/casual which is a factor that I took into consideration as I hope to have a family in the future. Finally, I think it is exciting that I work in a profession that can be taken essentially anywhere in the world. I am happy in Calgary right now, however, it thrills me that I will never be “stuck” here and I have many options.

Honestly I do not really have a specific role model in my field; however I enjoy meeting new people and learning new operating techniques.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

My dad, who has had a very successful career and is someone I look up to and respect, he always told my sisters and I “it does not matter what you choose to do with your lives, if you like it, you will be successful.” He has never pushed us to follow in his footsteps and has accepted us regardless of our somewhat “offbeat” ideas and potential career choices. My advice would be just that... if you are happy and you like what you do, you will find success. If not, it is never too late to take a different path and as hard as it may seem do not be afraid to take that risk. I cannot say that I will be an operating room nurse for the rest of my life, or and RN for that matter, but for now I am fulfilled and I can only wish the same for you!

Love you all, have a fabulous weekend and I cant wait to feature you lovely's on the marriedtogeorge.blog soon!

5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions... Ashley Feader

2011-04-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Ashley Feader: Account Manager, Small Commercial, Jones Brown Inc. Insurance Brokerage

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

I really like “owning” my own book of business and being able to decide the strategic direction of my work. I enjoy helping clients find solutions that help them run their businesses. Most small business owners are uneducated when it comes to insurance, so it is my job to help them understand a very important part of business planning. I really enjoy my team here at Jones Brown as well – great people help a great deal!

Some of the things that I could do without in my position are clients with unrealistic expectations (impossible to avoid in any industry though), spending my work day at a computer all day long, the limited creativity in the role, and the fact that the product I sell is something that everyone needs but no one wants to pay for!

The work-life balance is great in this industry and allows parents to see their kids, take them to soccer, and be home for dinner. The compensation is decent and there is tremendous opportunity to advance if you are dedicated. Insurance is definitely not a dream job for most people, but it definitely has some perks.

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from and who inspires you?

I change my mind on this daily. I appreciate so many different style orientations that I have always found it hard to stick to one (or to pick the one that is the best for me). I love understated elegance, hidden sex appeal, smart dressing, and well-made clothes. I don’t like things that necessarily appeal to the masses all the time. I admire Gwyneth Paltrow for her elegance and simplicity, Ralph Lauren’s sense of luxury (his clothes always tell a story of who the woman is, where she is from, and his clothes are WEARABLE), Elle Macpherson’s never-ending youthful style and free spirit (who WOULDN’T want to look like that at 50?), Theory’s ability to provide variation in its “uniform” of a good suit and good basics, Lanvin, Chloe….I could go on and on, but when I think of who inspires me fashion-wise, it always comes down to the personality of the woman wearing the clothes – I love Parisian women, New Yorkers, the developing style in Hong Kong and China, the Sartorialist, and Stockholm Street Style – real woman are the real inspirations!

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

I’m a home-body. Period. I love coming home to a good glass of wine and a good meal with my hubby during the week – nothing beats that. Weekends are spent transforming our home, dreaming about vacations and travel plans, playing with our puppy, having dinner or coffee with friends, and sleeping in. Some think it’s boring, but this is my idea of heaven.

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)?

Like most people in insurance, I fell into my career. I was looking for a job in the middle of the recession in 2008 and I was hired in the industry. The rest is history. I would absolutely love to meet Nancy Meyers (film director – Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated, Father of the Bride, etc.). The film industry has always interested me, and Nancy has found a way to combine her love of interior design with filmmaking. That combination just may be my dream job!

I can’t say that anything or anyone influenced my career choice other than the need to get a job and make money after school. Sigh….

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

Make sure you really know who you are and what you want before you switch careers. I would absolutely love to be an interior designer, filmmaker, writer, etc., but I know that I value my stability, my income, and my free time too much at this point. Maybe one day I’ll have the opportunity to pursue something else without having to sacrifice my life, but I am not there yet. It isn’t sexy or exciting, but you really need to look at your career on paper. Your dream job may fulfill you professionally, but what will it do to your livelihood and your relationships? Most of us can’t have it all, and it’s about deciding what is most important to you.

At Last...

2011-03-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have ever felt your just not in the right career, I can totally relate. For the longest time I went from job to job in fact to family, friends and acquaintances it was getting to be rather comical. Every time I ran in to an old friend I was working somewhere new; here, there or on my way to something else. I couldn’t fathom sitting in a desk or environment that was boring, not rewarding and just not me. In November I quit my job yet again and decided to take some time off on the career front. I ended up volunteering, excelling in something I am super passionate about and landed a career that is totally me and great fun!

At last I am in an Art Gallery setting, sharing my passion, background and love for art, culture and education in a contemporary surrounding. The Art Gallery of Calgary is full of laughter, eccentric behaviour and great conversations. I finally have confidence in what I am doing and I find it easy to talk to supporters, guests and colleagues in my new role. I think for those of you who have been struggling in various positions because it’s just not you its time to empower yourself to make a change for the better. Sure, the solution shouldn’t be quitting after reading this article but I think steps in the right direction will help balance your life. Maybe it just means volunteering, joining an exercise class or making time for yourself and those you love. I have had many conversations with friends who hate their jobs and we always circle back to the same conclusion, you can’t have it all! Can you? When I was in one bad job after another I envied everyone who wasn’t miserable going to work everyday and I decided that it must be true, we can’t have it all…

I think the secret to finding your dream job is to really understand the qualities that people love in you. My husband always told me that when I spoke about Art my eyes lit up and people listened to what I had to say. For years I couldn’t get hired anywhere in the arts and it wasn’t until I began interning at an Art Gallery that I finally became a staff member. Now, my eyes are lighting up daily and people around me are finally listening to me in a professional environment. Listen to your inner passion and go after what you’re truly passionate about, don’t hold yourself back by saying we can’t have it all. I think its switching our perspective and trying to make this life the best it can be. Stay positive, consistently challenge your own outlook; want, hope, imagine and dream.

I think we can have it all!

An American Quilt

2011-03-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

I recently watched one of my favourite movies “How to Make an American Quilt”. It stars Winona Ryder and came out in 1995. The first time I saw this movie I was just shy of 11 years old. I remember then how beautiful the message was, I didn’t quite get exactly what it meant but seeing it again 15 years later was incredibly enlightening. It’s a movie that has become a sort of classic amongst my rolodex of movies. This movie resurfaces here and there and will continue to in the future. I have a feeling each time I see it, it will become more and more apparent what the message is.

For those who haven’t seen it and for those who have, here goes my explanation as to why it’s such a great film. The concept of a quilting bee seems ancient and yet the first time I watched this movie my own grandmother quilted on a regular basis in fact she would host similar bees in her basement. Women would come over, quilt, tell stories and I would listen. I guess the special thing about this type of group is the finished product had a piece of all your closest friends and could be given to a daughter, family member or friend in the community. Every stitch told a story, every knotted thread unravelled an entire lifetime of love, loss, hurt, laughter, dreams and happiness. Watching this movie just the other day allowed me to reminisce about an old past time that to my knowledge rarely exists now; my daughter will more than likely not inherit a quilt that I make with a group of my closest friends. Stories will still be told but not in the same creative manner…

The movie really showcases typical friendships, real life and the challenges that we or our friends may face one day. It highlights generational gaps and yet bridges them. For many women movies like this can act as guidance and wisdom to learn from mistakes of our older generation. The stories of love are simply ordinary and yet they are told with extraordinary detail, they are full of passion, emotion and things we can all relate to. If you have been in love or hope to fall in love your story from start to finish deserves to be told. Listen to your grandmother, your mother, and their friends tell your daughters and friends the stories they have told you. The wisdom and guidance we can find in one another’s tales unite us in more ways than we know.

I think the quilting bee still exists, its just we rarely give quilts anymore!

Turner Prize '95

2011-02-25T17:59:00.000-08:00

Conceptual art has taken a lot of negative critique over the years with comments like anyone could do it, there is no real artistic skill and turning a urinal upside down shouldn’t make you an artist.

Marcel Duchamp- Fountain 1917

A couple days ago a colleague and I were talking about Damien Hirst and other Turner Prize winners. The Turner Prize is a prestigious British title that has been awarded yearly for the past 20 years to an artist who has made waves with their Avant Garde conceptual art. The award has been named in honor of J.M.W Turner the exquisite 18^th-19^th century British painter. The nominated Turner Prize artists are exhibited yearly at the Tate Britain with hype felt from art enthusiasts all over the world.

Venice Canal JMW Turner 1835

In 1995 Damien Hirst was the Turner Prize recipient for Mother and Child. I had the great pleasure of seeing this work at the Turner Prize retrospective which was held in 2007 in London, this exhibition showcased prize winners from the past 20 years. Mother and child was one of the most fascinating works I had seen and before you make judgement about this type of conceptual work please read my experience.

What makes suspending a cow and her calf in formaldehyde so special? I would agree the thought of this chemistry like experiment doesn’t exactly conjure up thoughts of artistic fanfare and yet its one of the most poetic and powerful pieces I have yet to experience. There stood a cow and her calf gently cut in half in the Tate Britain, presented in 4 separate containers strategically positioned a few feet apart. I was able to walk on every side of the two animals; incredibly eerie.

There I pondered a young artist, studying a Turner Prize recipient with tourists from all over the world walking nonchalantly beside a severed cow and calf. My initial reaction was a feeling of anxiety as I saw the mother cow; she was statuesque, poised and confident. The preservation of both the animals was grotesque yet delicate. Walking along side the containers gave me the ability to see every interior detail which left the cow exposed, vulnerable and defenceless. Near her was the calf who appeared unsure and youthful. I felt quite nauseous as I cautiously examined the calf, it seemed exploited, it was unusual and uncomfortable. Just as I started to think this was the most horrifying artwork I had seen, a miraculous emotion fell upon me.

There was a moment in this piece while walking in between the mother and child where I finally understood what was going on. There I was; breathing, alive, calm and warm as if to be the connection and life that had been taken from the two animals. The viewer became the missing link in this circuit which appeared to be broken. We the viewers were the connection that so easily gave life back to the animals. The mere acknowledgement of their misfortune and being alive in their presence was what made the work so evocative. Hirst is by no means one of my favorite artists and yet this piece allowed me to really understand conceptual art and respect the processes involved in creating works like Mother and Child. Until you have actually experienced conceptual art you cannot make a sound judgement on its artistic air, you need to be placed in front of it and then decide.

“I don’t wear watches so I can work outside of time” Gregory Colbert

2011-02-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

Gregory Colbert, the Canadian artist who prefers to be called a story teller rather an artist has created one of the most beautiful art exhibitions in history. His work caught the attention of millions after first exhibiting in Venice in 2005. Colbert is very special to me, his perception and aptitude for capturing life beyond humans is nothing less than spectacular. Colbert succeeds in his artistic advocacy for animals and tells their story better than any other documentary, film or movie. Colbert left on a cinematic journey years ago where he literally moved in with the animal kingdom. His nomadic exhibition entitled Ashes and Snow documents his relationship with the world around us. His work has been made in to films and photographic monuments depicting the raw beauty, spiritual connection and purest story of man and nature. I think in this time where so much of nature is being destroyed and ruined Colbert’s perspective is crucial. Many critics have said that this work is staged and contrived. Colbert claims that he became attached to his subjects, waited years to be accepted by the animal kingdom and this is what was produced. In an interview he says “Celebrity is a mask that eats your face”, he has no ulterior motives and his humility is admirable.

There are many videos and photographs that fell out of this exhibition but here are some of my favorites:

Wish I may, Wish I might…

2011-02-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

Today I was being bombarded with stories from friends who are currently in transition periods in their lives. New jobs, new relationships-no relationships, vacations on the horizon and internal conflicts you wish would just go away!

My mother once reminded me that the most tragic thought we can have as women is wishing away our days. While reminiscing, she told me that you reach a point in your life where you start wishing you had more days; you wish you could go back to certain points in your life and savour them all over again. My mother is youthful, patient, content and happy but more than anything I recognize how truly wise she is. Recently, I have been thinking about what our older generations have to say and this is something I want to share with all of you. There is so much wisdom in having patience; it’s no surprise that we hear about it all the time as being a virtue. We are all guilty of being in a vicious cycle of wishing for something else when we already have so much. Let’s stop this pattern and start encouraging one another to be ok with right now.

I know we have all had awful days where we wish the day would just end. We wish away weeks, months, even years anticipating what will come next. We find ourselves saying, I wish I would meet a guy, I wish I had a better job, I wish he would propose, I wish I could get pregnant, I wish we had that house! These feelings and questions circulate in our minds way too often. Sometimes our thoughts get away with what’s to come and sadly we end up forgetting how fortunate we are today. I wanted to post this little reminder on my blog for all of us who have been wishing away our days lately.

Be thankful for today, be hopeful for tomorrow and let’s wish only to enjoy right now!

Et puis il y a eu Chanel...

2011-02-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

and then there was...Chanel

Well ladies, if you haven’t already made the effort to seek out the spring/summer 2011 runway show for Chanel then you’re truly missing out!

This just takes runway style and design to a whole new level of fashion extravagance. From catwalk models to live orchestra stage left this dramatic show is a must see.

Unfortunately, I have to say the shoes were more than disappointing but with the architecture and theatrical presence of this show it’s hard not to fall mad in love all over again for Chanel...

Wynken, Blynken and Mod!

2011-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Wynken, Blynken, and Mod one night
Sailed off in a pink Chanel shoe

Sailed on a river of Swarovski crystal,
   Into a sea of blue.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?"
   The Dior clerk asked the Three.
"We have come to search for the couture we wish
   That live in this beautiful store;
   Nets of Visa and Amex have we!"
   Said Wynken, Blynken And Mod

The cheeky clerk laughed and worked those red heels,
   As the girls rocked out in their new frocks,
And the Visa that sped them all night long
   Ruffled their lacy locks.
The little threads that made that dress
   That lived in that beautiful store
"Now cast your Birkin wherever you wish
   Never afeard are we";
   So cried the men of the best dressed three:
   Wynken, Blynken and Mod…

Re-created by: Talia Antonopoulos

As many of you know I adore online shopping!

Below are some of my favourite looks from http://www.modcloth.com/ which is one of my favourite online shops.

Please check them out and take a look at this super cute and girly store. It was created by highschool sweethearts Eric Koger and Susan Gregg Koger. All the items are cleverly named taking this online shopping experience to a whole new level of fun and entertainment. They also have a feature on their blog where you can choose the inventory and be the buyer for future merchandise.

From top to bottom: The Eliza, Extra Flare , Frill of the Chase and Whipped butter

Private Collection

2011-01-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

When George and I moved in to our first home we had a painting commissioned by a friend of mine who studied at the same school as I did in London- brilliant artist he is! It's about 2 meters long by 1 meter tall with a plethora of colors, arrows, patterns, directional strokes, abstracting the London under ground. To me it is absolutely gorgeous, however when George saw it the first time he thought as complex as it was it was lacking a story. I mean anyone could have painted it, George seemed somewhat let down. I was quite upset with him that he couldn’t seem to see the same extraordinary piece of art work that I was. He asked me to tell him what I saw …

This painting was made for us, the artist chose every color, every stroke and pattern. Strategically he thought through each and every color that hangs on our wall, it is perfectly his, his thoughts, his aptitude, his brilliance and emotions. Each night while working did he hum a tune, drink a glass of wine, cry, laugh or anxiously await tomorrow’s exam? What was his reasoning, what story does it depict?

We could easily have this painting re-done however it would lack a certain brilliance, lustre and aura.This piece tells my story while travelling and studying in London and Europe; my memories both fond and frustrating. This work by Aaron is incredibly special, it is the first piece of artwork George and I purchased for our first home together in 2008. Just as we chose our sofa, lamp and rug, it’s the artist’s perception that makes an artwork so special. Whether art is created by Michelangelo, Donatello, your father or 3 yr old nephew; it deserves respect, deserves to be admired, studied and attempted to be understood. Even if your interpretation is incorrect the fact that you attempted to understand makes art worthwhile. With that being said I wish to show you our private art collection. Each piece chosen for no reason other than it makes sense; we love these pieces and want them to go through life with us; grow old with us. They have become apart of our home, will be part of our children’s home; each piece has a story and is now part of our story. Everyone should have their own private collection; purchase works that speak to you. Art shouldn’t be acquired solely for the purpose of investment, if you love it and enjoy looking at it every day then I suppose it was the best investment you ever made. These are a few items from our collection...x0

London Under Ground- A. Norton (London)

Boats in a Harbor - (Japan)

Aphroditi and Eros - Carrie Allen (Canada)

Coin Relief - Carrie Allen (Canada)

Oil on Canvas - (Europe)

Oil on Board - John Dickerson (London)

Mixed Media - Noor Al Sabah (Kuwait)

Portrait of a Lady - Oil on Canvas (Japan)

Understanding Art?

2011-01-30T16:12:00.000-08:00

People always ask why I love art so much…why did you move across the world to study it. Why are you so moved by it? Answering this question is rather difficult but I will try my best.

Art for me is priceless. Art makes me feel full, alive, sad, helps me better understand the human condition but most of all encourages me to feel. That may sound completely outrageous and somewhat over exaggerated. The truth is, Art should and can be that experiential for everyone, it should make you feel, make you want and help you gain perspective. Art speaks many languages, it welcomes interpretation and best of all has no distinct definition.

Take a moment and look around your home, each and everything you have chosen to decorate your personal space has been created by an artist. Someone in this world designed that stool, that pencil, that toothbrush, that sculpture, that painting and so on. You have in your home a piece of intelligence that isn’t yours, it’s someone else’s creation that you received as a gift, inherited from a family member or purchased. We are all artists of our own lives; we design, create and surround ourselves with things which help to put our thoughts and personalities in to 3 dimensional objects.

Art is priceless because it is the purest form of creation, like literature it tells a story that is uninterrupted and ever changing. If art is priceless how can it be sold worldwide for millions of dollars a year? How can a self portrait of Andy Warhol sell at Sotheby’s for $20 million USD? I suppose it’s the story behind the work, the history, the evolution of the artist and their struggle to be heard. Maybe it has to do with the fact they were working on pieces which were inspired by a different time. An artist’s instinctual spirit to create and ability to be heard brings the viewing audience back to their roots; it’s humbling. Art is an avenue for discussion, conflict and can even silence the loudest viewer. I think the artists works that sell for millions of dollars all have one thing in common; they created something worth having, displaying and studying; they will continue to tell a story far longer than we are here. Below are some of the most expensive artworks ever sold and then there are the artworks that remain priceless. Ask yourself which artist is more desirable and could you put a price on your favourite painting?

Jackson Pollock No. 5- Sold 2006 $140 million

Andy Warhol 8 Elvises - Sold 2008 $ 100 million

Titian Diana and Actaeon - Sold 2009 $91 million

Mona Lisa 1503-1507 Leonardo Da Vinci (Priceless)

Creation of Adam 1510- Michelangelo Sistine Chapel (Priceless)

Pieta Michelangelo 1498-1499 San Pietro Vatican (Priceless)

Pieta Florence The Deposition Michelangelo 1547-1533 (Priceless)

Friends from afar

2011-01-27T22:22:00.000-08:00

This blog has really made me realize just how many friends I have all over the world. At times the world can feel like such a huge place. It can be overwhelming, isolating and frightening. Yet recently I feel like the world isn’t so large after all.
Tonight I spoke to friends in Amman, Paris, Beirut, Texas, Edmonton and of course Calgary. I think when we are feeling homesick, alone or miss friends and family we should stop to think just how connected each of us is. We are fortunate enough to live in a generation which is very advanced, enabling us to communicate with one another literally 24 hours a day. Between facebook, twitter, Black berry messenger and so on... we can keep in touch with people no matter where they are.
I do miss the days of receiving letters though; it was so exciting to receive a letter from a friend, pen pal or Birthday card from Grandma. Now, email and social networking sites have taken over the joy of opening a handwritten letter. A few months ago I came across paperless post. It’s an e card company with a little more personal touch! You can truly personalize your card or invitation with beautiful envelopes, fonts, messages and even add stamps. This way when the recipient opens your card it's personalized, interactive and super cute. Please check out their site www.paperlesspost.com or better yet find some delicious stationary and write a friend or loved one. The following are some of my favorite stationary collections, thoughts ladies...

Kate Spade - katespade.com

Christian Lacroix - Chapters, Indigo, selfridges, specialty stationary stores

Vera Wang - williamarthur.com

With that my lovely friends sleep well! x0x0