Have & Hold Design

Happy Listening: By Your Side

Sam — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:00:09 +0000

This Happy Listening is inspired by a little film I went to see recently called… SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD!!! (Sorry… was that too loud for you?) Well, with a tagline like: “An epic of epic epicness”, I just couldn’t help myself. It’s an action/comedy directed by Edgar Wright based on the comic book series Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O’Malley. It just happens to take place in little area known as Toronto, Ontario – a place I like to call ‘home’. Michael Cera (who happens to play the lead character Scott) calls it home too. Well,… he probably has multiple homes now across North American, but hey – he seems to respect his roots, especially with his role in this film. To sum up the plot for you (in case you have no idea what I’m talking about): Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Boy must defeat girl’s seven evil exes in order to win girl. Simple, right? Happens all the time…

And now, a little cover number from the soundtrack. Enjoy!

Beachwood Sparks - By Your Side

Happy Listening: First Day of My Life

Sam — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:00:56 +0000

In celebration of life in my new apartment (because it seriously has me giddy still, even after 2 weeks), I give you 3 (yes, 3!) versions of the song First Day of My Life. The original I intended to post is by Bright Eyes, but I happily stumbled upon the other 2 versions and wanted to share them all. Choose your favourite!

Bright Eyes - First Day of My Life

The Sarcastic Dharma Society - First Day of My Life

The Impaled Peach - First Day of My Life

{image from Megan Robinson (megatronison) on Flickr}

Real Event: Victoria’s Baby Shower

Sam — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:05:56 +0000

This weekend was all about spoiling little Charlie, Victoria’s “little chick” as she calls him, who is going to hatch in just a few short weeks. The shower was a huge hit, with delicious food and treats that would have made anyone feel pregnant afterward. I couldn’t stop myself… especially with those darn gourmet jellybeans that were bought. They are my weakness!

The ladies who hosted did a terrific job, I had to post to show off their amazing work. Everything from the cupcakes, iced shortbread cookies and the beautiful decor, everything thing was decked out in matching hues of yellow, green, and blue. So fun and fresh! Even the house dog, Blue (yes that’s her name), dressed up in a blue bow for the occasion.

Oh, and as for my gift, I found this adorable (and very appropriate) organic hooded chick towel by 3 Sprouts at Pistachio. It was too perfect to pass up. I paired it with a bamboo brush from the Body Shop too, so she can give Charlie a stylish mohawk – haha, so she says. We’ll see how much hair she has to work with.

A big thanks to Jodie, Stephanie, and Rachel for the wonderful time! I think mom-to-be was very pleased. ;)

{images taken by moi}

…who you really are

Sam — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:16:31 +0000

{note from Mariya Miteva (Ornamelle) on Flickr}

Happy Listening: Never Tear Us Apart

Sam — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:41:04 +0000

This Happy Listening is inspired by my current television obsession: So You Think You Can Dance. A few episodes back, I was blown away by a performance by José (who is an untrained breaker) and all-star partner Lauren to INXS’ Never Tear Us Apart. It was magic!

And in true H&H fashion, I bring you a cover version of that classic rock ballad by a new formation known as Record Club, featuring the likes of Beck and Annie Clark from St. Vincent (just to name a few). A description and tracklist of the band can be found on Beck’s official site.

It proves that true talented musicians can turn improv into pure gold.

Record Club - Never Tear Us Apart

{image from Laura Gommans on Flickr; for more photos from Laura, follow her blog: the world looks red}

Moving, Babies, and more!

Sam — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:40:07 +0000

Finally this is happening: we’re moving in together! Mike and I are both really excited and it’s only a week away. I suppose we could be further along with the packing, but there is still plenty of time, so I’m not too worried. A pile of boxes are already sealed and labeled, and it feels great.

But the news doesn’t stop there…

The following photo was taken a while ago (at 21 weeks), so just imagine where my friend Victoria is at now at 34 weeks. 6 more to go! Isn’t she a beautiful?

So it’s about that time… shower time! I already have the gift for little Charlie purchased and wrapped up. I hope he likes it, and mommy Victoria too of course. Shower details and pics to come in around 2 weeks. I can’t wait for the celebration! I’m bringing lots of delicious teas to serve the lovely ladies who are attending.

What else? Oh yes… I have officially stepped down from my full-time position as a manager, and am now working full-time on H&H! :D I couldn’t be happier. It was the right choice and the right time. But still, bound to be an adventure. So stay tuned for all the exciting details.

Happy Listening: I Me You I’m Yours

Sam — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:28:44 +0000

This sunshine pop ballad by Jim Noir is a track I first heard on television in a salad dressing commercial. Basically to sum it up for you, (since it’s practically impossible to find record of past Canadian commercials online, even on Wikipedia), a guy proposes to his girlfriend by putting the ring in her salad (or something like that). Trust me, it was cute! And the song was too. So I searched for it. And here it is for your listening. Enjoy!

Jim Noir - I Me You I'm Your

(…just wish I could find that commercial somewhere.)

{image from [Jillian] has heart on Flickr}

Glow Snow Cones

Sam — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:29:47 +0000

Amberlee of Giver’s Log posted a really cool and tasty idea for a nighttime picnic or party that was recently featured on Craftzine: glowing snow cones. Normally I wouldn’t want to drink something that turned such intense neon hues, but for this method, I’m game! It’s safe and simple. Serve me up please!

{images from Giver’s Log}

Eat Cake, Be Merry

Sam — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:00:22 +0000

Liz Shim, owner and head designer of Eat Cake, Be Merry in New York, couldn’t have chose a better name for her custom bake shop. Spotted on Something Old, Something New, these detailed edible works of art immediately caught my attention. Everything from colour, pattern, and texture is fabulous! ……fabulously delicious too, I’m sure.

{images from Eat Cake, Be Merry}

Bridal by Maria Lucia Hohan

Sam — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:33:34 +0000

More gorgeous dresses! It’s dresses like these that make me feel like if I weren’t doing graphic design, I would have to be dedicating myself to fashion. I’m not kidding you, these beauties actually tug on my heart strings a little bit. Swan Lake anyone?

Check out the MLH online shop for party dresses, accessories and more stunning looks. I just wish I had an event to go to for all of them. Thanks to this Creature Comforts post for introducing me to such a lovely collection!

{images from the Maria Lucia Hohan online luxury shop}