by Annie | Jul 1, 2010 | Other
In honor (or, as Canadians would write, honour) of Canada Day, Joe and I headed out to Granville Island, a community filled with markets, theaters, galleries, unique shops, and restaurants, to partake in the festivities. Perhaps it was the lack of sunshine, or the critical mass of people, or the sheer Canadian spirit, but countless pedestrians and bikers on the path to Granville Island seemed to have lost their wits. One biker, while enthusiastically waving a miniature paper flag and staring at a nearby sculpture, headed straight for us, veering out of the way mere feet before an imminent head-on collision. Among other potential crashes, some close calls were caused by the following: – a kid who suddenly ran across the bike path without warning – a group of people who had stopped in the middle of the path to admire and photograph weeds – a girl who had wiped out when trying to make a sharp turn on gravel. I would take speeding cars over oblivious pedestrians any day. Of course, the Granville Island festivities made the frustrating ride worthwhile. We enjoyed sizzling bratwursts while overlooking the water and downtown skyline, laughed and cheered for a charming street performer (pictures below) who juggled basketballs on an 8′ unicycle, and savored a homemade mint and dark chocolate ice cream delight from a local chocolate shop. After a delicious dinner made with fresh veggies from the market, we’re preparing to head down to the beach to enjoy the Canada Day fireworks after the 9:30pm sunset. O Canada! Happy 143rd...
by Annie | Feb 11, 2010 | Logoland
Ah, Valentines Day. According to the Greeting Card Association, over 1 billion valentine cards are sent each year. That makes Valentines Day second only to Christmas in terms of largest card-sending holidays. But hearts aren’t just for Valentines Day. Check out some logos that successfully incorporate hearty sentiments...
by Annie | Dec 31, 2009 | Other
The end of the year can be a hectic time, especially with family get-togethers, travel plans, and holiday gift bills. Thus, it’s easy to overlook New Year’s resolutions or to hastily make a tentative list in your head. Most people have a neverending list of things they’d like to change about themselves and their lives, so making a definitive list of resolutions can be daunting. However, I suggest that you make just one. One resolution that you’re resolved to achieve. If you make just one change in your life, it can have lasting ripples in other areas. Can’t think of any? Here are some ideas to get you started: 1. Start each day purposefully doing what’s most important to you. Perhaps you love to draw but never find the time. Make a commitment to wake up 20 minutes earlier and sketch something every day. 2. Work on something outside of your comfort zone. Take on a project you might normally pass up, or try a different style you don’t normally use. Test your limits. Surprise yourself. 3. Take one purposeful break per day. Schedule one short outing per day that gets you out of your work chair. Try a new coffee shop, sit outside and people-watch, or just walk around the block looking for things you hadn’t noticed before. 4. Clean. An organized workspace can save you tons of time and can be a source of inspiration. 5. Just do it. So many people wait for the ideal time to do or buy something, and often they wait too long. If you’ve been saving a bottle of wine, waiting...
by Annie | Dec 18, 2009 | Adchievements
The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the most heavily ad-littered times of the year. Between Black Friday and last-minute Christmas shopping, these few weeks often fill store fronts, circulars, and online banners with holiday ads as retailers hope for looser consumer wallets. Here are some ads that have taken a creative and fresh outlook on age-old holiday...
by Annie | Dec 16, 2009 | Other
Looking for a great gift but strapped for cash? Here’s a gift idea that’s easy, inexpensive, and useful! Step 1: Obtain a can. Larger ones are better. I saved the green bean cans I used for our Thanksgiving feast. Eat, give away, or save contents of the can. Clean out the can and make sure there are no sharp edges. Step 2: Cover with pretty papers. You can keep the label on the can so you’re gluing paper to paper rather than paper to metal. You can find fun papers in art and crafts stores, or you can design the papers yourself. Step 3: Fill with potting soil and small plant. Both soil and plants can be found in most home improvement stores or garden stores. You can also add a little whimsy by including a witty, personalized tag. Ta-da! Quick, easy, and gentle on the wallet. Lots of variations possible, so have...
