45 life lessons by Regina Brett, The Plain Dealer

Life is too short, treat yourself to ice cream whenever you want!

This is something we should all read at least once a week. My good friend Diana sent this to me today and I wanted to pass it along for everyone. 45 lessons that we need to stop, ponder, read and appreciate. I've been burned by too many people and I will take charge of my own happiness from now on but 1 thing I've never lost sight of: grateful for having Keira, Mr C and our wonderful friends in my life! Thank you Diana, for putting things in perspective for me.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...  

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.  

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.   

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret,you shouldn't be in it.  

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.   

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.  

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.  

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.  

33. Believe in miracles. 

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.   

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.  

37. Your children get only one childhood.  

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.  

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.  

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.  

42. The best is yet to come. 

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."   

sunday night with mario

 

Sometimes, it's just nice to get out on Sundays and let someone else do the cooking. Sundays at this pizza/pasta joint, kids eat for free and they get a free balloon to boot. Can't go wrong.

flat back dbl moose bento

No you're not seeing double! With 2 girls, everything's got to be the same..

Here is an example of what I call (really, made up words here) my flat-back bento. Honestly, it just means that I take 2 plates and use those instead of a bento box container to make these bento style lunches. Also, these aren't really bentos but bento-inspired. I just want the kids to have fun eating.

I stopped by my favourite local deli this weekend and picked up super fresh tomato/garlic pizza, some fresh pasta salads and italian parma ham and turkey sliced super thin. The sleepover day started early in the morning with Miss M leaving after lunch for her afternoon lessons and then coming back by supper time for the night. I used my Ikea cookie cutters for the pizza. Cut out trees out of marble cheddar and added slices of pears and grapes. Et voila! Fun and delicious!

laid back sleepover weekend

Hamming it up, Miss M and Keira

Fall fashions.. Jewel tones? Covered! Black and grey? Check!

With the coming of Fall, life has begun to become a blur again. School, work, friends.. all big forces of nature and I'm just (barely) trying to keep up.

Sleepover fun!

Miss M doing the hoola hoop while bouncing around! She's pretty darn good at it too.

Keira ended the week with a sleepover at her friend Miss M's house and this weekend, we hosted the sleepover at our house. I wanted to call Keira's bff Miss B too but she was sadly sick last week. Ah well, I guess it's good that they get to see other friends as well. Miss M is becoming a fixture around here and we love it! It's great to be able to find good friends that we can trust with our kids. On top of it all, Miss M is a great eater and influences Keira to eat more. Hooyeah! I'll give you an example: I bought an 8 pack of drinkable yogourt for the kids. By mid afternoon, it was all gone. This could be the reason why they're both the same age yet Miss M is a good 6 inches taller than Keira.

Exhibit A

London bridge is falling down...

Great day, great sleepover, a great meal by Mr C (roast beef and all the trimmings!) and a great night. Today? Today we're off to Keira's swimming lesson and then we get to hang with Miss B and her mom. Yay! 

I hope you all enjoyed a good week and an even better weekend! I hope to catch all your news via your blogs...

Me thinks another hair cut is due..

The lovely Miss M with her just-picked fresh veggies from our garden..

My first Q&A series, featuring the lovely Leah from The Way We Are!

Leah and her beautiful family.

One of the blogs I go to regularly for inspiration and happiness is The Way We Are blog by Leah. Leah posts about her life and family but also beautiful interiors. Bright, beautiful & colourful interiors. She is also a wonderful DIY'er and we're always waiting to see what new item she's found at bargain prices and turned into a stunning home piece. I've been fortunate to have had my bentos featured on her blog and the response to them have been overwhelmingly positive!

I've had the immense pleasure of corresponding with Leah the last few months and have found her to be open, warm, sincere, creative and just wonderful.

I've been wanting to start a Q&A series on this blog featuring mothers and how they balance work, style and home life since the beginning of summer. I'm happy to feature Leah of The Way We Are blog for this first Q&A!

All ready? Let's meet her!

Q: Leah, you have a beautiful home! What type of dwelling is it and do you think it fits your family's needs right now?
A: We Live in a single family home with three bedrooms. We hope to have many more children so we will eventually have to move or remodel but for now, it suits us perfectly.

Q: How would you describe yourself and your style?
A: I would consider myself a type A/free spirit! lol. I know that sounds crazy but I am a super goal-oriented person but at the same time, I like to march to the beat of my own drum.

Q: You have a small child. Most people with small children under 5 think that they can't have a stylish home without sacrificing safety and child proofing. How do you keep your home looking so beautiful yet safe and durable for your family?
A: That was a huge goal of mine to not have baby stuff take over our house and to not lose that sense of grown glamour that I love. We train Evelette not to touch certain things, especially dangerous things. People think that you just let children do whatever they want because they're kids. But they crave structure and need it to thrive and feel secure. To what's okay and what isn't. Not to say we don't baby proof anything. We have covers on our outlets and a screen for our fireplace. We just don't take it to the extreme.

The stylish and gorgeous little Evelette!

Q: You have such a gorgeous little girl, Evelette! Do you find that you decorate around her needs right now? And if so, do you decorate with the foresight that whatever design or furniture you incorporate will also work once she's older?
A: Oh most definitely we held that idea in our minds while decorating her room I wanted it to be welcoming and warm but not too "babyish". It will transfer perfectly to a little girls room. I don't like lots of extra stuff sitting around so I usually think before I buy something like, "will she use this when she's older too?"

Her fabulous find at Anthropologie!

Q: You are always showing us, your readers such eclectic and fabulous finds! Where's your 'go to' place for these things? Do you have a favourite online or physical store that you love to shop and get bargains?
A: The GW (Goodwill)! I also love the Salvation Army and any other thrift stores. I love finding kinda ugly stuff and transforming it into something that is one of a kind. Other great sources are Craigslist and Etsy.

A glammed-up dining room. Love the pop of red!

Q: You're also a very good DIY person. How do you find the time to do all these projects with a small child to care for? Do you think once your daughter is older, you'll be crafting and doing DIY projects together? 
A: I usually do them while she is sleeping. Either during her afternoon nap or after she goes to bed. It's kinda funny cause if someone saw me I am sure it would be comical because I am usually in a frenzy trying to whip them out! 


Q: Is there someone who inspires you on a daily basis? 
A: My Mom or my sister usually "kick my butt in gear" with or without realizing it. I see how much they accomplish and that encourages me to work harder.


Q: What is your 'must' or 'go to' site and magazines for inspiration? 

A: Well it used to be Domino! So sad they are gone. Now I would have to say Lonny, Elle Decor, and now Rue!

Q: How would you describe a perfect day with your family?

A: Just hanging out. I am a bit of a home body which is probably why I like to decorate it so much. We like to go for a little outing like lunch or shopping but then relax at home.

Q: Any new projects on the horizons that we'll be seeing soon on your blog? 

A: For the first time in a while I don't have a list of projects lined up which is bitter sweet. But honestly I don't think I will ever be "done" with my house. I think the next project will have to do with Evelette's bathroom!

Thank you so much Leah for your graciousness and for taking the time to be a part of my first series of Q&A's! 

Get to know Leah and her style over at The Way We Are blog here: http://vintageglamorous.blogspot.com/ and you can now follow and tweet with Leah on twitter! http://twitter.com/thewayweareblog

sunday night rock

It's the Sunday night crazies! Keira rocks on..

Oh yeah!

a first sleepover & news

Keira being amused by her Papa..

Waiting for her mac n cheese... yes, she has such a gourmet palate.

How do you end a week, let alone a day where you have to deal with office politics, stressful deadlines and  (for me at least) a window/soul less office? You come home after a long day only to have to start your next job, the 24/7 kind: being a parent.

I always take advantage of the time I have when I'm driving back home from work to hash out my frustrations. It can mean talking out loud and taking my frustrations out to no one in particular. I also sing along to whatever's playing on the radio albeit extremely out of tune and loudly. I've gotten some stares from other drivers but I really don't care. It's my time to get things off my shoulders before I end up at Keira's school parking lot and turn on being 'Mom'. I have to admit, picking her up and seeing her face light up then scream out loud, "Maman!!!!" really makes my day and melts my heart.

On their way to see a friend..

Last week was one of those weeks. The talking out loud, banging on driving wheel while driving home type of weeks. Coming home Friday evening, I wasn't expecting anything special. But as I checked our mailbox, there was the Cup-a-Cake from Shirley! Then we had a surprise visit and Keira was invited to a supper and sleepover at our neighbor's, who also happens to be her school chum. Not only did Keira have a great start to her weekend but so did we! It was also Keira's first ever sleepover. And she did great!

There is also something my husband and I are starting along with a third partner. We spent all afternoon yesterday putting in some finishing touches and hope to show you all our new business soon! It's slow going right now, trying to get all our i's dotted and t's crossed. We're excited and it will mean more work for all three of us. I've been burning the midnight oil a few nights a week already. Soon I hope to give you all a sneak peek!

In the meantime, it's been a wonderful weekend. Glorious sunshine weather, lots of friends over for the Keikster and just a general sense of happiness. All thanks to you all, my Keira and the hubs! And the wonderful weather..

cup-a-cake: a gift from Lovelylanvin!

cup-a-cake holder!

I am always surprised at the generosity and sweetness of others. I hope you don't think I go out and hope and ask for things because, really, I don't! I have been so lucky as to connect with wonderful people online having met them through this blog, through twitter or through their own blogs.

One such person who I love is Shirley from Lovelylanvin who's blog is LovelyLanvin: Simple & Delicious Recipes from a Fashion-Loving Home Cook. We met through twitter and I've never regretted connecting with her ever since. She is classy, stylish, funny and so incredibly supportive! She is also an amazing cook creating daily dishes that alternate between the simple and fresh to the classic and complicated. A bonus to all of us: She shares all of her recipes online through her blog and site! Most of the recipes are for japanese dishes but you can interpret the ingredients to suit your family's needs.

I get alot of my own meal inspirations from her daily tweets! Yes, can you imagine? She uploads photos of her meals and tadah! Inspiration for our meals at home. She is also generous in her time and will most certainly answer your questions through twitter about what or how she makes her meals.

She tweeted a few weeks back about this very cute cupcake holder. I commented on how cute it was and.. a Cup-a-Cake holder came in the mail on Friday! In pink no less. It really is so cute. And handy! You place a cupcake inside, where there are thin prongs on the inner walls. It holds the cupcake in place without crushing the delicate icing. Modern man's (and/or woman's) great invention!

Thank you Shirley. After a rough week, it was a bright spot beginning a wonderful weekend!

Do you love asian inspired food? Want to peruse wonderful recipes? Then head on over to the Lovelylanvin site at www.lovelylanvin.com. I also encourage you to follow Shirley over on twitter as her daily foodie and fashion photos will inspire you daily!

10 Rooms

The tween black bedroom. Love the black and lemon combination!

Have you seen or heard of 10Rooms.blogspot.com? I really don't know how I stumbled across this blog but this one post caught my eye. The title of the post read: Every Tweens Wish: A Black Bedroom. A black bedroom that wasn't goth, punk or even for a boy? Had to read it. And it was gorgeous! What also caught my eye were the wall stickers in the room. I had just catalogued the same wall stickers at my old job. They're called Digital by Nouvelles Images and I fell for them and I thought Anne-Marie of 10Rooms really showcased them to perfection in her daughter's room! I love the combination of classic and pop. Since then, I like to head on over there and read her posts as I love to see how she decorates her home. There are a lot of lush colours there.

Fast forward a couple of months and following Anne Marie's tweets on twitter, I never thought she'd have even seen or heard about this blog. But here we are featured on 10Rooms! Actually, the bentos I've made are featured there, Bento Box Fabulousness. Madness!

Thank you so much Anne Marie! I am humbled. Seriously. Really. Truly. I can also name about 5 other bento creators about 100x better at it than me. But thank you, thank you!

Head on over to 10Rooms.blogspot.com when you can and you can follow Anne-Marie on twitter here: http://twitter.com/10Rooms.

a mini road trip - surprise birthday party

Champagne? Mais oui!

The kids helped blow out the candles..

Well folks, after all my excitement of getting the perfect gift for my friend's surprise birthday party, guess what I forgot to pack in the car for our mini road trip out? Uh huh. The gift. I only realized this when we were already near our friend's home and too far out to turn back. All I can say is.. I cried for a good 15-30 minutes about my forgetfulness.

Making rice crispy treats this morning!

Alex & Keira, the new generation

Hey wait! I have the umbrella..

Is this not the cutest? They are so adorable together..

Apart from that really bad start, the weekend was such a success! I honestly thought my friend would have sussed out the surprise but she was completely clueless. My role in the surprise was to take my friend out shopping and keep her at the mall until all the guests had arrived at their home. My husband's role was to keep the kids at bay and occupied while my friend's husband rushed into action and setup the place & food.

Let me tell you, she looked completely bewildered when we got home and everyone yelled SURPRISE! What a great evening we had. The kids had an incredible day spending most of it in the neighbor's new trampoline (which we must get for next year!), and I got to meet some new friends. The food was amazing, the company was amazing and the day was gorgeous. The party lasted well into the night with another couple also sleeping over with us (different rooms people). It made for a very pleasant weekend! It was with regret we had to leave to get back home. Keira definitely did not want to go. She was so well taken care of by Alex. He is such a little gentleman. It was like déja vu watching Keira and Alex play together. Once upon a time, that was myself, my friend and our siblings at that age! Now, we're the parents. Strange. So thank you my friends for having us over. We can't wait to go back for another visit (which has already been set up). It sure made up for the week before.

The gifts.. recognize that agenda??

Btw: I did get her a gift card from Banana Republic and will send her the cushions by snail mail. Also, it was such a surprise that she got a gift from another friend that I recognized as the Birdie agenda design I did! Wow, I'm so happy someone other than myself bought that agenda. Woot woot!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!

pain de sucre & anita cushions from buk & nola : a gift for a friend

Anita & Pain de Sucre Cushions

Before we head on out for the weekend (and because I feel confident my wonderful friend won't be seeing this post), I wanted to show you all the gorgeous gifts I purchased at the Buk & Nola shop last weekend for her surprise birthday party.

One of these beautiful cushions is hand crafted from Pain de Sucre, a Montreal artist and textile designer! I am so in love with it. I love the design, the quality and especially the colour.

Beautiful linens from Anita Deigns

The other cushion is also by a Montreal designer, Anita and her table linens are equally as exquisite as the cushion (please check her website full of her beautiful products:: www.anitadesigns.ca). My friend recently had her new home built and moved in only at the end of last year. It is a beautiful new home and she has taken to decorating it with care. I hope she'll love these 2 new additions because she means so much to me.

Should you want to know more about the wonderful Buk & Nola shop, please find them at www.buknola.com and also check out their new blog right here: http://blog.buknola.com/ !

I wish you all a very happy weekend.