On my radar this year...

fleur de lis tumblers

vintage suitcases like the one featured in this print

a beautiful stack of bowls 

a vintage stylized record player

handmade felt flowers like the one here

anything to do with owls 

a throw pillow or two

a warm, stylish sweater dress

Frye boots 

My tastes and style is always changing, but right now I'm going through a phase of wanting decorative pieces that look vintage or handmade. I think part of the reason I'm falling in love with these finds is due to my passion for photography. These finds would be so much fun to photograph. How great would those bowls look like with colourful scoops of sorbet?

Beach Glass

new shoes

Happy New Year!

1.1.11

Here's to an amazing year ahead! I'm going to try and do a 365 project on here and post a photo daily. I think it'll help me develop as a photographer and be a fun creative challenge. I thought that these photos taken today with my sweet little friends serve as a good reminder for how to live the year: 

1) get fresh air everyday

2) be creative

3) take in your surroundings

4) never stop exploring

5) have fun and be goofy with your loved ones

xo

Crescent Beach

As the sun goes down on another year, what do you take away with you from 2010? What were your greatest memories? What were your biggest lessons? Here's to a new year full of adventure, surprises and standout moments. I wish you peace, good health and much happiness. Thanks to each and every one of you for reading this blog. I appreciate that you take the time out of your busy lives to pop into this space. I created it this year after being inspired by Susannah Conway's blog. She has been a tremendous mentor. Putting together this blog has been my favourite creative outlet because I get to combine my passion for photography and writing. What makes you come alive? These photos were taken today while my husband and I walked our dog Molly along Crescent Beach. Pure bliss. Happy New Year!  xo

Van Dusen Gardens

There is something so romantic about strolling through a park lit up with Christmas lights, sipping hot apple cider and walking glove in glove. 

2010 - favourite images from the year...

These images all trigger an emotional response in me. They remind me of the incredible year that we had and the wonderful moments that gave it shape. Here's my quick rundown of why I set these images apart from the rest.....

1. 2010 Olympics. Canada suddenly felt like a small community instead of the enormous land mass that it is. Pride ran rampant through the streets. The maple leaf waved on thousands of flags and mittens. I don't know if I even breathed during the gold medal hockey game's overtime period. I have never felt Vancouver so alive and never cried so many tears of pride for our amazing athletes as I did for those two weeks. I'm so happy we got to experience it all.

2. Molly - I've got nothing but love for this face.

3.  The red bicycle.  This photo was taken in Arizona. It is the first trip I've taken with just my mom and I. Now I think we'll do one every year. It made me so happy to see her so blissfully happy.

4. Pink Grasses. This was taken in our front yard. It just reminds me of home and all that home represents. Warm and fuzzy.

5. Crescent Beach Marina at sunset. I am so proud to live in such a beautiful community.

6. My nephew Jack at Crescent Beach.  I love how quiet and peaceful he seems in this moment.  He is usually always on the run  My heart explodes everytime I see him.

7. My niece Skylar. Those eyes. Those cheeks. She is pure love.

8. Cooper. She never leaves my side. She'll curl up wherever I am in the house. Twelve years together and seven moves in between. Love my sidekick.

9. The Okanagan. Celebrating a friend's 40th, we got caught in a torrential downpour while visiting the Red Rooster winery. Everything was instantly misty and so vividly green. There is something so wonderful about being trapped inside with amazing friends, watching the rain bounce off the ground while we stay cozy sampling delicious wine.

10. Forbes and Jacinthe's wedding. One of my dearest friends was legally made a Mrs. The sunset wedding and the brides were breathtaking. I was overwhelmingly proud to witness it all.

11. Mt. Baker. This mountain is where I grew up. We had a family cabin here for over 20 years. I've never seen it look more stunning as I did this year. My heart swells with nostalgia whenever I see Baker's majestic peak.

12. The girls. To me this photo symbolizes what friendship is all about. Cozy and connected. We hiked, danced, drank, danced some more and stayed up into the wee hours talking. Bliss.

13. Smiley. This was taken at home while he was getting ready for Zad & Kathy's wedding. He is my handsome gentle giant. I love the clothes he put together for the event. He really is my home.

14. Cuba. To me Havana is truly what Cuba is all about: vintage cars, beautiful architecture, an endless pool of talented musicians and vivid colours. It is a photographer's dream.

15. Fall leaves. I picked these leaves up while walking Molly. I just tossed them in a pile on our kitchen table and started shooting photos. The Fall's crisp air, stunning sunset palette of colour and crunchy leaves underfoot make me blissfully happy. It is one of those simple pleasures in life. A sunny autumn day is my favourite time of year.

I hope you had a wonderful year. xoxo