Friday, March 5, 2010

Zebra!

I'm not sure why, but all things zebra-print are catching my eye!  I love love love zebra print.  It's so ballsy to put in a room but looks so tasteful!




 






 

via Living Etc.


via xJavierx


 

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Chic Blue Room

I am absolutely smitten with the room on the cover of Elle Decor this month!  Can't get enough of the tufted chair, deep blue walls, and that oh-so-fabulous art.  This particular issue of the magazine has suckered me into 1) subscribing and 2) buying photo frames to make my own version of this wall in the bedroom!  I'm loving how gold frames are making a comeback.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Keep Calm and Carry On


Keep Calm and Carry On was a propaganda poster produced by the British government in 1939 during the beginning of World War II, but never used. It was rediscovered in 2000 and has been re-issued by a number of private sector companies, and used as the decorative theme for a range of other products.


The poster was initially produced by the Ministry of Information[1] in 1939 during the beginning of World War II, and was intended as a "last case scenario" to be used only should the Nazis succeed in invading Britain via Operation Sealion, in order to stiffen resolve. Two-and-a-half million copies were printed, although the poster was distributed only in limited numbers.

It's used as art in many homes and come in a variety of colours.  My favourite is the sea-green colour. I absolutely love it!  I'm definitely going to use it in my own home.

















 




information via Wikipedia.

Friday, February 26, 2010

The weekend!

I am so happy that it's finally the weekend!  Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow morning and make french toast in the morning with berry syrup.  Ahh...sleep.. zzz..




Hosting a Perfect Brunch!

My family has been pressuring me to host brunch for the ladies and I finally gave in!  Last time I hosted brunch, it was at my first apartment that I bought on my own.  Now, it's the first time that they are going to see my new downtown condo that I bought with my boyfriend.  I'm usually not very good at hosting these types of things, but I am determined to become a master!  Here are some tips that I found on how to host the most perfect brunch!

- Plan the food menu- it's not unacceptable to have your guests bring a dish so allocate a simple item for each guest to bring with them. 
- The most classic choice is to have eggs included in the main dish.
- Other menu ideas can include pastries, muffins, a fruit platter, french toast, poached egg on toast, a fruit yogurt and granola parfait, eggs benedict, hashbrowns, pancakes, quiche, omelettes, scones, crepes, desserts or cookies for afterwards.
 - Plan your drink menu- Coffee? Absolutely. Mimosas? Even better. Be sure to have a little sugar and milk or cream available for the coffee drinkers.
- Choose a stanard and easy menu if you have lots of guests.
- Send out your invitation. A breakfast-themed brunch is best served around 10am.
- If anything can be made ahead of time- make it ahead of time!
- Brunch is best served (and most easily served) buffet-style.
- Make utensil-friendly food and supply spoons where the coffee service is.
- Be sure to provide salt, pepper, hot sauce and softened butter for those who like to add a little something to their food.  Salsa is another item that will spice up hashbrowns or egg dishes.
- Enjoy!  Here are some yummy photos to get you inspired!







images via arimou0, BlackwoodBob, evilmidori, jennaaaye, vrot01

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Brand Yourself Brilliant

Here are some ways to enhance your image at work:

- Organize your desk-your desk is "the visual".  Your boss, your coworkers, your clients- everyone sees your desk. 
- Be courteous- Being polite and respectful not only boosts your image; it also builds consensus and helps move projects forward.
- Look at your circle of friends- try to make friends with coworkers that you admire and want to be like.  It's easy to assume that all friends are alike when they are seen together.
- Network with politically astute employees or managers who are higher up than you are and have a strong work ethic.  Consider these people your
mentors and learn as much as you can about their mannerisms.  Affiliate with winners and you'll be seen as a winner.
- Stay away from gossip.
- Be proactive- waiting until you have to be told what to do is very unattractive. 
- Have good judgement- Good judgment involves thinking before you speak and act.
- Be a team player- Contributing to your team will get you some good reviews that are ultimately heard by your employer.
- Follow proper email etiquette.
- Help others- How much would you appreciate someone stepping in to help to meet a stressful deadline?
- Empathize in others situations by seeing both sides of arguements.
- Dress the part- This doesn't mean you have to dress to the nines every day, but sloppiness doesn't exactly scream "I deserve to be promoted".
- Be a solver- A solver is someone that sees the issue and immediately prepares smart solutions. Instead of waiting for someone to tell you what to do, be part of the strategy.
Most of all, it's what we do that defines who we are. Demonstrate your value through actions and affiliations and you'll create a new, powerful office image as a valuable resource that deserves respect.


image via Apartment Therapy

Monday, February 22, 2010

Stripes! Part II

Another way to decorate your home with stripes is with textiles, accessories and furniture. 






via camillestyles

Sunday, February 21, 2010

The 20-60-20 Rule

When I was reading David Bach's "Start Late and Finish Rich" book (I can't resist, I love his books!), something called the 20-60-20 Rule was brought up in the section that promotes you to ask for a raise.  The 20-60-20 Rule divides employees in a company into three categories of performance.

20% of Employees are Weak Performers
These people have no clue.  They always seem to come into work late, with personal issues always seeming to get in the way of productivity.  Employees like this usually need to be supervised.  They do the bare minimum and "punch the clock" every day.

60% are Average Performers
These people are hard workers and have the best intentions when coming into work.  When the boss is away, they might be slacking off but usually do what they are supposed to do.

20% are Star Performers
These people come to work on time (probably arriving early and staying late) and do their jobs well.  They understand what results are required of them and have the necessary skills to deliver.  They are always honest and respect coworkers, clients and customers.  You will be able to find these employees working, even when their boss is away.

Everyone should have an idea on which category they fall into.  If you don't like the category that you fall into, you should decide to change a few things on how you are branding yourself at work.  I personally find this extremely important because branding is the image or perspective that your boss has of you.  Your image (if it's a good one) is the reason that you will have the opportunity get raises, promotions, time off, more benefits... the list goes on.  I will be featuring future posts on how you can "brand yourself" at work.  The same way a marketing company advertises or uses "branding" to promote a product, you should be doing the same to promote yourself.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Laura Bucci Handmade from Etsy.com

Laura Bucci is a local Vancouver designer who makes beautiful handmade wallets, pouches and eco cup cozies. Her products can be viewed at her Etsy Shop- Laura Bucci Handmade. All of her products are made with natural linen and are paired with modern/retro textile designs.  I love these motorcycle cup cozies for a sunday morning latte. Mmmm so cute. 



Stripes!

Stripes are a way to make a room look exquisite.  We are going to paint our powder room with wide stripes in a creamy or silvery colour.  I think it will totally finish off the powder room and make it look so much better!  Here are some photos that I'm going to use as inspiration: