We’re taking a bit of time out this afternoon to go see this exhibit at the W2 Storyeum near our house – I’ve got lots of work waiting for me when I return home, but I’ll pretend that’s not the case! Was browsing through the exhibitors for the show and came upon this video from local motion picture collective, Salazar – I’m usually not a fan of video on the web (short attention span) – but their 2010 demo reel drew me in big time. It doesn’t hurt that I’m a big fan of the Katie Stelmanis song they chose (make sure you watch with the sound on!) – and seeing British Columbia featured in such a beautiful light is awesome too. Definitely the kind of video that makes you want to venture outside – even if the weather isn’t the greatest.

Hope your weekend is fun!

~Posted by: Amy

I love how black and white has been used so wonderfully and unabashedly in this home! From the living room to the kitchen, dining room, bedroom and beyond. I thought it’d be fun to pair the home with some colorful Etsy finds.

I found this fun space via Emmas Design Blog who came across it in a recent email from Hops Shop.

Items from Lu Summer’s Etsy shop can be found here.

Statue on the left from Etsy shop, a Fabulous Mess can be found in shop here. Red filing cabinet drawer from Hindsvik can be found here.

~Posted by: Amy

These photos certainly make me want to take a holiday. Europe anyone? Ok maybe that’s not in the budget – but I can still dream that it might happen this summer… At the very least it’s a good time to start planning some spring weekend getaways. On my radar, Harrison Hot Springs and Whistler – both very easy day trips from Vancouver. If you’ve got other great locations to suggest around the Lower Mainland I’d love to hear them!

Photo credits:
Top row: 1). I define nothing. 2). vroom…vroom… 3). Everything but…
Middle row: 1). Taking a break 2). Lovely Clouds at Flemings 3). Untitled
Bottom row: 1). Happy Bank Holiday! 2). Summer time 3). picnic

Thanks to Photo Puddle for putting together this collage.

~Posted by: Amy

Found some pretty flickr photos that I’ve got to share. I find both of these collages inspiring for different reasons – the top one makes me want to decorate and create beautiful things. The one below makes me want to get outside for a walk or to visit the park. How do you find yourself inspired by others? By their art, their kindness or something else entirely? Top collage, see Gingerlee’s flickr stream for credits. Bottom collage, see jessamae22’s flickr stream for credits.

~Posted by: Amy

It’s not quite winter, it’s not quite spring – at least that’s Vancouver – when we should have much colder temperatures, daffodils and cherry blossoms are blooming – yet we haven’t seen that much sunshine (until today – hello!). The holidays are over and Valentine’s is approaching…

Are you feeling as inspired as you were in early January – as enthusiastic about the New Year? If yes – what’s helping you to stay inspired?

Personally, I had a bit of a “day” yesterday – filled with distractions and didn’t get nearly as many things ticked off my to do list as I would have liked. Got started taking photos for my shop and that alone was a gong show and made me a tad bit grumpy… I’m no photographer, let me tell you! But I feel like I’ve turned it around… I think sometimes we need to concentrate on taking things one step at a time, and accomplishing what we can – even if it’s not everything we set out to do. And take pride in the small steps we are making – interestingly, time away from a project sometimes allows me to come back to it with a fresh new perspective, which is just what’s needed. And at the end of the day it is all about thinking positively – finding the best in yourself and in others. And when you can, employing Magical Thinking, couldn’t hurt right?

1). For me For you 2). Lorena Siminovich

~Posted by: Amy