Let's Drive to Brighton on the Weekend

I've been working out ideas in my head for what I want to do with the backyard this year (our first backyard!) and I told Mike I'd like to go out and buy some seating. HEY MIKE. We don't need to even go out, I found the perfect seating online. I would like to fill the backyard with the handmade deck chairs from Gallant & Jones.

Pigott

At my part time job, I work in a really beautiful building. Sometimes I forget because inside it looks like your typical office, but in the morning when the light shines on it... it really is a beauty.

These are camera phone pictures, by the way.

Baaaaaa

I've needed to cheer myself up today, and what better way to do that than by dreaming of opulence! The tumblr of Erie Basin works like a charm. Some seriously beautiful antique pieces.

And Jane, I'm saving this in your wedding folder. Along with the baby goats resources.

You're A Superstar

A while back I had mentioned the annual talent show that we hold at the cottage. I just got my film back from that night, and I thought this was an adorable pair of shots. That's Jane on the top doing her gymnastics routine from age 8 to "Vogue" by Madonna. There were a lot of scissor kicks. And below is Ryan holding his breath underwater for a minute. He wore goggles so he could see the bottom of the pot.

What a couple of cuties.

The Garden

I had a bit of birthday money this weekend, and I thought to myself "I just want to try to find one new dress to wear tonight". I took a quick trip over to H&M and OH MY GOD. Have you all seen their new Garden Collection? It is amazing. Two super cheap dresses later ($15 and $20) and I was one happy birthday girl!

Wilt

Guys. It's Jane's birthday tomorrow. Her Crown birthday. Pretty special day.

Happy birthday Jane! I couldn't imagine life without the beauty that you bring to it. Wouldn't want to, anyways.

BAM

Over at Ainslie Wood Co., we're in the business of cute things, and this week business is a BOOMIN'.

South by Southwest

Photo - Scott Hnatiuk
This is our friend Heather. Isn't she radiant? Jeremy introduced Jane and I to Heather about a year ago or so now, thinking that we would all get along great. YOU WERE SO RIGHT JEREMY. Heather is just about one of my favourite people, ever.



Heather is 1/3 of the powers behind the newest addition to James Street North, The Brain. It's exactly the kind of bar that downtown Hamilton has been waiting for. Dying for, even. Already somewhat of a success without even being officially open, it's exciting to see another viable business open up on the street. I mean, the galleries are great and all, but in order for this to become a sustainable community, we need more small businesses to draw people down on non-art related visits.



Heather has an amazing sense of personal style, and it is so evident in the way that The Brain is set up. You can tell a lot of time and care and thought went into every piece in the bar. Amazing furniture, sculptural lighting fixtures by Hamilton artist Brian Kelly, extensive beer menu, board games, wifi. Hello, perfect bar in every way. I may never go home again.

After months of waiting The Brain is finally having it's grand opening this Saturday (March 27th) and I couldn't be more excited. If you're in the area, you should come by and check it out. Heather will make you feel welcome instantly. It's part of her never-ending charm. I guarantee you'll fall in love with her as well.



Oh! And guess what? Heather has been filling in at White Elephant quite a bit over the past month because Jane and I have both needed some time off. And the thing about Heather is that when she came to work, she didn't just show up and put in her time and go home, she really got into it. She dressed the part, she staged the store, she really got to know the pieces we carry and developed friendly relationships with the customers. And for all her hard work, she became employee of the month. Jane drew that uncanny likeness of her. CONGRATULATIONS HEATHER!

So that's Heather. Go to The Brain this weekend at 199 James Street North and meet her for yourself.

Ceylon

UM, Colette Patterns are completely amazing. Why have I not seen these before?! I really need to break in my new-to-me sewing machine.

Learns to Step Lightly

One of the first things that come to mind when I think of my Canadian childhood is The Log Driver's Waltz. It's unreal how strong of a feeling this brings to me. I vividly remember how excited I was each and every time it came on television. It's one of those things that always slips to the back of my mind, and when I am reminded of it again I get SO EXCITED. After all these years I can still sing you the entire thing, as I'm sure many of us can.

Thanks Melissa, for reminding me today.

Crafty Being

Our friend, Elizabeth, of Birch & Sycamore, posted this stop-motion video to her Facebook, and I just had to share. Elizabeth is working on opening Moss Stitch, Hamilton's newest yarn shop, specializing in fibres that are eco friendly, fair-trade, and natural. She's hoping to open up in our old space, once we move to the diner across the street. I can't wait to take part in some awesome workshops. This is exactly what downtown Hamilton and James Street North needs to diversify and become a more sustainable community.

Pom Pom

Such an adorable Spring/Summer 10 collection from Etsy seller Supayana.

The Mew Generation

Ever wonder what a Star Trek themed cat show would look like? Well, fancy that, we just so happened to attend one on the weekend.

Seriously

Yes please. Yes please. Yes please.

From Aitken & Niven.

Daydreams and Actual Dreams

(I asked Ryan to capture my mood on camera)

This week is going to be a crazy week for me. My part time job has a lot of stuff going on, that has me working a lot of overtime. I spent my Saturday night putting in nine hours of overtime from home. FUN.

I know I just have to make it through this week and everything will go back to normal, but I can't help daydreaming of places I could be escaping too. After seeing Jenna Rose's honeymoon pictures from Greece the other day, I've actually been dreaming of Greece at night for the last 3 nights. It's kind of amazing, but really disheartening when I wake up on the East Mountain.

Anyway, I had to share this place she posted about... it's made it to my must-see travel list.


The Milia Cretan Settlement is an organic, self-sustaining retreat in the Greek mountains. They grow all their own food, and make all your meals in their kitchen.



Basically, it looks like heaven.

TA DA

Another week, another store full of things I wish I had kept from myself. We're updating Ainslie Wood Co. everyday, Monday-Thursday. How about that?