I had the pleasure of finding Julie Knoblock’s blog a couple of weeks ago.  She’s a super  talented illustrator from Victoria, Australia.  (She’s is also mega-crafty.  See her Etsy site.)

It was great to work with you, Julie!

I haven’t been using Flickr to keep photos online, but I’ve finally decided to sign up so that I can start printing Moo cards! I’ve seen Robyn’s Moo cards and the quality (and price) makes sense. Tonight, it’s all about uploading photos and business card ordering. Unfortunately, this means I won’t have them for tomorrow’s Cherry Pie event… but next time.

Looks like I’m not the only one coveting these little cards.  Love Made Visible just posted her cards and a link to the Moo card Flickr group.  Sweet!

Seems to be a lot of links to Danny Seo’s, Simply Green blog these days.  I don’t blame everyone for linking to him, decorating + craft + homeware = good reading.

Design*sponge organized a really interesting meet-up of crafty business women and has posted several PDFs of the topics covered. The PDFs have lots of good ideas or reminders for those in the ‘biz’.

I am really addicted to Oh Happy Day.  She has so many good links and finds.

Speaking of happy days, I took ALL of my vacation photos since 2004 to get printed yesterday.  Phew.  Hopefully it won’t take 3 years to get them into albums.  Here’s a peek at one of the photo collages I’ve been making.  I take a LOT of photos of flowers, sign posts, door knockers etc. when I’m on vacation, but I don’t really need a 4×6 photo of all of these bits and pieces.  I think they look more interesting grouped together anyway.

Exhibit A:

I followed this easy recipe for roasted chickpeas. I was doubtful at first that a can of mushy chickpeas could turn into a crunchy snack, but lo, it worked. As some of the reviewers on Recipe Zaar said, it’s a bit bland. I think next time, I’ll kick these up a notch with some wasabi. Stay tuned.

While the masses were scarfing Beaver Tails and shimmying along the canal, I went suit shopping. My “inspiration outfit” was the navy suit from Banana Republic – only without the 1980s belt. Seriously let the 80s go. (Pants are now on sale!)
I already have a leather satchel bag. Actually, I prefer my bag to this one. Done.

My final twist, pointy crimson ballet flats. The essential ‘get out of Kansas free’ footwear.

Interesting Google sidenote: According to Joey Green’s Buddhist interpretation of The Wizard of Oz, the ruby slippers represent the “inner spark” within all of us. So there.

Making these accordion albums ranks highly in my “top 3 awesome crafts” list. This one is covered in an ivory brocade paper with contrasting green satin ribbon.

Cliché, I know. When I think about work, my ideal self has a great job in the city centre. Furthermore, my ideal self’s wardrobe is a budget version of Anne Hathaway’s character from the Devil Wears Prada. (Check out her wardrobe!)

I am sure she never wore snowpants to work. Or a ski hat with tassels. Or a neck warmer. Think Ugly Betty meets wind chill.

Today, I was scouring the Rideau Centre for some sort of compromise between the two. A few finds – an ivory cashmere scarf from Club Monaco (half price!) and some new business attire. Hopefully warm enough to keep toasty in my “iceberg set adrift” temperature cubicle, but stylish enough to surpass Gatineau chic.

Maybe I’ve been following the career advice on BettySuarez.com a little too closely.