Canadian Souvenir Giveaway

Vancouver has been in an Olympic frenzy for the last couple of weeks. It's been a sea of those red mittens, painted faces, and flags as impromptu capes. I love seeing, and shooting, all of that but for me, I prefer the subtle approach to Canadiana. 

To celebrate all this Canadian spirit, and the fact that I have 99 lovely followers, I'm having my first giveaway! Up for grabs is a much sought after Evokativ T-shirt. Each design represents little known Canadian facts, and each T comes with a story tag (which is like another souvenir!).

I think these are a perfect, not in-your-face, souvenir. If you'd like a chance to own one, simply leave a comment and let me know which design you like best (choice of designs above). I'll make the draw on March 1st. If you're not the lucky winner, one of my favourite shops, Walrus, is selling all of the designs. They're located in Vancouver, so if you're in the area you really should check out this shop!

I leave you with a few images of Olympic fever....

 I love this couple.

This beautiful hand painted mural,at the back of the Vancouver Art Gallery, is by Michael Lin. It's titled 'A Modest Veil'.

One of the many long Olympic cues.

The Vancouver Art Gallery steps is the spot for many peaceful protests. Here is Peta pushing their message. The young man with the pink heart, except for the socks and shoes, was completely naked. I'm happy he had that heart.

Happy Thoughts

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day. My husband gave me a thoughtful present. We were having a drink at the Hotel Vancouver, when in walked Cindy Crawford (stun-ning), and my husband didn't over react. In fact he didn't react at all. I think that's a very good present. Wasn't that nice of him?

The mysterious, and intriguing, Pink Pantheress has passed on the Happy 101 Award to me. Thank you! I'm supposed to tell everyone 10 things that make me "happy". All about getting to know bloggers, I guess. Now.... I'm not usually an overly happy-go-lucky person, but I will give this a shot. Here we go.

1) Seeing the sunrise from Crab Park in Vancouver. Colours are beautiful, and there is no one around. Peaceful.

2) Cherry blossoms at Vancouver City Hall. Isn't it supposed to be winter?

3) Wall of art by all my favourite kids - nieces, nephews and a couple of good pals.

4) This screen print, made by my husband as an anniversary gift. My legs look almost exactly like that.

5) This cake. It's the easiest recipe, and the texture is more like a brownie. I have to go and get a piece now. UPDATE: Duta said it was a pity that I didn't include the recipe...and she's right! I've added it now...easy and yum.

350 oven
grease and line bottom of round cake tin

125 g (1/2 cup) butter - melt in small sauce pan
1 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk

Sift together flour and cocoa. Add sugar, vanilla, 2 eggs (lightly beaten), and milk. Mix together with whisk. Add melted butter and blend with hand mixer until smooth and colour changes to a lighter brown. Pour batter into cake tin and bake for 30-35 mins. To test, use toothpick or bamboo skewer. Should come out clean when completely baked. When cool (if you can let it cool I can't) jazz up with icing sugar. Enjoy.

6) Airports. Love them all, from Castlegar to Heathrow.

7) Monck Park in Merritt, B.C. It smells of pine trees and Nicola Lake is beautiful.

8) Receiving letters from Rigoberto. Our sponsor child from Honduras, with Plan Canada.

9) The huge amount of donations, by Canadians, to assist Haiti.

10) My friends and family, of course!

Well, that wasn't too difficult. Thanks again Ms. Pink Pantheress! I believe I have to pass this one to a few other bloggers, so I choose...

Robert Edmonds (this should be a good one;)
The Vintage Laundress
Chic Geek Designs

Style, and a cute family, at home

I shot this pretty, yet modern, home for Style at Home a few months ago along with Kate, Heather and Peter. It's featured in the current issue on news stands now. The house certainly was lovely but to me, it was all about the family that lives there. It's so nice to work with humans and not just a collection of rooms. Amir, Laura, Chloe and Charlotte added even more energy and "oomph" to the shoot. Little Chloe, was a sweetie and very cooperative for a 3 year old. Gotta love that happy hair of hers!

Back to the rooms. They were pretty fantastic. A nice mix of pretty and modern. I tend to lean more towards the modern, myself. Loved the kitchen and the beautiful light fixture over the dining table. 

That's it for today. Have a lovely day bloggers!

Why, thank you

I've been given a "Kreativ Blogger" award from Heather Cameron. Thanks Heather! Now, finally, here is my "7 things you don't know about me" list. Yikes. I'm not one for spotlights, so this may not be too serious business.

1) I'm prone to muffled laughter during yoga classes. I don't know why. Maybe it's my reflection. I have been asked to keep it down by a very bendy instructor.

2) When I worked on a tv show in Australia, I had an argument with Danny Bonaduce (Danny from the Partridge Family). He was a rude, silly, man. He had been filling in for the host of the show.

3) My record for painting the same wall in our house was 4 times in 5 days. Four different colours within 5 days. I hope someone can top that. I've said it before...it's difficult choosing a colour!

4) I secretly love watching 18 Kids and Counting. I guess it's not really a secret anymore. Imagine giving birth that many times. Actually, they have just had their 19th baby. Ouch. Maybe it doesn't even hurt anymore??

5) I, too, had an affair with Tiger Woods....hasn't everyone?

6) Ernest Borgnine filmed a few scenes, at our house in the early 80's. Beside him, in this picture, is my mom and two of my sisters. He was so sweet! My favourite Ernest film has got to be the Poseidon Adventure (1972).

7) I've mentioned my new found hobby of knitting, so I've posted some of the scarves. I wouldn't want anyone to think they were make believe, like unicorns. If you look closely, I'm sure you will see that I, perhaps, purled where I should have knitted. Hopefully, by showing them, it will help me get over my fear of showing my handiwork to real knitters! Now I have to make something with sleeves.

I think I have to pass on this award to a few other bloggers, so I've chosen the following fab blogs.

Green and Pretty

The Constant Gatherer

Dollie Day Dream