July 31, 2012

Jamie

I'm playing with a new kind of journal. I'm putting everything that I'm thinking about, that's inspiring me, that I'm working on, in one place. Usually I just can't do this because I want to write in one kind of book and put pictures in another kind of book but forget that, I'm just gathering. I'm keeping it near me and as I think of things or hear things or notice things, I add it. I'm trying to keep it simple and clear so that I can scan it easier later when I'm ready to develop an idea or want to remember what was inspiring me in the summer of 2012.

Shannon

Olympics 2012 continue and there was lots to enjoy including quite many surprizes during the men's team gymnastics and a formidable vault by Kristian Thomas of Great Britain. But I started my day off very early watching awesome matches in Judo including Ugo Legrand (France) vs Ki-Chun WANG (South Korea) in a great fight. But my heart just leap when 15 year old Ruta Meilutyle won the Gold for Lithuania, the first every medal for Lithuania in swimming. Wow. What a whirlwind of an emotionally exciting day.

Suzie

I got a Amazon Visa card and when I signed up I got a $15 girl certificate. I used it on these books so I essentially got two for one. Jamie, the one on the right is the one I had taken out of the library that had easier-to-read patterns that I brought on my visit.

The one of the left is the author of the online workshop I am doing. She is such a good teacher and the workshop has helped me immensely already. There are just some things that are too hard for me to learn by book so the workshop is helping me with that and then hopefully I can apply the knowledge to the books I bought. Super exciting! Now I just need to find time and energy. That's the hard part.

July 30, 2012

Jamie 

Perhaps inspired by the Olympics or the more temperate weather, I went out for a run. It felt so good to channel my energy and get out of the house. I always love connecting with my neighbourhood this way and yesterday I loved doing my warm-up walk behind this guy and his cute bulldog. I was listening to this song as I walked briskly and enjoyed the beautiful moment.

Shannon

This weekend was ALL OLYMPICS, ALL THE TIME! I was really taken by both weightlifting as well as likely my most watched ever Olympic sport: gymnastics. One of the big stats the announcers were sharing was how many people have completed in multiple Olympics, up to 6 if I remember right, and it freaked me out because I may have watched them each and every time! One of the ones I was most impressed with was Marcel Nguyen on the German team (image above) who consistently delivered with style and grace over and over and over on Saturday.

Suzie

Reg and I went to see Out of This World Extraordinary Costumes exhibit over the weekend. We also picked up one of the toughest pieces for his Hal-Con costume on Saturday, super exciting. Really looks like his cool costume is really going to happen. As a result, we were inspired to go check out famous costumes from the movies. Can you believe how tall the guy who played Darth Vader was? I of course wanted a photo of me with the Riddler costume. More to come on my blog tomorrow!

Rewind: July 29, 2012

Jamie 

For some reason I've been thinking about Cape Cod lately. Shannon and I went 5 years ago in October and had an amazing time - though you can't tell by the serious look on my face here, LOL. You think I'd be smiling on the back of a dinosaur in a beautiful beach town! Maybe I was trying to look scary :)

Suzie

Mom shared this photo with me when I was visiting. I think her and Dad are on vacation and Mom's pregnant with Jamie! Wish I could remember where this was.

July 28, 2012

Jamie 

I love the Olympics. What a treat to hang out at my place last night watching the Opening Ceremonies. The lighting of the torch/cauldron in particular was magnificent!

 

Suzie

Yesterday was all about going out and getting stuff done! And of course, it had to rain but it wasn't too bad. Library books, some supplies and food and I am good for the weekend. Especially excited about getting True Blood from the library!!! Already watched one episode and I can't believe how much I have missed the characters!

July 27, 2012

Jamie 

It was very exciting to share the Dreams Really Do Come True e-book with everyone yesterday. This is my very first e-book and I'm so thankful to Lisa deYoung for pulling it together in such a beautiful way. It was very exciting to work with her and all of the writers and dreamers who contributed to the book. I hope it inspires many, many dreams!

Suzie

I think I am done with books on doing videos, vlogging, YouTube... Yesterday I tried doing a rant vlog while waiting for the bus. It just isn't my thing as you will tell from the lack or energy (although I was just really exhausted too).

I think the best advice out of everything I have read is do your own thing. So! I am taking the books back today and am going to do just that. My own thing and not being influenced by what others are doing.

At least I now know ranting isn't my thing. I did wonder about that but my worries and concerns seemed so stupid the second I started talking about them.

July 26, 2012

Jamie

Shannon and I ended up in one of my very favourite Toronto neighbourhoods yesterday. It was sunny, breezy and we had a coffee on a patio on College Street. The coffee shop was right beside a restaurant getting a big delivery of fresh herbs - the smell was out of this world!

Suzie

It was so awesome to see Shannon open her birthday present from me and Reg live on Skype! I am so glad you have a new project to work on now Shannon and I know that colour is going to look amazing on you. :) Yay to finally be able to make a v-neck cable sweater!!!

July 25, 2012

Spent most of my day and energy waiting for a delivery yesterday. I really hate that. By the time it showed up, I was exhausted and couldn't do anything else. I put this sign on my front door in case they came while I was in the shower. So stressful!

July 24, 2012

Jamie

It was all about Shannon's birthday yesterday! We had birthday burritos and cupcakes and cake and presents and watched half of the first season of Misfits! We even figured out a new app I got and were able to come u with this cake-like compilation of celebratory photos. Yay!

Shannon

Birthday Cake (which followed Birthday Burritos at Casa JJ! It was so nice to celebrate even though I think all the plans for the day changed but it was lovely to celebrate :)

Suzie

For me, yesterday was quite boring. Just did a lot of food shopping and cleaning so I would rather share this photo of me as a pirate at the Tall Ships Festival from over the weekend.

July 23, 2012

 

Jamie

I've been playing around with a creative idea for my upcoming retreat in Sedona: paper dolls! I had so much fun creating this doll. I know it will be a fun and insightful creative project for the women who come to participate!

Shannon

It's my BIRTHDAY!!! Party time :)

Suzie

I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Shannon! Oh I miss you so much already! :) Have a kick ass day today and night too, so much cool TV to watch if you're home. :)

Rewind: July 22, 2012

Jamie 

One of the surprising (though perhaps it should have been) impacts of hosting Susannah Conway's book tour this weekend was it reminded me of how much I love creating events. As we were moving tables and setting up yesterday, it reminded me of my theatre days. I think I miss them more than I thought I did. Now that I know, I have a funny feeling some new things are going to show up!

 

Suzie

In honour of Shannon's birthday being around the corner, I wanted to share this photo I took of you Shannon when you were getting your nails done for Jamie's wedding. Especially since you and Jamie have been going on this nail experimenting journey.

Happy Early Birthday Shannon! BTW, I just LOVE this photo of you so I had to share.

July 21, 2012

Jamie 

Yesterday's big event was hosting Susannah Conway's book tour here in Toronto along with my dear friend Tanya Geisler. A gorgeous group of women came out and the conversation was honest, deep and lively! Susannah shared a reading and then signed books while everyone had a chance to enjoy cupcakes, coffee and connection with like-hearted women. What a joy!

 

Suzie

To give my back a break today (OK, my lower back a break, my upper back is now unhappy) I got out some of the pieces I bought when I was in Toronto and made two necklaces. That is unbelievable for me! This one doesn't look like much but when I wear it as a choker, very powerful. I love it!

I was scared I would never want to create jewellery again but now that I can see my style more in my head (thanks a lot to you two!) it is getting easier. Bigger, bolder and not too complicated. I can do that.

July 20, 2012

Jamie

Sometimes you just need a cupcake. And an optical illusion. Hmm... I think technically the cupcake on the left should look bigger because it's on a smaller plate but to my eyes, the one on the right looks bigger. Fascinating. Either way, they were delish!

Shannon

And there is the proof that they were delish! Oh my goodness, what a lovely treat :)

I worked on and published my McDonald's interview yesterday. Interest was not super high which is too bad but maybe more people will watch over the weekend. I am just glad I got the tech figured out.

Been spending a lot of time either walking or on the computer this week and my lower back has had it. Need to rest and give it a break.

July 19, 2012

Shannon

Nails are still holding up strong almost a week in! And funny that yesterday I spent a lot of time organizing my pictures on the computer but didn't *take* many!

Suzie

I saw this necklace at the Superstore on Monday. It was $14 and I just could not spend the money. I said to myself, wait for a sale. I wasn't even supposed to stop by the grocery store on Wednesday but Reg needed something. I found myself pulled to look at the necklace again and it was 50% off!

It's hard to tell from the photo but it's like a champagne peach. ;) The beads are glass, very heavy and high quality. Not bad for $7. I feel like I am manifesting a wardrobe, now that I can visualize it. How weird and cool!

July 18, 2012

Jamie

I've been giggling at the Mona Lisa at our art picnic coffee shop every since I got back from Paris. I have no idea whether she was there before and I never noticed her or she showed up as a timely addition upon my return. I'm feeling really stretched and busy but it was really nice to sit with some like-hearted friends and share our stories. I felt really supported today.

Shannon

The storm that never was.... you can see it trying to brew here and it made for a fantastic night sky but we barely got a drop of rain. Alas, the heat wave did appear to break so that's all good.

Suzie

I went to the library to return and pick up books and then came home to an email notice that a book I had out (one of the best ones) was due soon! And, I couldn't renew it.

So while dinner was cooking last night I sped read How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck. It is more for filmmakers than vloggers but it was very helpful. Oh well... Back to the library it goes...

July 17, 2012

Jamie

I've been up super-early these days with so much to do. One of the advantages of getting up at different times is seeing the light in new ways. Yesterday I saw this beautiful light sculpture on my wall at 6:00 am. The sun streamed in the window and bounced off my mirrored mat to create this mobile or windchime of light. Love it!

Shannon

I had an awesome time hanging out with a new computer!! Downloading and troubleshooting programs, transferring films and it all went smoothly. So awesome & a big TY to Jamie for sharing it with me!! It's so nice to use one that....works :)

See, it is very dangerous for me to be left alone. This is what happens when I get bored! LOL. Just kidding.

Suzie

Captain Morgan Private Stock sent me a bottle of their amazing rum which I have been taste testing and last night even cooked a chicken dinner with it that Reg and I adored. I decided with the pirate festival and the tall ships fest all coming up, to have some fun and dress up as a rum-drinking pirate myself for the post. I can't tell you how much guts and silliness it took me to do this but who says I have to wait until Halloween to dress up? I'm embracing the idea of costumes and having fun more and more. My readers know I tell the truth so a little bit of costume drama might add some levity to my posts.

What wasn't fun was makeup smearing due to the humidity. Blech!

July 16, 2012

 

Jamie

People make jokes about watching paint dry but I love, love, love watching it get mixed. I remember picking the paint for my room when I'd moved in with Shannon: entanglement. When they poured in magenta, cerulean and a touch of black, I knew it was going to be a win. I adored it. This weekend we picked up some Champagne Sparkle for repainting the spare room. It's a cheerful light yellow that we're thinking will keep it warm and welcoming for guests. 

Shannon

Hanging out and idea plotting and reprieving from the heat at Jamie's was a lovely way to spend a Sunday :)

Suzie

This weekend was all about going on the hunt for materials and piece for Reg's Hal-Con costume. I have been going to my thrift store on a regular basis to find him the right boots and there was nothing ever anything close. He goes to this Value Village and finds the perfect boots in seconds! I guess they were meant to me. I also got some cool necklaces I want to wear in my future videos.

I had a blast going to flea markets with VV with Reg. One of my favourite days in Nova Scotia ever!

Rewind: July 15, 2012

Jamie

A picture from Suzie's 2007 visit. Making lots of peirogi. This is when we tested cooking/not cooking the bacon pre-bun. I love it when we're all caught with our cameras out.

Grandma at her old house, she looks so lovely!

July 14, 2012

Jamie

Okay, so it's a fuzzy picture. Apparently my gold lame nails are so dazzling they interfere with photo taking! Shannon and I did a beauty experiment last night and tried Sally Hansen's Salon Effects. These are nail polish strips with amazing textures and designs that you peel and put on. They are real nail polish, removable with nail polish remover. They look amazingly fun and awesome. They were less easy to deal with than all those girls on YouTube say! Shannon and I are thinking about doing a video review of them later! For now, we're enjoying the splashy style!

Shannon

Yes, another nail picture! I was quick to take it and wow, these were way more challenging that I expected from how 'easy' everyone says they are - but full disclosure that I've not done my nails in years. I've very curious is they last for ages like everyone says.... Day 2 and going strong :)

Suzie

I did it! I used Call Recorder to do a side-by-side interview with Jason from McDonald's yesterday! Oh I was so relieved that even with the heat walked to the thrift store to do shopping therapy. I didn't realized just how nervous I was but I did it and it all worked out and I replaced the two capris pants I ruined last week and got two tops to replace the four I ruined last week. Nice to have something go so right!

My only issue? We are both looking down the whole time because the camera is high but hey, I can live with that.

July 13, 2012

Jamie

I didn't think I had any pictures from this day but I did! This was time for my monthly entrepreneurial coffee with my dear friend, Annabel. Now that I'm thinking about it, Annabel and I have been meeting in this coffee shop for what might be close to 10 years! We've met through day jobs, through each of us striking out on our own and even through the shops own renovations! It's been amazing to be consistent support for one another.

 

Shannon

This week has been a lot of debriefing and collecting ideas and also catching up with things like awesome new TV series like School Spirits which debuted last week. Totally creepy and compelling non fiction paranormal show that shows dramatic recreations of the paranormal events. I know it sounds like a recipe for cheese but it's a world of brilliant brie. Loved both of the first 2 episodes.

Suzie

Yesterday I stumbled through using my new camcorder to take the video for Ask Suzie the Foodie and here it is! The quality was excellent and Jamie, I was relieved to discover you were right and I don't have a lisp! I did a lot of editing too to break it down and I think that helped. The only issue is I wanted my shirt in the frame and it only gets the neckline. To get the photo above I had to have my camera right above me and it still didn't get most of the the shirt. I guess I have to think more about necklines when I do video because I ended up looking like a bum!

July 12, 2012

 Jamie

Yesterday I was back to regular Wednesday co-working with Tanya - and thank goodness, we so needed to debrief from the World Domination Summit. So much so that we chatted for 6 hours straight!

Shannon

Getting back into the regular swing of things and that includes recording Hexed with Suzie! I snagged a pic while we were doing some tech-testing. Sneaky me!

Suzie

Yes! Had a great chat with Shannon yesterday, loved it. I also seemed to have come down with a stomach flu (boo) but I did turn on my camcorder yesterday and learned how to open the lens! Today I am going to do the Ask Suzie the Foodie video with it, fingers crossed. I am so excited but my stomach is in knots so this must be big.