Thoughts: Kindness at Home

February 28, 2020


I've had these thoughts spinning around in my head for the past few days about how we spend the first few years of our children's lives keeping them hidden from the world, protecting them from all of the things that hurt us as children or continue to hurt us as adults, but we eventually reach a point where we have to send them out into the world and realise that there is nothing that we can do to stop people from hurting them. They are no longer in our protective bubbles, and aside from talking to teachers, etc, there are not many other options, making you feel so helpless.

But let me tell you, I've started to recognise that how I treat my child and what I do in my home matters during all of those school years where my son is trying to find his footing in the world. If I mock my child, or belittle my child, I am not setting him up for success, I am showing him that I am just as volatile as the world around him. I am no longer a safe place, and I am only making him feel even more alone. 

We may think that we are toughening our children up, getting them ready for the world out there, but of all the people in our children's lives, we should be the people that consistently show them kindness and lift them up, so that they know that home is a soft place to land at the end of a very long day.


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Behind the Art: Love You Infinity

February 15, 2020


This card was inspired by those late night conversation good-byes that we have all had with our loved ones at some point in our relationship:

Back in the day, when my husband and I were still dating (this year was our 20 year dating anniversary!), we would tell each other "I love you", "I love you plus a thousand" etc. until we got to "I love you infinity" and the other person would say "I love you infinity plus one" and so on until we decided it was time to hang up the phone. Then we got smart and started saying "plus one to whatever you say" and that ended the back-and-forth for each conversation (though it was fun while it happened). 


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6 Fun Valentine's Day Recipes and Activities to Do With Kids

February 13, 2020


This recipe for two-ingredient watermelon gelato would be a perfectly simple (and easy to make) treat for Valentine's Day.

If you'd like to make an entire meal for you and your little Valentine, I also found a recipe for the cutest heart-shaped pizzas and these yummy fruit skewers



These hearts are absolutely adorable and look so simple to make that I would have absolutely no problem making them (you don't even need a sewing machine!). They would also make a super cute DIY Valentine that would last forever.

If you're feeling extra crafty, check out this tutorial for an sweet little felt heart garland, and if you're not DIY inclined, this super fun activity that involves STEM is really fun to do with kids (and it works).


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What We Love: Winter 2020

February 03, 2020


I have loved the work of Carole Epp since I first bought a small cup from her for my son when he was a very little boy. The cup didn't last long (as most things end up being dropped at that age), but I  repaired it as best I could, and bought another small mug for him when he was a little bit older. Then I asked for a mug for myself for Christmas, and it is one of my most favourite mugs to use for tea. 

The artwork on Carole's ceramic pieces for every day use is simple (yet speaks volumes) and you can tell that the work that she does for her community (not only as an artist, but as an activist as well) comes from the heart. She isn't afraid to say what is on her mind, and often talks about how art is political. She is an inspiration to me, and I love supporting her work.



When I heard Alicia Keys perform this song at the Grammys, and I have listened to it every day since. Not only does she have an amazing voice and message in this new song, but she is an inspiration to so many people. What a beautiful way to lift people up!



This letterboard that is big enough for an entire wall from Little w Studio is on my purchase list for my home. Not only are the letters and pieces of wood that hold the letters so well done and beautiful, but it would make a great focal point in any room. Plus, they have a really fun Instagram account that provides a lot of laughs and inspiration. You can find them here.


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