2022: The Year In Numbers

For the fourth year in a row, you have made the Curled-Up Pup pin the most wanted item in the shop! As always, we continue to donate $1 from every purchase of the enamel pin, art print, and card to our local SPCA. Since 2016 we have raised nearly $150 thanks to you!

For the fan favourite cards of the year this year, Chosen Mom was in the top four for the second year in a row, along with Moon of My Life, Sun and Stars, and Hanerot Halalu. I love that the Game of Thrones inspired cards are still standing out!

Feel Better, Ivan is the top art print this year! I feel so blessed that this little fellow speaks to so many people, and that it connects me with so many different dog lovers. I never would have guessed that this little drawing of my sweet pup would resonate around the world.

This year's top blog post was about the cleansing products that I have been using recently during my curly hair journey. It took me a long time to find what worked best for me, and I hope that people will be able to take some of the information that I have gathered to help them along on their journey as well.

Take care in 2023! I can't wait to see where the year will take us :)

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Last Minute Christmas Gifts 2022

Sometimes we run out of time to order a gift online, or even forget about one person on our list, and that's okay because I have made a small list of last minute gift ideas that will hopefully provide some inspiration for you. All of these items can be found at London Drugs, but I'm sure they can be found in any little shop that you check out.

These squishy slippers are absolutely adorable, look sooo soft, and would be perfect for the person in your life that is always complaining about having cold feet, but also hates socks (though you could totally wear socks in these if you so desire).

I personally have one of these moon lamps and I love it so much. This version has many more colours than mine does, but it lights up a room nicely with a soft glow while also looking super cool and totally like the real moon.

Who doesn't love a nice water bottle, and I'm talking like nice complimentary colours with a sleek design kind of water bottle. Yes, this one does have a straw, but I chose it for this list because it is larger than 500mls, and, let's be honest, it's annoying to have to fill your water bottle that much throughout the day.

Yes, an instant camera is a gift that can also be considered in the days before Christmas. There's something really fun about watching the photos develop and having a physical reminder of a moment. I find that this kind of camera makes me really think about the moments I want to save.

Seriously, if you live anywhere where it stays below 0 Celsius for longer than 4 months, a heated blanket is an amazing gift, especially if it is also an incredibly cozy blanket without the heat turned on that can be utilized for the rest of the year.

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What We Love: Christmas Edition 2022

DIY Mini Ornaments

I purchased these mini ornaments from Sunday Hummingbird as a gift this year, and they are so sweet. They are perfect for the person (child or adult) that enjoys painting and doing little craft projects. I can't wait to wrap them up for Christmas!

I thought I'd share this classic from Bing Crosby and David Bowie this year. If you don't feel like watching the whole thing, just fast forward to where they are standing by the piano and you'll hear the song, but I highly recommend listening to the banter (especially if you are a fan of Crosby or Bowie).

Christmas At The Winter Palace art print

This gorgeous painting from Janet Hill Studio captures the feelings of Christmas beautifully. From the warmth of being together, the sugary sweetness of the castle, the wonder of the lights and decorations, to the emotions each piece of the painting evokes. There's something so magical about this piece of art that brings back every memory of Christmas, while at the same time feeling so modern and new. It's simply wonderfilled.

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A Handmade Holiday Gift Guide 2022: For Animal Lovers

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Every item on this list is either on my favourites list, or from a shop on my favourites list. I have purchased items from some of these shops, plan to make a purchase, or just love the items in the shop so much that I want to share their work with you. 

There is something so special and unique about handmade items that you simply can't get anywhere else. It's not just the care and attention that goes into creating something for someone else, but there's something so wonderful about purchasing an item that someone else has created from their imagination with their own hands that makes each item one of a kind. A rare piece of another person that they wanted to share with you. That's beautiful, and, to me, the meaning of this holiday season.

FOR THE HOME

Miniature Handmade Ceramic Giraffe from Vanilya Ceramics

Hand-Painted Hedgehog Plush from MosMea

Cat Mug from Katie M Mudd

Luna Moth Mobile from Baby Jives Co.

Nester the Bear Christmas Ornament from Red Marionette

Beluga Whale Ceramic Bowl from Scattered Fingers

JEWELLERY & FASHION

Needle-Felted Dog Brooch from Adueva Art

Curled-Up Pup Soft Enamel Pin from Little Shop of ElleSee

Un Deux Trois Cat Shirt from Design Creative CA

Animal Hat Brooch from Hana Letters

Astronaut Cat Soft Enamel Pin from Ripple Splash Studio

Orange Cat Pouch from Dancing in the Rains

BECAUSE THEY ARE SWEET & CUTE

Bunny Rattle from Little Pearl Quilts

Stuffed Llama from Friends of Socktopus

Tiny Stuffed Golden Labrador from Fairy Toys World

Plush Pigeon from Kate Durkin

ART & PAPER

Beach Dog art print from Clair Hartmann Fine Art

Happy Bearday Message Box from Pamela Loops

And A Hippo New Year card from Little Shop of ElleSee

Pig Art Print from Jasper and Ruby

Christmas Tree Cat card from Jamie Shelman

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Behind the Art: Let us Eat Cake

Let Us Eat Cake card

I had the infamous words that Marie-Antoinette probably did not say in mind when I created this card as a fun play on the phrase -- kind of like a turning up of the nose at what was said. 

I have to say that eating cake is one of the best parts of having a birthday (though as an adult you really don't need a reason to eat it), and I want it to be known: "Let Us Eat Cake!!"

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What We Love: Fall 2022

Carebear Hoodie

I have been loving the two hooded sweatshirts that I purchased from Peace Collective this year, and they are now a staple underneath my jacket as the weather is getting colder. Mine are a chicken nugget hoodie that was available on McHappy Day earlier this year, and a Blue Jays hoodie that I purchased while in Toronto back in June. What I love about Peace Collective is that they pick social causes to support either with specific collections like the McHappy Day collection, or in general with a lot of the other items available in the shop.

Like most songs that I share on here, I heard LAst dAy oN EaRTh by Tai Verdes on the radio, and instantly fell in love with it. It seems happy-go-lucky with it's upbeat beat and simple lyrics, but the more I listen to it, the deeper it goes. I love when a song does that.

Beaded Poppy Pin 

I love this beaded poppy pin from Nita Designs CA. Not only is a portion of proceeds donated to military/veteran funding, but each purchase in the shop supports an Indigenous artist. Lindsay creates beautiful works of beaded art (check out the beaded Santa earrings...they are adorable!).

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Behind the Art: Sail Away

Sail Away art print

 

I have honestly never been on a sail boat, but I love the water and the way that you feel when you are doing something in it or on it. I was inspired by my son's board books when I made this drawing, as well as my love for the water; the simple lines combined the idea of the wind in your sail carrying you away on an adventure relaxes me.

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World Alzheimer's Month 2022

 Forget Me Not art print from Christine Weigelmann

It is the beginning of September, once again, marking the beginning of World Alzheimer's Month. As in years past, we are donating 15% of proceeds from all sales in the shop for this month to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan where they programs and services, awareness, advocacy and research where they seek to "[empower] all people to live well with dementia while funding research into prevention, cures and quality of life."

Over the last eight (8) years we have donated $190 to the Alzheimer Societies of Saskatchewan and Canada in honour of my Grandma. Please visit the shop (Etsy or Square) to make a purchase in support of World Alzheimer's Month. Let's get past $200 this year!

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Behind the Art: Mrs + Mr

Personal Titles card

I had been seeing a lot of letter blocking around in other forms of media and wanted to make a new wedding card using a vastly different font than I normally do (ie. my handwriting and printing), but the biggest thing for me while making this card was to put the Mrs in front of the Mr as it is typically the other way around when addressing a hetero couple. I really felt I needed to put the woman first in this instance.

It was also important to me that I make the card available as Mrs + Mrs and Mr + Mr, while also keeping the option open to have a different personal title made up if anyone has chosen to use something other than those two that I have used already.

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Why We Should Move Beyond Just Saying "Good Job"

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It's quite common for parents, guardians, and other adults in the lives of children to want to cheer them on, especially when they are trying to tackle something that they haven't done before. What's even more common is the phrase that is used when congratulating a child for being successful: Good job!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to praise your child for stepping out of their comfort zone and doing something new, or for completing a project that they have been working on, but repeating two words over and over does not have the impact on our children that we think it might.

The truth is, we all need to hear that we are doing a good job, but it is more effective, and it feels better, when it's more specific. If a child I'm working with makes a tower, and is really proud of what they have done, I will make a comment on something specific related to the tower, and one to make them think about further possibilities: "It's so tall! How did you get all of the blocks to be that tall?" 

If a child has been working on a piece of artwork and shows it to me I will make a comment about a shape or colour and ask what they are working on so as not to assume I know what it is: "Oh wow! You added a lot of colours to your paper. Tell me about what you made."

Sometimes I don't make a comment at all, but will focus on the emotions of the child: "You seem really proud of the tower that you built. What are you going to do next?". If they ask me if I like their artwork, I will turn the question around and ask what they think about their own work, after which I will add my thoughts.

Really, the conversation is more about making general observations, especially about the effort that the child put into their work or activity, or how they are feeling about what they have done, rather than hollow praise for certain behaviours. 

These kinds of comments make no assumptions about what the child is doing, show them that I value them for more than what they have done, and that I'm genuinely paying attention to their actions. 

The ultimate goal is to get children to help people, complete a task, or try something new because they genuinely want to, not because they are going to be rewarded.

For more reading: Five Reasons to Stop Saying "Good Job" by Alfie Kohn

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What We Love: Summer 2022

We purchased a hammock chair from Hammock Universe last year and it has quickly become my favourite place to be in the garden. I love eating breakfast while sitting in it, or reading a book, and then being able to turn around and watch the bees collecting nectar from the lavender. It's so relaxing, and when I close my eyes it feels like I am floating on water.

Helsloot Petal Dance has such a chill space-y summer vibe to me, and I love how smooth and relaxing it feels with a softer driving beat. It's the perfect song to listen to while sitting in my hammock chair, giving me the feeling of floating.

These ceramic egg blob animals from Rolling Designs are hilariously adorable. Andrew and Marty are so creative in the designs and colours that they use. I don't think I could pick a favourite!

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Behind the Art: Fredrick Stands Out

Fredrick Stands Out art print

The idea for this little art print came from a thought about how schools of fish are full of all the same fish (obviously) and how funny/cute it would be to make a drawing of a school of fish where one of them was slightly different than the others. Fredrick is still the same shape and has the same patterns as his companions, but the colours are just different enough for him to stand out. Hence the title: Fredrick Stands Out.

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The Summer List 2022

As my son gets older, I have realised that a lot of what I have planned for us in the past is no longer age appropriate, or something that he is interested in. This year, I have included our favourte things from past years, but he has been spending a lot more time with friends riding bikes and exploring the neighbourhood -- which I love

I also have noticed that we have been doing a lot of things from past years, but they have become so much of a tradition that we don't even really need to include them anymore. This year's list is made up of things that I really don't want to forgot to do, or miss out on.

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My Curly Hair Journey: 2 Years

It just amazes me that there can be so much growth and change in hair in a short period of time. As I was looking back at previous posts to prepare for this one, I was once again blown away by the amount of growth there has been on the sides of my head. There's a lot of filling in going on, and I notice baby hairs all along my scalp-line all the time.

I have recently started doing all of my after shower work upside down, from applying my gel and mousse, to even brushing it out after a wash (yes, I have started brushing again sometimes), and have noticed a difference in the lift from the roots.

I have also noticed that the top layer of my hair has done a lot of healing from when I first began (two years is a long time), and have started to see more curls starting at the root on the top layer. I'm excited to see what other changes happen as I'm starting to get some really good spirals of curl in my bottom layers.

I now understand the concept of the curl journey even better: I remember when I first started, I read a lot of blog posts that would talk about being in different places in the curl journey, and not to compare your first month hair to someone else's seven year hair. 

It's difficult in the moment, but so important to remember that your curl journey is unique to you, and you've got to research, experiment, and try many different things to help your hair become healthy without thinking you'll be the exact same as someone else. Hair growth isn't the only growth that happens on this journey.

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Behind the Art: Meow's It Going?

Meow's It Going card

I drew this simple little cat face one night after coming home from doing a market, but never had an intention for it. There were no words or purpose to it, I just drew it up. Sometimes I like to look back through my sketchbook pages to find art that I created without intention to see if there is something to inspire something new, and I stumbled upon this little face.

I originally made this into a card with just the words "hello friend" and later decided to add the words "meow's it going" because I felt it needed a little bit more to push it over the edge, and indicate it's purpose a bit better. For a few years it was just going around the market circuit with me, but I recently added it to the shop as well!

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My Korean Skincare Routine: Nourish

The next steps in my Korean skincare routine are all the products that nourish my skin -- which means that they not only hydrate it, but also provide nutrients that help with acne, anti-aging, and enhance my complexion. These include the essence, treatments (which can include serums, boosters, and ampoules), sheet masks, and eye creams. 

I had never used any of these items before, and so I had to do a lot of research to not only learn more about them and how they would help my skin, but also to find the best ones for me. Initially, the most difficult product to find was the essence as it is not a common product to use in North America. 

THE ESSENCE

The essence is a pivotal part of Korean skincare, and I have to say that it is my favourite item in the whole routine, and I don't know how I lived so long without it.

There weren't a lot of essences to choose from as I was building up my skincare routine, so I went with Origins Original Skin Essence Lotion with Dual Ferment Complex. I almost instantly noticed a difference in my face once I started to use an essence. The red in my cheeks started to diminish and what acne I had started to clear up.

When it came time to purchase another essence, I decided to buy one from one of the Korean brands that I really like, as I had already found the online store that I use for purchasing Korean skincare products in Canada, and I had an even better experience with that one. I have since tried many others, including the Benton Fermentation Essence that I am currently using, and they have all been fantastic.

THE TREATMENTS

A serum is the only treatment that I currently using in my skincare routine. While there are many other options that can be added in, I never felt I needed any targeted ingredients for my skin, so the serum seemed the best option for me.

Much like the essence, I have tried many different serums that I have enjoyed. I have a list of favourites on Chuusi that I select from when one is sold out. I am currently using the Deep Green Tea Serum from Benton.

THE EYE CREAM

I absolutely love my eye cream! It's the Centella Unscented Eye Cream from Purito, and it has so many amazing ingredients in it that I often use it on other parts of my face if I want to target a pimple, or have had a bit too much sun. It has also done a fantastic job of diminishing my dark under eyes (I'm sure getting more sleep would help too).

My Korean Skincare Routine: Cleanse & Prep

Healthy Body: The Beginning of My Korean Skincare Routine

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