simple smiles: leaps and bounds

I’m kinda a nerd when it comes to taking fun photos.
Okay, I’m a big nerd when it comes to taking fun photos. It’s one of those little things in life that really makes me smile. So when I got my wedding photos back last night I was thrilled with the way the photo below turned out.


Thanks to Jessica Balfour for the fabulous shot.

The bridal party was a tad skeptical…and who wouldn’t be? Can you please jump as high as you can in your cocktail dress or tuxedo so the bride can have a fun photo? Probably not ideal but it’s the kind of photo that I take in most (okay, all…) places I go. So when I stumbled upon this post from Hi + Low about Philippe Halsman’s recent photography exhibit, I was happy to know that I’m not alone. It makes me smile to know that someone else out there is taking photos of people jumping; a simple act that we do less and less of as we get older. I think it captures such an interesting moment, it really brings out a different side of the subject without them realizing what facial expression you may be capturing or where exactly their hands, legs, arms, or feet may be when the shooter snaps the shot. It may be silly but it’s something simple that I can’t see myself stopping anytime soon.

What makes you smile? Do you like doing silly things in photos?

summer lovin'

How awesome was it to be a kid on a hot summer day and run through the sprinkler? I think it played out the same for most of us when we were wee. There was so much excitement surrounding the sprinkler, especially its first sighting of the season. And when the water finally did spray out like an elephant’s trunk, we all ran away, just far enough away and around the perimeter that only the tiniest of drops could touch us. We’d run up and stick our toes in the spray, giggling the whole time and then sprint away with mere seconds left before the long legs of water would rain down upon us. And, finally, some brave soul would decide it was time. I vividly remember the feeling of the water first hitting my skin anywhere above my ankles - up the legs and to the tummy and finally drenching my hair which would make me squeal with delight. And then the games began…hiding under it, hopping over it, sitting on it, chasing it…its amazing how entertaining a simple watering device can be.


photo via 13bees

Summer is my favorite season. With so many ways to breathe in fresh air in the summer time and with a cold glass of pink lemonade to keep you cool, it’s no wonder I am always counting down the days to the third season of the year.

Do you celebrate summer? What’s your favourite season?

travelling in style

Whether you’re a soccer fan or not, it’s hard to ignore the huge sporting event taking place right now in South Africa. The World Cup is underway and observing the emergence of national pride among my friends and coworkers always makes me smile. I love it. I was a superfan at the 2010 Olympics, cheering wildly for Canada, so I completely understand the pride and passion that emerges when cheering for your national team. I can’t say I’m too into soccer but as this tournament goes on, I’m confident that I will soon care who comes out on top.



But what really caught my attention recently is not who is winning the games or what penalties shouldn’t have been called. Instead, it is Louis Vuitton who has sparked my interest. Louis Vuitton and the World Cup? How do they relate, you may ask? Well, this year, FIFA came to Louis Vuitton requesting the luxury hand bag and luggage maker create a trophy case for the Cup. I can’t say LV would come to mind first if I was thinking about a case for a soccer trophy but nonetheless they have created a leather-bound carrying case with all the trademark LV styling. Supermodel Naomi Campbell was on hand to help reveal the new partnership of football and fashion and although I’m no expert, luxury luggage and frenzied football fans don’t seem like an obvious couple. I do, however, find it a clever combination. For someone who isn’t waking up at 4am to cheer on my chosen country, I’m suddenly a little more interested in the coveted World Cup. And a little jealous too… custom Louis Vuitton luggage? A trip to South Africa? I’ll take either!

Via Reuters

misery loves company

As much as we love sharing happy news with our family, friends and social networks, bad days, bad news and bad service always seem to stir up quite a reaction. Sharing our frustrations not only seems to act as a stress reliever but also encourages others to do the same thing. Who doesn’t love to commiserate with their friends, or even a stranger, about how late the bus is or how rude the cashier was? Negative experiences seem to lead to a positive reaction. It’s something we all have in common. Who hasn’t had a bad day that made you wish you hadn’t gotten out of bed?



A friend of mine recently posted online about her negative experience with a furniture company. What better place to do this than on the World Wide Web, right? Where hundreds of your friends can read your vent, sympathize with you and vow never again to use this terrible company? Wrong. After several “I had the same thing happen to me…!” stories, one cautious friend politely hinted at this article from The New York Times. It details the danger of posting critical comments online - posting your negative opinion about a business could get you sued! I found it to be such an interesting read as I know there are so many of us who wouldn’t think twice about sharing our opinion online with whomever will listen - especially if it’s harsh or judgmental.

So if you’re having a bad day or can’t believe how long it took for your pizza to be delivered last night, maybe sharing it with your neighbour as you commute into work or with your colleague as you ride up the elevator is the safest bet for all of us critical commentators. My guess is that they’ll have had the same thing happen to them last week, last month, last year...and they probably won't sue you for it!

let's give them something to talk about

In a world with so many creative people and a multitude of events happening around the globe at the same time, why is it that the only thing we can often think of to talk about is the weather?

It often frustrates me that when riding in the elevator with my colleagues or meeting someone new at a party, all I can think of is to make a comment about how nice it's been the last few days or why I can't wait for the rain to stop. I don't think I'm an overly interesting person but at least more interesting than the dark storm cloud forming over the conversation I am having. I know the weather is one thing that we all have in common. Whether we like it or we hate it, we all have to deal with it. But is there really nothing else out there? Are there no other small talk topics that aren't too political or controversial?



Do you think meteorologists get tired of being asked about the weather? I wanted to be a meteorologist when I was younger just so I could stand in front of the green screen. Then I realized that you actually had to know and understand the weather. I didn't want to be the one responsible for inaccurately predicting a tornado so I quickly found something new to aspire towards. A study by Forbes.com found that seven out of 33 5-year-olds say they want to be superheros when they grow up, making it the single most popular career choice for kindergartners. Not a bad career in my opinion. At least it's not a desk job!


What's the most interesting thing you've heard lately? I'd love to hear it and share it with others. I'd love to give the world something to talk about other than the weather.