FREE Friday: The Best Of Lists..........So Much To Be Grateful For

Write It Down

To top of yesterday's post, about 5 Quick Tips For Dealing With What Life Throws At You, I have one more to add. It's one of my favorites. Something we should do more often and a great way to start each day.  Honestly and truly. Each day.

As we near the anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, there are many interviews with the survivors and I find them utterly amazing and inspirational.  Instead of looking getting sucked up into the vortex of all that's gone wrong with their lives, they choose to look at what's gone right. In spite of everything, they find they are grateful for so much- both large and small, and that's part of what has gotten them through.  I watched Heather Abbot (who lost on of her legs from the knee down) this morning in an interview and she expressed how grateful she was for the support of the city, and the country, and from people worldwide. That there were some days when she didn't even want to get up off of the couch, but she was lucky that people - even famous people like Beyonce- who had reached out to her and according to Heather 'how do you say no to Beyonce?'. She was grateful for the strength that every one's support gave her to face the challenges of the last year.

Pretty amazing outlook, yes?

So, how do you incorporate that kind of gratefulness into your own life?

It's really not that hard. Write a list of 5 things you are grateful for at the start of each day. They can be big (I am grateful that I have a roof over my head), or small (I am grateful that I was able to enjoy a cuppa tea this morning on my back stoop), because you'll find it doesn't matter. You'll find that the simple act of recognizing how much you have to be grateful for changes your outlook on things.

I challenge you to start this ritual. To help you along, I designed this Free Printable Grateful List.  It prints 4 to an 8.5 x 11 page and there is enough room at the top should you want to punch holes in it and string a few together to make a pad.

Look at that, a blank slate each and every day.

This free printable grateful list makes it easy for you to take a moment and reflect on all that is right with your life.

You can download it here.


My 5 today?

Easy peasy.

1. It's Friday. I love Friday's. It's usually a busy day, but somehow it is a day to wrap things up, tie up lose ends and generally speaking it has a slower feel even if I'm busy. All hail Fridays!

2. The company of two office dogs today. We're taking care of our neighbors pooch and there's nothing like a little puppy love to make your day better.

3. G. My other half. I'm so glad I've got him.

4. The weather is fairly springlike at the moment. Though the sun isn't shining brightly, the warmth is quite welcome.

5. So many people around the world who take the time to be here. Thanks you guys!

BIG  Bonus..........

6. People and fellow Boston Survivors like Heather Abbott, Celeste, and Jeff Bauman who somehow find the strength to face huge life challenges head on and head held high.

What about you? What's your 5?


Freeform Friday

Well, I'm quite sure I've shared this before, but I think it's rather appropriate for today's post because each day is a blessing and it is a beautiful day. And honestly, it just makes me feel good. Thanks Ziggy.  Click here if you're reading via email.




No big plans on the horizon for the weekend, other than hopefully getting in a campfire out back at some point. Tonight isn't look great because there is some rain heading our way. Perhaps a game or Yahtzee or scrabble.....a drive to get some fresh air.....design work at my desk.....house cleaning. That reminds me, I have a load of laundry I need to hang out on the line.

Away I go.

Make it a great day and 'keep your head up high'.

Ciao for now,

FREE FRIDAY: I'm Happy, Are You?

World Happy Day

What? You didn't know that?

Today is World Happy Day?

Did you get bit by the bug?

As my part, I designed this happy little mini notebook cover free printable!

This free printabale mini notebook is about the easiest DIY out there. Check it out.

-Print off the 4 to a page notebook covers,preferably on card stock or whatever heavy weight paper your printer will take.

-Cut along the two light blue dashed lines that run up the middle vertically and horizontally. You will now have 4 covers.

-Fold each in half vertically.  Punch two holes along the center fold, one at each end (I simply put my hole puncher flush with edge of paper so holes would be evenly spaced).

-Do the same thing with some plain cardstock: fold in half vertically, fold in half horizontally and cut along those lines to make 4 pages.  Fold each page in half vertically.  Punch holes along center fold, making sure holes are in same spot as cover page.

-Stack plain paper together, and top with cover.

-Cut a piece of string, approximately twice the length of the notebook.

-Put string through holes, with both ends coming from same side. Tie a knot, clip off the extra string and viola!

A tiny little notebook to keep in your purse or your pocket.  Holla!

I hope you like it.


Happy World Happy Day!


Freeform Friday

What? You not happy? The bug hasn't bit you yet?

Well, get ready.  'Because I'm happy clap along if you feel like a room without a roof. Because I'm happy clap along if you feel that happiness is the truth. Can't bring me down'.

Sing along and get happy.........the words are right there for you. And by all means, get up a dance and pump up the happy people!  Click here if you're reading via email.






There are so many places around the world joining World Happiness Day and putting their own twist on Pharrell Williams' hit song. I especially liked this one from the Bahamas. Two great dancers and it was shot in one take. Not easy.  Click here if you're reading via email.





So, what's hot for your weekend? We have absolutely no plans whatsoever. And that's OK with me. I'll be working on some design catch up, doing some laundry, a little cleaning, maybe some cooking.  Tonight I'm sure we'll just get HAPPY with a little youtube dancing and singing. Why not?

Make it a great day, because it's a great to have. Really and truly.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: Thank You Note Printable and Get Your Irish Up

It Doesn't Cost Anything to Say Thanks

Hey there gang. How's it going? I am personally pretty darn happy that it's Friday.  Not that there isn't a lot on my desk, because there is, but I do love the weekend (even if some of it will be spent designing). And this weekend is St. Patrick's Day weekend, a long-standing national holiday in our house.

You know what else?

Go on, guess.

Well, did you know that I'm so very thankful that you're here.

I am. You guys are awesome!

So, for you........a FREE printable thank you note.

Simple.

To the point.

I designed this free printable note card, two to an 8.5 x 11 page and it fits in a regular A2 note card envelope 4 3/8" x 5 3/4" (you'll find them at Staples and elsewhere).

Do you have anyone who you need to thank? This free printable note card is a nice way to do it.

 

FREEform Friday

Being that my other half is from Dublin, this is a celebratory kind of weekend for us. We both usually take Saint Patrick's Day off, but this year work calls. Don't despair. We'll be taking care of business ahead of time. There will be lots of Irish music playing, we plan on visiting our favorite local Irish pub with friends for some music and merriment tomorrow, and Sunday we have an invite for a lovely meal of corned beef and cabbage.  In honor of St. Patrick, I figure it's time to get your Irish up!

A selection of some favorites from The Dubliners and Paddy Reilly. Click here if you're reading via email: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  

That is one of the hardest songs to sing and keep singing. Luke Kelly does it without nary a deep breath.




Nothing like The Dubliners and The Pogues to get you going. We had the pleasure of meeting Ronnie Drew in NYC once by chance, and he sounded exactly the same in person. That voice- so much character, as was he.



 How's that for a little Gaelic for Saint Patrick's Day?

 And then there is Paddy Reilly, who I just think is a wonderful balladeer.




Lastly, a song I can sing word for word. And I do. Often.

That does not mean, however, that I sing it good. But Paddy Reilly does.





What are you plans for this St. Patrick's Day weekend? Any celebrating or are you just hanging low and chilling?

Whatever you do, make it a good one.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday

 Ever Had One Of Those Days?

Months? Year? Years?

Yeah, I know. We all have.

Sometimes, in the midst of the challenges that life throws at all of us, it is easy to get sucked up into that black hole.  Often life's challenges come with a lot of soul searching. New perspectives. We come out the other side knowing ourselves, even just a little bit better for it.

My friend came across a quote that speaks to that and thought it would be a keeper for a print.  I'm glad she sent it to me.

The quote by Eckhart Tolle combined with an absolutely stunning photo by Todd Quackenbush, (whose work I found over on unsplash) makes up today's FREE printable wall art.  [I know I've mentioned it before, but it is worth repeating.  unsplash is a site that shares work from photographers around the world, who have decided to offer their images royalty free, to do with as you please, for personal or commercial use. How great is that? If you haven't checked out unsplash yet, I highly suggest you do.  The level of work is amazing.]

Can I get a hell yeah?

Hey, did you notice the colors go perfectly with my kitchen back-splash? How serendipitous.

If you'd like to print it off yourself and hang it on your wall, you can download the pdf here.

And, if you feel like sharing on pinterest, that's cool too.

One more thing, Todd is such fantastic photographer, you should definitely pop over to his site and check out his other work. I love all of his work, but his pictures of NYC really capture the city in a way I can appreciate.  His perspective in some of his shots feels sort of  like 'a day in the life'.  His landscapes are incredible, and if you want to see a drool worthy food photo, check this out. I want a piece. Right. Now. I didn't even come close to capturing the deliciousness of G's pear bread, in comparison. Holy moly.


Freeform Friday

I was wandering around youtube last night and discovered a group I'd never heard of before. The Overtones. These 5 guys can really sing. You want harmony, they've got it up to their eyeballs and then some. On a side note, it sure is nice to see five young guys dressed like they want to be taken seriously. The Overtones are sharp dressed men. Kind of refreshing.  So is their sound.  Click here if you're reading via email.



How about a little something old school. A capella. Yup. The men can sing.
Click here if you're reading via email.



Any plans for the weekend? I'm going to be creating away working on some designs (including my own). In between housework, that is. No real plans I'm afraid.  G will be spending time working on his truck with the neighborhoodlums. I won't be joining them in that little adventure.  I know, I know. We're really pushing the fun-limit this weekend.  The good news? I think we've gotten above 30 on the thermometer today, and tomorrow we're supposed to hit the mid 40s.  This is incredibly exciting and welcome since we've been a frozen arctic tundra with no real signs of hope for spring. Except for my day in Boston, which was wicked lucky weather-wise. Then it went right back to polar vortex. So tomorrow, I will get outside at some point.

What's shakin' in your world?

Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks, as always, for being here.

Ciao for now,

Free Friday: Vintage Graphics

Ever Heard of the Locomobile?

That's ok. Neither had I.

Until I read this ad from one of my vintage magazine hand me downs I got from my parents (who have stacks and stacks!).

The vintage graphics I'm sharing today, are for you to do with as you please:  use them for crafts, diy, graphic designs, or what have you.  Or just print them and frame them. They're cool enough for that too.  Luckily, images from 1927 or before are considered part of the public domain and are able to be shared freely. These particular images are from a 1904 McClure's magazine.

Just click right on the images below to save.

 

 

Last but not least.........the locomobile!

 

Too cool, right? I love old advertising. Fantastic artwork.

Enjoy!

Freeform Friday

I was very sad to hear about the passing of Harold Ramis this week. Harold was a comic genius and I just love him. He was quite lovable. Whether he was playing the 'sort of straight man' to Bill Murray (not easy to do) in movies like Stripes or directing him and other comic legends like Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, you can't argue with the fact that he knew comedy inside and out.  Harold had a very sheepish, innocent-but-cheeky grin that just plain made me laugh. A lot.

Honestly? Can you imagine directing Bill Murray as Carl the groundskeeper in Caddyshack? 'It's a Cinderella story, he's come out of nowhere'. Painful.  Click here if you're reading via email.

Or working with Murrary in Stripes? I love this clip of Harold getting the whole troup going....'hey, we're walking' and then headlong into 'there she was'. Classic.  Click here if reading via email.

Harold will be missed, but the laughter will live on and on and on. Thanks Harold. Rest in Peace.

Any plans for the weekend?  I've got a to-do list that I'll be catching up on. Then dinner at the neighbors tomorrow night.  And Sunday.........well maybe we'll get out for a little drive.  We'll just have to see where the weekend takes us.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: spreading some love with free wall art

Need A Last Minute Gift?

Hey there gang! Happy Valentine's Day.  Today, do me a favor.....tell somebody you care. It's that simple. One small act of kindness can make a world of difference.

That's it! And in return............some free printable wall art that can be hung on your wall all year round. OR print it off, frame it and give it as a Valentine's Day gift. Just be sure to spread some love.

You can download it here. Personal use only, of course.

Hey, if you do download and print and hang it on your wall..........I'd love to see it!

Don't forget these other Valentine's free printables:

 Card here.  Wrapping paper here.


Have I told you guys lately how much it means to me that you're here? That you comment? That you have awesome feedback? That we've connected on this vast world we call the internet? Well, in case I haven't - I am SO glad you are all here.

I am throwin' some big blog love your way and wishing you all as much love as your hearts can hold.


Freeform Friday

I was sad to hear about the passing of Shirley Temple. Oh how I love Shirley Temple. Used to watch her movies every Sunday. Boy could she dance. And cute as a button. Here she is, keeping up with Bojangles himself. Click here if you're reading via email.



And of course, where would we be without some love today?  Here's one of our favorite 'love' songs. The original by Phil Phillips is awesome, but today, it's the honeydrippers and Mr. Plant. Click here if you are reading via email.





We ended up with about 12 inches from the latest storm. Then it turned to freezing rain which coated the lines and trees. The wind picked up overnight, but luckily we never lost power.  That said, not so sure about tonight as the wind is picking up again. Fingers crossed, but buckets of water filled and candles and flashlights gathered just in case.

Don't forget.........tell somebody you care today! You may not need an excuse, but if you do, Valentine's Day is perfect.


Ciao for now,

Free Friday: Valentine's Day Card Set

A Free Printable Card Set For Your Valentine

Hi gang. Good news. It's Friday! Let's get this party started with a free printable Valentine's Day note card set that you can download, print and give to our honey.

Want to spread some love? Well then, here you go..............

And just so you can see the honeycomb details better because I didn't have time to fiddle with the photos today................

So, if you're into professing your love this Valentine's Day, you can download the free printable card and an envelope template here.  

AND, if you also like the free printable gift wrap you see in the pics, 

 

.....it was included in last week's Free Friday post.

From me to you............thanks for being here.

Freeform Friday

Personally, I'm always up for a little Marley, but today especially. It's Bob's birthday, so here's a little love from the man himself. Click here if you're reading via email.

Any plans for the weekend? I'm at my desk working on design projects until the end of the day and then we are off to dinner at the 401 with my parents.  Other than that, not too many plans beyond watching the Bruins play tomorrow afternoon and maybe a game of yahtzee. Lost a tough one in sudden death last night. Man do I hate that.  I hope you enjoy your Friday and your weekend, and we'll do the same in our corner of the world

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: printable valentines gift wrap

Wrapping Up Love

Hi guys.  Well, I overcame the challenges of last Friday, which included my printer running out of toner right when I wanted to print off my free printable valentine's gift wrap I had for you (and then my mouse and key board croaking shortly thereafter).  Ah well, best laid plans..........right?

So here we are a week later, on the last day of January and it's time to start thinking about sharing the love, as it's only two short weeks until Valentine's Day.

To help you make your token of love for your bestie extra special, just look what I have for you......................free printable Valentine's Day Gift Wrap to help you share the love.

This free printable gift wrap collection has hearts, and tulips, and sentimental notes, Xs and Os and you guessed it, more hearts.

It's perfect for wrapping up that little something for the object of your affection.

You can download it here.

I hope you have fun spreading some love. We could all stand to do a little more of that, each and every day, rather than just once a year.

{If you'd like to share this gift wrap, which is for personal use only, you are welcome to do so. I only ask that you please link back to this original post.}



I've really enjoyed reading your comments this week, from your thoughts in response to my post on  simplicity and hearing how you make your product packaging special, to your comments on my Single Most Effective Tip For Styling Product and Blog Photos post.  I really love all of your feedback.  If any of you want to send me photos of your own packaging or your favorite product or blog photos, I'd like to start collecting some for another post on packaging in the near future. You might find yourself featured.  You can email me at pbates (at) speakeasyinfo (dot) net.

Freeform Friday

After yesterday's post, I couldn't get this song out of my head. Here's a little reunion with Rod the Mod and Ronnie.  Great song. Great musicians. So many hits between the two of them.  Click here if you're reading via email.





All in all a good week here (other than my Bruins really stinkin' on the ice last night against the Habs, our rivals-- and after a really great run no less).   I've gotten a lot done, but still much more to do including logo design work, ad planning, and a direct email design. The weekend should be fairly quiet other than Sunday when we head across the street to the neighborhoodlums for a Super Bowl party. Love it when you don't have to go far. Especially on Sunday night. What are you up to? Are you ready for some football or are you spending you time doing something else?

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday

First.................

Hey, in case you guys missed it, the first edition of the muse launched yesterday.

If you want to get a gold star for the day, might I suggest you check it out? I'd be pleased as punch if you did. And don't forget, you can visit the muse sponsors, just by clicking on their ads. How's that for easy.

Second:A FREE Printable That Will Make A Great Gift

Are you still trying to finish your Christmas and Holiday shopping? Are you perhaps on a tight budget?  I've got something for you to address both of those things. A free printable note card and envelope. Now, if you have a little extra change, you can buy some envelopes at someplace like Staples, but if you don't- this freebie gives you a matching envelope you can print off and make. It's easy peasy.

(Check it out.......that's my Great Grandma McGuinness in the photo)

Sweet. Yes?

From me, to you.

Enjoy.


Download here.


FREEform Friday

Knowing me, I've probably featured this for Freeform Friday before, since it is one of my very favorite songs. If I haven't, what the heck was I thinking? I find it to be quite beautiful and something I repeat in my head a lot.  I'm not especially religious so-to-speak, but I am quite spiritual and I'm here to tell you- Mary is my girl.  She comes through for me time and time again. Though this isn't a Christmas song, it somehow seems fitting at this time of year none-the-less. And now, Sir Paul and the gang, before he was a Sir.  Click here if you're reading via email.




What are you plans for the weekend? I'll be catching up on work, as fast as I can. Because, come Christmas Eve, I'm taking a few much-needed days off.  I'll also be 'making presents', which anyone who receives presents from me knows is coming, so it's not like I'm letting the cat out of the bag.
Beyond that, no real plans and that sounds perfectly wonderful.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: Printable Gift Wrap

Christmas In Black And White Wrapping Paper

It's Free Friday and I have a FREE printable for you- gift wrap!  On this day after Thanksgiving, already our minds turn to Christmas.  There are many upcoming festive celebrations from house parties and dinner parties to spending low key holiday time with family and friends. Then of course, there is the gift giving which is where today's printable leads us.

Inspired by classic black and white, with nod to the simplicity of Scandinavian design, the 'Christmas in Black and White' free gift wrap set contains three different wrapping paper designs for you to dress up your packages this holiday season. Tip: if you want these designs at a larger size, you can have them enlarged at your neighborhood copy center like Staples or Kinkos.  For extra large sheets, think of having them copied as engineering prints like these. This free printable wrapping paper design is black and white, which makes that a perfect option for wrapping larger packages.

Download the Christmas in Black & White Set here.

The 'Christmas In Black & White' set would look great with the chalkboard gift tags I shared last Friday.

I hope you enjoy using it to spread some holiday cheer.


Speaking of holiday cheer, if you're in the States, how was your Thanksgiving?  Ours was perfect.  Relaxing morning filled with the smell of apple pies baking.  Then off to my brother and sister-in-law's house for turkey with all the fixings.  Lots of delicious food starting with appetizers (as if we needed those) including the prosciutto roll ups I shared yesterday and not one, but two turkeys this year (apparently there was a shortage of large birds, hence the two instead of one big one).  Brother Bill is the official carver.

Dinner was followed by the Pie Off.  I think nephews Pat and Joe tied this year.  Which means they each enjoyed a piece of pumpkin, a piece of apple, a piece of pecan, and a piece of chocolate pudding pie and a piece of lobster tail pastry from Mike's in the North End. It was all delicious. There were lots of laughs too, especially when my sister-in-law Kelly presented my father with his 'gravy master' award for making the gravy every year.....here he is with his new giant whisk!

 

I hope yours was as good.  So blessed to sit around a table with people we love and have our plates full of delicious food. There are so many who are not so lucky. It's good to be thankful for the things we sometimes take for granted.

FREEform Friday

Have I ever told you that I love The Highwaymen- Johnny, Willie, Kris, and Waylon. Damn they were good. I have a special place in my heart for Mr. Kristoferson. I just love the man.......Rhodes scholar or not, this guy can write one hell of a song (including Bobby McGee..........yes, that Bobby McGee).  Here's another song he wrote with all four of them performing.  I love a song that tells a story. Click here if you're reading via email.




I hope you have a great weekend. No set plans here, but I'd love to start decorating and perhaps get that first Christmas craft underway or completed......among other things. We'll just play it by ear and see how all of that goes.

Have a good one.

Ciao for now,

Thank Your Lucky Stars: Free Printable

Be Thankful

No matter how bad things get (and everybody has those moments.............those days..........those weeks..........those years-- trust me on that one) there is always someone worse off than you. There is always someone who has less. Always someone who has endured more. Much more.  Remembering this, and being grateful for all that you do have is one of the keys to happiness.

As we prepare for our Thanksgiving holiday in the States tomorrow, now is the perfect time to reflect on our blessings, here are some of mine:

-I am always very thankful for my husband. I'd be lost without him
-I am truly blessed with family and friends
-I am grateful we picked Lucan from all the pups at the pound that day. He's a great dog, a super pal, always-eager walking partner, a good listener- ha! (who else am I supposed to talk to in my little office/studio)
-My health and the health of my loved ones, because without it, you've got nothing
-To live in a country where I have many freedoms that a lot of people around the world don't
-That there are those willing to fight, and some who have given their lives, to protect these freedoms
-I am always, always, always thankful for the roof over my head and a bed to sleep in
-I am so lucky to have never have known hunger
-To have the most amazing sunset view and be surrounded by so much beautiful nature
-I am very grateful for my clients who entrust me to plan marketing initiatives, design collateral and branding for the businesses that they hold dear and for the customers who enjoy my illustrations enough to purchase a print which in turn keeps the roof over my head and food on our table
-That skype allows us to spend time with our family and friends across the sea
-Etsy and this blog, which have helped me to connect with really wonderful people across this biggo' world of ours
-How wonderful it is that you and others have chosen to read what I post on Mercantile Muse and hang out with me
-For my own ability to appreciate the little things
-The true miracles (really) we have been blessed with this year. (that should really be at the top of the list)

There you have it. Just a few of my thankfuls, and now......for the giving. A new free printable wall art design.

download free lucky stars printable wall art here

Today is busy, busy, busy. It seems to be the m.o. of late, something else that I'm thankful for is work  currently on my desk.  I'm about to design an email campaign for one of my long-time clients. After that, I have to adjust and save master files for design clients, and have several new logo designs to work on.  At the end of the day, you will find me (and G- he's my peeler) prepping apple pies and potatoes.  I wait until morning to bake the pies so that I can smell that heavenly scent while I watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and enjoy a noggy-groggy (which means it's got a little 'something' in it if you no what I mean).  Later in the day, we'll be off to my sister-in-law and brother's home for a hell of a Thanksgiving Day feast mixed with a healthy dose of love and laughter, and if they've got it in them...........a Pie-Off between my nephews Pat and Joe. Who will win the 'how much pie can you eat contest' this year? It's hard to say, since they're both well over 6', they're the only ones who have room left who are up to the challenge.

Many blessings to you and yours. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Ciao for now,

 

FREE Friday

Free Printable

As we head into Thanksgiving week here in the U.S., it's the time of year for giving thanks and giving presents (or free printables ;).

Make the gifts you give even nicer with these free printable chalkboard gift tags.

I hope you like them.

Click here to download.

Ready. Set. GIVE!

Freeform Friday

This is from one of my all time favorite albums, Rumors. I spent hours in my room with headphones on listening and singing along.  Oh Lindsey. Swoon.  Click here if you're reading via email.



Any plans this weekend? Nothing big on our horizon. Low key chilling, starting with hanging with the neighborhoodlums tonight, and that works for me.

Enjoy yours.


Ciao for now,

FREE Friday

Free Printable Wall Art

My walking pal and I have been taking to the field as much as possible since the farmer hayed again. So, so happy about that.

Last night when we took a walk at the end of the day, Sunset Meadows was just beautiful.

It started out very soft.

Minute by minute, it got more vibrant.

Changing in the blink of an eye.

Until I just had to stand there in amazement.

I only had my phone with me last night, but it did a pretty good job of capturing this beautiful sight.  If you're on instagram, you might have seen my post. And if you are on instagram and didn't see it, that's probably because you're not following me yet. In all honesty, I haven't done much with my instagram account in a long time, but now that I updated my phone app, I'm good to go and having fun connecting with you guys there.

I also took a video so you could come along with us.  It stretched around the entire sky. We're so lucky to live where we do.




This morning, we hit the field again only it was the bright light of the sun getting higher in the sky, that was shining for all to see.

So my friends, this is for you. Free printable wall art.

You can download, print it out, hang it on the wall.

Click here to download the pdf.

I hope you enjoy it and put it somewhere to remind yourself that you are brilliant. Shine on!


Freeform Friday

Just to bolster that thought, here's a tune for you. It's a happy little song and though it's from Take That, one of those 'boy bands' that all the teens love, I quite like it. Click here if reading via email.




Any plans for the weekend? It's a bit warmer here today and I'm hoping it stays that way all weekend. We have no plans other than working around the house winterizing, after the brutally cold weather that was with us for a couple of days this week.  Woke to high teens on Tuesday and Wednesday and today is gorgeous. Could hit 60.  We won't be fooled though. No time like the present to winterize, before it's too late. Maybe we'll be lucky and get a campfire in and a game of dominoes or yahtzee. That's about it here.

Enjoy the weekend.

Ciao for now,