I’ve become obsessed with the smell of roses and lavender lately since everything is finally in full bloom. I’ve been experimenting with making potpourri. Air drying on a screen produced the best results. I tried the oven method but the colours and scent faded so quickly. Has anyone else tried this? I’m looking for tips on retaining the scent. I sprinkled some rose and lavender essential oil over top of it to give it a boost. I’d like to think this pretty bowl of blooms with lift me up in dark January days! 

While eBooks are certainly convenient, I still prefer holding a physical copy of a book in my hands. Maybe I am old fashioned! My book, Elevate the Everyday is now available in paperback format on Amazon. It was definitely a lot more work to prepare my manuscript for printing, but it was important for me to hold this baby in my hands.

Do you prefer eBooks or physical copies? I love the “instant gratification” aspect of eBooks! If I’m in the mood to read a certain title, it is available in an instant. My e-reader is also very valuable for travel and for slipping in my purse. That being said, when it comes to special titles, I always order the hard copy for my bookshelf.

I have an exciting announcement to make. I wrote a book! “Elevate the Everyday” was just released on Amazon today!

Like so many of you out there, I am passionate about seeking ways to enrich the experience of day to day life. As a professional accountant, I have always found great pleasure in approaching my life with an analytical and observant mind. I enjoy tweaking the various areas of my life to infuse as much beauty, peace and joy as possible into my days. I am excited to share some of my experiences and ideas with the world. The concepts discussed in my book are not ground-breaking or earth shattering. They are the very topics many of us consider and explore often in our daily lives. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle reminder or a dash of inspiration to revisit them. The topics I discuss include wardrobe, food, fitness, finances, housekeeping, attitude, beauty….and so much more!

I need to give a special shout out and thank you to Fiona Ferris , author of “The Chic Author” (and many other amazing titles)! Her inspiring words and wisdom were my guiding star throughout the entire process – from beginning to end. If you dream of writing a book of your own, I encourage you to read Fiona’s book. I read “The Chic Author” in one day and literally started my own manuscript the next morning. It is such an achievable goal!

I hope you will join me on the journey to “Elevate the Everyday”. It is currently available on Amazon in Kindle edition, with the paperback coming soon. 

A month ago I posted a video of a family of ducklings in my neighborhood. Wow! They have grown! Here they are this morning. One less ducking 😢. Honestly I am impressed there are still six of them because they were literally waddling down the centre line.

I was poking around a dusty barn yesterday and stumbled on this antique jar. It looked to be a perfect vase for wildflowers. Upon further inspection I noticed the lettering said CORONA! How appropriate! The dealer threw it in for free with the purchase of an old fireman bucket for my potted plants. My mom and I went for a walk today and picked these pretty wildflowers. I don’t have much of a garden so I’m always scrounging around for free blooms. Pink yarrow, aster, chamomile, Queen Anne’s lace and bedstraw make a pretty and nostalgic looking bouquet! What wildflowers are blooming near you these days?

Are you a Country Mouse or a City Mouse? I love an odd trip to the city to browse shops and eat in a restaurant. That being said, I am a lover of wide open spaces. Today I’m on an overnight getaway to visit my parents. Coco and I are soaking up the beautiful pastoral view.

Even little Coco is going for a French chic look with his new collar. I have clearly gone off the deep end. Even my son noticed, “Look Mommy! Coco’s new collar matches your black and gold purse!” Really? I hadn’t even noticed!