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Back in Business

Oh my gosh, I can’t believe the day has finally come! The day my shop is finally open again. It feels like forever since I’ve been able to say that. But, the day is here and I’m beyond ecstatic. I’m not even sure I can put it into words right now how I feel. So I’ll just tell you about the products until I can process my thoughts better. That works right?

Notepads

My first release in new products is as you can see – NOTEPADS! Welcome to the shift in the modernemotive product line. I have been wanting to change the direction of my product offering for a long time, but as my in-house production was limited, it just wasn’t feasible. Now, thanks to a wonderful printing partner, I’m thrilled I’m now able to turn my ideas into something tangible. Something truly functional!

Deep down I knew modernemotive had to be more than just pretty cards and stationery. Though I love pretty paper, I also love and need function. And so, with a propensity to procrastinate, whether in work or life, not only did these notepads naturally grow from own personal needs but also from a need to take modernemotive to the next level. With the release of these notepads, I feel like I’m on my way and I am so excited for what’s to come. Rest assured, this is only the beginning. I’ve chosen to stagger the introduction of my products to ensure they are the best they can be. So, expect even more in a few weeks!

And with that, please check out my new shop and let me know what you think. I am so proud of this release and I truly hope that you like it too. I decided to set up shop on Big Cartel for a bit more flexibility, so if you encounter any issues (I basically re-skinned my shop in 24 hours), please let me know. Go on, go take a look. Now! But erm, read the last paragraph first okay?

I cannot end this post without saying a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that has supported me these past few months. You’ve seen some of highs and most certainly some of my lows and words cannot express how appreciative I am you were all there whether it be here, on Twitter or via email. Those few sentences don’t do my appreciation any justice but thank you, thank you, thank you!

I’m back folks and this time, I ain’t going nowhere but forward!

Adele xo

P.S. Prices are in $CAD.

June 29, 2010  //  Filed under: Paper Goods  //  Tagged: eco, ecofriendy, modernemotive, notepads, paper goods, shop, stationery  //  6 Comments

This is NOT Toronto

As I’m sure most of you have heard or seen, the G20 “protesting” got ugly in Toronto yesterday. I wouldn’t even call what happened yesterday protesting. The destruction being caused is actually deafening the important messages those truly exercising their rights to protest in a peaceful manner are trying to share.

Though I watched most of the craziness on CP24 yesterday, when things appeared relatively calm, J and I headed down to some of the hot spots. It was heartbreaking to see the stores and business I frequent often (many are just a block from me) completely ruined and their windows shattered. I don’t even have the words to describe it. As I headed home, rather than hear the usual hustle and bustle of city life, all I heard was the sickening noise of glass being cleaned up. It was quite surreal.

I don’t wish to get into a debate about who’s right or wrong. But I will say that destroying the city and the businesses of innocent people is wrong. Taking “I was here” photos in front of vandalized stores mocking them is wrong. Committing acts of violence towards others is wrong. Deafening the voices of those trying to share their message peacefully is wrong.

This is NOT the Toronto I love or live in.

UPDATE: One of my photos (this one) ended up on blogTO. While I wish it had been under better circumstances, I’m honored for the include. Cheers blogTO.

June 27, 2010  //  Filed under: Etcetera  //  Tagged: g20, life, toronto  //  10 Comments

Sneak Peek!

Sneak Peek

My new products are here and I am beyond ecstatic at how they turned out. I could not of wished for more. I’m officially opening up the shop again Monday/Tuesday of next week. So, make sure you are following me on Twitter or via my blog feed to learn more. I cannot wait!

June 25, 2010  //  Filed under: Paper Goods  //  Tagged: eco, ecofriendly, modernemotive, paper, stationery  //  9 Comments

My Shadow

Kayden

I never intended on having a third Siberian Husky. But, a few years ago, a neighbour posted a sign on the communal mailboxes trying to get rid of one. As tempting as it was, I figured 2 dogs was probably enough and quickly pushed the temptation out of my mind.

Then, one very cold Winter day, I happened to be driving through the streets and saw a puppy tied up on a front porch. I figured it was the Siberian for sale but quickly glanced away before I caved. When I drove by again a few hours later, he was still outside. Still alone. Still tied up. A twelve-week old puppy.

Needless to say, I was infuriated. Yes, Siberians are “winter dogs” but that doesn’t mean you leave a puppy outdoors in a bitter and cold Canadian winter. When I got home, I couldn’t get the puppy out of my mind. Before I knew it, I had my winter boots and jacket on and was knocking on their door.

A few hours later I had him on a leash and was walking him to his new home. The previous owners had him for a whole 4 weeks or so if I remember correctly. I’m sure it was a Christmas present for their kids because “snow dogs” are cool gifts in the winter. Ugh. Other than Kayden (I named him that btw), I left with nothing more. They pretty much shoved me out the door with Kayden on a leash before I could ask any questions though of course, not before I’d handed over cash. They gave me no food he was accustomed to, no favorites toys, no bed. I guess they wanted to take them back too.

Breaking Kayden wasn’t easy. For a puppy, he was extremely aggressive (with humans and other dogs) and simply out of control. So much so, I wondered if I could even rein him in. The possibility of returning him to the original breeder was discussed. But when push came to shove, I couldn’t turn my back on him. From day one, he was always distant. He would sleep far away from the other dogs and me. But eventually, one day, he just changed. Changed into one of the most loving and hilariously cute dogs I know. Now he never leaves my side and when possible, always has to be touching me. Wherever I go, he goes (yes, including the bathroom). He’s my shadow. My baby.

Kayden

Kayden

Kayden

Kayden

June 23, 2010  //  Filed under: Etcetera  //  Tagged: dogs, siberian husky  //  14 Comments

3 Days Late

Me 'n' Dad

Yes, I know I’m 3 days late in mentioning Father’s Day around here. You may even notice I rarely mention holidays period. See, I have a hard time with holidays in general. I’m never with my family back in England and so I can’t help but feel a little homesick. Sometimes a lot homesick.

This Father’s Day hit me particularly hard. As some of you may of read, my father has cancer. Mesothelioma cancer to be exact. There’s no getting rid of it. Doctors suspect he’s had it for years and years – possibly decades. Thankfully, due to chemotherapy it hasn’t grown since we found out over a year ago. And in fact, the doctors are baffled that my dad is showing no signs of having cancer. Obviously, he feels the effects of the chemo, but other than that, he’s as fit as a fiddle. So in that sense, we are blessed. We are also blessed that we can use the word remission. But I’ll be honest, when it’s attached to something so ugly, it’s hard to process. Ugh, I can’t find the words to describe what I mean and so I won’t.

So, moving on… I know I am biased, but I really have the best parents. I hear tales all the time from friends about parental issues. I have none. Never have beyond the typical teenager/parent ones. My parents always gave me enough freedom to be myself with guidance as needed. They pick me up when I’m down and give me a kick up the arse as required. I can tell them both anything. And that only scratches the surface of how great they are. I really couldn’t ask for better parents. A better mother. A better father.

Unfortunately, words are too painful for me to write anymore on this, but I simply need to say (and excuse the language) out loud – I FUCKING HATE CANCER!

Me 'n' Dad

And more importantly, I love you Dad!

P.S. The photo is of me getting my first chug of beer. I can assure you my reaction is no longer like the above. It makes me giggle every time I look at it and it’s probably one of my most favorites photos of my Dad and I together.

June 23, 2010  //  Filed under: Etcetera  //  Tagged: cancer, life  //  1 Comment

The Bone Protector

I’ve got a busy week* ahead of me so blog posts might be light this week. Thankfully my dogs are visiting and are already giving me content. I present to you Riley – The Bone Protector.

Bone area is secure so napping ensues with a cautionary eye just in case.

Protector is alerted to a potential threat approaching the bone security zone. Subtle action is taken to establish boundaries.

Potential threat moving closer to the bone security zone. Close guarded protection is required.

Potential threat is now inside the security zone. Time to increase the level of assertiveness.

Potential threat backed down. Phew, no combat required. Mission completed successfully.

* If all goes well, my shop will be reopening on June 28th. Wahoo. More details throughout the week I promise. ;)

June 21, 2010  //  Filed under: Etcetera  //  Tagged: dogs  //  5 Comments

Breakfast

Throughout the week I never eat breakfast. It’s one of those meals I never think about even though I know it’s supposedly the most important meal of the day. Instead I fill myself up on coffee. Way too much coffee. Anyways, on the weekends, all I can think about is breakfast.

A British Favorite - Eggs 'n' Beans on Toast

One of my favorite breakfasts to have over the weekend is eggs ‘n’ beans on toast. Far from gourmet I know but a British favorite nonetheless. If only I could find the perfect fish ‘n’ chips with a side of mushy peas then I’d be golden. Oh even better, a patty butty. One can only hope.

What’s your favorite breakfast dish?

P.S. James wanted it noted that he cooked this breakfast. Since meeting I’ve been teaching him how to cook. What’s great is that once he masters something it then becomes “his thing” to make and only he can make it. He thinks I’m just showing him how to cook. Little does he know that I’m doing it so that I don’t have to cook so much myself.  Hehe.

P.P.S. I had NO clue patty butties originated from my hometown Hull until I ran that Google search! Makes me want one even more and I’m suddenly feeling homesick.

June 19, 2010  //  Filed under: Food  //  3 Comments

Almost ready

I’m finally kicking procrastination to the curb and wrapping up all the small details on my new products before sending them out to my printer. All that remains to be done is proofing. With any luck, if the proofs/prototypes come back as I hope, I should have the products in my hands by the middle of next week. Gulp. Products again… finally.

I’m feeling both a mixture of excitement and anxiety as can be expected. I’ve still got a lot of work to do but the fact that I’m so close to re-opening is keeping me going. I’m back in business again. About bloody time!

Photo Credit: sarbert

June 16, 2010  //  Filed under: This Self-Employed Life  //  Tagged: business  //  7 Comments

Overheard: #01

Setup: J is in the kitchen prepping for dinner. A is laid in the bedroom surfing and watching the news.

J: How do I get the kitchen so messy? (Note: he was talking to himself, this wasn’t a question to A)
A: (Resists the urge to go into the kitchen and get all neat freak on his arse)
J: (enters the bedroom) Hey, show me those videos you were talking about.
A: Later.
J: Come one, show them to me now. (Tries to gain control of the laptop – GASP!)
A: (Holds onto laptop for dear life) It’s mine, all mine!
J: You’re a freak.
A: Why don’t you get back in the kitchen and clean up your mess?
J: Why don’t you go back to being nauseous?

Someone got TOLD! Ass.

Photo Credit: Casey Serin

June 14, 2010  //  Filed under: Etcetera  //  Tagged: life, random  //  4 Comments

Sick… I think.

All weekend I had this sickly feeling. It was a little bit of exhaustion combined with niggling nausea. I hoped my laid back weekend would fix it but it’s still visiting today. Ugh.

Sick Day

Days like this I wish I wasn’t a master at procrastinating. If I wasn’t, it would make taking a sick day less guilt-inducing. Though I can’t help but wonder if it’s my procrastination that’s making me feel sick. Double ugh.

June 14, 2010  //  Filed under: Etcetera  //  Tagged: life, ugh  //  7 Comments

Sometimes…

… despite our best intentions, the to-do list we set ourselves remains undone. Instead we laze in bed with loved ones, enjoy brunches made by others, watch mindless TV, rent movies and cook up comfort food for dinner. Add to that grey and overcast weather and you have yourself an extra layer of contentment.

Sometimes that’s all that weekends should be. How was yours?

P.S. If you have one, sometimes you hit the hot-tub too.

June 13, 2010  //  Filed under: Etcetera  //  Tagged: life  //  2 Comments

Stereo Mood: Tuning My Emotions

Feeling sad, dreamy, lost in thought or perhaps in need of a good cry? Maybe you’re cuddling with your love, chilling out or spring cleaning. Well channel your emotions and tune into Stereo Mood – an emotional internet radio. They have put together collections of songs that speak to your mood or activity.

As someone that has become pretty blah about her iTunes collection I’m looking forward to discovering some new music. What a neat idea. I’m currently listing to the calm play-list (love the version of Time After Time by Eva Cassidy) while I enjoy my last cup of morning coffee.

Enjoy. Oh and do you find that coffee somehow tastes better on the weekend?

Photo Credit: Red Beetle
Found via: Sarah Wilson

June 12, 2010  //  Filed under: Etcetera  //  Tagged: cool finds, music  //  2 Comments