I heart Adam Lambert...

…and subsequently Perez Hilton for introducing me to him.

OK so back in the day, the day being last year sometime, my step-mom calls me up and in an excited rush she demanded to know if I’ve watched any epi’s of Idol. I rolled my eyes and declined any interaction. In other words, I said no, it was cheese, I didn't watch it.


She went on about how there was a nice young “fella”, handsome as can be, who was very talented and that I should check him out.
When I reiterated the lack of interest in Idol, she suggested I at least YouTube him.
Gave me his name.
Adam something.
"Sure Mom...later" I said.

A couple weeks later the phone rang and I was pretty much bombarded with the same enthusiastic intro of “haveyouwatchedIdolyetorwhat?”
Again I said no. I was getting good at this whole saying No thing…too bad I didn’t invest this kind of vocabulary in high school when dating season came upon me…oops, another story for another time.

“OMG, Lees! You have to watch him! Even if it’s just him! He makes the show what it is! He’s fantastic! I get chills every time I hear him sing! This boy’s gonna win, I just know it.”

Well, haven’t we all heard that at some point in life? “So and so’s quite talented you should check them out” only to be mildly disappointed that they didn’t hit the right pitch or they wore way too bright of pink spandex shorts or simply they just weren’t as attractive as you had envisioned…yeah, cause that always helps. The cuteness factor. It really does!

Again, I sluffed it off. Figured whoever he was, would make it to the Top 10 with or without my vote. And really, I can’t stand watching Idol. I don’t know if it’s the judges, judging, or just the fact I always thought it was over-rated.

Time passes, and this Adam Lambert fella comes in second place. I honestly didn’t start paying attention to him until he lost out on first place at Idol. I saw a picture of him on PerezHilton cause well, I loves me my daily dose of drama!

There were what seemed hourly updates about how he was robbed of the title, about how the voters seemed still too closeted about open Homosexuals appearing as front runners and well, idols, and of course about how “seksi” he was. Ok so I finally checked him out.

And yeah, I’ve been in lurve with him ever since. Adam’s got a real edge to him. Honestly the whole jet black hair and jet black eye liner and come-hither that is seeping from his eyes does it for me. But when he sings…guess my Mom was right all along: chillz ladies. Chillz.

I saw his appearance on the AMA’s and was totally blown away by his raw talent and how finally someone pushed the envelope of entertainment. Two men making out on live television?? It’s about time, that’s all I gotta say.

I’ve read interviews he’s done, and Adam, albeit a young fella, sure is aware of his persona, his soul, and his surroundings in regards to his sexuality and how others perceive him. And rightly so! It shouldn’t matter that he's gay, because it’s his art that should be capturing people’s attention and respect, not who he wants to throw his ding-dong in.

So yes. I love me some Adam Lambertathon. Eyeliner and all…

Tis that time of year again...

Whell.

I said I wasn't wishing ANYONE a Merry Christmas until I saw some friggin' snow.

And I stand by that.

But I will wish ya'll a day of love and funky gifts! :D

I will be taking some time off from the blog to work on new designs that I can unveil in the new year but I will keep you posted!!

Calendar Launch - Hot Moms for Charity!!

Two things:

First, sorrrry I have not been around lately.

Moving. Packing. Unpacking. Painting. Cutting Trim. Oh, and sleeping :)

Secondly, lots has been going on business-wise as well. This post is a little late as per the above stated reasons, but here's the latest!

urbanLove was in attendance for a calendar launch held in the last week November. I had donated stationery pieces for Hot Moms for Charity who did a fundraiser supporting an organization called SWIM: Single Women in Motherhood.

SWIM raises awareness for and about single mothers who juggle life and careers, empowering them to succeed to their fullest positive potential (http://www.singlewomeninmotherhood.com/)

Hot Moms for Charity saw this as a great opportunity to help out in a cause that is close to their hearts, so enter the idea for a calendar of hot moms! It was originated by Angela Rivard and friend Yaira Estrada who works for a photography company, Last Forty Percent, who of course did all the photography for the shoot. There are more awesome pictures on their site if'n you feel like taking a gander: http://www.hotmomsforcharity.com/

They held it at a pretty swanky establishment called Cello Supper Club (pronounced CHello). There was a live DJ (who had turn tables!! I didn't know they still did that!! How old school!), or-derves (obv. I need to go back to said old school and learn how to spell), and a VERY Sex and the City crowd of socialites. Fun times!!

I purchased a calendar from last night's event and as you can see from the images I've posted, the photos in the calendar are very nicely done bein both sexy and tasteful. It just goes to show how hot moms can be!!
AND!! since I donated some art, I had special mention on the back of the calendar as well! Yay advertising!

Working mothers, single or not, are a hard-working group of ladies and it's great to see people who acknowledge and encourage us cause it's difficult most times to raise kids, pay the bills and find time for us to decompress, especially though if we are single. It's just harder on your own so it's fantastic and a bit of an ego boost to see that others support us :)

I also think they should do a Hot Dads calendar too, because there are alot of single Dads out there who juggle all these items as well and they too should have some rays of the spot light :)

So yeah, last night was great (all except for the $70 parking ticket [$40 if I pay in 7 days] that I found secured beneath my windsheild wiper, because apparently I don't know how to use those bloody parking ticket spitter-outter machines properly) and I had SUCH an AWESOME time meeting new people and others in the industry.

I hope to work with both HMFC and SWIM in the near future again!

Live life. Take Pictures.

Many changes have entered my life recently...alot of good things, and some not so good things.

I've had to come to terms with a personal loss, and learn how to look forward. Decisions have been made, paint chips selected, and I'm making a list and checking it twice.

Ever since I've made the choice to let certain things go, I've never felt more free and clear-headed about my life, about where I belong, and about how open I am to this journey set at my feet.

I feel it so deep in my bones that I am meant to be right where I am, and right where I will end up in the coming months. I'm good! I'm happy and smiling again and have an extra piece of vertebrae as a result of this departure.

In the midst of it all, friends and family have supported me. Co-workers have let me off the hook for being grumpy at times, and my beautiful children have been my strength. I know, sounds cliche but it's true!

OK ok, I'll quit getting all melodramatic on you :)

I left my boyfriend of 4 years (well, almost...3 years, 11 months, 1 day to be exact...so much for an anniversary right? LOL).

I won't go into detail because really, I just don't need to, but it just didn't work and I wasn't happy. Even though we both tried, in the end...well, it was just that: the end.

Sad. I know.

Bottom line, I realized we are not only 2 different people, but too different. And that makes a difference.

The love will always be there between us but it takes more than that to withstand, stabilize, and maintain a relationship.

So at the beginning of the end of this year, I move to the square in front of me, I move out and move on.

And through it all I have my new baby by my side...as my motto these days is to look forward, not behind....to live life and take pictures.

Enter my Canon EOS. Ah yes, a fancy-schmancy contraption of marvellous mechanical abilities! An entry-level, sure, but good Lord do I feel like a rockstar with it in my little hands! I'm capturing all these moments in my new life now with a camera that is (and I will get melodramatic now) meant for me :D

Life really is good these days...2010 will be my year, I know it! :)

Jake and Teresa - The Wedding

As recently posted, on a cool and breezy October 31st, my dear friend Jake married his soulmate Teresa.

The weather co-operated decently for the outdoor pictures as you can see, but the REAL fun was to be had later on following the reception...and THOSE pics will stay in the vault! :D

My ex-Fiance's Redneck Halloween'er Wedding??

Yes'sir and mam's!

My ex-fiance's redneck halloween wedding was yesterday and boy oh boy did I ever get alot and I mean H'ALOT of great shots!

But guess what?

My camera broke literally 2 hours before we were to leave for the wedding (I swear this is a direct result from that black cat who ran across my path the other day...) so I had to push a buck-twenty to Nicole's house to use HER camera. This is all fine and dandy, but I don't have any way of uploading the images from my memory card on her camera to my computer.

I'm sure there's a way, I just don't know what it is.

It's probably quite easy, but I just don't realize how easy.

Unless I grab her USB cord thingy...hey I think I just figured it all out!

While making myself look like a dummy online!

Go Lisa! :)

So until then, this blog will have to suffice. DAMMIT eh!

Oh and on a totally un-related note, Lisa from Weezi's uploaded this here fancy lil' blog about the Breastest Day Ever and she spoke some very kind and smile-provoking words about urbanLove!

So go!

Link!

Read!

And smile!

http://theweezistore.blogspot.com/2009/10/breastest-day-ever-big-success-happy.html

Dana and Weezi's Breastest Day Ever!!

urbanLove was able to take part over the weekend in a great opportunity to help raise money for Breast Cancer. It was also a great way to meet new people and network. All bases covered.

It took place at Weezi's Design and Fashion above St. Albert's diner in Londontown on Sunday October 25th. I had received an invite to attend the event via Facebook on a Monday evening and after reading in detail about the fund raiser and what would be taking place, I just knew I had to do something to help out.

I mean, I have breasts. Obviously. Small ones too, but if ever I were to lose them I would be devastated. And for those who are suffering through that traumatic time, I think they would like to take some kind of comfort knowing that others; friends, family, strangers alike, came together for a day to support the cause.

I emailed Lisa, the creator of the event, and cc'd Dana Brushette, the photographer (which I've had the honour of working with not once, but twice in the past for personal family portraits) who had both come together to create a truly beautiful calendar that was photographed by Dana. I asked what I could do to help.

I immediately began to brainstorm ideas because well...that's what I do. When I'm focused on something you can rarely take me away from it nor do I suggest you try because I can turn quite cranky if interrupted. Which is why I don't do ANY art until after my children are asleep :)

I sketched out ideas for layout designs and harmonizing captions for a couple hours. By midnight, my yawns had grown into full-blown tiredness but thankfully I had the initial design for the greeting cards down pat. I just needed a witty caption that tied it all together.

The following night on Tuesday, I worked diligently on the cards that last minute I decided to make into postcards. I drew and sketched, eye dropper tool'd and coloured, anchor noded and pen tool'd.

Finally, after what seemed to be forever, I sat back, staring at the screen trying to finalize a witty caption. As I zoomed out the image on the screen, after spending about an hour drawing and tweeking and adjusting lines and colours, it came to me.

"Like a good bra, I support you."

Perfect!

So anti-Hallmark too! LOVES IT!

I typed it in, situated it in the centre of the card, picked a font that suited the design overall, hit save, and then started on the bookmarks.

Bookmarks?!

Yes...I also donated some funky awesome bookmarks.

I mean, I could have just as easily gone the el cheapo route and dropped in a 3 cent business card in the bags. But of course, my mind stretches with ideas once I'm locked in that zone, and moments after the postcard save, I thought up the awesome idea to make hand-made unique bookmarks. Because everyone should spend an hour in Chapters to find their next good read and have a neat little bookmark to accompany it! :) See? urbanLove promotes literacy too!! Coolbeans!

Anyways, I was up till 1am that night. WOW. Tired much Lisa?? But it was worth it because the bookmark designs turned out pretty freakin' cool too!

I officially sent all the files to my printer at around twenty after one, and then retired to my bed. I don't even remember laying down I was that tired...maybe I didn't even make it to my bed, I can't recall, lol. Maybe it was the pile of laundry...hell I didn't care, I was too tired, lol.

The next day was chaos. I have a 9-5'er as well, so I couldn't do anything about my little stationery bits and bobs until after work. Once I picked up my kids from school and daycare, we headed the next city over to purchase supplies. I pretty much found everything in one spot, for a decent, round price.

We headed home and I did the MomThing and decided that since the bookmarks were probably going to take the better part of the night to assemble, I rewarded myself with a night off to relax. So when the kiddies were in bed, so was I.

Thursday night.

AWESOME.

My 12 year old daughter and I sat down in the living room at 9pm promptly and I had all the supplies laid out before me on the coffee table, like a cute little assembly line. As we watched Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, we both worked silently on the bookmarks, intertwining wire and jute and adding little embellishments. It was great spending this time with her; a nice Mother-Daughter evening in! :)

By 11pm all the bookmarks were completed; close to a hundred. Holy stamina! The stationery set I was donating was ready to go and the postcards were trimmed to size and the bookmarks coupled with the above, were ready to become a part of the Boobie Bags!

Saturday afternoon we dropped them off to Lisa and chatted like excited little school girls about the following day. I could not wait! Neither could she! Someone gimmie a woot woot!

Fast forward to Sunday afternoon...we walked up the flight of stairs to Weezi's studio and entered a whole other realm or rather that's what it felt like. Pink.vintage.retro.everything everywhere. A table was set up with all the donatables, and then in another area, the Boobie Bags.

We chatted with others, perused the clothes and funky hand-made vintage fashions, and had some yummy cupcakes and!! PopShoppe pop!! OMG! I totally remember having that when I was a kid! Horrah!

By the time my daughter and I had left, which was close to an hour later, we had some parting gifts and smiles on our faces knowing that all our hard work, even though it was in the form of twine, wire, and card stock, was going to a good cause. Go team Us!

If you would like to see what kind of awesome retro fashions and pieces that Weezi's offers, you can check her out at www.weezi.com.

The talented Pin-Up photography queen that is Dana Brushette can be found at www.danabrushette.com. Please check them both out - I implore you! :D

www.pinkribbonpinups.com

Can't wait to work with you ladies again!!