Cast-Iron Tea Pot

I find every reason possible to tell myself that I deserve a gift. A gift for working hard, a gift 'just because', a gift for moving.....etc.. Remember I told you that I owned too much stuff? Well, obviously not enough because I just could not resist this bamboo embossed cast-iron tea pot from the Superstore. It is perfect for afternoon and late-late night tea. I also bought raspberry white tea, pomegranate green tea, Stash Licorice tea and my old fave Tetley tea. I also bought the large (no, I mean gigantic in-home banquet size) white ceramic salad bowl. The kettle is boiling. Do come over quickly. Steep. Steep. Steep.

My Antibes Bikini Skirt

When you move, you find things. Things you forgot you had. Here is my cliffrose patterned beach skirt and yes, it's almost that time of year isn't it? Now, if you are sitting there ever so slightly annoyed while you gaze at my awesome 'bod', relax. This isn't me and it isn't even my skirt. I'm slap happy and dreaming. I just found it on the J.Crew Spring site. Adorable right?

I am 'Today's Creative Blog'

Oh yes I am! Cool! With all the huffing and puffing and snarling and collapsing in bed kind of tired - moving, grooving - searching for stuff, needing a corkscrew...found it...food? You need to eat...ah hmmm....here are some blue tortilla chip crumbs and half a can of warm coke..will that do? - What do you mean you are hungry? - Darn it. Kids have to eat don't they? I just want to finish moving and get settled and then post, post and post some more. Did I mention that I have too much stuff? I think we all need to edit our lives and only keep the things that are truly necessary or inspirational. I am at my Mom's checking my emails and blog and to my surprise and utter delightfullness, I discovered that I am featured at Today's Creative Blog. Now, for me, this is like winning an Oscar. When I first started blogging I'd sigh and say to myself - I wonder if I'd ever get noticed enough to get featured on this fantastic TCB site. Can you believe it? I can't either. This is sooooo fabulous. I am just kicking happy right now. This has made my day, week, month and year. Big Hug & Thank You!

Nelly Furtado, Earth Hour 2008

Packing Moving Funky?

That would be a real stretch to call moving a 'Funky Project', but I'll go with it. At least for the next 24 hours while I rearrange my office/studio life. You too can purchase some of this packing tape and get busy with some kind of funky project. I hope to be up and running asap 'cause I have some sexy high-speed awaiting me as we speak. (Can you tell I'm trying to keep a very positive attitude?) The truth is I only need a few things to really keep me happy - I mean if I lost everything on a moving truck or a flash flood took it all away - laptop, camera, coffee, magazines, notebook, pen. And believe me, that's all packed and ready to go. Yes, loved ones and dog are included in that list too. (For those of you who are sitting there sipping your green tea muttering 'What a horrid girl. She didn't even mention her family.')

M.I.A.

Yes, I know. I've been 'missing in action'. I was away on business and then yesterday on the way home, I got stuck in a freak snowstorm on the top of the mountain. A usual 4 hour drive took me 10 hours. I cried, self-talked, forced happy calming thoughts, and well you know, went through all the emotions of a bad, bad travel experience. The only thing that kept me going was that in all the little towns where the roads were closed, I'd pull over and read my new Spring issue of Canadian House and Home. Be sure to test drive their new digital edition. You can try a free preview. It is amazing! After reading about Jane Hess and Holly Dyment, I dreamt of Designer's Guild fabrics. Striking wallpapers which reflect the roccoco theme and work beautifully with Florimund printed fabrics. This collection includes dramatic feature wall designs, softer all-over patterns and a superb new flock design - all in a soft new colour palette. 8 designs available in a total of 58 colourways. Sigh. And that folks, is my M.I.A. story. Great design can get you through anything. So, if you've been over to House and Home and tried the digital issue - what are your thoughts on this trend? Or, do you still want your copy in your arms, so you can hug it during freak snowstorms?

Broadway Backstage Pass & Clare Graham

I have some pull. I can get you backstage for a peek into some Broadway Actors' dressing rooms. (Like this one where Kylie Minogue beautifies herself.) I know you love decor, so slip in here. You are going to love the mirror seen in one of the rooms that is crafted by artist Clare Graham out of buttons. Now this tour is not for everyone. Just my special friends. Shhh...don't tell anyone.

Via: MeeesterNik

The Junk Gypsy Company

You know I like to have fun. See. The girls over at

Gypsyville have designed a sign just for me.

Wasn't' that sweet?

"The raucous and rowdy home of gypsies, junkers, DREAMERS and true-blue REBELS! The Junk Gypsy company, with our TROUPE of talented scavengers, travels NEAR and FAR to find roadside treasures, decadent decor and exotic goods for your home.
And our team of rebellious designers work to bring you spunky COUTURE through the Junk Gypsy tees, jewelry and other charming wearables.
So with a little wanderlust in your soul and a rebellious gleam in your eye. . . take a magic carpet ride through our wild and spirited world!" - The Junk Gypsies

You will get your creative 'fill' by viewing their jewelry.

Happy Easter Weekend to those
of you who are celebrating it.

I think this vintage rosary is very hip.

If you have been wondering what to send me

as an everyday gift, I'd like this camera charm!


Homegoods too...
What is Junk Gypsy Style?

"THE JUNK GYPSY COMPANY reveals a palette of vibrant colors, a crossroads of diverse styles, and a beautifully chaotic combination of funky vintage pieces and true-blue foot stomping home décor. We combine chippy-peely fleamarket furniture and elegant chandeliers with a little bit of hippie Texas flair, some southern-fried cowgirl pride and a splash of MOULIN ROUGE eccentricity to achieve the JUNK GYPSY look. We believe in decadent junk and FUN, spirited styles coming together to create a space that defines who you are.
We believe your home should be your ESCAPE. An escape that embraces all of the diverse styles that you love …from those worn-out blue jeans to that rock n' roll soul… throw conventional DESIGN RULES out the window, shake that hair free and live in a space that speaks of adventure, journeys, and everything that you dream of." - The Junk Gypsies

To learn more about the girls from Texas discover their website.
It's a hoot!
To see all their press coverage, click here.

Have a fantastic weekend....Back at 'cha next week!
Liberty xo

Hello Spring !

I, Liberty Post, due solemnly swear not to whine, complain, discuss, write about or have any conversations with anyone, anywhere in the world about Canada's winter weather and the plight of the average inhabitant. Except today, the first day of Spring. (because it's snowing) And, I also promise not to tell any 'white' lies. (except today because these photos are from somewhere else, however, these photos are a dead ringer for Wasaga Beach)

Bitch is The New Black

Are you ready to laugh?....watch this 2 minute clip

TINA FEY: Maybe what bothers me the most is that people say that Hillary is a bitch. Let me say something about that: Yeah, she is. So am I and so is this one. [Points to Amy Poehler]

AMY POEHLER: Yeah, deal with it.

TINA FEY: You know what, bitches get stuff done. That's why Catholic schools use nuns as teachers and not priests. Those nuns are mean old clams and they sleep on cots and they're allowed to hit you. And at the end of the school year you hated those bitches but you knew the capital of Vermont. So, I'm saying it's not too late Texas and Ohio, bitch is the new black!

LIBERTY POST: And I say, Who says women aren't funny? Start wearing black girls. Jet black.


Photo: Vanity Fair (from left: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey)Photograph by Annie Leibovitz; styled by Michael Roberts.

Marry A Beatle and You Too Can Get $50 Million

What's are the chances though, really. I mean there are only two left. Ringo or Paul and I doubt that Paul will fall for that again. So in the meantime ladies, you can wear a 'Beatle'. These gorgeous Beetle Charm bracelets from our dear friends at Alabama Chanin, are crafted with enameled pattern and 100% cotton ribbon tie closure. Available in Platinum/Sterling or Gold Vermeil. Choose your own fabric color. All pieces are hand-crafted, numbered and signed. $1425.00. Perhaps Heather Mills could buy you one. She has the money. And, I don't care too much for money, Money Can't Buy Me Love.

Photo Credit: Alabama Chanin (blog) (website)

Bear Stearns

Do you think that Matte Stephens was dreaming about the sub-prime mortgage crisis when he painted this bear? Truly, is this not the best illustration for what is happening? It is called 'The Great Suburban Bear Monster' - how brilliant is that! Look at the bear scaring the people who have packed up to leave their home; the one they can no longer afford. I think Matte should contact Time magazine and get this image on the front cover. If you work for Time or any other magazine, I ask you, Why Not?

In fact, as a collective group, I am suggesting we all vote for Matte's art to be featured somewhere. After all, Alan Greenspan has written in the Financial Times today, that this economic crisis is the worst since WWII. That's bad. Really bad.

And Bear Stearns. Gee, they are getting $2 a share for their stock. Quite honestly, I could get more than that for my blog. (Wink)

Here is the link to Matte's blog. Why not swing over there and let him know what we want!

Home Sense

I spent some time at Home Sense. In fact, I could literally get lost in there for hours. Great finds. Exceptional prices. Up to 60% off retail. Can you see me in the top mosaic candle holder?

A Handwritten Note from Alex Beard

Click on the image to enlarge the note.

Alex Beard Studio

As an artist, writer and traveler, Alex Beard has emerged as one of his generation's most creative and successful painters. Born in 1970, Alex was influenced to think creatively from a young age by his uncle Peter Beard, the photographer, and his mother Patricia Beard, an accomplished author and magazine editor, Alex grew up as a child among some of the world's most interesting and influential people. Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, and their Pop World cohorts were familiar faces in the Beard household.

Alex's SoHo Studio can be rented for private gatherings - private dinners, corporate events, birthday parties, engagement parties, fashion trunk shows, private studio tours, book launch events and networking parties. Guests that purchase artwork can receive 10% of the cost for the host of the party, or 10% can be donated to a charity of their choice.

You can read more about Alex in the April 2008 issue of Vanity Fair. (Page 110 - in case you want to sneek a peek instead of buying the mag) Photos of Alex by Ben Hoffmann. (By the way, the cover story cracks me up. 'Who Says Women Aren't Funny?' Hey, that's not nice.) Visit Alex's MySpace here.

The video of Alex painting is truly fascinating. Enjoy your coffee and his global music as you witness the birth of 'The Salmon Run'.

Studio/Paints photo: Flickr, See-Ming Lee

Like Mother

Here's to St. Patrick, so go ahead. Take a wild guess. Which one is my daughter?

Click on the fashion images to enter the magical world of Polyvore. Lucky us.

Tibet and The Wind Horse

Question: Do you think you will ever be able to return to Tibet?

Answer: Yes, I remain optimistic that I will be able to return to Tibet. China is in the process of changing. If you compare China today to ten or twenty years ago, there is tremendous change. China is no longer isolated. It is part of the world community. Global interdependence, especially in terms of economics and environment make it impossible for nations to remain isolated. Besides, I am not seeking separation from China. I am committed to my middle-way approach whereby Tibet remains within the People’s Republic of China enjoying a high degree of self-rule or autonomy. I firmly believe that this is of mutual benefit both to the Tibetans as well as to the Chinese. We Tibetans will be able to develop Tibet with China’s assistance, while at the same time preserving our own unique culture, including spirituality, and our delicate environment. By amicably resolving the Tibetan issue, China will be able to contribute to her own unity and stability. - Dali Lama

Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to 'gods,' a common misconception, rather the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.

By hanging flags in high places the "Wind Horse" will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. As wind passes over the surface of the flags which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified by the Mantras.

The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the universe as the images fade from exposure to the elements. Just as life moves on and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act symbolizes a welcoming of life changes and an acknowledgment that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.

A local organic farmer has prayer flags over his lush gardens each summer. I love to drive by and see them move with the valley breeze. Remind me to take a photo for you. If you would like to own some you can order them here or here.

Photo Credit: Tibet Photo Org.

Marrakesh Lounge Pants by Tracy Porter

Oh my heart is skipping a beat, or two, or three. We had sunshine today! Snow is melting and these smashing pants may be just what we 'northern' gals need. Wouldn't they look darling on Maryam? I know Cote de Texas bought this. Hey Joni, let's see a photo of you wearing it! I want this. Go Fetch. Please and thank you.

Dooce

One of 'The 50 Most Powerful Blogs in the World', learn how she made Lemons into Lemonade and much, much more. Dooce has spunk. She's a 'Blog Champion' and the ultimate 'Blogebrity'. Congratulations Heather!

Photo: Dooce