suzette roberts

// Hand and Nail Care

Six weeks ago, the craziest thing happened...

// 5 Things I Must Do to Stay 'Sane'...

... or at least as close to... As Ellen states, "It's always better to risk being rude than risk being beaten, or eaten." haha I agree! Last week, this funny yet oh-so-true article in the Ask Ellie - Advice Column made me quietly laugh as I was heading North on our subway. While the hilarious illustration spoke for itself, I couldn't help not thinking about our own unfettered and casual to the max days on the home front, spa days aside in our relaxed oversized mid-thigh tees, and the fact that we've learned many of these behind-the-scenes stretch n' chill habits from generations past (my Grandpa Strebs especially) who worked many a days from home, right on his veranda in Jamaica as a well-regarded and well-respected sports editor, clad in his long pjs, robe, and even second cup of coffee mid-afternoon, much to the dismay of many unexpected, arriving 'elites'...

// Homemade Kale Chips (Road Trip Snacking)

To say I've been wanting to make this delicious, crunchy and healthy fresh kale snack for over a year now, would be an understatement. There was lots of busy with new and exciting creative avenues that required some serious time-investment, hence the delay. But, as the saying goes... things happen in their own time and at the right time, and back then there was also lots going on with kale and I held back until I felt really good with indulging in this simple (get our kids involved too) recipe. It pays to wait and we're really enjoying all the spicy twists one can travel with this fun and easy road trip snacking treat. Happy Father's Day to our amazing dads and grands on Sunday, and happy early weekend! Music and more after the jump... ~xx

// The Tuesday Six, Plus...

 

Six recently read and loved links from around the web...

 

...  How cute are these freshly squeezed citron nails and more.

...  Excessive screen time linked to suicide risk and this too.

...  More summer fun wellness for everyone.

...  An honest take on work-life balance.

...  Love this whimsy-feel serving bowl.

...  And a refreshing Vitamin C boost smoothie.

 

Plus... this fun quiz, since we have/ almost have, all the time in the world now that school's out/ almost out. :)

 

 

// Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors

A little cheer for our Monday and possible new week back into it... Immerse and merge your entire being with the colorful and mood-metamorphosing world of mirrored-rooms, an installation by Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama. I got took the time to enjoy two plus hours immersed in her expansive creativity of 'Infinity Mirrors' early last month, at our relaxing AGO, and what a lovely added lift to an otherwise on-the-move day. Each room and space captures a new mood that is instantly relatable-- striking, powerful, deeply-reflective and ultimately transcending, to the quiet observer. At now 89 years, Ms. Kusama continues to find peace, joy and a happy balance with her colourful work and world of dots, and being able to share her delight with others. :) #inspired A few favourites of her work from over the years (1965 - 2016) after the jump... 

// Winding It All Down, or Up (Take Your Pick) :)

{summer nail colour inspiration from PLISSÉ TULLE (plissé tulle) flounces; a Gattinoni Couture installation} 

 

The funniest thing happens when work that we genuinely enjoy (and all facets of it) even the little grinds and nuances of it every now and again, is also paid work, because as we know after decades of doing it-- there is no perfectly smooth path or even year, where it will be laa dee daa day in, day out, month in and month out. Sometimes bolts begin loosening themselves without any self-inflicted anything and before we know it, images of the Titanic start creeping in and we count our lucky stars (our moms, dads, and grands) that we took our swimming classes seriously, and met the right kind along the way to help and guide us through those wilder times-- because wilder times are also part of this business of life. We soon start to quietly ask ourselves as we approach the tail end of yet another year and journey, if we're winding down for summer vay-cay, or winding up with plans on the ready. It could go either way really, and still have that equally balancing effect. What I'm trying to say with these winding sentences, (on purpose as usual), is that it's been all these things and I'm genuinely smiling at the end of it all, so, much to keep on keeping on with. We're slowing down blogosphere-wise with a few already prepped posts through August to keep some momentum (with our time away). Thanks for being here, and having me 'there' too. :)

 

Many of our schools are now calling it a done year (and after an amazing and 'fantabulous' growth year too). :) That's what it's all about: new friendships, new skills mastered, new ways of seeing our glass as half full, and helping others do the same. Hearty Congratulations(!) and have a magical summer! See you in September!