Anna the Bear by Jennifer Brant of ÉCOUTEZ, MA SŒUR

Going Going Gone!  Roar! This Canadian Artist's work does not stay available for a New York minute.  

Get this BEAR here.

Anna is one of LES FAUVES, an ever growing collection of one of a kind creatures made from recycled wool sweaters. Each of them are stuffed with wool fleece and have a semi-precious stone in their chest. All of LES FAUVES are suitable for children of all ages, however the smaller accessories should not be given to children who might swallow them. Anna is a beautiful kermode or spirit bear. She is happiest in nature, observing and drawing. She comes with a basket full of felted oranges and peaches, a second outfit, a leather fanny pack with a sketchbook and a portrait. She measures 19" tall and is made of upcycled cashmere.

Here is a short message from Jennifer:
"I am an artist and illustrator living on a small off-the-grid island. I graduated with a BFA in 2001 and a B.Ed in 2005. I am so grateful that I am able to create full time. I work with textiles, paint, clay, wood and metal. The bulk of my recent work has been embroidered paintings, dyed fabrics stretched over frames and stitched." - Jennifer Brant


Patti Friday, reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'

The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes

In The New Bohemians, LA-based designer Justina Blakeney defines the New Bohemians as creative individuals who are boutique owners and bloggers, entrepreneurs and ex-pats, artists and urban farmers. They embrace free-spirited, no-rules lifestyles and apply that attitude to all areas of their existence, including their homes. With little distinction between work and play, the new boho home often includes an office, art gallery, showroom, photography studio, restaurant, or even a pop-up shop.

The New Bohemians explores 20 homes located primarily on the East and West coasts. Exclusive interviews with the owners, as well as 12 DIY projects created by Blakeney and inspired by objects found in the homes, offer insight into achieving this aesthetic. In addition, each home is accompanied by an Adopt-an-Idea section that offers general decor, styling, and shopping tips for easy duplication in your own home.

Patti Friday, Photojourno, reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'. Reading. Listening. Learning. Improving. Hanging out with successful people. Photographer. Pirate. Bubby. CANADA @pattifriday

MARRIAGE MANTRAS: 50 PIECES OF ADVICE FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

There is a blog that rocks, as in 'Rock n Roll Bride'.  And she made the best list. Here it is:

1. Say “I love you” multiple times a day.
2. Spend as much time together as you can…
3. … but don’t be afraid of time apart.
4. Buy small gifts for each other. A bunch of flowers or a Mars Bar can go a long way.
5. Take baths together.
6. Eat dinner together.
7. Volunteer to do the crappy jobs.
8. Sex is important but snuggling afterwards is imperative.
9. Touch often (research consistently shows that touching more creates a stronger bond by releasing oxytocin).
10. Learn how to argue productively and without hurting each other.
11. Write love letters.
12. Say thank you.
13. Realize that romance isn't all flowers and chocolates. Bring a take-away home now and again… take-aways can be totally romantic.
14. Accept each other 100%.
15. Realize when it’s better to just let things go.
16. You can never kiss too often.
17. Sometimes going to bed angry is better than arguing when you’re tired.
18. Be kind, gentle and patient with each other.
19. Have a regular date night.
20. Put down your mobile phone.
21. Watch crap TV together.
22. Be silly.
23. Realize that bottling up your feelings is never a good thing.
24. Research each other’s Love Languages.
25. Say these phrases to each other as often as possible: ”I love you”, “I’m here for you”, “I understand”, “I’m sorry”, “I appreciate you”, “It’s nice to see you”, “I missed you”.
26. Never take each other for granted.
27. Do things because you know it will make them smile or make their day easier.
28. Compliment them everyday.
29. Never blame, criticize or say things that you know will hurt them.
30. Plan your future together.
31. Respect each other.
32. Hold hands.
33. Talk.
34. You’re entitled to get grumpy now and again, you’re not entitled to blame your partner for it.
35. Be observant and thoughtful.
36. Make the effort to tidy up after yourself.
37. Act with grace.
38. Be kind to each other.
39. Turn up the music and dance!
40. Stay up all night talking.

41. Write down the things that you love about them and hide it somewhere for them to find.
42. Be passionate…
43. … but realize that passion isn't everything.
44. Staying in is the new going out.
45. Listen.
46. Laugh more.
47. Put their happiness before your own.
48. Ask questions.
49. Honesty is always the best policy.
50. Always make the relationship your top priority. Nothing is more important than each other’s happiness.

This is the final article in Rock n Roll Bride ten part Marriage Mantras series. If you’ve missed any of the previous columns, be sure to catch up on them too.

Topping ‘influential blogger’ lists throughout the UK and beyond, Rock n Roll Bride is the brainchild of ex-television producer Kat Williams. Launched in 2007 while Kat was planning her own wedding, it has quickly grown from ‘just another bride blog’ to one of the biggest in the world. After becoming jaded by the limited offerings of the UK wedding industry, Kat saw a niche for alternative wedding inspiration and ran with it! Kat now works on the site, and the ever growing Rock n Roll Bride brand, full-time alongside her ever-suffering husband Gareth. She is also editor-in chief of the yearly produced Rock n Roll Bride print magazine.

KILLER STYLE, CRAZY LOVE · ALTERNATIVE WEDDING INSPIRATION

Patti Friday, Photojourno, reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'.

Kuwait Jewelry

So lucky to have received this treasure from Miss Nory. A gift from Kuwait. It is her birthstone and Arabic letters of 'Grandmother'. Thank You. Love Bubby xo

Patti Friday, Photojourno, reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'.

New Baby and A Week of Love

So thrilled to announce the birth of my 5th Grandbabe in Kuwait. February 12, 2013. "Nory", the prettiest of new baby girls. My Kuwait Girl pens a lovely expat blog here.

So many are opting and begging for houseplants or living centerpieces for Valentine's Day. Could this be a trend?  Ask your favorite Floral Designer.

Valentine's Day is so fun and awkward for little ones. Imagine the shyness in the primary grades. So, so sweet. No chocolate needed!

Take time to smell the roses and be sure to check out the new magazine by the team at Made By Girl.

Pia has big news too!

Wow! Love is truly in the air.

Dear Reader, I love you! PFXO

Patti Friday, Photojourno, reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'.

Bubby's Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:

1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup (210 grams) light or dark brownsugar

1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated white sugar

2 largeeggs

1 teaspoon purevanillaextract

1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all purposeflour

1 teaspoonbaking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 cups (260 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup (140 grams) dark raisins

350 degrees, 14-18 min.

Yum.
PFXO


Patti Friday, Photojourno, reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'.

Little Surfer Girls

Beaming, sun-kissed and oh so loved.