brunch it up

I just came back from a fantastic brunch with 2 girlfriends, and can I just say that whoever thought of brunch was a genius?! The excuse to sleep in a little bit longer than usual and then treat yourself to not only a little mimosa or a rich espresso, but also to the company of some awesome people. I had a great time at Coquine {for any of you who are in the city, this place is fantastic!} and hope you all are enjoying your weekend immensely. To you, I raise a glass and cheers...Happy weekend!

Photo via What Katie Ate

a new spin on ballroom

In celebration of Robbie Burns Day, {and a goodbye party for a colleague} we all headed to The Ballroom for some old-school bowling. Donning our kilts and tartan shirts, we bowled, danced and drank the night away with whiskey. What a night it was! The Ballroom is a brand new alley in Toronto, and alleys are rare here in the city, so it was great to finally feel like bowling was cool again, even if it was just for one night...

Photos via The Ballroom

I wish

That it was 5 o'clock right now. Why do fridays always drag on? See you on the weekend...same place, same time {or close to it?}

Photos via ffffound

today's favourite colour...in a cookie?

PMS Cookie anyone? {Pun intended!}I spotted these over at Design*Sponge this morning and it couldn't have come at a better time of the month. HeeHee! I love anything with a Pantone and these definitely take the cake. All you designers out there, I bet you also noticed the neat Pantone Tin they come in...which you can find at A+R, in various colours. They would look perfect at my desk space...*Sigh...

Photos via Design*Sponge

a man's world

As much as I like to think I am a super girly girl, {what girl doesn't love getting a manicure or her makeup done?} a lot of times I am attracted to men's style more than women's. Sure, I love a frilly dress, but pair it with men's style oxfords and I am happy as a clam! I love houndstooth patterns, dark caramel club chairs, large watch faces and the thought of a stiff drink in the mid-afternoon...Men's style is classic and I don't think will ever fade, so I say go pick up a perfectly ironed dress shirt and tuck it into a cute little skirt. You can't go wrong?

Photos via ffffound from Nickel Cobalt.

washes, stains & tears of love

For a few months now I have been noticing a definite trend in stains and watercolour washes. I have always used light washes of watercolour in any illustrations that I do, as I love that feeling of transparency and wistfulness! With Valentine's day coming closer and closer I can't help but be inspired by all of this. Why not add a little stain to your cheeks and lips before you go out the door tomorrow, or quickly brush a little watercolour heart on a little ripped piece of paper and write a note to the one you love. I promise it'll make your day!

Photos via Katie Quinn Davies, The Sweetest Occasion & FGR

'twas a blustery day

The outdoors is deceiving today, and though the sun was bright, the wind chill had quite the day! For the most part it has been a relaxing with a few outings here and there, and am happy now to be inside and cozy. My favourite part? Sipping on an Americano while chatting with the family...

Hope your day was calming and still in tune with all your new year's resolutions and plans.

Photo via ffffound

a hint of the good stuff

Dear spring...please come soon. The weather outside definitely does not scream spring today, as it's been snowing all night and just won't stop today, but spotting this photo shoot of Michelle Williams gave me hope that spring is certainly upon us...I can just feel it! Her outfits are gorgeous, and make me so happy! Though I would never make myself that blonde, it definitely inspires some outfits for the upcoming season. I bought a citrus green belt last year and just haven't been able to wear it yet, but now I'm thinking it would be perfect on my waist with a light cream, girly dress!

Hope you all have a great saturday wherever you are!

Photos from FGR for Marie Claire by Tesh

they nailed it

Yes, I'm a girl who loves weddings. I have yet to be in my own, but I think even after that I will still love the idea of putting together pieces of the couples personalities and fitting them perfectly together on a beautiful day. My friend Melissa showed me Three Nails Photography today, and I'm hooked. Not only is it wedding related, but the photography itself and people in them are beautiful. I love the antique tone and lighting to the photos, and the attention to detail but without it being stuffy. Let's face it, so I love everything on this blog! Also, I'm pretty sure the bride above has my dream dress on (minus the bow.) It has pockets! Definitely inspirational on this snowy thursday...

Photos from Three Nails Photography

introducing the return

My friends, I think it is time for the return of Today's Favourite Colour. I have been neglecting it for so long, but when I think of it, those colours always inspire me! To premiere the return of the Pantone, I wanted to show you something so cool I spotted the other day...can you believe there are Pantone Visa cards? If I didn't have so much visa debt, I would apply for one of those babies asap. One day...

Photos from Pantone Universe

gone and done it

Happy 2011 to all my readers out there! With a new year, comes resolutions and a hope for the best. I am not a person that necessarily makes resolutions, but I like to believe that this next year will be better than 2010. Last year was a tough one for me, a lot of challenges jumped onto my path, yet I came out changed, and hopefully for the better. This year I'd like to take a step back, enjoy some simplistic moments with friends and family and reclaim some personal time. But it's so much easier said than done, and that's where the challenge lies.

As most of you know, I have been trying to make Short & Sweet Paperie grow and prosper. I still very much want that, but taking a step back means rethinking and really honing in on the details. I am taking this year to evolve S&S and really make it a strong brand for years to come. I get so excited at the thought of new exciting things and am learning that sometimes you really need to take some time to evolve and idea and make it grow. This is where you come in! I love hearing your ideas and opinions, and may sometimes use this blog to ask you those questions. I hope that's ok! FDS has also evolved so much over the passed few years and hopefully has turned into something that you all love to read, whether you need a break from work or need some inspiration. I will continue in making it the best blog it can be!

I hope you have all had a much-needed break over the passed few weeks and are able to start the new year fresh and ready to rock 2011!

Photos from FGR