“How Will I Know” is my favorite Whitney Houston song of all times. Every time I hear it I dance around like a crazy 80′s teenager in love. I was sadden like many of you by the news of Whitney’s passing. Today my friends and I sent around videos of the good times we’ve had listening to this talented artist. When I was a young girl I was inspired by her famous lyrics in “Greatest Love of All” and have always tried to live by them:

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadows.
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I live as I believe.

Thank you Whitney for all the good times and inspiration. Your voice will live on forever.
Here’s to you Whitney!

xox

I went for lunch with Robert McCannel, Simply You Director of Marketing, to check out the new collection. We met at Studio Cafe in the Four Seasons Hotel and enjoyed a fabulous meal (Me – grilled salmon, Robert – a more refined version of beef stew). We discussed our love of jewelry and our prairie roots.

Robert shared history of the Canadian jewelry company, Simply You, and showed me unique pieces that he had a hand in designing. He also presented some of the very exquisite ‘bridge pieces’ (industry term for costume jewelry that looks like fine jewelry). The pieces were to-die-for and surprisingly affordable.

We finished off our meeting by indulging in a light dessert (is there such a thing?).

Here are my favorites from Simply You:

1. Antoine – braided bead collar accented with cut crystals
2. Brilliance Bracelet – linked bangle bracelet with micro-pave of 154 Cubic Zirconia gemstones. Fold-over closure with safety chain.
3. Etta Ring – Ring with hammered, artisan finish in combined tones of silver and gold.
4. Valesca Bracelet – bracelet featuring large round links of antiqued gold tone.

Photo: Studio Cafe

Ok, so it has taken me a few weeks to gather my New Year’s Resolutions. Now that it’s January magazines, websites and friends are all talking about their Resolutions. Things they vow to change in their life to make it a better year -  eat healthier, exercise more, spend more time with family. While those are good things to change in your life, I wanted to choose things that I will actually follow through with beyond January. Here are my top 3 changes for 2012…

1. Be more organized at home. For work and projects, I am the most organized person, but it’s completely opposite when it comes to my home life. On New Year’s Eve I bought boxes and a shelving unit to keep my home office organized.

2. Do the dishes. This one was actually my other half’s resolution but I’m borrowing because it’s simple and smart: Don’t leave the house with dishes in the sink.

3. Relax. 2011 was a crazy project filled  year. I said ‘yes’ to every new opportunity that came aknockin’. This year, I’m going to carefully pick and choose the ones I really want to do and focus on them.

I know, it’s only the 11th but so far so good.

Here’s to 2012!

What are your resolutions?

Happy New Year!
All the best in 2012.

xo LadyK

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