Seems a bit weird for me, a professional web designer, to be offering alternatives to working with a web designer, right?  But honestly, sometimes you really don’t need (or can’t afford) a pro.  For some good tips on how to get your business online without hiring a web professional, check out this article I wrote for the Crave Company.

Want even more info? I’ll be speaking at this event in a couple weeks:

Online Money-Makers
These days you can fulfill all your shopping desires with the click of a mouse. You can purchase those new shoes or the next book club read—even your groceries—online. We love online shopping, but what does it take to run a successful e-commerce business? We will discuss the best way to market an online business, how to connect with clients without in-person face time, and top online merchant systems. With so many options for online shopping, how do you make your product or service stand out?

I’m part of a panel that includes Lisa from RentFrockRepeat and Melanie from Mildred & Doris. Seriously, check out these women’s businesses – so cool.  I’m thrilled to be in their company for the evening.  Full details for the Online Money-Maker event and registration here.

Happy long weekend!

[img cloony goes world wide web by Martin Waldbauer]

Did you have a treehouse as a kid?  Or a fort in your backyard?  I had a treehouse in one of my childhood homes (my family moved a few times when I was growing up) and I LOVED it.  I would spend hours hanging out in there, revelling in my own space.

I love this roundup of cool treehouses on Marvelous Kiddo.  Aren’t they cool?  And if this makes you yearn for an adult treehouse getaway, there’s a whole collection of treehouse getaways on Airbnb.

The fabulous Mike Monteiro has written a book called Design Is A Job through the List Apart/Book Apart series.  I’m ordering a copy – seems like a must-read for independent designers and creatives.  And if you haven’t seen it (and even if you have, it’s so worth a revisit), check out Monteiro’s San Fran Creative Mornings presentation F*ck You. Pay Me.

PS – have you seen the World’s Longest Invoice? 

I’ve been looking for places to rent for a holiday in early July, and I came across this breathtaking “saltbox” house for rent in Trinity Harbour, Newfoundland.  Wouldn’t you love to spend an entire summer there, watching the sea?  It looks like something right out of a David Blackwood or Edward Hopper painting.

Yesterday was the best Mother’s Day ever (okay, I’ve only had two, but still)… Clara took her first steps.  Here’s a video of her stumbling around on her bare feet.  She’s very pleased with herself.  And I am kind of surprised by how proud I am of her!

Clara “made” me this card for Mother’s Day (with the generous help of our wonderful nanny).  I almost cried when she gave it to me.  It makes me so happy!

I hope all you moms out there have a wonderful weekend, and all you children, spoil your mums!  They deserve it.

[ps - remember this? I can't believe that a year has gone by already.]

YES!  That’s how I felt when I read Meg Mateo Ilasco’s guest post (Lessons About Motherhood & Business) on Design*Sponge on Tuesday. For any of you out there who are sometimes rocking and sometimes struggling with motherhood and also running your own business, you NEED to read this.  My favourite parts:

“As a mother and entrepreneur, you’ll have limited quantities of resources, time, and energy. Choose your projects and commitments carefully. If it’s not something you want to do or have time to do, then simply don’t do it. And don’t beat yourself up with comparisons.”

“Yes, children should come first, but . . . sometimes so should your business!”

“ You need time away from the kids and business; you need time for yourself. The trick to this: schedule it regularly — like you would your son’s t-ball game.”

“Becoming a great designer, blogger, entrepreneur, or mother rarely happens overnight! Don’t be in such a hurry to get to the other side, or you’ll miss the point completely.”

If you enjoyed the article, order her new book, Mom, Inc. - The Essential Guide to Running A Successful Business from Home. (I’m going to put it on my shelf next to the other book I have by Meg, Creative, Inc.)

I have a pin board on the wall next to my desk (pictured above), where I have a bunch of random mementos and things tacked up.  One of my favourites is a greeting card I purchased somewhere, with a print by the Scottish artist David Shrigley.  It says “no speed limit anymore go as fast as you want like in germany”.  I can’t really explain why, but I think it’s fantastic.  Something about the yellow background, the hand written type, the message itself, and the reference to driving in Germany (something I really want to do).  I’d love to have it blown up and hung, or even painted directly on one of the walls in my office.

A whole bunch of people will be having yard sales and street sales in Leslieville this Saturday, May 12.  At least one shop is participating too – Nathalie-Roze and Co. will be doing a “big purge in the shop/studio (& my apartment)…expect a tempting mix of vintage clothing, home decor, books, craft supplies/fabric & random fabness priced to move. All items will be displayed on the patio at Nathalie-Roze & Co., Queen & Pape ~ 11am-4:30-ish.”

There’s a Facebook group for the street sale, and a bunch of people have listed their addresses and info on what they’re getting rid of.  I know I’ll be out on Saturday, hoping to score some deals on stuff for toddlers!  Hope to see you out and about too.

“It has become a morning habit to sing Bohemian Rhapsody on the way to school in the morning. Depending on traffic, we can usually start the song as we pull out of the driveway, and pull into the school just as the song ends.”

I love everything about this.

[via Marvelous Kiddo]