Author: avery

Father’s Day Is Coming!

Every year, my sister and I seem to scramble to get something together for our Dad for Father’s Day.  He is IMPOSSIBLE to shop for.  We think we have things covered for this year, but if you’re like us and still searching, maybe these Father’s Day gift guides will help:

A Cup of Jo blogger Joanna asked her husband Alex to do a gift guide for her blog.  It’s great!

The fabulous ladies at Admiral Road Design made a Pinterest board with Father’s Day gift ideas.

And the parenting website Babble takes the cake with 10 different Father’s Day gift guides, including guides for a Techie Dad, a New Dad, a Sports Dad, and the all-important “budget” category.

Happy hunting!

[photo of my Dad and me as a baby, circa 1980. Don’t you love that mustache?]

Headrest Mount for the iPad in the Car

Since we’re going to drive to Montreal for our little trip next month, we’ve decided to get an iPad mount for the car, so Clara can watch movies en route.  Of course, we don’t plan on letting her watch videos the whole time, but if she’s having a total meltdown, it’s Elmo to the rescue.

I did some research to find the best way to mount the iPad in the car, and figured the ones that attach to the back of the headrest is probably the way to go.  I was quite impressed by the Wallee and the Coulvue, but of course, price is also a deciding factor.  So I went and ordered this one made by Arkon.  I’ll let you know how it works out!

Last WordPress Workshop Until the Fall

Hey pals – I’m teaching my popular Website in a Day / WordPress for Beginners workshop again next Saturday, June 16.  I’m not going to run the workshop in July or August, so if you were thinking of taking the course, now’s your last chance until the fall.

I received the most lovely feedback from someone who attended the last workshop:

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to be taught. You gave only the information needed, and in just the right order, and kept everyone on track at an even pace. Seriously this is one of the best learning experiences on any topic I’ve had in a long time.”

Wow.  That certainly made my day!

If you’d like to learn WordPress so you can make your own website or blog, definitely check out my course.  All the details and registration info is here.  Don’t delay too long though – each time I’ve offered this workshop, it has sold out with a waiting list.

Decor Dreaming: Outdoor Beds

Is there anything quite so luxurious (or quite so impractical) as an outdoor bed?  Couldn’t you imagine lazing the day away, reading books and napping?  I love the idea so much, I created a pinboard of gorgeous outdoor beds to inspire your daydreams.  (hahaha – get it? day dreams? of an outdoor bed? sigh.)

ps – check out this crazy one!

[images from here, here, and here via Pinterest] 

Waterproof, Tote-able Picnic Blanket

Clara and I are big fans of eating lunch in the park, next to her beloved playground. We were having a picnic playdate with friends last week, and I had picnic blanket envy. My pal had a JJ Cole blanket with a water resistant backing, and the whole thing folded into a tote.  So cool.  She told me she paid somewhere between $40-50 for it though, so I got to thinking… I wonder if I could make one myself.

I found these instructions for making a picnic blanket that has a waterproof backing (the author suggests using a shower curtain – I think I’d use ripstop nylon), and the whole thing folds into a tote (pictured above).

I think it looks pretty do-able… now I just have to find the time to work on it!

Tech Terms You Can Actually Understand

I often have people ask me what certain tech terms mean, and more and more, I’m turning to Skillcrush for their excellent tech definitions.  Skillcrush is a NYC-based startup that’s working on a series of online tutorials (launching soon).  They have already launched their tech terms section, which has some of the easiest-to-understand-while-still-being-technically-correct definitions I’ve come across.  Check out their explanation of domain, SEO, and web server.  Super great, right?

A Bunch of Random Stuff for your Friday

Holy smokes, it is hot and lovely outside in Toronto today!  I hope you all get to blow off work early and hit up a patio.  Or, in my case, the local splash pad with my toddler.  Here are a bunch of random links and things for you – enjoy!  And have a great long weekend.

Hipster Animals.  Amazing.

From love to bingo.

I’m going to the Women in Biz Network Conference next week.  I’m particularly interested in the keynote from Nora Young.  Tickets are still available if you want to attend.

Some of my (highly acclaimed and celebrated) theatre pals are bringing renowned master playwright Edward Bond to Toronto for a week of theatre awesomeness.  Watch this video for more information.

It’s the little things that can make you the happiest, no?  I love this list of The 36 Absolute Best Things.

Tomorrow I’m teaching one of my Website in a Day (WordPress for Beginners) workshops.  It’s sold out, but don’t worry if you missed it – there’s another one coming up on June 16.  Register here.

Wanna live the champagne life on a beer budget?  Check out the tips and deals available over at Sweet Cheap Toronto.

Whoa! Secret passageways!

Last night I attended a meeting of the Leslieville Small Business Exchange, where it was announced that we’re ditching that silly name, and will now be called Owners of East.  There’s a new logo and everything, all done by the fantastic crew at OX Agency.  I’m really excited for this.

Fancy a good old-fashioned USA road trip?  Check this out.

And finally, next week I’ll be speaking as part of a panel with CRAVE Toronto.  This is going to be so cool – the topic is Online Money Makers, and I’ll be giving practical tips on how to do e-commerce.  I’m super pumped to meet the other speakers, Lisa Delorme of RentFrockRepeat, and Melanie Minor of Mildred & Doris.  Tickets and more info are available here.

[image from this ridiculous collection of Alpaca hairstyle dos and don’ts]