#coffeefail

There are a number of seats in my local Starbucks that are not ideal to sit in.

Too close to the service station & you get bumped. Too close to the door & you get bumped. Too close to the pick-up counter & you get to have a sponge bath on the spot. 

I learned the last one this morning.

While having a lovely chat with Taryn (thank god not a new client), I was the lucky recipient of a frappuccino®!

Oh wait - it wasn't in a cup.

Having it fly directly from the machine over the counter and land smack on me was far more entertaining for this sunny Thursday morning crowd! Maybe this was the 10,000th frappuccino® made today & the machine wanted to throw a party? Maybe Ashton was there all along, but too busy enjoying the cake pops to know the punk went down... 

Either way, nothing beats standing at the counter giving myself a sponge bath in public while still dressed. FUN!! Oh wait, then when I asked Taryn if I had sopped up most of it, she got to point out the big ol' splat on my boob. Of course! Silly me thinking it only attacked my right arm & torso, how in the world could it miss my chest! (insert your own joke here)

So, now sopping & smelling of coffee with a hint of cream, I sat... I finished my own tall mild and hoped that my light grey sweater (I know, not black! what was I thinking today?!) would dry enough to be able to put on my still clean coat. Taryn & I weighed the options of going shirtless, but I don't think my fellow coffee drinkers were quite ready for that so early in the am. What with the sun shining and my rockstar winter tan, I probably would have blinded everyone. 

I did recieve an apology from the barista and the actual intended recipient of the drink. I think he kinda felt left out of the party... and an offer to pay my dry cleaning... and some awesome glares from new comers to the party that thought I must've had a knock down brawl with my coffee cup (and it won)... but, no Ashton ;(

45mpg New Jetta Hybrid!

VW unveiled the all new Jetta Hybrid today at the Detroit Auto Show. 

158hp gas engine + 22hp electric motor = 45mpg!! Nice work VW!

The E-Bugster concept was also on display - 114hp electric motor, which can do more than 100 miles in ZERO emmission driving! Not only is it pure electric - its pure fun too, style was not compromised in this concept car.

Top: VW E-Bugster Concept, Bottom: 2013 VW Jetta Hybrid

Welcome 2012!!

We are off to a roaring start! Oh wait, that was just the sound of the monsoon rains! I've never been more excited for a break in the rain even though its still cloudy... The sun is what? only 5 months away? piece of cake!

In even more exciting news (I know, I know you wanted to hear more about the weather...) tr design haus would like to welcome aboard Daniel Pavel, our new sales rep!

Dan is a fantastic addition to the team, bringing with him a solid print background (possibly because he is an amazing offset pressman with umpteen years experience!), an endless wealth of knowledge pertaining to German cars (oh hello vw), and the ability to change the lyrics of any song into what he's thinking on the fly... Serious talent.

If you see Dan around town, be sure to throw him a v-dub salute, offer to buy him a beer, or suggest a 'business meeting' out on the slopes! Oh and don't forget to chat him up if you need anything printed!

Thanks for joining Dan!

The Original Hockey Lace Belt

OMG... Why didn't I think of this?

I'm sure that's what everyone says when they see these awesome belts! I first came across The Original Hockey Lace Belt on Dragons' Den the other night. 

The Original Hockey Lace Belt

The Original Howies Hockey Lace Belt is made from 3 lightly waxed, genuine Howies skate laces sewn to a durable backing for strength and rigidity. It's a thick, heavy duty, and well-made belt.

The Hockey Lace Belt is one size fits all - up to a 42" waist.

The brushed nickel buckle is solid and cinches tight for a reliable hitch. Our classic Canadian logo is engraved into the buckle.

Every belt is neatly rolled and packaged in a small plastic box.

- excerpt from The Original Hockey Lace Belt

Now go and order yours today! Oh and they're only $39.99!!

#OoakVan was so much fun!

The day started off pretty early for me, considering I'd had only a couple hours of sleep... But what's a holiday season without sleep deprivation? So many parties to attend, so many rum & egg nogs to drink! 

Michelle, Owen & I were off to One of a Kind on a gorgeous sunny morning... We beat the crowds ('cause really, in YVR on a sunny Sunday in December, who is inside??) and started on our missions.

Michelle's: to drop the kid off at the fantastic free daycare service. Happily this was completely kiddy corner to the entrance of the show! Check, kid happy as a clam in a pile of toys and not one glance back to us running away ;) 

Mine: coat check. It was 20 million degrees in there and I have a great habit of tuning out the world in order to find a way to cool down. I'm sorry you fell and broke your leg? Lemme just grab some ice water first... Since the daycare didn't want to watch my coat take a nap, we hoofed it back to the entrance (actually pre-entrance) for coat check... Racking up the miles was well worth it!

Note: I'd say they could've put up better signage, but it was more like I probably wasn't paying attention in all of the excitement... hehe

Ours: explore all the goodies! This was our candy store... well, I think Michelle would still be in heaven in a real candy store... but I don't have that sweet tooth... haha

First booth that catch's my eye is Mindan's Designs. I had purchased the most gorgeous aqua & silver ring from Mindan a few years ago at Portobello West. I've recieved so many compliments on this ring and it is so easy to dress up or down! So of course I had to peruse the new selection and even made sure 'Santa' bought one for a certain someone ;)

I was so happy to meet Amie from Timber Green Woods. I came across their fantastic line of creative wood products when I recently joined etsy, then I noticed they're from WI! Since Kenosha will always be my home, we immediately shared that bond in our chat. Thank you for the encouraging words & I love my snowflakes!

Snowflakes by Timber Green Woods

Upper Left: Imps and Monsters, Lower Left: Nugs.ca, Right: Michelle

There were so many talented artists there and I wish I could have bought so much more! I loved the artwork from Imps and Monsters as well the figurines from nugs! BUT one of the BEST things we came across wasn't even from any of the artisians... THIS GIANT BALLOON was sooo cool! Especially since Michelle has been obsessed with having these at Owen's birthday parties, but then realizes, 'How on earth would the kids bring them home?' Car service Michelle, you must provide car service ;)

We came across the food area thankfully at the end. I fell head over heels for the authentic Stöllen from Swiss Bakery.. (I'd say the next best one to my Omi's) mmmm I will finish my 500lbs one day!! And Michelle was all googly eyed over the Sponge Toffee from bah! (yes, I will admit, it was really good as well, even though I'd OD'd on my sugar intake).

Super fantastic day overall. Kid happy, check. Adults happy, check check.

Bring on more holiday fun!!