Happy International Women's Day!

Project Bloom started here in Delta in 2009, set in motion by two local ladies, Kathie Madden and Chrissie Bowker. In celebration of International Women's Day, they wanted to host an event that would help other business-women in the area to network and find support within their community. Their first Project Bloom was a success! In addition to building connections, a sense of camaraderie and, ultimately, friendships between like-minded women, the swell of positive energy helped evolve Project Bloom into a Fundraising Event! The proceeds go towards local issues and necessities, this year's recipient being The Delta Hospital Foundation.

Yesterday's Project Bloom took place at Harris Barn in Ladner. I have driven passed the beautifully restored barn on a weekly basis since its completion last May, always imagining the warmth and openness of its interior. 3 Days ago, one of my dearest friends, Emily, texted me, asking if I could get a sitter to join her at Project Bloom on the Friday. I had just finished reading the article in the paper earlier that day and I was in! My mom took the kids overnight on Thursday, leaving me free to enjoy this amazing event for the entire day! This was our very first CHILD-FREE date together and what better way to spend it than being surrounded by other amazing business women, listening to the inspiring stories of successful ladies, and enjoying uninterrupted coffee, tea, wine, and lunch!

This year's guest speakers were corporate entertainer and impersonator Tracey Bell and 23 year old singer Ali Milner. Both ladies were interviewed by Keri Adams, journalist and co-anchor from CTV News Vancouver.

Now that you have a little background on this fantastic event, please enjoy some of the highlights of the 6th Annual Project Bloom!

*The one and only Rob Lowe and his two assistants from Stir Coffee House in Ladner, hosting the tea and coffee bar.*

Harris Barn.  Interior from Second Floor. — *Harris Barn. Interior from Second Floor.*

*Vintage Barrels and Door Tabletops from Greystone Rentals*

Keri Adams and first guest speaker Tracey Bell.  Decor by Greenscape Design & Decor.  Furniture custom upholstered for Project Bloom by Turtlenina. — *Keri Adams and first guest speaker Tracey Bell. Decor by Greenscape Design & Decor. Furniture custom upholstered for Project Bloom by Turtlenina.*

*Table Linens and Napkins by Turtlenina*

*Eran Sudds from eran jayne photography*

*Tanya from Buggy Babies Fitness & Yoga*

*Emily of Greystone Rentals and Sarah Kelloway from the South Delta Leader*

*Gathering for interview and singing with Ali Milner.*

Ali Milner.  Singer/Songwriter. — *Ali Milner. Singer/Songwriter.*

Natasha Frankowski of Greenscape  Design & Decor — *Natasha Frankowski of Greenscape Design & Decor*

Bloom. Thank you to all the amazing people that helped to make this day happen. One of the things I will be taking away is the importance of women supporting one another and working together rather than being each other's worst enemies as we often have the potential to be. This truly inspirational event could not have been a continued success otherwise! I am looking forward to the relationships that will have come from this event and can hardly wait to attend next year's Project Bloom!

Cheers and good luck to all in 2014.

To my dearest gal, Emily, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this amazing day. I can safely say I made a good choice when I picked up your husband, Mike, at the park and gave him my number for playdates. Who would have known that we would become the friends we are today! You have been a source of kindness, support, and delicious food and I look forward to being part of your growth and and future success! Thank you for everything.

Happy Weekend! Thought I would share a bit of creativity outside of photography to spice things up here. When we first moved to Tsawwassen (my husband's hometown) after Moses was born, our next door neighbours were pregnant with their first child, Ty.

Today is his 4th Birthday! The boys have grown up together and though they have moved out of our condo and across the street, we still be tight. Ty is currently gaga over Ghostbusters so yesterday at 7:30pm, I brought out a cardboard box and started Googling PROTON PACK. As I had hoped, Kevin saw my poor artistic attempt to execute a DIY version of the Ghostbusters ghost-buster and stepped in. Being the creative, hoarding mechanic that he is, this project could not have been more up his alley. 4 hours later, everything but the straps was complete.

Using cardboard, tins, wires and bits and pieces of random electrical gadgets, the only money we had to shell out was $4 worth of the straps and velcro.  This large gold looking piece is one of our old kitchen lights that had blown out, the ver… — Using cardboard, tins, wires and bits and pieces of random electrical gadgets, the only money we had to shell out was $4 worth of the straps and velcro. This large gold looking piece is one of our old kitchen lights that had blown out, the very same stupid lights that our neighbours also had to suffer through when living next to us. Kevin added the spring over the cable for some excellent texture. I punched out a button for the Ghostbusters logo that fit PERFECTLY in the metal piece from our old garburetor. The white "fuses" are leftover pieces from the kids' IKEA bunkbed.

The more tactile and versatile, the better!  Kevin used a tin that had been long part of the kids' kitchen playthings to create storage space for small toys or treats.  Yes, that is a real Canadian Standard Association approval sticker! HA! — The more tactile and versatile, the better! Kevin used a tin that had been long part of the kids' kitchen playthings to create storage space for small toys or treats. Yes, that is a real Canadian Standard Association approval sticker! HA!

Two smaller tins from laser pointers for additional storage (complete with CAUTION stickers!).  The cylindrical shape is indeed a toilet paper roll.  The back side was not yet complete as I wanted to take photos prior to attaching the back… — Two smaller tins from laser pointers for additional storage (complete with CAUTION stickers!). The cylindrical shape is indeed a toilet paper roll. The back side was not yet complete as I wanted to take photos prior to attaching the back straps, hence the open flap of cardboard.

The kitchen light was cool because of its moveable dial.  The box above the light fixture is the bottom of an Altoids tin.  The transformer (electrical piece) and the vent along the right side were both from the busted kitchen light. — The kitchen light was cool because of its moveable dial. The box above the light fixture is the bottom of an Altoids tin. The transformer (electrical piece) and the vent along the right side were both from the busted kitchen light.

And last but not least: the hose is from our bunk vacuum cleaner.  Attached to it is 3 parts: switch from IKEA light glued onto a plastic Play-Doh tube, and lastly, yet another piece from the kitchen light.  Who knew that light would go su… — And last but not least: the hose is from our bunk vacuum cleaner. Attached to it is 3 parts: switch from IKEA light glued onto a plastic Play-Doh tube, and lastly, yet another piece from the kitchen light. Who knew that light would go such a long way after all the trouble it caused!

I had to check out three places after Chloe's dance class to find nylon webbing and velcro for the straps. Got home at 11:20am and the party started at Noon! Just enough time to spare for photos and attaching the straps!

Pretty freaking cool. I was a little worried at first, whether or not Ty would be into it, but when his Mama showed me the flattened cardboard box that was half flapping against a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle shell, I was reassured this would be well received!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TY!

Celebrating International Women's Day at Project Bloom

DIY Ghostbusters Proton Pack