International Women's Day

photo created by Melanie Cook, from valariebudayr.typepad.com

International Women's Day was Monday, March 8.

To all the women in my life, from the first woman who said that I could be whatever I dreamed and taught me how to whistle-my mom, to my sisters, sister-in-laws, mom-in-law, aunts, cousins, past and present teachers, clients, artists, friends, and, last but not least, Jen- my right hand gal at Janet Helm, thank you.

Happy International Women's day to you all!
Love, Janet

To see international events happening around the world, check out link:
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/

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Proudly Canadian

Photo credit: miss604 on Flickr

After attending the FWE luncheon (read about inspiring event here), I took some time to enjoy the sites and sounds of the Olympic buzz, as I was smack dab in the middle of it all! I walked with the crowds to the flames of Olympic Cauldron a few short blocks away. Yes, the fence was up, but still impressive indeed.

I describe the vibe as "snow falling on a cool, crisp Christmas morning and neighbors coming out to say hello, chat about the weather, their day with family and friends" - everyone is in such a grand mood. I beamed with Canadian pride, smiled and thanked a volunteer as we walked towards the cauldron together, gave a visiting mom whose child was having a meltdown a reassuring "been there done that" look, and was reminded how we are really alike and how this event is truly sensational for all.

I was reminded of how the power of smiles and happiness is contagious and an easy gift to give and receive. I then walked to Canada Pavilion, the meeting spot where my husband and our sons would be, to enjoy a few more sights together.

At the end of the day, a hot chocolate break at the Four Seasons Hotel and sharing laughs with visitors was a perfect end to a great day.

We plan to continue the appreciation celebration downtown later this week again.
Janet

Welcoming the Olympic Torch!

photograph from series of Torch Relay photographs
by unknown photographers, a j a n i photography

Donning my BC tartan scarf, with our sons wearing their "red mittens," my husband and I cheered the Olympic flame and gave a great welcome to the Olympic torch as it made its way through our community. I became surprisingly emotional as I lifted our 6-year-old up and pointed down the street. "Here it comes," I yelled. The community came out wearing red and white celebrating the torch relay with great enthusiasm and pride.

I find myself more proud of my city, my Country than expected. I am proud to see downtown Vancouver looking so ready to welcome the world. What overwhelms me most is seeing the volunteers- thousands of them in their teal blue coats, the people volunteering their time to be a part of it all. Truly Canadian indeed.

Go Canada Go!

Clear Vision for 2010

The Olympics are a few short weeks away when the world comes to my hometown, Vancouver!

At Janet Helm we are thrilled to be working with talented artisans who call Vancouver home, customizing and collaborating on gifting for local and international clients looking to recognize with the Canadian spirit.

One such person we are working with on executive gift commissions is First Nation artist Corrine Hunt, who is also the co-designer of the Olympic Medals and a participant in the Coca-Cola Aboriginal Art Bottle Program. We are excited to be promoting the sunglasses and readers adorned with with her Pacific North West designs.

Click here to read the symbolism and see how they complement your corporate culture and vision.

To see the Olympic medals and read the story visit the Vancouver 2010 site.

To clear vision for 2010!

Janet

Photo by Kathy Lea Moyou

The last gifts of the season are delivered- this year deliveries ranged from Texas, to New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina.

At home the Christmas cookies are baked, the big day dinner preparations are on track- just the Swedish ham and a couple loaves of walnut bread need to be picked up.
I am grateful for an excellent year filled with good health, an abundance of love, support and goodness.
It has been ten years since I started the tradition of creating my holiday cards using twelve days of Christmas as my inspiration. This year the photos of my sons are festive and fun, with a touch of naughtiness.
See the first ten days at janethelm.com/12days.
'Tis the season of giving. Giving thanks. Giving presents. Giving back.
Enjoy the season.
Janet

Tartan Mania is Here!

Page from December issue ELLE DECOR

Tartan is everywhere and I couldn’t be happier as we introduce made-to-order tartan blankets!

As most of you know, I have longed loved the design for not only the history and traditional style, but the symbolism, and how it instantly warms up whatever space it’s used. It's easy to see how our made-to-order designs for companies, associations and families are truly meaningful ways to give and recognize.

The perfect mix of fashion, lifestyle and meaning, the global phenomena of tartan is here to stay!
Janet

Delight in the Canadian Spirit

With the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games fast approaching my home city Vancouver, I am excited about the winter fresh spirit spreading throughout the nation and beyond! I am thrilled my customers local and abroad are excited about all things Canadian. Of interest are ideas from eco-friendly gifts for the holiday season, to must dos, secret treasure spots, local wine and food, to experiences for visiting family, guests and clients arriving in February. I am happy to be their guide, yours too, just ask away as I love sharing my city's secret hot spots, must dos while here, artisan finds, to out of the way galleries.
Another idea getting a lot of interest is our BC tartan scarves- perfect for the ever popular sport of Olympic pin collecting.
The Official Tourism Media Site for the 2010 Winter Games www.destination.2010.ca shares the idea that gives back to the community.
http://tiny.cc/YAuSX

Delight in the Spirit
Janet