Wowee, 2020. What a year it’s been - and I really can’t believe it’s just about come to an end. To say the world has been through it all this year seems like an understatement. With a series of coronavirus pandemic events and feeling a rollercoaster of emotions as modifications to our lives we’re made each day, I like to view the year as having many silver lining moments too. If the pandemic hadn’t happened our year would have looked much much different, yes - with many of our plans continuing as we had all originally planned - but I am so grateful for how it did end up turning out.
JANUARY
The year started off by being invited to an elegant, metallic inspired wedding styled shoot (our first one!) organized by New Copper Photography and Mandy Wright Photography. I had modified our semi-custom Jess Wedding Collection to match the aesthetic they were after for the shoot.
I headed to my first work conference for my full-time job in Toronto, Ontario. This trip was work focused of course, but I was able to add on a few extra days in Ontario to see some family and friends, and enjoy a few tourist spots like the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Infinity Room by Yayoi Kusama (definitely worth the wait!).
FEBRUARY
I gifted my guy, Brendan, a Capital K Cocktail Making Class for Christmas and the class turned out way cooler than we both thought it was going to be (and we had set the "cool bar" pretty high already). Our cocktail class size was fairly small (only 8 of us and the instructor), and we were able to tour the entire distillery along with making (and trying!) several awesome cocktails. I think it’s safe to say that Brendan is definitely the better the bartender (lol).
Brendan and I also saw the Canadian female rock band, The Beaches, at The Garrick here in Winnipeg - an amazing show, though I’m hoping this wasn't our last concert!
MARCH
Before the pandemic really hit Canada and everything starting closing down with restrictions in place, Brendan and I took a trip to Ontario for two weddings for two of our favourite couples. We stayed at the cutest little boutique hotel, The Beverley, and were able to check out some cool places like Graffiti Alley and Harry Potter inspired The Lockhart Cocktail Bar in Toronto while we were there.
With everything closed and not much to do in Winnipeg but hangout at home, we started a weekly themed 'dinner and a movie' night to give us something to look forward to each week. Our theme nights ranged from Pirates to Medieval Times to Dinosaurs and more, and included decorations that tied into our selected theme.
Thanks to Mandy Wright Photography, Brendan and I put on something other than our comfy sweat pants (#workingfromhomelife...lol) and went outside for a little photo session on our front porch.
MAY
Had the coronavirus pandemic not occurred, the month of May would have looked very different for me. While I was sad to cancel my vacation trip and all the amazing things that went with it, I preferred the alternative that was able to happen...my cute Studio Assistant and cat pal, Mr Oliver Wood (Ollie), was able to join the family!
May also brought some special milestones, I turned 30 years old and Brendan and I celebrated our 10th year together. I spent my birthday with my favourite guys Brendan and Ollie in a Harry Potter themed day, and Brendan and I spent our anniversary evening with Mandy Wright Photography at Bird’s Hill Park for a couple portrait session (our first professional photos together and our first time at Bird’s Hill!).
JULY
I decided to do a brand refresh by updating my business colours, fonts, website, business cards, and overall look of my small business to match the vibe I wanted to be giving my clients, vendors, and #1 fans (you guys!). You can read more about my business rebrand over on the blog here.
AUGUST
I was invited to my second wedding styled shoot by Holly from Evergreen Weddings with Mary Margaret Maygar Photography for a modern fairytale inspired shoot. I created the new semi-custom Denise Wedding Collection as a result.
Since traveling outside of Manitoba had some challenges due to the pandemic, Brendan and I enjoyed hanging out in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas (as if we were tourists) for our summer vacation. We checked out the cute animas at the Zoo, ate at some amazing restaurants, went on our own local distillery and brewery tours, explored some hiking trails and beaches, and visited several museums to learn more about the city we live in.
I wanted a better solution for my newsletter subscribers to have access to all of the LBPD freebies available to them, so I created the Design Freebie Library as a way to add some colour and fun into their daily lives. The library consists of a variety of printable and digital resources such as art prints, computer wallpapers, to-do lists, meal planners, greeting cards, and more. Not a newsletter pal yet? Sign-up here. Already a subscriber? Access the library here.
SEPTEMBER
Hanging out at home for most of the year can really build up your desire to redecorate the space you’re constantly working in – so I did just that and touched up my studio! Some smaller changes took place like adding an inspo wall to put all of the printed pieces and colour swatches I'm constantly looking at, as well as, some larger changes like a new YELLOW office chair (I'm still obsessed) and I painted my studio closet door a nice peach-pink for more matching brand colours!
Ollie turned 1-year-old, so naturally as new pet parents Brendan and I threw him a little cat birthday party with decorations, tiny hats, and an Ollie-approved birthday cake.
September ended with some real exciting stuff. After putting it off for probably too long (adulting, am I right?), our house and garage were repainted in a really nice light gray, dark gray, and white colour scheme. Woo, woo!
OCTOBER
Before temporarily closing my business and shop for a few weeks for some needed rest and relaxation in October, Brendan and I spent a weekend away at Falcon Trails Resort in one of their beautiful cabins. Between hiking, canoeing, the wood burning fireplace, all of the s'mores I ate, and the beautiful views, I could’ve stayed there for a while.
I also designed a new semi-custom Wedding Collection, Ginny, inspired by all things Halloween and magic - possibly my favourite one yet!
DECEMBER
Province prints (in colour!) were Initially launched earlier this year in August with British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, and I've now added Manitoba to the Canadian Collection, with the rest of the provinces coming soon!
Our Cheers to Holiday Cocktails was also launched earlier this year but it's rather perfect for Christmas and inspiring all the cocktails to try this month!
Cheers to a very merry holiday season and the happiest new year to you and your loved ones! We are so grateful and thankful for every single person who chooses to support our small business, Lauren Baker Print & Design!
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Here’s our 2020 Top Nine from social media just for fun!
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