Friday, December 31, 2010

New year's eve.... last chance for the giveaway....

Here we are, the last day of 2010... for me it's been filled with family, friends, happiness, sadness, hope, challenge, and everything in between.... All in all, it's been a pretty quiet year for me, and that's just the way I like it....

First off, my family and I were so excited to be able to watch the 2010 Winter Olympics together, and super-duper excited that they were being hosted by our own home country! We were so proud of our Canadian athletes and their efforts.... win or lose, it didn't matter... we loved every. single. minute. But, also have to say, Sidney Crosby's winning goal in over time to take the gold from the U.S. team was over-the-top!


I started my little 3 monkeys inc Etsy shop, which I have great hopes for in 2011.... I sold several hats before Christmas just by word of mouth, and found they are being very well received....


3 monkeys inc is also now on facebook.... social networking seems to be a great way to drum up business.... and now forces me to be even more of a multi-tasker....

Babies have grown inches and inches over the past year, and I'm sure by the end of next year, I'll be dwarfed by at least one of them... and he'll only be verging 9 years old... and I am left with the same question; why do they grow up so fast? Of everything in my life... this is the one of the things I think I can handle the least...


I committed in September 2010, to walk a 2-day, 60km journey in September 2011 to benefit women's cancer research.... This is a very personal thing for me, as my friend Becky has been battling breast cancer for what seems like eternity.... What do you do for a friend who is going down such a tough road? You stand by her, you hold her hand, you wipe her tears (and your own), you just be a friend.... and still, as friends we are left with a feeling that we need to do something.... I know what I'm feeling is nothing compared to what she is feeling; but, by doing this walk with my 3 lovely teammates, I feel like I'm helping in some small way.... We can beat this.... I know we can....


My family has suffered the loss of some family members, seen some born, enjoyed hearing news of weddings to come, graduations, new jobs, the list goes on and on... not unlike any of your families, I'm sure....

More than ever, my year was filled my little family; Craig, Liam, Marek and Camryn, without you, I would be nothing.... and my best girls; Tasha, Sherry, Becky, Kim, Lindsay, Crystal, Jamie, Nicole, Jane, Jayne, Rebecca, Stephanie... and all of the new friends I have met along the way; you ladies along with my little family, have stretched my heart to the limit, and when I feel I couldn't be loved anymore, you all stretch it just a little more.... Family and friends... that's how my 2010 can be summed up... could anything be better than that?

Best wishes to you all, for a Healthy, Happy and Love-filled 2011 ;)

Don't forget: The GIVEAWAY ends tonight at midnight!
photos courtesy of Getty Images, Stephanie Eidt Photography, and Me!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

My journey has begun....

Some of you already know that I have decided to take a 60km walk in September, and some of you have decided to join me.... what a journey it will be.... I will be honoured not only to be doing this to support the great work that the Princess Margaret Hospital does for cancer research; but doubly honoured to be walking for some very special women in my life; women who have struggled through their own battles with this horrible disease and some who continue to fight.


This will be an emotional weekend walking with the great group of ladies who have joined a team with me; and walking alongside many fighters, survivors and crusaders.... I'm anticipating a weekend full of hope, sisterhood, tears and pride.... I can't wait to come across the finish line, knowing that I've helped even just one person in the fight.... and I can't wait to see my little family waiting for me at the end.... these are all of the feelings and emotions that are pushing me to do this, and to do it well.

For my friend Becky, I will carry your spirit in my heart the whole way, and knowing you are bravely fighting will be my driving force. This is a very personal journey for me. Becky you DESERVE to win this fight.... my gloves are on, my shoes are tied, my legs may hurt and my muscles may burn; but it's for you that I gladly, willingly, and proudly do this.... I won't let you down, I won't let me down, I won't let my teammates down, or the millions of other women who we are fighting with....

I'm working toward my goal with the help of my beautiful friend, Kim, who is pushing me and my body with some real kick-ass workouts.... but I need it, I need to push my endurance, push my spirit, and push my ass off of this sofa.... Thankfully I'm not alone, my wonderful husband has chosen to do the training with me, which also drives me to succeed.... I am truly a lucky woman to be surrounded by so many loving people.... thanks everyone for your support in my journey.... I love you all...

Have a nice day all ;) xo

Monday, December 27, 2010

GIVEAWAY.... just a reminder....

Lets keep the Christmas giving going! Just a little reminder to enter my skull and crossbones hat giveaway.... it will be closing on December 31st at 11:59 p.m.... don't miss out.


To enter, become a follower of 3 monkeys inc blog and leave a comment on the original giveaway post, here....

Good luck everyone and have a great day ;)

photo courtesy of Stephanie Eidt Photography.... check her out!

Friday, December 24, 2010

'Twas the night before....

It's true! It's finally here....

Remember as a kid how excited you were going to bed the night before Christmas, and how you thought you'd never be able to sleep? These are some of my fondest childhood memories....

The flurry of emotions you felt when you woke up on Christmas morning, the questions that raced through your head; Did Santa come? Should I get up or wait for everyone else to get up? Does Santa think I was good all year? Is it really only 5:30 in the morning?

Yes, people, I am the child who awoke every Christmas morning at 5:30 a.m.... much to my family's dismay.... the excitement was always too much for me.... so much so that my mother had to finally tell Santa to leave my stocking on the end of my bed just so my head wouldn't explode having to wait for everyone else to wake up.

And believe me, I tore into that little red sock with the white fuzzy fur trim like a dog ripping into his new chew toy.... And it didn't matter to me that it was eerily filled with things that looked like they came from our kitchen.... Santa left it for me. That was all that mattered. Santa knew I was a good girl and was awarding me with nuts-in-the-shell, a big juicy orange and both hard and chewy candies that had the power to excavate any dentistry that called your mouth home.... I didn't care that the only thing in the stocking I really liked was the orange. It was mine, and Santa placed it SPECIAL.... just for ME. I mattered enough to him.... I was happy.


These feelings have NEVER escaped me.... still, I go to bed the night before, and wake up Christmas morning with the same butterfly-in-my-stomach feeling.... only these days, I'm excited and overwhelmed that my children get to have the same feelings I did.... The comfort in knowing that someone thinks you are the most SPECIALIST person in the world....

Merry Christmas little monkeys, I hope the memories we make will give you a lifetime of warmth and hugs.... I love you all to the moon....

And Merry Christmas to all of you.... I hope your holidays are filled with love and family and laughter.... cheers and have a fantastic night before ;)

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Night lights....

Outside our front window....



Lighting up the Falls....



Meeting Buzz and Woody....



O! Canada....



2 more sleeps....
Have a nice and relaxing day ;)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Last minute gifts and wrapping....

Okay, people, so there are only 3 more sleeps 'til Christmas.... it's CRUNCH time! Well, not really for me, but for tons of people who leave their Christmas shopping and wrapping til the very. last. minute.

My shopping is all complete, and I plan on finishing my wrapping to-night! But, don't feel envious of me, please don't.... I do, in fact, leave things to the last minute.... the hand-crafted gifts. The gifts that take the most thought and time to complete; I leave til the last. minute. Why, you ask? Because when it comes down to it, I'm lazy, I'm a procrastinator, I'm a busy mommy of 3 very busy monkeys.... should I go on? Here's my confession: While I love nothing more than to give a hand-crafted item to someone special, I tend to focus on the store bought gifts first because they are easy and really require very little thought. Make sense? I start all of my hand-crafted gifts, then I find that life just gets in the way... oh, they'll get done... I seem to work very diligently under pressure. So, if you knock on my door at 11 p.m. on the 24th, I'm almost positive you'll catch me sitting at my sewing machine, with crochet hook in one hand and a paint brush in the other while my breads and cookies are baking away in my aging oven....

Anyone else like this? Please say yes.... even if it's just to make me feel better about my lack of self-discipline....

Have a great day everyone ;)

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

GIVEAWAY TIME.... CLOSED

4 more sleeps til the big man comes!!!!

And in the spirit of the season, I'll be giving away one of these babies....


Ok, so not really the babies.... they're all mine and I'm not willing to give them up for anything ;)

Instead, one lucky winner will receive one hand-crocheted skull and crossbones hat made especially for you or a little monkey in your life...


Made from soft and chunky acrylic yarn in my smoke free home.... The giveaway will be open to all 3 monkeys inc readers.... just become a follower, if you're not already, and leave a comment telling me your favourite winter activity or memory, old or new.... and of course, leave me your e-mail address if I don't know it already....


The giveaway will be open until December 31st at 11:59pm.... I'll post the giveaway winner January 1, 2011!

My favourite winter memory, you ask???? Well, it was made just last night.... we packed up a cooler full of snacks and egg nog, loaded the monkeys into the family bus and took an hours' drive to Niagara Falls.... When we arrived, we bundled the kids up in their snowsuits.... although, it was such a mild night, it wasn't totally necessary; but they had fun rolling in the snow anyway.... we walked through the Christmas light display, looked at the Falls, ventured up Clifton Hill and back down again... snapped lots of pictures here, there and everywhere, then piled back into the van and headed for Dufferin Islands where we ended our night with a picnic on a snow covered table that Mr. Monkey had to scrape off with our windshield scraper.... it was one of the best family adventures we've had.... These are my favourite kind of memories, and they make my heart burst with pride and love for my little family....

Good luck with the giveaway everyone.... and I hope your holiday season is full of the things that memories are made of.... have a fantastic day all ;) xo

photos courtesy of Stephanie Eidt Photography.... check her out!

3 monkeys inc is now on facebook... become a fan!

And don't forget to check out what's in my Etsy shop!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Warmth-on-a-cold-day soup....

So, here's a SUPER easy recipe for a SUPER yummy soup that really is hands-off.... now that's my kinda soup.... easy-peasy, no-thinking-involved....

And to be honest, I don't really have a name for this soup, so if you'd like to make one up, feel free.... For now I'll call it....

Pond-Hockey Soup because that's what we were doing the day I made it....

2 generous size boneless pork chops, cubed
1 parsnip, peeled and cubed
1 small zucchini, cubed
2 carrots, cubed
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 19 oz. can of diced tomatoes
4 cups of broth, chicken or veggie
1 tsp dried oregano
baby spinach
fresh basil
parmesan
fresh cracked pepper and sea salt to taste

Throw the first ten ingredients in the crock pot in the order they are listed. Cover and set to low temperature. Let it cook for 8-10 hours. Seriously, it's that easy.

When serving, tear 2-3 fresh basil leaves and a handful of baby spinach into each bowl, ladle soup over top.... the basil gives a huge pop of flavour, sooo much better than dried basil.... sprinkle a generous amount of parmesan (freshly shredded is best, but if you're like me, freshly shredded is just too darned expensive) on top with some fresh cracked pepper and sea salt.... So good on a cold day :P

And, by the way, I would have taken a picture if I hadn't eaten it all up.... it's seriously THAT good, I didn't think you'd want to see a picture of my empty bowl.... Let me know what you think....

Fantastic giveaway over at retro mummy....

I've entered a FANTASTIC giveaway and encourage you to as well.... It's being hosted by Corrie of retro mummy.... She's a lovely lady from Australia who is happily married and has 4 children under the age of 5! You can read about her, her family and check out her wonderful crafts on her blog, retro mummy....

Corrie is giving away 20 fat quarters! This is an AMAZING winning opportunity! I could make soooo many pretty little things, the possibilities are endless!

Doesn't this look as yummy as a bowl full of candy?! Check her out!

Happy sunday all ;)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Christmas wishes....


I've never been one to ask for or expect lavish gifts.... I'm happy with whatever comes my way (or doesn't, for that matter).... and so this year my wishes are simple and heartfelt....

I wish for my children to have the happiest Christmas ever....

I wish for my husband to know that we understand his job sometimes keeps him from us on special calendar days; but to know that they are just days , and that we can make any day special as long as we're together....

I wish for my family and friends to enjoy love and happiness in their lives this holiday season, and always....

And, my number one wish this year.... for my girl, Becky.... you deserve to have the weight lifted off of your strong and tired shoulders.... I wish for your happiness, to hear your laughter, and more than anything.... the cure.... xo ;)

picture courtesy of microsoft office

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Holiday tutorial links - ENJOY!

Ok people.... here are a few links to get you in the festive mood... try one or more for yourself and lets see what we end up with....

Here's a FANTASTIC tutorial for Christmas Crackers by Rachel of PaperCraftsByRach. I'm very sure you'll be able to pick up the cracker snaps at Michael's Craft Store here in Canada... or even Wally-Mart.... I will be trying this myself....


beautiful photo courtesy of Rachel at PaperCraftsByRach....

This is an AMAZING tutorial for some really cool glass hanging tree ornaments over at Pridestampers blog.... this has made it to my "to-do" list for next year....


happy snowman picture courtesy of Pridestampers blog....

Here's a SUPER EASY tree skirt tutorial over at Chickpea Sewing Studio, that can be easily embellished in any way you want.... the wonder of felt is that it doesn't require hemming; just cut and sew (or glue, if you're so inclined.... a-hem, you know I'm talking to you T, lol!).... also, the beautiful thing is that you can buy yards of extra wide felt so your tree skirt can be very large for even greater holiday impact....


picture courtesy of Chickpea Sewing Studio....

And... to TOP it off.... Kristen over at Kristen's Creations has a really POUFFY tutorial for a non-traditional bow tree topper....check this out!


photo courtesy of Kristen's Creations....

Just four ideas to share today.... these are some really simple projects for any crafty skill level.... I always feel better at Christmas knowing that we've created something with our own hands to hang or display or gift.... it really seems to be a holiday tradition that gets lost in the commercialism of the season.... lets bring back a little handmade Christmas, you'll be proud of what you've made and I guarantee it'll make you see the season in a whole new light....

More to come.... is there anything else you might like to see me post for the holidays? Leave me a comment or drop me an e-mail.... I'll see what I can do.... Have a wonderful day friends ;)

**EDIT** Just a little note to remind everyone, that if you click on the highlighted words throughout the blog posts, you will be directed to the links and their respective pages/posts.... so sorry if I didn't clarify this sooner, some of you have asked how to get to the links.... so here you have it! Happy linking :D

Monday, December 6, 2010

Christmas sewing....

It's here!!!! It's December, and I'm sure you're all feeling the crunch too.... trying to get to your last minute stops, thinking of all of those presents that need wrapping, making sure you haven't forgotten anyone.... sound about right?

This year, true to my word, I have NOT gotten carried away with the gifting.... in a bid to keep things a little less commercial, I've made some presents for the kids, and limited what we did purchase. It's not about the presents, right? Something I've been drilling into my guys (and gal's) heads since they were just little monkey-bubs.... I know they still only see it as a get-a-gift holiday, I'm not that naive to believe that my valiant efforts are actually being heeded at this point in their young lives.... but, no harm in starting early with teaching the real meaning of the season.... right?

Aaaanyway.... I always buy jammies for the monkeys for Christmas; I know, I know, every kids dream gift.... but, a necessity nonetheless.... Well, while perusing the fabric store, I came across some fun-fun-fun flannel fabric (ha! an alliteration!) that I thought all of my bubs would love.... so out came the sewing machine, and 2 sleep pants, 2 sleep shorts and 1 jammie set later....

Here's the girl-babes set. I love these two prints together, they're so sweet and not so overly in-your-face-I'm-a-girl....


I followed this tutorial from Habitual for the top and just used a pair of sleep pants we had for the bottoms.... easy peasy weezy!

I will not be showing the boy pants and shorts as there are usually 2 sets of spying-prying eyes lurking around the house at any given moment....

I still have a few more things to whip up.... or not.... that still remains to be seen....

Have a fantastically fun flurry filled day.... Ha! another alliteration! I know, Mr. Monkey tells me all. the. time. that I'm a word-nerd.... I don't care, without words we'd all be pretty boring....

great day all ;)

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Girl's night fun....

Last night I attended a little crafty night, held at my good friend Becky's house... we made these little beauties....


These are the four cards that I made. I'd give credit to the teacher; unfortunately, I arrived a little late.... not my fault, there was a dog outside near where I parked that was growling and barking at me, I had to return to the safety of my car and find a parking spot somewhere away from the mean ol' doggie.... Aaaaanyway, I was late and didn't catch the name of the girl who was instructing us.... but she was great, and I'm truly amazed that she didn't clobber me because I'm sure my slowness and questions were annoying, to say the least....

It was lots of fun.... I'd never tried card-making before last night.... and have to say, I. LOVE. IT. When I got home and showed Mr. Monkey, he was impressed but very quick to add that I didn't need a new craft. He's right, I know, but I enjoyed it sooo much.... I just may be able to sneak some little crafty card-making into my crafty repertoire without him really noticing.... is that wrong?

These cards were made with Stampin' Up products, you can check them out here, and tell me if you could resist getting hooked too....

Special thanks to Becky for hosting.... I love you lady and with everything you've been dealt and are still being dealt, you are an ever gracious hostess.... I have nothing but admiration for you sweetie, xxoo....

Have a great day all ;)

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Stuffin's for the foot bag....

Ok... so I'm sure I don't need to clarify what a foot bag is.... but, aaaaanyway, I will! According to my 6 year old, a foot bag is what we adults like to call a stocking.... Don't ya just love how kids see things so literally? I can still remember last year when we were decorating and he asked me where the foot bags were.... I felt bad because I was laughing (almost uncontrollably) when I responded, "W-w-w-what?". Poor guy, so serious when he asked.... tee-hee, I still get a kick out of that moment.

Any-who.... lets get to the reason why we've all gathered here today, a-hem.... Stocking Stuffers. Do you have as many difficulties as I do, helping Santa fill those darn things? Sheesh.... it seems the standard toothbrush and undies just don't cut it anymore. You know, when I was their age, I was ecstatic to find nuts (in-the-shell people), an apple, an orange and a handful of gumdrops and hard candies tucked into my fuzzy red and white stocking that my mother so lovingly scrawled my name on with a sharpie marker.... and looking back now, everything seemed eerily similar to all of the things that were commonly out on our coffee table during the holiday season.... hmmmm, weird. But, I digress....

Here are a few items that I thought would make great additions to our kids stockings:


Wooden tops, from Urban Turn on Etsy.


Peg dolls, ready to paint.... I'm thinking little ninja men for the two little men in my life. Brought to you by Gemmielou, also on Etsy.... and p.s. shhhh, a certain little ham-hock may be getting some too, shhhh ;)


Keychains like this cool Wimpy Kid item, available at Chapters online


Little flashlights to attach to backpacks. Ready for purchase at Mountain Equipment Co-op.


Pretty little crocheted accessories for the Ham.... headbands like this, some clippies, and maybe a bracelet or two.... made by Mommy.

And, of course, the old faithfuls.... For the boys; Archie comics, hockey cards, a Schleich animal (available at TSC Stores or Scribbles to Scholars where I live), toothbrushes, socks and undies, some kind of holiday treat.... And for the girl-baby; toothbrush, tub toys, hair elastics, toddler-friendly treats, Playmobil people....

I'm sure Santa has some other items that he's hand-picked especially for my little monkeys.... I can't wait to see their faces Christmas morning.... it's, by far, the best gift I could ever receive....

Let me know what great stuffin's you and Santa come up with for your own little bubs.... we'll compare notes....

Have a nice night all ;)

Saturday, November 27, 2010

What two year old hands can do....


I love her....

Back soon with some quick and easy stocking stuffer ideas.... Have a great day ;)

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Needed a break....

Yesterday, I delivered an order of 5 skull and crossbones hats to a friend, Christmas presents I believe.... and I still have one more order to fill by the end of the week, this one for 7 hats!!!... no biggie, though; 2 are complete, 4 just need the tags and skulls sewn on, and then just to start and finish an adult version....

I've had a great little boom in business just before Christmas, and I'm loving it! But, making that many hats gets a little mindless at times. So after I delivered the order yesterday, I came home and started a little project for myself.... yes, myself! Something just to break up my time between orders. Nothing major that would involve great amounts of time; but, something that is cute, and fast and something I need....


A bath scrubbie (is there a theme beginning here on the blog people???).... I found the tutorial here, and can I just say, this is one of the easiest projects I have ever worked on.... and for a project that is so easy, it looks so, ummm, not easy. The tutorial uses cotton yarn; but I fear that with a scrubbie that big, the cotton yarn would just need a little too much care for my liking.... I opted for a super soft, light-weight acrylic.... just something I had on hand that hasn't really suited any other project.... I'll let you know how it works out....

Bu-ut.... from the picture, you can see that it is not complete.... the reason, and it's a good one, is because while crocheting said scrubbie, I realized that my time would be best spent trying to fill my last order... So, being the self-disciplining person I am, I returned to my order with renewed hat-loving energy and was able to whip up 2 in no time.... Sometimes that's all we need.... a few steps back just to gain a little perspective....

Have a great day friends ;)

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Stocking stuffer....

My love of the pot scrubbie seems to have transferred to my Hammy-girl... whenever I finish one she grabs it and plays with it until I'm able to snatch it away....

But don't misunderstand.... I'm not giving my 2 year old pot scrubbies for Christmas.... I've made three smaller, toddler-sized versions;


a red square, a yellow circle and a blue triangle.... get what I've done? Kid friendly shapes in primary colours! Nothing revolutionary by any means.... just simply an extension of my love for these things.... again, I ask you, Is it wrong for me to love these things so much?

The girl-baby and I can learn shape and colour together all the while LOVING the scrubbie.... hey, don't knock the scrubbie love.... if you had some you'd understand....

Hope you've started your Christmas shopping... just over a month away.... have a great day all ;)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

A day late....

Yesterday was my husband's 39th birthday.... I didn't forget it.... I could never, and would never....

I'll just say this of him.... he is my very, very best friend, I love him so much that it hurts, and sometimes when I think of where I would be if we had never met.... all I can come up with is lost and alone.... We think so much alike; we're serious when we need to be, but for the most part we are just happy to be together and always, ALWAYS, making fun of each other, hugging each other and loving our little family....

I love this man and feel very fortunate to have realized his true spirit when I was just 18.... and so very lucky that he liked me too....

How could I not love him? He gave me these 3 beautiful children.... and whenever I'm around him he makes me smile like this....



Happy Birthday.... hope you have a great year!
xo a&f Jules ;)

Saturday, November 13, 2010

And the Winner is....

This morning, in a secure room, with witnesses and onlookers, ummm, looking on... names were placed into the name drawing vessel...



Two specially chosen officials performed a random draw...



And the winner is..........



Sherry, who said: "...The chicken costume is the best costume of 2010!" Your pot scrubbies are on their way to you!

Thanks ladies, for joining in the fun... and for reading along... you're all very much appreciated! Enjoy your day ;)

Friday, November 12, 2010

Hammy-ness....

There's been much ado around here about our little Hammy-girl... she's almost 2, sniff-sniff... where does the time go? And when you have two older brothers to watch and mimic, the time seems to go that much faster... she talks so much with her half-toddler-half-big-girl words; and we can actually understand what she's saying; and the emotion and sense behind the words both astounds me and melts my heart all at once... I can't put into words the feelings I have for her... but I'll try with a song... I sing this to her before I put her to bed at night...



I love the lyrics... this song should be sung to every little girl, young lady or woman who has ever doubted their own worth... it's my job to make sure that my little Hammy grows up with a great sense of self; she needs to be sure of things like love, support, and happiness.... I owe this to her, and to her brothers...

Hope you enjoy the song as much as I do...

The giveaway closes tonight at midnight... I'll be posting the winner tomorrow morning... good luck everyone ;)

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

I love prettiness....

I was just taking a little break from all of the crocheting I've been doing lately, and decided to look at some pretty things on the net.... Shabby Apple.... a wonderful site full of beautiful dresses that are reminiscent of times gone by....

Is this not the most sophisticated look for a lovely young lady? I would put this on my little girl-baby in an instant, if it came in her size.... so much more refreshing than all of the skin that seems to be bared by many young girls these days.... The name of this little frock is Girl Friday.... could it be more perfect?

Hope you're enjoying the sun.... and finding your own pretty things to gaze upon.... don't forget to enter the giveaway, it's open until friday.... have a lovely day ;)

Saturday, November 6, 2010

FIRST BLOG-iversary GIVEAWAY....

Yes, so it seems I have been blathering on about this and that and nothing at all for a whole year now.... Many thanks to those of you who have chosen to stick with me this past year....

So, in appreciation of the small following I have acquired and become acquainted with I am offering a nice little grouping of my handy-dandy pot scrubbies.... Excited?! I am.... I LOVE THEM!!! And hope you do to....

Please leave me a comment, let me know what you like, don't like or would like to see here on my blog.... I'll do a random drawing, with the help of one of my lovely assistants.... remember to leave me your e-mail address so I can get in touch with the lucky winner.... the giveaway will close at 11:59pm November 12th....

Thanks again for your continuing interest and friendship....
Good luck to you ;)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

A little late....

I've been a little under the weather lately and really haven't felt like doing much more than sipping tea and curling up under a nice fuzzy blanket... Yeah! Like that e-ver happens... on t.v. maybe, but not in this person's life! Yes... it's true I have been fighting off a cold for quite some time and now that my Halloween sewing is all complete, the cold has decided to take hold... but, not complaining at all... there are people, all over, much worse off than me...

So aaaanyway, here are the kiddie-kats all decked out for Halloween... the girl-baby has to be whatever Mommy wants her to be; the middle guy gets to choose and tell Mommy what to make (because, apparently Mommy is magic with the machine and can create everything in the universe with her cheap little Singer, lol)... and sadly, the big guy doesn't want Mommy-made costumes anymore, sniff-sniff-sigh... I understand, really I do, but it's still sad to have to let go a little more each year and realize that my first-born is creating a life of his own where Mommy isn't the be-all-end-all... I need a moment...


Nice warm costumes for our verrrry chilly Halloween nights here in Canada. So there you have it, the makings of a joke perhaps... An alien, a chicken and a vampire walk into a bar.... you can finish it off whichever way you like....

My first BLOG-iversary is coming up... November 6th... keep your eyes open for a little giveaway.... Have a fantastically cough-free evening ;)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Under the gun....

So it's thursday.... thursday, thursday, thursday.... need to finish a halloween costume by tomorrow.... I wish I was a caffeine drinker, as I'm sure I'll need it tonight....

Ever feel like you're under the gun?

Have a nice evening everyone ;)

Monday, October 25, 2010

Quick Bit....

Wow! It's been a VERY busy last few weeks, and will continue to be... YAY for beautiful pictures that drum up orders, hearts and traffic! I couldn't be more happy!

And to top it off, in true Monkey-Mama fashion, I've left the Halloween sewing til the very. last. minute... have I ever mentioned that Halloween is the BESTEST holiday EVVVV-ERRRRR!!?? I'll be posting some pictures later on in the week of this year's costume picks.... once they're all complete, that is... For now, here are some hints of what they are...

Costume #1: You can eat it crispy... or not ~:>
Costume #2: Phone home :-/
Costume #3: Ouch! My neck hurts >:[

Have a nice evening all ;)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

In my yard....

On a beautifully sunny Saturday afternoon.... this happened....











Thanks so much Stephanie, for the fantastic pictures of a fun bunch of great looking kids.... oh yeah, and hats too!

Check out Stephanie here... you'll be amazed and want her to take pictures of your kids too... Have a great evening all ;)

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Say cheese....

What a beautiful fall day it has been... I had the good fortune to meet a lovely lady named Stephanie... and she just happens to be a fantastic photographer...

Today she was nice enough to come over to my house with her daughter and 2 daughters of a mutual friend of ours... and together with my own 3 children... held a fun photo session/play date featuring my hats!!! I am EXTREMELY excited to be able to post pictures of my hats on some of the cutest heads I have ever seen, and taken by a photographer who sees beauty in everyday life.

I'll have pictures to show you later in the week... I can hardly wait! And I can hardly wait to post them in my shop!

Thanks so very much Stephanie! You are truly amazing in your art! You can see Stephanie's work on her website by clicking on her name in this post or the link in the sidebar.

Have a happy, happy weekend everyone! ;)

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Addicted....

No pictures to show... but, trust me... I've been busy! I'm totally addicted to these darn scrubbies!

I'm not too sure how many I've actually made because I've been giving them away as I'm making them... did I mention that I LOVE them??? Is it weird to love something that you use to get crusty food off your dishes?

Aaaany-who.... Not much else to report... Oh, wait! I'm actually reading a book! Yes... I've managed to fit a book into the few minutes I have here and there... like eating my breakfast standing at the counter... or, o-er giving the boys 5 extra minutes in the tub so I can sit on the bathroom floor beside them and get in a few more pages... Does anyone else do this? See, I don't actually give myself the time to sit and read... it's something I work in (and not very often)... aaanyway, the book is Angels and Demons by Dan Brown... I really liked The DaVinci Code by him, and as it turns out, I am really enjoying this one too... I LOVE a great suspense filled novel.

Like I said, not much to report. Take it easy, have a very relaxing evening all ;)

Monday, October 4, 2010

Pumpkin Patches and Apple Orchards...

You can never have too many pumpkins, I always say...



So 35 or so later... we became the pumpkin fairies, delivering pumpkins to those in need of the orange-y gourds...


There's nothing better than watching a bunch of kids run wild through a massive pumpkin patch (okay, maybe that was just me)... 53 whole acres of pumpkins!


And they were all for us... at least for yesterday afternoon they were... I was in Halloween HEA-VEN!

My wonderful step-sister and her husband are so kind; every year at this time, me, my husband and our children are invited to take advantage of fall's bounty... it's something we have made into a little tradition in our family. Not only do our kids get to experience a tiny glimpse of country/farm life, but we get to visit with a great bunch of people that we really should spend more time with.

And then today, after we picked the boys up from school, we went apple picking! This was my Hammy-girl's first experience picking...


The look on her face when she got out of the truck and saw all of the "appies" was a moment in time that I will never forget... the sheer joy and amazement in those first few seconds is the way everyone should see the world around them every. single. day... The boys were so excited that the trees were so short and that they didn't have to reach very high, but in that excitement,


they also just threw them into the bags not thinking that the apples crashing into one another would cause some serious bruising... but no matter, I'll take the boys happiness over a few marred pieces of fruit any day... The bruises won't matter much anyway when the apples are cooked down for some YUMMY applesauce... I also purchased 3 pie pumpkins to cook and freeze for later... I know, real exciting ;)

As a side... remember the marshmallows I was attempting to make???? We-ell... they turned out!


I was so excited... the kids were so excited... and now, through all of that work, they've requested strawberry flavoured marshmallows... what have I started!? EEKS!

Aaaaanyway... night-night all... happy Zzzzzzzz.... ;)

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Commissioned and feeling sea-sick....

What's on the agenda for today, you're wondering? This extra cute, extra-extra soft little set for a 3 month old, on the verge of 4 month old girl-baby that I do not know...


I had the good fortune of being approached at the Mom to Mom sale on Saturday by a mom looking for a cute little winter set for her new baby girl... and being the nice lady I am, I gladly accepted the commission... originally it was just for the hat, but after a few e-mails, the nice mom also asked if I would be so kind as to whip up a scarf to match.... of course, I would LOVE to! I feel very honoured and humbled that someone thinks that my handiwork is nice enough to adorn their precious little babe :D

And as for me, sea-sick.... that's how I describe the upset tummy feeling that I'm experiencing right now.... don't jump to any conclusions, the baby ship has sailed for me and my honey... this is totally self-inflicted... one word... marshmallow fluff... okay, I know that's two words but you get the point. Bleck! My beautiful skinny-mini boy LOVES marshmallows, and being the ever-doting mommy that I am, I told him I would try to make him some homemade marshmallows.... what was I thinking?! Seriously, do I need all of that extra work? Yes. Yes, I do. I have this need to make all of my children's' dreams a reality. And if one of those dreams is to have mommy-made marshmallows, then wish granted. And seriously, they were as easy as pie, okay, maybe not pie, because lets face it, makin' pie is not easy either... aaaanyway... that marshmallow fluff was so ooey-gooey-good, yum-yum :P that I don't even mind the sea-sick feeling... I hope they turn out... will let you know tomorrow, apparently they take 12 hours to set... fingers crossed...

Have a great evening ;)

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

There is a story....

My wonderful Gramma-in-law, and I am serious, she is wonderful... is a crocheter... WHAT!! I know, SURPRISE, an old lady that crochets?!

Aaaaanyway, she is a sweet lady who thinks of me often when she is doing her craft, and I do not mean that in a conceited sort of way at all, what I mean is that she knows I enjoy the craft just as much as she does.... I guess we are "kindred-spirits" when it comes to the yarny stuff....

Again, aaaaanway.... she bought this yarn intending on making herself a sweater... she started it, then as all yarn-crafters do, took a look at what she had purchased and took a look at what she had begun and said, "What the !?*$!.... who buys scratchy, red acrylic yarn?!" .... Okay, okay, so she didn't swear.... in fact she didn't even say that AT ALL (that's something I would say); for one, she's just too proper for that kind of expletive typing language; and second, I just think she's to the point in her life where she just wants to live-it-up in her new retirement community and shed the stereotypical knitting-granny persona... and I say, "Live it up G! Shake your 83 year young groove thang!"

This is the story of how I came to inherit the scratchy, red acrylic yarn... and being the nice granddaughter-in-law that I am... I accept the gift, like the many other crafty-type gifts before it... I smile and vehemently thank her for thinking of me and insist that I will find a use for it...

And so, keeping to my word, this is what I've come up with....


Red pot scrubbers. Ummmm. It'll work. I've got LOTS of said yarn left... if anyone is in need of red pot scrubbers, please, let me know, I'd be more than happy to hook you up... HA! Hook you up! Get it? I crochet.... yeah.

Have a good one all ;)

In training....

I'm starting a walking diary today.... an in-training manual, I guess.... I have just less than a year to get ready for the Weekend Walk to End Women's Cancers.... Seems like a lot of time, but in reality, it's not.... 60km is a very, VERY LOOOOOONG distance to hike. I know I can do it.... mentally I am pumped, proud, and ready.... physically, you ask? I think I'm gonna need a little help ;) Maybe a walking buddy every now and then, people to help keep me on track and motivated.... anyone willing to be my cheering section, my pat-you-on-the-back friend who's gonna say it's ok that I only walked 2km today instead of 10???

Seriously, just a phone call, text message or e-mail every now and again to remind me that even though my journey is gonna be tough, it's nothing compared to the road that the people I'm walking for have to travel, and that in the end, my small role in this 2-day event is going to help not just Becky, but so many other women, including myself.

I'm ready.... me and my little lady have our walking shoes on and after we say good-bye to the big boys this morning, we'll be hiking, and plodding and trodding through the streets of our pretty little town.... It's raining now, but that can't stop us.... we're determined....

Hope you have a day filled with sun-shiney day-dreams ;)

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Up in the shop....


Just listed these four extra cool, extra warm skull and crossbones toques for boys in the shop... check it out!!!

It's weird... I get this really uneasy-queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I list something in the shop... hopefully that will go away when I actually make a sale...

Will be listing some other things tomorrow as well... check back!

Have a nice and dreamy sleep ;)

Closing day....

Last day of Kids Clothes Week Challenge... and lets just say, it has been a challenge for me... I'm hoping today to get to some kinda sewing project... hope-hope-hoping!

Yesterday's Mom to Mom went well... I managed to get rid of a great deal of stuff that was cluttering up mine and my girlfriend's house; unfortunately, I didn't fare so well in the hat department... sniff, sniff. I had so many people say they loved the hats and really wanted to buy, but didn't have enough money... I sold 3. I am quite happy with that number... and really, I can just stock my Etsy shop, and that makes me happy, see :D, that's me smiling ;)

I've taken the pictures, and will have them up in the Esty shop sometime today... please feel free to pop by the shop later to see the great colour range I am offering.

I'm hoping to pick some pumpkins today, no-no, not just me, of course the family too.... Halloween, it's just the best holiday EVER!!! Hope everyone has a warm and snuggly, pumpkin-pickin' day ;)

Friday, September 24, 2010

In need of a good mechanic....

So the wheels fell off the cart... I really, really tried to keep up with the KCWC... unfortunately, bad timing prevailed and my Mom to Mom sale took over... and I needed to devote a great majority of my time to getting my inventory done for the sale... in my defense, my inventory is for children and it is of a clothing nature... does that count toward Kids Clothes Week???

Aaaaanyway.... I still have Sunday to try and whip up some actual articles of clothing.... but please, please, don't hold your breath.

Wish me luck that my cool little skull and crossbone-y guys will be a huge hit tomorrow... feeling a little nervous that people will pass them by... keeping my fingers crossed regardless.

Have a great weekend all ;)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Mommy-wear to Baby-wear...

Take one shirt that you no longer wear, but can't get rid of because it is just so-so soft...


Cut it apart very methodically... without a real plan in place of course... first it was going to be a cute pair of leggings... then it was going to be a nice twirly skirt... but in the end, this is what I came away with...


An almost complete replica of what I started with... the exception being lettuced edges... And in this picture, one arm looks longer than the other, but truly it isn't, it's just the way I laid it on the table :)

Phew! Day three of KCWC has been a productive one... this is going up in the Elsie Marley Flickr Group...

Have a great evening all... back to work for me ;)