Thursday, March 31, 2011

Fun, Fun, fundraising....

All of my little ducks seem to be getting into a neat and tidy row.... and this makes me very, very happy; and very, very relieved, aaaahhhhhh....


I've previously talked about how myself and 3 friends have joined together as a team to walk in the Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End Women's Cancers in September of this year. Well, fundraising events are kicking into high gear.

We've decided to host a THINK PINK Tea and a Rummage Sale for the Cause.... all of the support and donations from friends, family and community have been overwhelming to say the least. It always amazes me at how willing people are to just give. It's a very simple thing, isn't it. Giving.... I've always loved to give things myself. And not in a self-important or self-serving way. I just love giving people a smile every once in a while. And I love how, by nature, people just want to help where they can.

Aaaanyway, so, my mind has been going a mile a minute trying to think of any way that I can raise money for my own journey, as well as for our team. The challenge put forth by the Weekend Walk people for the month of April is to raise $500. I'm taking this challenge on to get closer to my personal fundraising goal. I have some things in mind that I need to get on right away, and I've got to get bugging some local businesses for their help too.... I guess what I'm saying (to myself) is that today, the last day of March, is my final rest day for the next month. Everyday in the month of April, I will devote some portion of time to reaching my $500 goal.... There, I've written in down for all to see that I am very serious about this challenge.... gee, I hope I can reach it ;)

I'm open to any and all suggestions for meeting this challenge....

Have a great day everyone ;)

image courtesy MSN

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Baubles for the babe: a flower tutorial....

I know I said I was going to post this a few days ago; but, you know how sometimes LIFE gets in the way? I am a mom.... enough said :)

Aaaanyway, here's what's been crafting up around here, between family, chores and everything else....


Pretty little necklaces perfect for bringing a little spring-y sunshine into any little lady's life....

Here's a quick little pattern for the flower, and seriously, I can bang off about 20 of these in an hour, that is, if I'm not watching something good on tv ;) So that just goes to show really how easy this is....

FLOWER TUTORIAL
As with all of my patterns/tutorials, you can adapt them to suit your own materials.... use whatever hook size you like that works well with whatever yarn you have on hand. I like this little project for using up odds and ends of yarn that are left from other projects.... AND, I have a lovely sister who sometimes hands-down some of her yarn leftovers.... makes for some interesting little flowers.... LOVE IT!

Chain 2, 4 single crochet into second chain from hook, slip stitch into first chain to form foundation ring (you could also use the magic loop method, which I prefer and do use for my own work-in-circle projects; but for those who are not familiar with the magic loop method, this method here works fine)

Chain one and turn. 2 single crochets in next 3 single crochets, 3 single crochets in next single crochets. Slip stitch into first single crochet. (9 single crochets)

Chain 3, 3 double crochets into first single crochet space, chain 3 and slip stitch into same single crochet spot. This forms one petal. *Slip stitch into next single crochet then slip stitch into next single crochet and chain 3, 3 double crochets into same single crochet, chain 3 and slip stitch into same single crochet spot. Repeat from * 3 more times, creating 5 flower petals. Slip stitch and bind off.

Make as many flowers as you like! You can join them to make necklaces, bracelets, headbands, scarves, pillows, purses.... your only limitation is your own imagination!

Have a fantastic sunny sunday everyone ;)

Friday, March 25, 2011

Friday night video, retro rewind....

Truly, one of THE best Canadian songs EVER, and one of my all time favourites....


Happy friday night everyone ;)

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Vintage inspired....

I don't know if I've ever expressed my love for vintage items.... anything and everything vintage....

Last friday, my guy and I took the kiddies for a pancake breakfast at a farm that makes pure maple syrup; needless to say, they were delicious! After our yummy brunch, we decided to stop in at an antique market on the way home.... thankfully the kids also share our love of anything old (a prerequisite for being a member of this family don't ya know)....

Anyhow, while browsing etsy this morning, I came across some really beautiful vintage pieces that reminded me of that little side trip and about how excited my kids were to see, touch and smell things from the past....I thought I'd share a few of my favourite vintage wednesday etsy finds with you....


50's Horn Rim Glasses by Vintage 50's Eyewear



Vintage Spring Coat
by Poppy & Bean


Crochet Throw by Lady Libertine Vintage


Retro Pork Pie Hat by Shihtzuwest Vintage Goodies

This is just a partial sampling of the treasury I put together on etsy, to check out the other items in my Vintage Blue treasury, click the link.... http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d89d31645e46d914e01a439/vintage-blue

I'm also working on a cute little post that involves handmade baubles for little ladies, hope to have that to you tomorrow.... Have a great day everyone ;)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

1 hour of embience and conservation....

Earth Hour 2011
Saturday, March 26 starting at 8:30pm (your local time)


What is Earth Hour?

Simply put, Earth Hour is a movement toward Global Sustainability.

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2000 businesses turned off their lights to take a stand against climate change. ~ WWF Canada

Last year, Earth Hour 2010, was the largest Earth Hour ever reaching 1.3 billion people in 128 countries and territories around the world. Iconic and historic landmarks like the CN Tower, The Coca-Cola Billboard in Times Square, the Colosseum in Rome and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco have all participated in this movement.

Join me, and the world to make this year the biggest and best Earth Hour yet.... do your part and take a stand against climate change.

Don't forget to mark your calendars! For more information about the Earth Hour Movement, go to http://wwf.ca/earthhour/ and check out your local news and information sites for Earth Hour activities in your area.

Have a great Sunday everyone ;)

Friday, March 18, 2011

Friday night video with a retro appeal....

I first fell in love with Zooey Deschanel's voice when I saw her in the movie ELF, which, by the way, is one of my favourite Christmas movies.... SO. FUNNY.

Aaaanyway, hope you enjoy this song, it's kinda cute....

Have a lovely friday evening everyone ;)

Dreamy spaces....

Isn't this the most amazing space for kids?


courtesy stylisheve.com

Be back later with my friday night video....

Thursday, March 17, 2011

For real cookie cutters....

What boy wouldn't love these???? Mine went CRAZY when they saw them!


Ninjabread Men.... I love it!

p.s. Happy St. Patty's Day Everyone ;)

photo courtesy of www.worldwidefred.com check it out!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Skirt and re-purposed shirt and leggies....

So, do you remember the little outfit for my baby's Baby?


Well, at first I thought I'd make my baby a shirt with that same seersucker from my stash, but changed my mind and made a skirt instead.... then I found a black long sleeve shirt that my baby's arms had outgrown and re-fashioned it into a spring/summer top and matching leggies....

What I ended up with was this little outfit that screams 'Punk Rock Toddler'....


Somewhat of an earlier Avril Lavigne-type ensemble, wouldn't you agree? I can picture my Hammy wearing this with cute little Chuck Taylor's, like this uber-cool Grinch pair....


Sadly, the best photo I was able to snag of the clothes being stuffed with a cute and cuddly little toddler was this one....


Totally not in the mood for cute or cuddly. And definitely. Definitely. Not, in the mood for pictures or skirt wearing....

Ah, well... what can you do? You're totally at their mercy where toddlers are involved.... but she's the best, and I think I'll keep her anyway :)

Have a great day everyone ;)


Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday night video and a new life....

This song always puts me in a good mood.... and I thought it fitting as tomorrow there will be a fresh new member of our family emerging sometime after 8am.... Good luck girlie, the pushing may seem difficult and tiring, but in the end you'll be left with something greater than you could have ever imagined.... safe travels into the world little one....


Have a great friday night all ;)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Sewing for baby....

Ok, well, not for my baby.... for my baby's baby!

This little lady, who is lovingly referred to as Baby, usually can be found in any number of places in our home looking like this....


Baby was a gift from someone; can't remember who.... but, she usually gets picked up and dressed in her original outfit about once a month; then because the original outfit is ill-fitting and falls off.... my baby gets frustrated and ends up throwing Baby around for a bit, then forgets about her again.... It's really funny to witness....

Aaaanyway, today my Hammy-girl was trying to dress Baby, and once again started getting angry and man-handling Baby in a way that would land any adult parent in the slammer; so this Mommy decided that an intervention was needed....

Mommy: "We have to be nice to Baby. She doesn't like when you throw her around. It hurts. Can you say sorry to Baby?"
Hammy-girl: "So-wee Baby." *Hugs and cuddles*
Mommy: "Do you want Mommy to make Baby a dress that will stay on?"
Hammy-girl: "Dress fo Baby?"
Mommy: "Mmm-hmmm"
Hammy-girl: "Yes, peas"

So after all of that, we pulled out the sewing machine, rifled through the scrap fabric bin, picked out some cut-off jean pieces and a nice wrinkly and puckery swatch of seer-sucker, I love that stuff, especially for summer dresses.... it's so cool and soft and dries like a breeze!

Anyhow, the dress didn't happen; but, this little set did....


I LOVE IT! I'm thinking this will look so cute on my baby for summer! Except for my baby's shirt I'm envisioning little short and fluttery poufs for the sleeves!

Here's Baby modelling the little set, complete with over sized (for Baby) baby socks.... Look at that Baby, such a ham for the camera....


I had lots of fun with this quick little project.... and I especially loved that my little Hammy-girl sat right at my side the whole time, lovingly rocking a sleeping Baby in her warm embrace....

Have a great afternoon everyone ;)

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Sunday dinner a la crock pot and a baby quilt....

So, I don't normally like using ketchup in recipes; but, in this case, it seems to work well.... What's for dinner tonight?....

Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops

4-6 pork chops
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2-3 cloves chopped/crushed garlic
1 tsp chopped fresh ginger (1/2 tsp dry)
1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red chilies (optional)
1-2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
sesame seeds & chopped green onions to garnish (optional)

Place pork chops in crock pot (if you'd like to cut them into chunks go right ahead or leave them as is, your choice). For the sauce/glaze; mix the ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and optional crushed red chilies and sesame oil in a bowl and pour over the chops.

Cook for 8-10 hours on low, or 4-5 on high (the slower the cooking, the more tender the chops will be). Serve with sauteed or steamed veggies and rice or quinoa, and garnish with the sesame seeds and green onions.

Tastes much like teriyaki.... which is a bonus since my kids LOVE teriyaki!

This recipe is very easy to adapt to your own preference for taste... play around with it and see what you come up with. Alternatively, you can swap out the chops for chicken; and if you prefer more sauce, double it. You can also add a teaspoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the crock pot about 5 to 10 minutes before its done to thicken the sauce.... yummmm :P

Aside from dinner, I spent the three hours before the kids awoke, putting together a cute little baby quilt.... now, as I said previously, I am a complete newbie to the world of quilting - and it definitely shows! Puckering here and there and not a straight line of quilting anywhere! In my defense, my machine is the most basic machine around and is totally not meant for anything more than hemming pants and fixing seams.... I am; however, proud of what I've done so far, and I think the recipient will appreciate the time invested and the personal-ness (is that a word?) of the gift, at least I hope ;)

While putting the quilt together, I decided that, 1. I am a quilter, simply because I was quilting at the time; and 2. That if there are types of quilters, I can refer to myself as a 'Rustic Quilter' (I made that up to hide my mistakes... but, that's just me, always thinking of ways to see the bright side of things while being accepting of my faults).

I even went as far as cutting and making my own quilt binding! Something that at first seemed tedious and not worth the time; but, ended up being very therapeutic for me.... I enjoyed it, really.... a very strange thing to come to enjoy, but then again, I am strange :P

Here's a sneak peak of the quilt, just needs the binding sewn on then it'll be ready for gifting along with some other little tidbits!


Have a nice Sunday everyone ;)

Thursday, March 3, 2011

For a friend....

Hope and patience are two sovereign remedies for all, the surest reposals, the softest cushions to lean on in adversity ~ Robert Burton

Always on my mind, B, and at your side every step.... chin up and keep smiling ;)

Much, Much LOVE xoxo
Julie

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Family game night....

I know it's not a new concept; but, family game night is something our little family tries to do on a regular basis.... we don't have a night assigned for game night, it's more of a spur of the moment thing for us.... sometimes it's once or twice a week, and sometimes it's once a month.... whatever our schedule allows....Anyhow; our latest game of choice has proven to be a real family pleaser....


The Pictionary card game.... we've had the boxed adult version of the game for years, which lately has become a bone of contention for my husband.... some of our games are tucked away on the top shelf of our coat closet, the boxed Pictionary game being one of them.... If you have the game yourself, you know the box is a long rectangular shape; totally not fitting with all of the other more square-ish game boxes.... Aaanyway, every time my husband reaches for a game, this oddball game box falls from the shelf, once even landing on his toe, causing him to utter under his breath (not really), some form of profanity.... poor guy.... I guess that's where my height (or lack of) works to my advantage - no 'watch for falling game' for me to worry about ;)

Again, aaanyway, the game is so much fun! The game consists of 3 sets of cards: 1 set of category cards (adult side/children side) and 2 sets of pre-drawn picture cards, a blue set and a red set (one for each team). The category cards are similar to those found in the boxed version, except one side is for adults, the other for children.... of course, as we're playing with the boys, we've only used the side geared for children. The idea is to pick your category then create the answer using as many of the picture cards as you can. Very simple concept that is both hilarious and frustrating (again, the same as the boxed game)....

The game is for 4+ players; 8 and up.... our 6 year old plays with us with no problem; he just gets his older brother to help him read his category cards if they're too difficult for him to read himself.

The most interesting thing I find, is that the kids have an easier time with 'drawing' their pictures.... I tend to over think and try to get into great detail.... funny how kids see things more simply and literally than adults do.

Give it a try for your next family game night.... it's reasonably priced (I think Santa picked ours up at Wal-mart for $6.97); it's compact and can go anywhere; and best of all it doesn't require pencil or paper!

Enjoy your next family game night.... let me know what you think of the game.... have a great day everyone ;)


picture courtesy Amazon.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Walking for a cure....

I made the decision last September to participate in the Annual Toronto Weekend to End Women's Cancers Walk.... I've talked about my friend Becky a number of times here on the blog; she is my motivation and inspiration....

There are four of us who have joined together to become Team DARE; each of us has our own reasons for walking.... and the reasons, when boiled down, are simply to find a cure and save lives....

Last Saturday, a teammate and I had the pleasure of attending an information session about the 2011 walk; or movement as it is now being referred to as.... I realized, about 3 minutes into the session, that I am not, and will never be, prepared for the intense emotions that will fill the air that weekend. How can anyone be prepared?

Which brings me to the struggle I've had since finding out that Becky is living with cancer.... I feel angry; I feel lost; I can't wrap my brain around the whole idea of cancer.... and I know my feelings don't even come close to what Becky, and other people living with cancer, must be feeling. I think as friends and family we want to do something; we want to take action; we want to relieve the burden.... I'm doing my very best to reach my goal; because in the end, it's the money raised that will help fund the research to find the cure, and fund the after care and support that is so needed....

Keeping my emotions in check is an impossibility.... I need to find a way to grasp the fact that I can't manage these emotions, and that I will never be able to make sense of a senseless disease....