REFURB-RECON-REPURPOSE: terracycle

While shopping at my local Wal-Mart, I came across a new cereal brand.  It's called Sally's Cereals.  They offer a great line of cereals, that are much like generic store brand cereals, except in very environmentally conscious packaging.  And the bonus!  My kids love them!  And I love the pretty packaging!

Sally's has cut out half of the packaging by getting rid of the outer box.  Now, you may be wondering how this new product fits into my REFURB-RECON-REPURPOSE post.... well, Sally's Cereals are a part of a group of products who have partnered with TerraCycle, a green company that was formed in 2001.  TerraCycle's purpose is to eliminate waste by REPURPOSING items that would otherwise be sent to landfill sites.

TerraCycle has produced a collection and solution system that allows them to create repurposed items like these useful products....

The ultimate in repurposing don't you think?.... All the while helping maintain a healthy environment.  They also offer school collecting programs; what a fantastic idea to help further educate kids about the need to be kind to our earth.  Check out TerraCycle's website to find out what products are a part of their program.... and start collecting! 

Have a lovely Wednesday people  ;)

HOW-TO-TUESDAY: t-shirt bracelet tutorial

So, there's no science or secret formula here.... the t-shirt bracelet is one of the quickest and easiest crafty projects one can do....  All you'll need for this project are:

- old t-shirts
- needle (sewing machine optional)
- coordinating (or not) thread
- scissors
- safety pin

Lots of fun to make.... and always an endless supply of t-shirt yarn.... 

Have a great day everyone  ;)

THRIFTY MONDAY: 'Le The'

Wow!  What a fantastic thrifty shopping day the girl monkey and I had with Mr. Monkey on Friday.  We found so many interesting and fun finds while browsing a junky old flea market and a Bibles for Missions thrift store.  But one of the best things I found was this....

A vintage 1975 Centura Spice O' Life tea pot for Corelle.

In searching for the particulars about this piece, I found out that this tea pot, my tea pot, is not the original design.  Originally, the pattern was larger and leafier (1971) then went through a redesign released in 1975 (my tea pot).  There are actually four versions of the Spice O' Life tea pot, each of which may or may not bare the french wording 'Le The' printed under the handle.... unfortunately, my little pot does not have this imprint. 

My little tea pot is in pristine condition.  It looks like it's barely been enjoyed with very, very minimal marks or discolouration on it's base.  The pattern itself is perfectly perfect with no scratches at all....

I am in love with this little steaming pot of morning joy.... My old tea pot, which was a brown betty look-alike, dribbled terribly.  I loved the look of her, but sadly, she made me growl every time I poured a cuppa.... She is being donated, and hopefully, will find a home with some other tea lover who has more patience for her insolent, drooling nature.

My inspiration to seek out and purchase a Corelle tea pot, was my mother-in-law.  She had a Corelle Blue Cornflower tea pot that she remarked, 'was the best tea pot I ever had.'

Blue Cornflower Tea Pot - A Lot To Collect Shop on Etsy

I remember back in dating days, having dinner at my in-laws house.... while clearing the table after we ate, my father-in-law would pour the hot water in the Blue Cornflower pot and it would sit steeping on top of the stove until we were ready.  He would bring the tea and milk to the table, and I would have to ask almost every time for sugar.  The sugar was housed in yellow plastic Tupperware container....

Anyway, I had to see what all the fuss was about.  So, I cleaned the tea pot thoroughly, then me and the middle monkey, who loves to enjoy a spot of tea with mommy, wasted no time in steeping a fresh pot of decaf earl grey.  We sat at the table together sipping from cheerfully coloured Fiesta.... I love the moments where my children share something simple, and so adult.... they are certainly cherished times....  And!  NO DRIBBLES!  I love. this. tea. pot.

Have a great day everyone  ;)


Oh, and P.S.  Here's a shot of the TWO t-shirt bracelets I'm giving away....

Check out yesterdays post for the particulars of my second anniversary blog giveaway.....  The bracelets are seriously cute.... I'm definitely making more.... Enter your comment after yesterdays post to be eligible to win.... CHEERS!

Teeny-tiny little giveaway.... CLOSED

What?!  It's really been two years?

Yes, It's been two years today, that I started this little blog space.... It's hard to believe, really.

You know, I started this blog because I was nursing a baby.  That's what I'm like.... you know 'idol hands....'  Well, I thought it would be a great idea to do something with myself instead of just sitting feeding a baby, I might as well feed a baby and be busy with my hands....

I'm glad I did it, I'm glad I had the nerve to think that people might be interested in something I had to say.... and even if nobody ever read, I would still do it.  It's like therapy for the soul.  I don't write in a journal, I'm really bad at it.  But, I love the sound my fingers make rapping on the keys of a keyboard.  I love that I don't need to use an eraser for any mistakes.  I love spell-check.  And I love the few little comments I receive every once in a while.

I'm grateful to have anything at all to write about, it means I have some sort of meaning in my life.  I'm grateful to my friends for following me and this space.  I'm grateful that I am able to find things to write about - because, I love writing, I love words, I love pouring out my crafty soul....

Thanks everyone, for joining me here in my little place.  I'm grateful for you.

And, as a token of my gratitude, and if you are a follower, old or new - if you've been reading, but aren't a follower, you'll qualify for the giveaway if you become a follower of 3 monkeys inc..... Please leave a comment about your favourite fall memory or activity and you will be entered into the giveaway for a little gift.... I'm in the process of making a pretty, upcycled, jersey bracelet (or necklace, I haven't decided what it will be just yet)....  But, it's yours for the taking.  I'll try to finish it off today and post a picture tomorrow with my THRIFTY MONDAY post.  The giveaway will close on Saturday the 12th at midnight.... I hope you'll join in the fun!

Have a great day everyone....  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: little bits of life

Halloween came and went.... and it was busy, so busy as it always is; but, so much fun.... The rest of the week was spent reeling children back from sugar-highs, making lunches, studying for math and spelling tests, laundry, and everything else that makes a house a home and a bunch of people a family....

Daddy and the boys had a Boys Day Out on Saturday afternoon and ventured to see the movie Real Steel and eat HUGE tubs of popcorn in the theatre.... the boys were so excited....  The girl babe and I played with Calliou's treehouse then went for a long walk that proved to be too much freshness for her little body to bear, she fell asleep and I was left to explore my thoughts on a beautiful sunshine-y fall day....  Did I ever tell you fall is my favourite?

This week, we've enjoyed a much needed break from hockey.... I'm very thankful for the tournament that was scheduled at our arena this weekend and forced our schedule to be put on hiatus.... and in a stroke of luck, Daddy just happened to be off work too!  So much family time.... I love these simple times we spend together...

Have a lovely Sunday with those you love  ;)