Friday, November 4, 2011

FRIDAY NIGHT VIDEO: T.G.I.F.

Her videos are so funny.... Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)


Have a fantastic kick-off to your weekend  ;)

RANDOMNESS: one thousand gifts

I've joined a book club at a local church.  Now, I'm not a religious person.  I was never raised in church, I never went to church.  The only times I have been in a church were for weddings, christenings and funerals.

Strangely enough, I was married in a church.  The very same church where my mother and father-in-law were wed.  It was more for tradition's sake than anything else.

I can appreciate people's beliefs; I don't attest to know more or less than anyone else where spirituality is concerned.  I come from a people, first people as we're now referred to, who believe that everything in life has a spirit; from a place where Christianity was introduced.  I like believing that everything has a spirit and soul.... I think for me, it makes me appreciate life that much more.  To not take for granted what the earth has given us.  Again, I make no judgements on what people want to believe to live the life they were meant to live.

So you may be wondering, Why has she chosen to join a club within a church?  Well, I'll tell ya.... My friend, Rebecca, is the minister's wife at said church.  She invited me to join.  One morning a week; for a couple of hours; chatting; tea/coffee; and babysitting, which, honestly, is more like nursery school complete with lessons, craft time and snack.  Needless to say, my girl-monkey LOVES going to 'nursey sool'.

For me, it's a chance to get out of the house.  Talk with adults.  And let my child socialize and learn in a structured environment.  What's not to love?

The book:  one thousand gifts, written by Ann Voskamp.


A book written from a religious perspective.... but one that I can definitely read and apply to my own life.  What I've been able to take from this book, so far, is that I am genuinely happy with how my life has shaped itself, or rather, how I've molded myself into the person I am today.  I keep going back to the saying, 'When life gives you lemons....'  And I think that is a testament to my life.  With so many obstacles from inception to my early 20's.... well, some days I just shake my head and say to myself, 'How did I get here?'  Not here on earth; but, to this place where I can be okay and accepting and forgiving and most of all, happy.... It's a simple answer really -

I chose me.

I chose to change me.  I chose to accept that I cannot change the past and that I did not create the past.  I chose to move forward and live my best life....

I chose me.

So, the writer is trying to find grace in a life that keeps throwing grief after grief.... and has decided to write a list of one thousand things that she is thankful for.... and in doing so, she is reshaping herself, reshaping her soul and trying to live her life fully.

I like the idea of writing down things that make me smile, things I am ever grateful for.... I'm starting my list.  I'm going out, finding a beautiful journal, and everyday jotting down one thing that I am thankful for.  It's not unlike the 'I Love You' jars that I have for my children and husband.... only I'm choosing.... me.

Have a great day my pretties  ;)

Thursday, November 3, 2011

BESTIES OF ETSY: apron love

I don't know what it is about an apron that I love so much.... maybe because it reminds me of Happy Days.... I love that show.  Mrs. Cunningham always working away in the home wearing her beautiful day dresses, ever protected by her kitchen aprons.

Last year, I added an apron to my Santa list, and as luck would have it, he obliged!  It just makes sense to wear one really.... how many times have I been making tomato sauce and splattered one of my white, off white or lightly coloured shirts?  I'm sure you can relate, right?   Anyway, I thought with baking season getting into full swing over here, that I'd show you all a beautiful collection of very useful aprons.... ENJOY!


Vintage-inspired print, full apron by my very favourite apron maker, Chadley of Terrace Hill.  I've had the pleasure of e-mailing back and forth with Chadley, and she is SO. NICE.  Someone who builds these beautiful creations using equally beautiful designer fabrics.... and doesn't skimp on customer service.... I hope one day to be the proud wearer of a Terrace Hill apron....


Nerdy Owl apron by Zig-Zags.... I am a self-professed nerd, and so I can truly appreciate this cute piece of work....


From Sunday Afternoon, a vintage, large-patterned gingham, half apron complete with rick-rack detailing and pintucking at the waist.  Couldn't you just see someone wearing this in a tiny little cupcake bakery?


I love making little apron and chef hat sets like this for birthday presents, then giving them with a children's cookbook.... This set is from Sweet Apronz n Cupcakes.


I'm thinking this little number, by Snappy Shop, would be the perfect apron to wear while hosting an evening dinner party where martini's are the featured beverage....


And lastly, every household needs an apron for cleaning, for holding yard sale money, for playing store with the littles.... This one is the perfect size, with very generous pockets, in a super-fun print.  By Little Miss Dinah.

I hope you enjoyed this tiny collection of kitchen-y goodness!  Check out Etsy for TONS more....

Have a great day everyone  ;)

P.S.  Check me out at Tutus and Tea Parties.... she's having a Pinterest-ing linky party!  Click the button in my sidebar and it will take you to her blog :)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

REFURB-RECON-REPURPOSE: the super-easy-blink-and-you'll-miss-it-cowl-tutorial





No need for words here, my lovelies.  Now, quick, go through your closet and pull out some shirts you no longer wear and get cuttin'!  Think of all the colourful cowls you'll be wearing this season....

Have a fantastic day  ;)

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

HOW-TO-TUESDAY: the sock bun

I came across this amazing hair tutorial on Pinterest a few days ago and I'm hooked!  It's the sock bun.... a.k.a.  Princess Leia buns (kinda)....  Here's the tutorial for the buns....


I have done this twice now; once like Leia's hair with two buns, and last night just one on the middle top of my head.

So you may be asking yourself; Why would one want to sport Leia buns?

Well, I'll tell ya, it's definitely NOT for the look of it.... I look TOTALLY ridiculous with these things in my thick hair!

Bu-ut.... you knew there was a but, right?  They make the prettiest curls in your hair.... and the best thing is, you don't need heat to make them!  I whip the hair up in a pony or two, spritz with a little water, make the bun, sleep and VOILA!  A messy bun in the morning....   No, silly, that's not where it ends.... once you take the bun out, your hair will have the biggest, bounciest curls you never had!

I am in love with this method for several reasons; 1.  My hair is so thick that my arms get cramped trying to use a curling iron on it.  B.  I don't like using too much heat on my hair, it damages the ends too easily.  Thirdly, I like the occasional curl.  And, D.  I'm lazy, and like the option of not washing my hair for two or three days.... I know, now you're saying; Eww, she doesn't bathe for two to three days at a stretch!  Not true.  I just don't wash my hair everyday.... it's thick, course, dry, native hair (you know, like Tonto?).... I don't have troubles with oiliness, so my hair can literally go days without a washing and still look fresh.  I can go as long as waiting to wash on the third day, and no longer.... after that I feel gross!

Aaaanyway, here's the tutorial for how to make curls with the sock bun....


Enjoy!  I hope you try it in your hair too.  Have a great day  ;)