All Things Beautiful

Am I Alone Here...?

2011-12-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Am I alone here when I say...

-I leave my clothes on the floor by my bed, so if I am lazy the next morning I just wear the same thing as I did the day before. Why do more laundry? Why waste time on thinking of another good outfit, when you can just wear the same one!

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Am I alone here when I say:

-I feel as if I have accomplished housework when I turn on the dishwasher and washing machine and dryer, then head out shopping and come back to a cleaner house. It makes me feel as if I was in two places at once and no one would ever know.

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Am I alone here when I say:

-I clean the house moments before my husband gets in from work, because trying to keep up on it all day and following the kids around to do it doesn't work for me.

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Am I alone here when I say:

-I have in the past eaten enough chocolate to get a sugar-high so I can bounce myself into a workout with energy rearing to go! *okay, definitely not as much as the picture, but doesn't that chunk of chocolate and her facial expression make you laugh! (ok, maybe I am alone on this one.)

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Am I alone here when I say:
-If anyones toothbrush in the holder touches mine, I toss it and get myself a new one!

There you have it... confessions from my life to yours!

Tell me I am not the only one with these quirks?!

Do you do it too???

A Little Bit Awkward, A Little Bit Awesome! #3

2011-09-29T08:26:00.000-06:00

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Awkward:

-visiting someones home... crossing my legs... swinging my leg (habit since... forever. Do you do that too?) and having her kitten pounce, and grab hold of my leg, while I let out a shrill scream and fling my leg, as their precious kitty goes flying across the room! Ahh! Really awkward.

-wearing sunglasses in the grocery store because I was having a rough day and couldn't control the tears. People were definitely staring. Needless to say I raced around for what I needed and fled as fast as I could out of there!!

-having my husband ask me what the heck I am doing, because I am doing the bum stretch-wiggle-squat to fit into my jeans. That for some reason (-a dozen or 2 oreos later - did I really just confess that!!) won't quite slide on like they used to.

-hmm, maybe how I have been missing from my blog for about 2-3 months with no hospital reason to be away for. But hey, I started this blog, and I will post when I want to post!!! (sheepish grin)

-having a broken camera, so I have been digging around the web for photos (hence the flying cat!)

Awesome:

-having a family vacation with my awesome troop!

-finding a place with cheap icecream!! (Ya, that's my baby. cute hey!!)

-Ummm, finding PINTEREST! A love affair has insured! (I even put a button at the top of my page to take you to my pins!)

-*sigh* school back in session! I love my kids, but... oh the peace!!

-watching THE HELP in theatres with some girlfriends. What a great show, and the book was fantastic as well. Have you read it?

-writing another blog post! That means I actually have a moment of time to do it! Cheers!

What have you been up to? Have you found any new blogs I should be checking out?

Brick Wallpaper

2011-07-06T21:10:00.000-06:00

I know, what happened to me for a whole month hey?!! Sheesh.

So I have to say I have so many different projects on the go that I haven't finished one, but are in the middle of all of them. If it weren't for my sister coming over and randomly suggesting she help me put the wallpaper up in my sons room, who knows when I would have gotten to this project. I DID however have the supplies for it because I did want to do this. It was a great 2 man job anyways!

Here is the wall in my sons room which I wanted to add wallpaper. Why wallpaper...? Because I found a cool brick-like one, and it was perfect for my boyish room.

We cut one strip at a time to make sure it all fit, and the bricks lined up properly. I bought this roll at Home Depot for $24.99. I have to say, that even though my sister and I were meticulous in our measuring and cutting, when it came time to hang, we had two short pieces!!!

What went wrong? I have no idea, but I had enough wallpaper to fill in the shorter spots. Problem solved.

p.s. if you were wondering why I am wearing a CAPE in the picture below, it's because I was also having my sister dye my hair at the same time (hence the cropped photo!)

This is my sister hiding from the camera as we measure and hang the wallpaper.

We (okay it was she) soaked the wallpaper in the bathtub and counted 30 seconds.

Then we folded the wallpaper in onto itself to activate the glue.

We did not press the sides down, we just let them bubble over (make sense? haha)

Finally we hung the paper on the wall, and used a squeegee to press out the large bubbles. It worked out great. We did have to put towels at the baseboards from the water dripping. I waited until the wall paper was all dry before cutting it on the top and bottom to measure up perfectly.

Here is what it looks like now. Fun hey?!

It doesn't look like it in the picture, but there is a ledge where I stopped the wallpaper. That's why I only did half of the wall.

It was much easier having two people to hang the wallpaper and keep company, so consider that when you decide to hang wallpaper. Although I have to say I think I would much rather stencil my walls than hang wallpaper ever again. Personal choice.

Now I just have to finish decorating his room.

But for now, he loves the brick!

Any new wallpaper projects for you?

How to Make a Shelf From a 2x4

2011-06-07T08:38:00.000-06:00

My sister knew I was on the lookout for some gorgeous mirrors. Ever since I saw this on the pottery barn website:

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So she called me up one day saying she found some beautiful mirrors at my favourite store (Homesense), and was describing them over the phone. Anyways she bought them for me, and not for a great price, but when I saw them I was so in love with them that I kept them anyways.

BUT... first I wanted a shelf under the mirrors for going in my dining room, so I started looking around the house.

I found a stash of wood in my garage, perfect!

I found a 2x4 and started sanding...

I used Minwax American Walnut to stain the shelf.

p.s don't use bare hands when staining (lesson learned!)

Even a plastic bag is good enough when you don't have gloves.

I haven't put a sealer on it yet, but I have satin finish Varathane to use on it. Which you just use a paint brush to brush on.

I had considered buying a shelf from Ikea, but after spending money on the mirrors, I decided the shelf had to make up for the cost, and I am happy with the rustic look.

The anchors holding the shelf were cheap ones from Walmart that were white and I painted black. I didn't think they were a great choice but they were only 99 cents each, where as the others were $7.00 each. No way was I spending that much on 3 anchors. Besides I like them now, and think the look of them is perfect (kind of like barn hinges).

Okay, you want to know the cost of the mirrors (I would if you were writing this post). $35 each. Worth the money! I love them!

So there you have it! My new dining room...

WAIT, something is missing...

There.

A wide open space for my baby to ride in!

(it had been raining for a week)

P.S. Dining room table is my next project. Hopefully soon, as we are eating on the floor!

Cost of Shelf:

2x4 wood: free

3 anchors: $3.00

Stain: borrowed from sister

Total: $3.00

Circle Skirt

2011-05-31T08:22:00.000-06:00

I found this sewing pattern awhile ago, and saved it, knowing it was SO easy, even I could do it! I know... me use a pattern?!!

I was at the Dollar Store getting a few things when for some random reason I looked down the aisle with the pillowcases, and found the cutest pattern. So I bought it for the skirt I have been wanting to make for awhile now.

Cute hey! I know, you surprise me all the time Dollarama!

I bought the elastic band at the dollar store as well, and that's pretty much all you need besides a few pieces of paper to make your pattern, and your sewing machine.

This was what it looked like all cut.

Now, I did not do a full tutorial because Dana over at Made, did the most perfect tutorial I didn't even want to try, so I thought I would just send you over there for her circle skirt tutorial!

And I would just like to say that her daughter Lucy's measurements were the same as my daughter so it made it super easy to just copy what she did.

Okay, here it is...

Cute and flouncy!

Remember the hairbands I made for my girls here.

"My, what a nice pillowcase you have on dear!"

The perfect amount of SWING.

You can find fabric in the most surprising places. I am always willing to take something old and make it new. Especially when the price is amazing!

Cost:

Pillowcases = 2 for $2

Elastic = $1

Total =$3

(* but I have just enough leftovers to make her another!!*)

25 Cent Skirt Redo

2011-05-17T21:26:00.000-06:00

So I officially started my garage saleing this last weekend, and I will start by showing you this skirt that I picked up for 25 cents!!

I thought it was a cute colour combination and didn't even hesitate about the size of it. I just bought it.

I did try it on, and the colours were just not me, but they were perfect for my daughter.

So I put it around my daughter and cut the extra fabric off.

Then I took the extra fabric and made sleeves with it.

I am skipping all the steps because you could probably figure it out it's so easy, rather than going through a boring sewing tutorial with me!

Here is the back:

And a few shots of the front:

I am glad I was able to make a dress for my daughter because she is growing out of everything and this was VERY THRIFTY!!

Also today my sisters and I made some ties for our boys for my brothers upcoming wedding. They were so easy I had to share them with you, and the link of where to find them to make your own:

Cute, easy fast ties...

(sister in law Meg, sister Chelsea, sister Angela, Me!)

And hey, I know I have been away lately, but I have been up to my ears in projects! I can't wait to show you!!

Painting Frank and Bing!

2011-04-29T14:02:00.000-06:00

I came across a picture of a LARGE painting of a face with a man screaming, and I thought I want to make one of those! But I wanted people I love and happy ones!

I LOVE Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby... do you? Oh those swooning songs... I listen to them way too often (ask my kids!)

So I decided to add them to my home. But to make a statement I went on a big scale.

Here is my process:

- I found two large canvas's

- Found the pictures on the internet of Frank and Bing and printed them off

- Then I went and photocopied my pictures onto transparent paper and blew them up with a projector

- Drew them on with pencil

And here is what I had so far:

Here is a close up:

I painted them with just black first.

Then I added the grey and DONE!

I make it sound so easy don't I? Well it was! and completely relaxing. It did take me a few days on an off.

I love Frank in his hat. It's the perfect character I need.

And Bing's bow tie is the perfect touch to old fashion as well.

I told you they were BIG!

I think I will hang them in my office. I love how they are having such a jolly 'ol time!

A Stenciled Wall (or two)!

2011-04-20T07:46:00.000-06:00

First off, let me just say I came across this photo while perusing google for an idea to stencil, and I fell in love.

Good Girl Gone Glad did a fantastic job on her wall!! I wanted the SAME.

So, after finding my inspiration from Good Girl Gone Glad, I had to find a trellis stencil which I found on this lovely blog Jones Design Company. She did her office (picture below) with this trellis stencil and she provides a stencil printout HERE.

I moved my daughter into her own room, and the paint colour was driving me crazy!!! I had to do something about it right away!! It's not a terrible colour, but very boring for a fun, hip room makeover!

So I took some paint that I had left over from a project last year (they told me to get way too much!) as I had enough leftover paint to do my whole daughter's room!

Okay so I printed the stencil out on the computer, and traced it onto a cardboard cereal box.

Then I drew the chalk onto the wall in the pattern I wanted.

After many hours of painting I came away with this...

And this...

It was worth the time! I am so pleased and my daughter even says she LOVES it! Ya, she better after how long it took me!

I will have more posts with progress from her room later.

This took a long time, I need a break now.

I may just go lay on her floor to stare at it for awhile (wink).

Paper Banner

2011-04-12T08:28:00.000-06:00

I went to a Bridal shower for my soon to be sister-in-law (remember the pillows I made), and at my sisters house she had this cute banner up all around her house...

So I copied it!

I even called to have her send me a photo of the paper she used because I have the same pack, and I wanted to do this the easy way, and not think about it!

I added more blue to it so I could use it for different occasions. I have it up because it was my husbands birthday. And yes I decorate for his birthday!! My kids love it! and secretly my hubby likes it too!!

I found a pattern online, and just enlarged it (a pattern of a triangle??! I know, but remember I wanted to make something fast and not think about it).

I copied my sister and used twine, because I had some, and I do like how simple it makes the banner look.

I made three banners. One for my fireplace, and one for my entry (across the photos),...

...and a mini one for my new table. But before I show you the table, I have to show you the before of this perfect wall.

Perfect in the sense that it is an open canvas. I have been looking for a table to go here for a long time, and was looking to fix one up, but when I found this one in my favourite store (Homesense) I just bought it, and I love it!

And decorated it...

Anyways, the banners are put away again now, but will come out again for Easter soon!

I know you probably see these banners around everywhere, but there is a reason why... they are so CUTE!

BEWARE this may offend your eyes! -or not.

2011-03-29T07:47:00.000-06:00

So much for Spring around here! What the heck happened to my spring coat weather. Well even though I am faced with all this white stuff I couldn't help but take some pictures because it really did look pretty. LISTEN, if it were winter still you would think they were pretty too, so reset your brain for a few winter wonderland pictures.

I was singing "Walking in a winter wonderland" for while there. Don't worry, warmer pictures coming soon! (I HOPE.)

Mr & Mrs Pillows

2011-03-25T08:40:00.000-06:00

So my younger brother is getting married, and we are having a bridal shower this weekend for his fiance. So I have been thinking about what I could make, and came up with these:

This is what I started out with:

These pillows I got from Ikea

Then I also found some fabric from there, and it was the perfect kind, and what do you know... it was on sale 1.99 a meter! So I bought 2 and a half meters.

I found on this other website that you can use Freezer Paper for this kind of project! I didn't even know what freezer paper was or looked like, but sure enough it was down my grocery store aisle!

Now when I was finding a font I liked I had a choice between 20 fonts and can you believe I could only make it as large as it shows on my printer paper below! So, I had to draw it by hand with a ruler onto the dull side of the freezer paper.

Then I used an exacto knife to cut out my letters. I did this on top of a cereal box so I wouldn't cut my table (not that it would matter, my table is in pretty rough shape! Didn't you see the photo with the pillows on my table!).

Then I put the shiny side of the freezer paper down on the fabric and ironed it on to the center of my pillow. The iron makes the paper stick so that all edges of my stencil were flat for when I started to paint.

I bought this fabric spray at Walmart (I didn't see any other choices then the spray, but it worked great!)

I sprayed my letterings and let dry for FOUR hours. I kept peeking I was so excited to just work on it. After four hours I peeled it off, and was very pleased at the minimal out of line splotches.

3 hours of sewing (I am sure that is not a normal amount of time for anyone else for sewing a pillow, but ... I wanted it perfect), and I had fabric flying in all directions!

But here is the happy little pillows that my sister in law to be will be getting for her gift:

I left the edges raw for a casual look.

Cost:

Pillows: $5.99 each

Fabric: $4.50 (for 2 1/2 meters)

Fabric Spray: $4.97

Freezer Paper: $5.00

Total: $20.46

And I am happy to say that this was so fun and now I have enough fabric spray and freezer paper left over to do some more projects with them!! Why didn't I get more fabric that was so FUN!

Zebra Love

2011-03-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have this thing lately for zebra print. Do you care for the look? I'm talking small doses of course. I have my eye out for a zebra rug for my daughter's room. I can't stop it, everywhere I go I look at the rugs, and I have come across a few, but they were NOT a good thing. Too small, and too ugly. I want to go bold with a black and white, not beige and brown. Here are a few fun pictures I found online that are feeding my obsession of zebra print:

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The black and white is so fresh with a sprig of green.

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It's just a small dose, but it sure draws my eyes in!

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Black, white and yellow looks great too!

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This floor will do!

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Just a single chair and it adds all the pizazz this room needs!

SO, if you find a cheap zebra rug that delivers to CANADA!! then let me know! Until then, my eyes are peeled (what a weird saying...)!

Jewelry Box- Tray (same thing)!

2011-03-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

What do you know, I finally found what I was looking for, and it was right in my kitchen.

Remember my tray that I was oh so pleased to have found at the thrift store.

And how well it has served me...

Well I was looking for something to keep my jewelry in, and remember the cute jewelry box I made over here, but gave it away!

Well, I've had this box since I was 14.

It was cute when I was 14, and held my jewels,

But I always had to shake my jewels to free them...

Until I was sitting on the chair in my kitchen looking around and I saw my silver tray on top my fridge, and BAM, there was my inspiration.

I think she looks like she belongs.

I didn't realize but my earrings fit perfectly, because I don't own any studs!

And I own few bracelets.

And the tray is the right touch of glam for me.

Audrey thinks they fit nicely too.

I am happy my jewels have a safe (meaning high enough my daughters can't reach them) and separated (meaning no more jewel jiggling) home!

Where do you keep your jewels?

Second Hand Love

2011-03-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

So, you should know by now, that I kinda have a thing for second hand. (Don't cringe, you have it too, right?!!) Well all things garage sale, and thrift store are my friends. Remember I got this coat at this garage sale over the summer...

Remember the fact that it was FREE because it had a small tear on the side (which took 2 mins to sew)...

Well I have made good use of this coat this winter...

(Me, Sister in law- Meg, Sister- Angela- she never poses normal!! Sister- Shawna)

2nd garage sale find... $2 (she said she hardly wore it and I believe her, it's so shiny still)

This coat has been my friend in the -25 C (-13 F) weather we have been having lately!

This picture was obviously taken when it was warmer out (way back in September!!)

Second hand can be your friend! It sure is mine!

2 coats = $2 = sweet deal!

Happy Day!

Share the Love!

2011-02-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

Today is the day of Sweetness, right?!! Well I saw these Valentine Smore's and HAD to make them, they were so cute!

Posted by Crazy Domestic I seriously want to know where she found heart marshmellows though! Because all I could find was the circle ones.

Can I just say they were delicious! Mine were not as pretty but oh so yummy!

Now... I have to tell you something...

I have the sweetest neighbour EVER! She is an older lady, and someone I want to become! She brings my family treats on every holiday, and on my birthday she drops a card off with the sweetest sentiment it makes me tear up!! I had to do something for her on Valentine's!!!

Wouldn't you if you had my neighbour?

So I started with my daughter's outgrown shirt, and bloomers.

Cut some hearts out of the material...

Sewed this little heart on, and left the edges to fringe gracefully with age.

And filled it with rice.

Why rice?

So you can heat it up in the microwave and have a nice little warming pack for anything from cramps, boo-boos, aches and pains, or keeping you warmer!!!

Remember here: I am a beginner sewer (if I keep all this sewing up I may not be able to use that excuse anymore)

We left a little love note and dropped it off with some of the Smore's the kids helped me make.

Did you share some LOVE today?

Flower Hairpieces Galore

2011-02-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

I was so excited about the flower I made with my last project, that... with the leftover scraps from the dress I cut up more flowers! How many did I make, well let me show you!!

It started out with the cute flower I made for this book, and it turned into all of these!

I got these hairbands from the dollar store...

I burnt all these flowers ( I am SO in love with silk), it's so fun to burn!

And, don't forget the zebra print that I had leftovers of from this dress.

These are the different kinds of hairpieces I ended up making:

I was trying to incorporate blue, so as not to have too many pink, so I ripped up a stained shirt of my daughters.

This one is my favourite hairband. I love the pearl!

I got plain barrettes at the dollar store too, and glued these flowers on them.

And these.... are all the extra flowers that I didn't have a clip or band for, and who knows may just be for something else entirely!

Seriously, that is what I call up-cycle! This dress went so far!

And I cut up a dollar store pearl necklace and hair elastic to get all my beads, and look how many I have left for future projects!

Love it!

My niece is having a birthday, and guess what she is getting...?!

Have you made any of these? So easy and fun!

Cost:

Hairbands: $3

Beads: $2

Total: $5

(11 hairbands, 4 barrettes, 22 extra flowers!)

Pencil Purse

2011-01-18T15:22:00.001-07:00

This ones a teeth grinder for sure!! Too much sewing for an under-developed sewer like myself. But alas, the project is done, and if it weren't for the beautiful magic of the flower as the finishing touch, I was deeply considering tossing this project and calling it a lemon.

The flower that saved the day!!! And makes me want to make a thousand more because they are SO easy, and SO cute!!

Okay, so... to start at the beginning:

I had this dress of my daughters, which she out-grew, and it had stains on it, so I couldn't give it away, and it was too cute to throw in the trash. So I decided to make this project with it. I call it the "pencil purse".

First, I chopped it up, and sewed these two squares.

Then I measured what would fit inside my pencil purse. This is how I did my measuring (I know, so professional hey?! Don't laugh).

After MANY hours, and MANY thoughts of calling it quits, it all worked out in the end. Even though my sewing is not great, it is too cute to throw out. And I am sure my daughter won't care.

The sketch book was from the dollar store, a place I know they always carry them, and they are cheap to replace when finished.

Okay, so the flower that saved the day:

I cut four circles out and found a cute button to add inside.

I melted all the sides of the silk circles to give it the raised texture. This was fun!

After I had my flower in place I sewed them together (if I knew where my glue gun was I probably would have glued this, but maybe it's better this way -stronger).

The back of my flower.

The finished flower.

I added some ribbon to tie the ends together on my pencil purse (I'm calling it mine- hmmm.)

Feminine and fun!

Trust me this project deserves LOTS of pictures for the pain in the butt it was to sew. But, I LOVE it.

Should I keep it? Shouldn't I keep it? Hurry up and make up my mind because my daughter will be home pronto...!

I am joining this Pantone Party:

Fireplace Tiling

2011-01-06T18:52:00.001-07:00

So, I wanted this fireplace in my bedroom, to fill a spot and add some coziness to the room. I bought the fireplace last year off Kijiji for $40.00. But it was just a frame, and stayed that way for about a year. I wanted to get some glass tile to put in it, so I kept my eyes out for some.

So, to start I searched for glass tile. I found them for $18.00 a sq ft at most places! Yikes! Then I found a shop that sold them for $1.99 a sq ft! And guess what... they were the same kinds! Phew, I just saved myself over $200 for this project (*wink- as if I would ever spend that amount on a small project!)

I picked this tile which was the closest to what I had in mind.

But I didn't want the black. SO what did I do? Grab a few sheets of tile, and PICK out all the black!

My hubby found some extra particle board from a work project, and he found just my size. We cut the sides, and screwed them on to create this:

I set it out to make sure I had enough, and to cut them to size.

And got to work on the tile glue.

My daughter nabbed my camera, but did pretty okay with it. She got me laying the tile down. Yes, I am doing this on my bedroom floor. Wouldn't you?

So now, I have gaps I have to fill with the extra tiles I bought. Good thing they were only $1.99 a sheet. I started to fill in all the missing spots. I wanted this to be mostly grey and white.

Once all was in place it is time to grout.

(p.s. I waited OVERNIGHT for the glue to dry before I started grouting. I am an impatient person, so I was proud of myself for doing the full wait!)

I got my grouting equipment:

Sponge -Lowe's 99 cents

Box of grout- Totem- 8.99

Trowel- Hubby's

Set out my fireplace insert...

Added the grout. (This was surprisingly fun. I think I like tiling!)

Had some unexpected help from this one:

(who also got into paint as well- notice the red eye! BATHTIME!)

Wiped it down lightly once. Let stand for an hour (again with the patience! Remarkable!)

Then wiped it down clean and that was ALL!

My hubby says I didn't need to seal it because it is decorative and no water will be getting on this.

And all is well.

Yes, those are my Christmas decorations. And No I don't still have them up, I am just late posting this.

I am thinking of filling my fireplace with tall candles, or a white berry wreath.

What do you think?

Cost Breakdown:

Grouting equipment- $9.99

Particle Board- Free

12 tiles - $24.99

TOTAL: $34.98

I'm joining in the Winter party at:

What a better way to warm up winter than a fireplace!!

New Year Resolutions

2011-01-01T00:37:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year!!

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Any New Year resolutions?

Care to share?

Mine...

Spend less time on the computer! Not that I spend a ton of time on the computer, but it seems like when I do I am interferring with family goodness time, and hubby time. SO, lets see, what does that mean...

Less posts, better posts!

I have so many projects that I have that I want to do this year, and I will still post them when they are complete. But I may not be around much in between. So keep coming back, because when I do post, you WILL love it! Or at least that's what I tell myself.

Here is what I hope to accomplish during this year:

Yes I painted my bedroom back in May!! But as you can see it is not done because I am putting up wainscotting, and need the hubby's help. Lets see how long it will take to get this done, because the half wall paint job is driving me nuts!!

My table was bought off Kijiji and came with a few scuffs, but NOW it has a LOT more scuffs!!! I am hoping to refinish it!

Oh my entry, entry, entry. What am I going to do with you! ANYTHING!!! It's way to drab and screaming for a pretty fix.

Am I the only one who will put something on a wall because there was a tac there, and you have a picture around? Not that I like this picture there (I actually hate it there), but it has been there for awhile for lack of something better to put there! Any ideas for the awkward wall with too many switches!!!

Ten years, 4 kids later, I think we are in need of new couches!!! Unless you want to lend me some more black duct tape, because I don't want to buy ONE more roll!

Something... ANYTHING has to be done about this closet!!!

This night table I got at this garage sale will hopefully get a paint job soon!

Last but not least... I hope to put the finishing touches on my kiddies play house.

I DO have more personal goals, but this is what I want to do around the house.

What about you? Any plans for the New Year?

Hey, and any ideas of what to do in my much needed spaces, give me some suggestions!!!

Gift Wrapping Ideas

2010-12-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

I thought I would make up a quick post of fun wrappings for gifts. If you haven't already wrapped your gifts there are some seriously cute ideas in here.

Now, this to me is wishful thinking. Wrapping beautifully!

In fact when we had our family's Christmas gathering over the weekend we did a gift exchange, and I gave a gift to my Dad, wrapped by me. And do you know what he said... "Did you wrap this?" From the look on his face he was hoping I was going to say, "No, one of the kids did it". But I shamefully answered. "It was me."

I am seriously the worst wrapper! I'm positive I could do a good job if I took the time, BUT I don't. I just roll the paper around the object and tape anywhere that looks like it has a peep hole.

Here is my wishful thinking.

These colours look so festive together, and I love the fun little Christmas balls on the packages!

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Handmade stamped paper, wrapped in candy cane striped string, with cute buttons and handmade tags! One year I will make the effort. Maybe when my kids are older and it takes them more than one second to unwrap the gift.

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Now, even my kids can make these snowflakes, maybe I should get them to make them all, and I can just tack them on the gift!

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Okay, now this I can do! You just have to buy a box set of chipboard alphabets and tie it on for your tag! Great! Done!

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How very economical of you! Newspaper anyone?!

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I love this sheet music tied with a pretty ribbon! Fantastic!

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This is SO cute! A dishtowel! Two gifts in one!

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How do you wrap?

Are you a crazy mess like me? Or are you savvy in your wrapping like these awesome photos?

5 MORE DAYS!

Christmas Mantle

2010-12-13T08:18:00.001-07:00

I wanted something frosty this Christmas, and this is the first year I have had this fireplace in my room, so I decided to decorate it. Well actually, I decided to decorate the one in my living room which is full of warm colours and the silver was a little too cold. So I moved it into my bedroom and loved it!

Lets just say I hit the dollar store for all this except my favourite piece.

The silver feathers were dollar store!

I can't show you the whole fireplace for reasons coming soon.

I love the frosted look, the only thing that is getting on my nerves is the fact that the candle holders look like soup cans! This may be there only year to showcase.

All the silver balls were dollar store. I loved the different kinds they have.

This cute little tree had it's only year to showcase as well because SOME HOW the dog got it and ate it. My poor sweet tree.

This is my favourite piece! Is it okay to be in love with it? I've always wanted a snow globe.

Story: I was perusing Homesense for a snow globe, and this other lady was looking quite avidly too. I didn't see one I liked so I went to Winners, and there it was! In someone else's hands!!! I walked in the other direction as to not egg on her "someone wants this, okay I am going to have to buy this now!" thoughts. Because if you know, I feel that way when I am garage sale-ing, if I see someone else interested, then it's mine! Anyways she put it down, and I fast walked my be-hind over and grabbed it. THEN I went to go check out the other globes and saw the lady I saw at Homesense. She saw my globe and I could see the envy as she searched for one just like it. But NO, it seems like I got the only one! And I LOVE IT!

Do you see the soup can look I am talking about? Oh well the snow globe makes up for it!

Seriously, go to the dollar store for cute balls!

There you have it. My frosty mantle.

What does your looks like?

Ornaments

2010-12-10T08:37:00.001-07:00

So, I love etsy, and I have been looking around at all the ornaments others have made. Here are some cute ones I thought I would share. And do you know, if you like them you can just click on the link and buy them!

I think this one to me looks even cuter being draped over a book. Plus it's sparkly!

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I like the simple jewel on this one, and such a cute snowflake!

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Can you tell I like the sparkly things here! Even the extra touch on top this acorn draws me in!

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These are fun! Vintage watches!

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I like this one because not only is the pink so sweet, but I love the mini painting on it!

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So simple! Don't you just want this one for something? It's so cute!

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I like these wintery photos in these cute charm ornaments.

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This make me want to go out and buy some modelling clay! I love it! And the ribbon tie is perfect.

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This tatted lace snowflake is a perfect wintery addition to your tree.

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I have so many ideas of ornaments I want to make now! I love inspiration!

Which one is your favourite?

A little Bit Awkward, A Little Bit Awesome! #2

2010-12-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Awkward:

-doing the walk-through of my basement suite with the new tenant (single guy), and having him remark on the cool blue toilet. And then I said something like this in return, "At least that way you won't see your pee all over it" -then silence. I said WHAT?!!! Holy awkward!! But it's true isn't it? I have four brothers and a boy, I know how it is! I guess you shouldn't say things like that to men when they are older...

- having a party where everyone is an hour late. Let's just say, I ate my cake and THEN they showed up -don't worry, I had more after with them too.

- having a photo shoot with only spring clothes to wear and its terribly cold out! Brave faces everyone, and I'll give you candy when we are done!

- at the gym on the treadmill when there are only two of us there, and the girl right beside me lets it rip (holy stinky lady, are you kidding me!!!)! Okay, I threw up in my mouth and slammed on the emergency stop button and stormed out the door. Trust me, it was that BAD. But it could have been worse, I could have let all the thoughts in my head spew out at her, but I am a LADY and will bite my tongue. I would say this would be more awkward for her, but absolutely and completely an awkward situation.

Awesome:

-getting my family photos done by my sister without me even asking her! I Love them!

-All the fam lying on my bed to watch Home Alone together! And the kiddies laughing their heads off when the bad guys get hit in the head with bricks! (should they really be laughing at this?)

-reading a good book curled up in front of the fire! Okay, well maybe it was more like -sitting with my back right to the glass of the fire to get me warm kind of reading- still enjoyed!

-starting our family advent calendar and doing all our fun activities together as a family

-being done my Christmas shopping and having it all wrapped and put away! Yay, here come the holidays!

What about you? Awesome? Awkward? Do share!

My Advent Calendar

2010-12-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

So, I posted about all the different kinds of advent calendars I found that I thought were pretty and unique. And as I am stuck at home with no way out to get supplies, I had to find something around the house to make do. I decided on a card advent calendar, because... well I have a ton of scrapbook paper that isn't going anywhere!

Here's what I did:

Select 12 sheets of fun brightly coloured 12x12 paper.

Fold it in half. And cut it so you have 2 envelopes from one sheet.

Fold it more than half way.

Again! Fold over the lip.

Cut out two small triangles from the top.

So far, it looks like this:

I cut the bottom too, so it would be easier to grab the event papers out of the envelope. I used double sided tape to seal the sides.

There you have it. 24 brightly coloured envelopes.

Now, to embellish. I got my sister to print these numbers out on her computer (seriously, why don't I have a printer? I saw one in a flyer tonight for $48!!) Anyways, I found the perfect sized circle from my mousse bottle to draw my shapes. You might have a circle punch (Handy!!)

Cut out the circle numbers with straight scissors, and the I pulled out the cute edged scissors for colourful paper to go around the number.

They look like this in the end.

The little snowflakes I got at the dollar store last year (are mini clothes pins) and hung all my Christmas cards on them. This year I am using them for my cute advent calendar.

These cards hang on the wall in my front entry.

What did I fill them with? Well, my family, we like to do things together, so in each day we have a different thing we can all do. I love doing it this way, and OF COURSE the kids do too! They love spending time with their awesome parents!!! *wink, they are still young!

I will share what we do on each day in a later post.

So did you make an advent calendar? I want to see your ideas!!

A Little Bit Awkward, A Little Bit Awesome!

2010-11-26T08:14:00.002-07:00

Once upon time I came across this post called "A little bit awkward, a little bit awesome", and I laughed to tears! All the while thinking of all my awkward and awesome moments as well. Lets share shall we...

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Awkward:

- Going to find a salesperson at Walmart to ask a question and having an attractive guy turn around to help me with the most amazing blue eyes. And then blushing because my mouth is open and I'm staring, and blushing more while I am desperately trying to remember my question! (I do LOVE my husband!)

-when I threw my hair in a quick ponytail right before my company came over, only to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror AFTER they had left to realize my pony decided to take the shape of a cone on top my head. Ahh. Why didn't I look in the mirror, why didn't I look in the mirror!

- telling my sister in law that I can pick up her daughter on the way to school everyday because it's on my route, only to have my vehicle break down and ask her if she can pick up my daughter for the next two weeks (ugggh!)

-meeting someone new for the first time and I have "sick voice" and sound like a man. No REALLY I am not a man!!

-having a potential tenant come over to check my basement suite, and having my puppy pee in the entrance "Please excuse me while I clean up this pee, and then I can shake your hand"

-awkward: having to chase my puppy around to get my bra back EVERY morning! (I know, hide it right? I DO!)

Awesome!

-when my puppy tore the diaper right off my toddler because he has an obsession with urine...?!! We both laughed!

-seeing my puppy enjoying the snow (so cute) I love the ear bouncing!

-how my baby girl will sit snuggled up on my bed with a pile of picture books to browse while I check my emails!

-watching my yearly favourite Christmas movie "Little Women" with my daughters.

-being nervous for my sons first basketball practice to have him tell me he LOVED it and thinks it's AWESOME!

-the fact that my sister came over to drive me around to do errands and a little Christmas shopping because I have no vehicle!

-having my house already decorated for Christmas! And listening to Bing Crosby relentlessly!!

-a fellow blogger leaving me a sweet comment, "your blog is on my list of favorites,and i enjoy it very much." Makes my heart smile. Thanks Deb!

So, lets hear your awesome and awkward moments this week.

I love to hear them! It makes me feel a little less awkward, and a little more awesome with friends at my side!

Thanks to this little lady for starting this goodness:

Advent Calendars!

2010-11-23T16:30:00.001-07:00

I REALLY need an advent calendar! I have been looking for one that would suit me for a long time now, and luckily my sister found one for me (at the thrift store)! It just needs a major makeover!!! But I am out of a vehicle for a month and can't seem to get anything done about it. I may have to leave it until next year and work on something simpler this year. But I was devouring the web looking for some, and there were so many great ones I had to share!!!

These cute little craft tins are fun because you can fill them with goodies or little notes.

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This one was made out of a cookie pan. All the little decals are magnets!

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Note cards that have little ornaments hung off them are so fun. You can decorate the tree as the month moves on.

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Now, I thought this was an absolute cute idea!!! And this is something I can do without heading out to the store! I have been digging through my kids sock drawers to see what I can come up with. Don't you love this?

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Again, with the little containers! I like to fill mine with holiday things to do.

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This tree is sweet with little treats attached, and notes.

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If all else fails with my advent calendar ideas, I DO have scrapbook paper. And I do think this is a really cute and simply advent.

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Now THIS looks fun!! I am so curious as to what are in these fun little boxes!!

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Buckets! This is fun looking too. And I know just where to get the buckets!

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I love how exciting all these advent calendars look with their little surprises peeking out of them.

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This is another cute way to organize the buckets. And this one looks so fun too!!! Which one would you pick?

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All I can say to this is YUM!!

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So, I am thinking the buckets, cards or socks will be what I can manage this year. Aren't they all so cute!

What does your advent calendar look like?

If you don't have one, which one on this list is your favourite?

Funny Faces

2010-11-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

What do you do on a Saturday...

when the hubby is working...

and you don't have a vehicle to go out...

with four little ones at home?

Homework is done...

rooms are clean...

too many movies have been watched already...

snow has been jumped in...

What in heck can we do???

Sitting around the table...

eating some chips...

everyones hounding me...

What can we do?

Grab my camera...

Get the action going...

Now there are smiles (and tongues)...

All on my camera!

FOREVER!

Enjoy your weekend!!

Sweater Pillow

2010-11-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

So the sweater that I posted earlier to make these cuffs, also gave me the pleasure of becoming my new pillow!

Let's start at the beginning.

This old thing...

Has seen the end of the line. But it's being reincarnated.

First she needed a good pilling. (I don't know what you call these, but if you ever buy clothes second hand you need one! All those furry balls on your sweaters get eaten up by this little do-dad.)

A pillow lining I just had lying around is finally coming in handy.

Scary, but invigorating! I tried not to wiggle it too much so she wouldn't start fraying on me.

I had to pull her pockets off so as to not obstruct the final product. Plus do I really want pockets on my pillow? Weird. (I'm guessing someone out there has a pocket on their pillow for a tv remote though! Because people are just so weird about things like that - please don't say you have one)

While taking away her pockets, I cut a small hole (OOPS!) But anyone who has ever used nail polish to stop a run in their nylons would think like me and use a glue gun to stop the sweater from fraying, right? Don't worry, it's not that noticeable.

Then I stitched the heck out of it because I didn't know what stitch I should do to stop it from fraying, so I used 3 different stitches and went over it again and again! This baby isn't going to give me trouble, no sir-eee. If you're thinking it looks all bunchy, it does! But it's not noticeable when I flip it right side out.

I loosely hand stitched in between the buttons to keep the rumples down.

Now that is one classy lady!

Go ahead grab that old sweater and give her a little snip, snip. I have to say I like her a lot better now. This has become my new favourite couch napping pillow!

I'm sure I have seen these around, but I just came across them on the Pottery Barn website for $59 each!!!

I have to say, that I prefer free!

Don't you?

Sweater Cuffs

2010-11-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

So, I have this sweater...

which I hated wearing because the arms were so tight they felt like...

THIS!

Yes, the chinese finger pull. I know you've tried them! And wouldn't that be so annoying feeling like your arms are in a pull all day! So what did I do...

Chop it up and use it for a craft!

This is only the pockets of the sweater, but I did use the whole sweater for a project I will show you soon.

What can you make with sweater pockets?? Sew them up the side, and...

Voila!

I guess you could call them arm cuffs? Or maybe arm warmers??

All I know is...

This little one now feels like the coolest cat around!!

You want some arm cuffs too now right?!!

What did I do with the rest of the sweater? Stay tuned...

Out of Curiosity...

2010-11-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

So, I have been perusing the blogs around town, and have come across some fun ones that I have been enjoying reading. Pictures always attract me as well. And I was thinking... what do you blog about?

I want to get to know you! I want to be invited to come and explore your blog.

SO... in the comments give me a short description of what your blog about and don't forget to add your link, so I (and the others) can go and check them out!

Are you into FASHION?

(I just had to add the lovely Hepburn)

CRAFTING?

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PARTY PREPPING?

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DIY PROJECTS?

(doesn't this picture make you smile! I can see myself doing something like this! haha)

FAMILY?

SCRAPBOOKING?

TRAVEL?

PHOTOGRAPHY?

What have I missed? Let me know.

What is it YOU blog about?

Remember

2010-11-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

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Why do we celebrate Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a way to honor the people in the military for what they have done and are doing and the sacrifices they have made, including their lives, to ensure our way of life. Whether you agree or disagree with the concept, people in the military have a fundamental belief they are protectors of our country. Put the politics aside and just consider the soldier who doesn’t make much money, get much time off, or is away from his family months at a time. Veterans Day is a way to say “Thanks” to those who have served and are serving.

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Halloween Costumes

2010-11-05T08:31:00.002-06:00

So, Halloween is over, and yes I have slid easily into the Christmas mode, but... I never did get to hold my COSTUME PARTY. I couldn't figure out the linky thing... I ay need some advice, or just more time to find a way.

Until then, I am posting my recent kiddies costumes and entering this halloween party for fun. Come on over to Love Stitched to get your costumes in. There is a prize to be won from the best!

My handsome little jailbird!

Of course, I can't help but share where I got these cute costumes:)

Shirt and pants: $2.99 - thrift store

Ball and chain: - my mom

Handcuffs: $1 Dollarama

A brightly coloured whimsical witch!

Dress and hat: borrowed from my Sister in Law

Tights: $1 - Dollarama

Cutest monkey EVER!

Costume: $1 - garage sale!! (jackpot!)

My little ROCKSTAR!

Wig: mine from earlier years

Vest: her baby sisters:)

Shirt: hers

Pants and boots: sister in law

angles: $1 Dollarama

Sparkly makeup: $1 - Walmart

A fun group shot!

I hope everyone had a great time Halloweening!!

What's next... Christmas! Yay!! I can't wait to pull out my Bing Crosby and Michael Buble Christmas CD's.

Just For Fun!

2010-11-03T11:54:00.000-06:00

So, it's Wednesday, and well... who needs a laugh to keep them going this week? Well I have one for you.

Now before you watch this video, notice these funny tidbits:

-how happy she looks at the beginning

-how I just can't control myself and think I am so funny!

-when my daughter first notices me interrupting her dance session

-when she calls me a butt head!

-how mad she is at the end!

Now things to ignore in this video:

- my hair roots extremely grown out! Ugh.

- me still in my workout clothes

- how there is a stash beside my dresser

- how terrible my wall colour is!

- lastly, how I hadn't gotten around to doing my daughters hair that day yet (it was still early *wink)

And can I just say that when we watched this video afterwards we could not stop laughing (yes my daughter too), no hard feelings were left for the Momma. And she still enjoys watching this every now and again to get a good laugh.

(music credit goes to Metro Station- Shake It)

Enjoy your day!!

Halloween Ideas

2010-10-28T15:05:00.001-06:00

So I have been scouring Etsy, and I thought I ought to post some unique Halloween finds. With Halloween almost here, who wants a little more enthusiasm!!

Isn't this stocking the cutest addition to your halloween collection!

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I found this skull belt buckle, that could be used for a subtle halloween tribute. Hey, it's better than those teacher knitted sweaters with bats and such on them!

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This one is a little more cutesy, and kid friendly.

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Aww, little hair clips.

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I like this pendant, there is something mysterious and spooky about that black bird.

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This pendant is very cool! Unique.

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My love of bright colours attracts me to things like this. There is so much to look at. I love it!

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Another bright addition. Trick or Treat!!

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A candle pumpkin. If it's scented it get bonus points!

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Now these are very cool. Napkin holders for your halloween party.

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Creepy, but interesting wreath. Yikes, I just noticed it has a finger! Ahhh, that's too much for me.

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I'm better with cute things. These are definitely cute cupcake toppers.

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This little guy is just so cute as well!

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I like the looks of this count down to halloween. I have my own. And she reminds me everyday, "3 more days to halloween mom!!"

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Which one is your favourite? Which one would you want to recreate?

Enjoy your halloween!!

A Chocolatey Treat

2010-10-20T21:44:00.000-06:00

Just when I thought things could calm down a little, and I can get my life in order. I was on a huge organizing kick (and can I just say I was right in the middle of it! Stuff was everywhere!!!) when...

My husband walked in the door from work last Thursday and sets down this adorable little thing:

I was SHOCKED! Just when I thought "yes, the weather is nice, maybe I can get to stripping a piece of furniture I am dying to do!"

Nope, that piece of furniture is going to have to wait because I have been thrown full throttle into puppyhood!

You may think "what on earth was your husband thinking??", well it wasn't too random of a thought because we had been discussing getting a dog for over a year, and when my sister in law said she would give us hers because life was getting to crazy I said "Of Course", because I knew he was such a good dog. So after a month of preparing for this addition we were told they decided not to give him up. I was devastated. But I told my hubby that now probably wouldn't be a good time to have a puppy, but eventually. Somewhere in that conversation he got it into his head that a puppy would be my cure all.

Well he is pretty dang cute isn't he!

So with all my plans to get some things done, everything has once again been put aside for puppy training. I have diligently been scouring the internet and library for anything that will help me, help him become the perfect dog!

I don't have a clue about dogs!

But there was no way I wanted to give him back. I guess my hubby really knows that surprise might be the only way to get my compliance. He did that two years ago too, he brought home a kitty one night.

This is what I have learned:

-he can chew through a jug of milk within seconds (I was changing a dirty diaper, and my daughter couldn't lift it on the counter with her little arms in time)

-his new favourite chew toy is a milk jug (empty this time!)

-he will eventually pee outside (keep up the consistency)

-it only took four days for him to settle into sleeping without his mommy

- he can jump over my tupperware barrier while I am out, but cannot get back in, leaving him in my closet with all my shoes (yikes!)

-he has a personal assistant with my toddler carrying around all his toys for him, for when he may need one

-the kids have learned that running away from him only makes him run after you!

- he learned to sit, lie down, wait, stay and be gentle all within 6 days! (there's hope for a gentle giant)

What did we name this handsome fellow?

JACK.

And he suits it just fine.

Easy, Cheap, Fun, Unique Halloween Costumes!

2010-10-13T09:26:00.001-06:00

Halloween is coming... Do you have your kids costumes?

I like to ask my kids what they would like to be first, then I go on to think how we can put it together without going to the store and spending $20-30 on a COSTUME for 1 day!! It is my pet peeve that I find these thin little, no shape, style, or creative costumes, that look worse than just buying pajamas and they are so expensive!!! Do you know what I am talking about?

Places I like to go to find my costumes are:

The thrift store - for either pieces of it, or you can find a costume that someone else spent $20-30 on and get it for $5!

Garage Sales - I always see costumes for $1 at garage sales in the summer, and I pick them up.

Dollar Store - I like to pick up the accessories here, like make-up, hat, guns...

Friend's Houses - borrowing couldn't be better! Free, and you can swap if you have something they could use too!

Here are my kids last years Halloween costumes:

(bad lighting because it was dark, and cold outside, so I had terrible lighting and indoor shots only.)

This little stinker was an adorable skunk! (bought on an online garage sale for $5 -t shirt and tights she already had)

My little lady (bug) - this was borrowed from my sister in law, and she used her own dance jumper, and tights.

My sweet bride - my sister owned this gorgeous white dress, and I bought the flowers and head band at a garage sale $1

What a handsome bandit! I used his church dress shirt, his jeans, and he got the hat from my brother, and his bandana was free. I bought him guns from the dollar store, but he couldn't find them when I was taking his picture.

Here are a few costumes I found online that I thought were easy to throw together, easy to make, or just so dang cute!

This cat costume is so easy to do! In fact I was one. All black, a tail and ears! Easy enough!!

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Haha, an Oompa Loopma!! This is so cute, and weird!!

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This is so cool, and easy to make. A fun lego man. Cardboard boxes people! They are wonderful!

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This is so fun!! I don't know how you would sit in it, but very creative and cheap!

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This costume is from recyclable materials! So CUTE! I suppose you could sit on a skate board to shuffle around!

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This is what I am talking about finding at the thrift store (shirt, hat, gloves). You could find all these things to create a mime.

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Aww, Some really big hat boxes, and you've got a cake!!! You could probably make one from bristol board too. Again, how do you sit? But what a creative idea!

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I love this one!! Mario! Very simple, easy, and fun. Again, hop over to your thrift store.

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My cousin was "Where's Waldo" a few years ago, and I thought it was such a great idea!!

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This gnome, is SO creative. You can do it!! Look closely at how easy it would be!!!

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Do you already have your kids costumes? Or yours?!!

If I am brave enough, I may share some of my past costumes with you (we'll see. I may need some convincing!)

I would love to see some of your ideas!! I'll link up a halloween costume party just before Halloween, so you can send me some of your fun ideas! Even if they are past years!

A Walk in the Park

2010-10-03T16:57:00.000-06:00

So , the past couple weeks I've been soaking in all the Autumn-ness around me, because it doesn't last that long. I wish it would , but it doesn't. I am lucky if I get 3-4 weeks of beauty before the wind blows all the leaves off the trees, and they are left bare for the next 6-8 months. Which is why, as I said in an earlier post that I start my Autumn on September 1st. To get the most out of it.

Here are some shots I have taken while my family has been out for a Sunday drive, a short hike, or hanging at the park. It was really windy today, and I could see all the leaves blowing off trees, and I am just praying it stays a little longer.

This photo makes me want to breath it all in. It was taken while driving (hence the blur, and reflection of my car window).

This one too, was taken while driving. Too bad I couldn't just sit at the side of the road and admire it longer.

Oh, the wild west. What a serene little spot for a home.

I love all these homes tucked away in the hills.

The sun scorching the fields just before it sets.

I'm loving the suns rays, and the long shadows.

Haha, my hubby was driving, and I was hanging my camera out the window trying hard to not loose my grip, but I had to get this one in there too.

This was probably the best day to go to the park, so colourful, and perfect for a stroll with the kiddies. What a great day!

Orange and blue are great complimentary colours. Can you believe the colour of this sky!

It's so relaxing just meandering through the woods.

I loved catching the sun peeking through the trees.

Peaceful.

We love going here. Especially in the Fall, when it's a nice warm day and there are no mosquitos.

Hubby and me. A gorgeous view in the back.

The kids think it's pretty cool too.

Where do you like to go in Autumn?

Shades of Blue

2010-09-30T11:04:00.000-06:00

OKay, so there is this blog called Better After, have you heard of it? I love checking out what others have done to their projects. In fact a few of my projects have popped up on that blog also. But today when I was doing a catch up of all the before and after projects, I was so drawn to all the blue ones! Remember how much I LOVE turquoise? Well, all shades of blue draw me in (notice the theme in my projects?!).

Anyways, here are a few of the eye candy I have seen from this site that I wanted to share. If you click on the link, it will take you to their before and after picture.

This dressing table is oozing with style!

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If I ever get bored of my little silver tea set (or should I say daughter's tea set) I know exactly what I am going to do with it!

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What a fun retro looking chair. From a basic dull look, to SHAZ-AM!

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A mirror was replaced, and made into this beauty with blue.

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Can you believe this housed an old tv?! GORGEOUS!

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Wow! Talk about adding a touch of colour! Way to be brave.

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This room is so calming, I want one. This room was a dreary room, turned blue, and later pink. I think I prefer the blue, but both makeovers are so chic.

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This blue is the PERFECT blue. It's so soft looking, and what a cute piece of furniture!

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Wow, wall texturing! It looks fantastic! It also looks like a lot of work.

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Adding pattern and design give this piece a second look.

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Again, a brave soul having such a brightly coloured piece. Wouldn't this look great outdoors!

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What a cute LITTLE chair! I would like to have a sit.

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I love Better After, and I find so many great transformations on it. The blue ones always POP for me. If you haven't heard of Better After, go check it out and tell me what you think!

Coming Up...

2010-09-28T10:29:00.000-06:00

So I have a few projects that have been in the works, but have been pushed aside to do other things (laundry, lunches, swimming lessons, guitar lessons, homework, taking a break...). But, I thought I would show you what I am up to:

Glass tile! I love the look of this stuff. I have been wanting to finish "something" for awhile now, and it seemed that glass tile was perfect for this project. And guess what... it was on SALE! I am getting closer to finishing, I just have to buckle down and do it!

Second, this has been a summer project that is still in the works, this may have to be a 3 part project, but it's coming too! So don't dismay, I will share the goods as soon as I get my butt in gear!!

As for now, enjoy your day, the weather here is glorious!!

Hutch Project Part 2

2010-09-20T10:20:00.001-06:00

I decided I wanted to have my project on my site, so I am reposting it. Thanks to Jen for having me as a guest at Tater tots and Jello back in August. Check it out here.

It all started with me being inspired by a fellow blogger, scouring my basement to find something to makeover, and I came across this:

It was the hutch for a dresser I bought off Kijiji for my daughter's room. Whoever painted it this terribly streaky brown must be controlled! But I snatched it for it's potential. Although I have to say it sat in my daughters room (attached to the dresser) for a year before I got sick of the ugliness and moved it to the basement. I had plans to paint it white, but.... excuses, excuses...

Anyways, with new hope for this piece I cut it in half on a table saw. The piece in the front ended up becoming a bench for my kids playhouse. You can see it here. I am focusing on the piece in the back now. I knew exactly what I wanted it for.

I primed it. I can't even tell you with what because it was just something my husband had. It's latex at least.

I used a jig saw for the first time, and cut the side to make it prettier!

Then I painted the inside of the boxes blue. This is a can of paint I had leftover. I love the cool feel of the colour.

I love bead board as I am sure lots of you do too. So I had to add some of that. I used a table saw to cut the pieces to fit the area I wanted.

I glued the bead board on with No More Nails Glue.

I wanted my shelf (I just gave it away!) to have hooks, but I couldn't find any that were cheap enough for my liking... until I went in the hardware aisle at Dollarama! They were perfect! And only $1.25 for 2.

I painted them with black spray paint. The kind you don't need primer for (that's my kind all right!).

See how much prettier they are now!

Then I painted everywhere else on the shelf with just a matte latex stark white colour.

Ready?

Ta Da!

Now, here is the part I haven't finished yet, see the white line at the bottom under the bead board. I have to caulk it so you don't see the gap. And besides the fact that I haven't hung her up yet is also incomplete... but hey, that won't stop me from taking a few shots of how it will be.

Can I just say, this is no small piece of furniture! I had to use every arm and neck muscle to hoist this up on my dresser to get a few pictures. Needless to say it will be secured to the wall into the studs!

So a reminder of the start:

This...

Became...

A bench for my kids playhouse,

And...

A shelf for their bedroom.

So, does anybody have a hutch they feel like chopping in half now?

Decorate with Nature

2010-09-17T08:33:00.000-06:00

So, I am going thriftier! Really?? Can that happen? Of course, want to try?

Look at these fun crafts you can make to decorate your house for the Fall using the great outdoors!

Oh, oh, oh... I have some twigs in my yard!!

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How rustic of you! Very unique!

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Do you have any berries in your neck of the woods? I think I might try this, it's so cute!

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Rocks, hmmm, I think I just might be able to find some around here somewhere (only all around me!)

This is so (I think I say cute too much) CUTE!

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That's it! This is way too cool. And cheap!! I have to make this. It's way better than the wreath I have right now.

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Could those leaves be any more the perfect colour?!

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A pinecone garland?! Oh, I am getting giddy. I'll have one of these too!

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Nuts! And after you're done you can eat them! haha, is that gross?

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It's apple picking season! Why not grab some extras and use them for display? It looks so fresh.

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Go clip a few strands of wheat!

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Gather up what's left of your summer flowers, and bring them indoors. These flowers are artfully displayed as pumpkins!

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Another attractive centrepiece.

"Why where did you get that lovely centrepiece?"

"Oh, just my backyard!"

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It's just a twig! But look what it can do for you!

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So what do you see that you like?

I am definitely leaning towards that leafy wreath, like I said I really need a new one, and free is the best!

Are you using nature this season?

Guest Blogging

2010-09-16T08:20:00.000-06:00

Today you can find me over at FINDING FABULOUS!

Check it out, you may find something out about me that you may not have already known!

Thanks again Jane!

Check out Jane's blog for... well her mission statement captures it perfectly:

Our Philosophy here at FINDING FABULOUS... We're on a mission, finding fabulous design...for less, and without breakin' the bank! Finding Fabulous also features Momprenuer businesses and on-line boutiques that offer unique often handmade products! So come on in, stay a while and get ready to save with $tyle!

Take a look at Finding Fabulous. You may just find something you like!

Best Playdough Recipe Ever

2010-09-13T09:57:00.000-06:00

My nephew had a birthday this weekend, and I wanted to make him something again. Last year I painted him a picture of a car with his name on the bumper (he is obsessed with cars!)

I can't believe a year has gone by already. This year I wanted to make him something again, but not as time consuming.

So I made him playdough!

When I first moved into this neighbourhood, one of the neighbours came over and gave us some homemade playdough, and the recipe to go along with it. I LOVE this recipe! Especially the fact that it involves Kool-aid, and makes it smell so good!

Here is what you need:

1 cup white flour

1/4 cup salt

2 tsp cream of tarter

1 cup water

1 tbsp oil

1pkg Kool-aid

1. First mix four, salt, cream of tarter, and kool-aid in a medium pot.

2. Add water and oil.

3. Turn on medium heat.

4. Cook and stir, until mixture forms a ball.

5. Take out and knead dough on lightly floured surface.

6. Store in (CUTE) airtight containers.

DONE!

p.s. Smell the playdough, it is wonderful!!! So good that I had to save a little and make myself a glass!

ENJOY!

Fall Decorating

2010-09-07T21:33:00.000-06:00

I have this itch to have the warm colours of burnt orange, golden yellow, and a warm brown cover my house in the Fall. It's my favourite time of year, and I like to be surrounded by it! I have to pull out my decorations, and hopefully get some new ones this year as well, as I actually don't have that much.

I need to get a new wreath for my front door (perhaps make one), but I love these berry wreaths:

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A nice centrepiece on my table. I love the simple look of these pumpkins.

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Me, and my love for candles. This would be nice for anyone who still has nice weather to decorate an outdoor lighting piece. I wonder where I could put this in the house...?

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Some more outdoor decorating. In fact I think I just might have to make these with the black urns I repainted here.

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Are you putting a scarecrow out? This one is so cute!

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But, the best kind of decorating, nature does itself! Don't rake them up too soon!

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What is your must have up Fall decoration? I think mine would be a wreath on the door. It's the first thing I put up!

What I Love About Autumn

2010-09-03T15:02:00.000-06:00

Autumn is absolutely my FAVOURITE time of year! And for me it begins Septmber 1st. Infact, the other day it was a dreary day. Gray and cloudy... and I was in the best mood ever! Dancing around, singing, smiling continuously.... Why? Because I can feel fall in the air. It's crispness, yet warmth. So I was driving through the country and being in such a good mood that cloudy, cool day I got thinking as to what I love most about Fall. And well, I thought I would share it with you.

Number 1:

I love when the kids go back to school. Not because I don't want to be around my kids, but because of number 2 below.

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Number 2:

I LOVE organizing! And as much as I love my kids, and being with them and around them, I can't wait to get some time on my hands and sort, chuck, organize, and beautify my surroundings. I love it!

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Number 3:

The colours. Ahhh, warmth. I love all the vibrance. Taking walks in the Fall makes me happy.

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Number 4:

Cooking. I just can't handle cooking in the summer (it's hot, and I don't want the oven on, or time wasted being indoors). But come the cooler weather, and I love being in the kitchen. And I love cooking homemade soup. (We had potato soup last night already! Yum)

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Number 5:

Baking!! I prefer baking to cooking. I enjoy both, but I love baking in the middle of the afternoon. And I love trying new recipes!

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Number 6:

Harvest. There is nothing prettier than driving through the country and seeing all the farmers out in their fields scattering hay bales everywhere. It makes me feel at home.

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Number 7:

Pumpkins. These bright orange vegetables are so cheery. I love seeing them on porches. I try to have them around as long as I can.

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Number 8:

Family photos. I prefer my family photos in the Fall, I like warmer colours. My sister does photography, she took this picture of my hubby and me. You can look at more of her work here.

Number 9:

Hot drinks. There is nothing better than a warm drink to chase away chills, and make you feel more relaxed. I love having hot chocolate.

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Number 10:

Slippers! I hate wearing socks, and will wear flip flops for as long as I can, but come cooler weather and I LOVE my house slippers, they make my feet happy.

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Number 11:

Candlelight. I have always been in love with their warm glow. I have many lanterns (remember my collection). And I light them all the time in Autumn and Winter. It makes my home feel cozy and welcoming.

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Number 12:

Sweaters, and blankets. I love being wrapped up. It's like a hug when you can pull a warm blanket around you. I also love those long thick sweaters with a tie. They are like a housecoat, but a little more chic! Just wrap me up!!

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What's your favourite thing about the Fall? What do you love most?

Hutch Project Part 2

2010-08-25T08:52:00.001-06:00

So, I am visiting over at

today, and sharing my newest project:

Go check it out here! And leave a lovely comment so I know what you think!

Thanks Jen!!

I am linking to the parties in my top menu bar!