Lovin' My Crazy Life

dreams...

2010-03-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at my desk, at work. And somehow, I feel a bit... irked. I look out at the trees, the gorgeous blue sky and sun, and I'm at a DESK inside. Bah. Then, I am roaming around online, looking at urban homesteading blogs. Sigh, dreams. Would it not be AMAZING, to be able to rely on what I did, what I grew, not how many hours I worked a desk job? Let me clarify... would it not be amazing to work in my garden to grow what we needed, go to my hen house each morning to gather eggs to bake with, instead of working a desk job I feel lukewarm about to be able to pay to get those things from a grocery store? Bliss.

I find myself looking on www.mls.ca for my dream. Then, fantasizing on how to achieve it. then, fantasizing on winning Lotto Max. ;) But really. I can't seem to wrap my head around how to go about getting my ideal. I also realize, my ideal may be on such a high, lofty pedestal it may disappoint me if I ever DO achieve it.

Sometimes, I find myself thinking and daydreaming much much more than is productive or even healthy, I'm sure! Dreaming of having a small farm. A small cozy home, surrounded by field. With hen houses, a couple ramshacle old barns to house my ramshackle old animals I seem to accumulate. My children playing a ways away from the house, but being able to see them from my kitchen window. And know, I can get to them faster than they can get into harms way. To let the door be open, let the dogs run unfettered, to smell hot oatmeal baking in the morning and knowing, I can go out to get my eggs now. Knowing, come dinner time, I can head out to my garden or porch, get some goodies to have with dinner. Now how's THAT for fresh and local?

I would gladly live without most modern conveniences. I recently disconnected our internet at home. Yes, we are a home-based computer free family. I check my stuff at work. At first, when my laptop died, I was a mess. Yes, I was FREAKING OUT. Now, though... I'm used to it. I plan my internet time. And I spend more of my time at home making our house a home, with the kids playing and creating, sewing... I find myself spending more time reading, painting, building forts. And I don't miss the internet at home anymore. I could also easily live without cable. Without a TV, maybe not. Cable, I would LOVE to cut that out. But the kids do love their DVDs and I love me some good Wii time, so a TV might be necessary. Also, I'm pretty sure kiboshing the TV would cause me to be a divorcee. ;) A washing machine, I would want. Or, a tub washer. Whatever. Something so I could do laundry without scrubbing my hands raw. Oh, I hate handwashing laundry. Shudder. A dryer, I can do without. A phone, well... I don't know. We didn't have a home phone for almost a year last year, just our cell phones. And we survived. Again, like the internet, I spent a lot less time chatting and killing time, and more time living and doing. And that's not a bad thing. My sewing machine, oh never never could I do without. I'd go mad. I need (NEED) to be able to whip up something useful at a whim.

The other day, my son asked me to make him something. A bag for his dart tag gun, I think. And then he said "On pyjama day at school I'm gonna wear the jammies you made for me. Nobody will think you made them!" and I was filled with this insane, burst-at-the- seams pride. Yes, my 8 year old seems proud of me... bashfully so, but all the same, I'll take it. I am sure some times it seems almost hokey to him, when I say "You need a new lunch bag, so I bought this fabric and it will be ready for you tomorrow". This sometimes meets with a groan, and a "Why can't I just buy that Superman one I like??" - with me then spouting off facts about over consumption and how if we are given the talent to make something, dad gummit I'm gonna make it. He shakes his head, and goes off grumbling about how mom is a nutcase. But he does seem pretty darn proud when he tells me- "My teacher said there was no way you made my new school bag. I told her you did and she didn't believe me that my mom MAKES STUFF." Ah, he does know how to make me smile, that boy.

Someday, I suppose. My impatience gets to me on this one- I wish I knew now what do do, where to go, who to meet, to get where I want to be. This whole "leave it to chance" thing.... gets to me. Must be the control freak in me. (wink wink).

Well, I suppose I should go back to work and do something constructive... instead of babbling like a loon about dreams... though, while I am at this desk, that's what I will be doing.... dreaming....

what to do, what to do...

2010-01-31T14:52:00.000-08:00

Well well. I am faced with a pretty big decision right now. Here is the story...

After a long horrid 18 months of us both being laid off, losing our home, having to sell our truck, and a lost pregnancy, my husband found a great job in his chosen profession... so we moved to Muskoka. We found a fabulous townhome (pictures posted several months ago) to rent while we got aquainted with our new hometown. WELL. Our landlord has upped our rent to a ridiculous amount- $1450 plus utilities (about $400 per month). GAH! I am freaking out. I love this house, and the neighborhood. It's proximity to everything. So, we decided to struggle on to make ends meet, and I got a new job with better hours to cut down on daycare costs. I mean, we have only lived here seven months, we have moved 4 times in 2 years due to work issues... I do not want to move again. I have this place painted and decorated as I want it, and it feels like home.

But... the outrageous rent has me freaked out. Really freaking out. I try to be frugal, I really do. I try. I have cut down our grocery budget big time. Our hydro bill is down to about $75 per month. Cut out cable channels to lower that bill, went down to dial-up internet... but it seems like when I pinch pennies, and do what I can, something comes up, Rent increase. Hydro increase. Lay offs. It has been a bruuuutal 18 months. And it seems like I have done fine and rolled with the punches, during everything. You know, tried, I mean reeeeally tried, to convince myself- "everything happens for a reason." And I believed it. But now, lately, I kind of feel like... when is it going to get easier? When is some good luck going to come our way? When will we win the lottery (har har)?!?! I think maybe I just need a bit of good karma, of good luck... or of no bad luck, no bad karma. I would settle for that, too.

Well a bit of good karma did come our way. Kind of a mixed blessing issue. We have had friends offer to rent us their home they just moved out of. For about $200 less than we pay here. Yay! But. We have moved the kids so much, I just don't know. It is a lovely house, on the Muskoka river, with a dock, an amazing deck and view, beach, nice yard, it's detached, the landlords are awesome people, great location... but for some reason my heart is saying "Wait, wait, I don't know!"... it seems like a perfect, ideal situation... I just worry... the kids need a HOME not just a roof over their heads. If we DO move, it will be the last move for a long time. I mean, until we build or buy our own home in the country. I don't know... just don't know. Usually I have some sort of feeling or inclination one way or the other... some sort of gut feeling... but this time, nothin'. I am worried for the kids, but other than that... I guess we will see. For sure, it would be nice to sit on a deck and relax on the river, a fenced yard for the kiddos to play in, a swimming hole in our backyard... hrmmmm.

On a bright happy sunny note- I am sitting in the kitchen. Smelling cornbread muffins baking, and thinking I really need to make some more apple loaf. Droooool. Delish. We have been AWFUL the past 2 weeks for eating out- we need. to. stop. Back on the frugal bandwagon, so we CAN buy or build a home within the next 10 years. And hey, that 10 year wait might be worth it- Odin will be 17 then, and we can rope him in for some slave labour. LOL.

yay organic food delivery, squirrels, and moving? Again?

2010-01-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

I recently found an online service new to our area, called GREEN EARTH ORGANICS. As the name states, it is usually local, always organic, and always yummy groceries. Fruit, veggies, baking supplies, grocery items, household cleaners, pasta, eggs, milk, bread, brownies, everything! FABULOUS! And they deliver it right to your door. (!!!!). Yes, I came home last week to a bin sitting on my porch, with squash, potatoes, parsnips, carrots, potatoes and some oranges.... what a homecoming! Our deliveries have been scattered, due to us being out of town a lot for hockey, but whatever! LOL... still amazing. This afternoon I am going to make some potato, squash and veggie soup. :D

www.greenearthorganics.ca

It has been killer cold here lately. Like -50c cold. Gah. I am right now sitting in my bed, under a warm duvet, with a heating pad on my sore back... and seriously considering cranking up the heat or putting on gloves. Arlee is in bed beside me, having a nap in the sun, under the duvet too. She's so adorable it's crazy. My hubby assures me it is just me being a wimp by complaining about being cold, and my son says the same- they're not cold. Brrrrr. Even our dogs won't go outside today! Gotta love living in Muskoka, hehe... seriously, for about 9 months out of a year I LOVE it here. Then, the other 3 months, I have a love/hate thing going on... January, February, March. Ick. But then, I think short of living in Cuba, those months would not be on my good books anyways, so.... shrugs!

I have been putting out cut up apples for the deer, and they are always gone within a few hours... makes me wonder if the deer get them, or those saucy squirrels living in our big maple tree. I witnessed the older man behind us throwing snowballs at the squirrels that were in his birdfeeder the other day... he's always throwing something at the squirrels, and the squirrels pretty much ignore him. It's actually pretty hilarious to watch, the poor old guy. Dilligently fills his birdfeeder, only to have it all stolen by those furry little black and grey charlatans. I admit though, I feed the squirrels. Oh, I know, I should be shunned by the neighbors. But you have to admit, the squirrels are great! They perform amazing acts of high wire acrobats. They chase each other, and provide hours of entertainment for both cats and dogs alike. They can fall from a really high tree and live to tell their grandbabies. They're great little animals! I know, I'm a weirdo.

We have been looking into renting a house a bit more out of town. While it has been fabulous being so close to town, shopping, WALMART, I think maybe it has also been a bit of a curse. With shopping sooooo close, it's just too easy to pop over to get one thing and leave with 50 things. Too easy. And, I want a killer garden this year. So, we need something that is within town limits, reasonable cost, fenced yard (oh please please please!), and 3+ bedrooms. I guess we will see, huh? I mean, I work to cover the extra costs associated with a large house in town. If we lived in a more cost concious home and lifestyle, I could stay home with Arlee and focus more on my sewing business. But I guess we shall see what happens... we have moved sooo much I don't know if I want to do that again!

Anyways, lucky me, I am off to try to have a nap with Arlee while I can... she just looks so darn peaceful....
have a good weekend!

pictures I can now post, thank you internet tech guy!

2010-01-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

Today my plan is to get some pictures on here that have been sorely lacking. Then, as I chose a few, remembered some are still on my camera card. So, here are a few pictures, and once I get them off the card and onto my laptop, I will put more on here... ;)

internet is great- when it works.

2010-01-01T07:54:00.000-08:00

Agh. My internet. Driving me INSANE. The guy who hooked up our cable/internet/digital phone... I'm not too happy with him. He installed it in our garage, and assured me, "It will work fine, dont worry about the cold."
Well guess what? Our phone doesn't work right, our internet is going berserk, and cable cuts in and out. Urrrgh. So, they're sending someone to move the equipment from our garage. Wednesday. Sigh.

So for now, no pictures. Though I do have some good ones to post when my internet isn't being so finicky. Like yesterday, I was sitting at the dining room table having a tea (peppermint, thank you very much!). I looked out... and... deer. 4 of them, in my yard. One was right beside me, only through our sliding doors. They are ridiculously gorgeous. I got 2 good So I cut up some withered apples I had, and tossed them into a flower pot in the backyard. The apples are all gone today. :D I also have plans to make some goodies for the winter wonderland visitors we hope to see this year. Now that the bear isn't frequenting our yard anymore, I feel a bit safer about it.

I made myself a big pot of chili the other day. It was FABULOUS. Here is my recipe for "quick chili"

-2 cans of "6 bean mix" from WalMart (about $1 a can) DRAINED
-1 can of "recipe starter" crushed tomatoes (Aylmer brand, about $1.70, I like the spicy ones)DRAINED
-1 cup water
-2 cups chopped cooked meat (I used leftover turkey, cost me $0.00)
-2 cups chopped veggies (I used celery and green peppers, about $2.50)
-package of chili spices, I like the clubhouse spicy kind.

Put it all in a crockpot, and let simmer on low all day. Cooking time isn't too picky, because the beans are cooked, tomatoes cook fast, and the veggies do, too. SOOOO GOOD. I usually make cornmeal muffins to go with the chili, and slather the muffins in butter. Awesome.

On another note, I am spending a bit of time today scouring the internet for CANADIAN coupon sites, and CANADIAN freebie sites. I found a few, but when you get to them, they're mostly US only deals. Urrrgh! I will keep trying though. That, or THIS blog will morph into a Canadian coupon site somehow.

ANYWAYS! HAPPY NEW YEARS everyone! I hope all of you have a FABULOUS year and keep safe and happy. :D

plans plans plans...

2009-12-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

tomorrow...

plan to go to the paint store... get 2 gallons of BOOMERANG recycled paint. Paint Arlee's room berry pink, finish Odin's ocean themed room... and... some CHALKBOARD PAINT. I have decided.... since our dining room set incredibly boring, but kind of farmhousey like I love.... I am going to paint the tabletop with chalkboard paint. Then, the kiddos can scribble away in the kitchen with me while I cook dinner and the like. I'm totally jazzed about it.

Make a hairclip holder for all Arlee's baubles. She has jewelry and clippies galore. So, I am searching tomorrow at the Salvation Army for a big old gaudy picture frame, which will be painted black, and hung in her room. I decided pink and black for her room would be pretty girly but not TOOOOO girly, you know? She also needs a dresser, which (once I find one I like) will be painted with a black case and hot pink drawers. OOOOH yeah.

Find some long branches out in our yard to use as window hardware. I have brackets, I have rods, but the rods are BORING. So, I will use branches. I will post pictures when I am done! :D

Make a plastic bag holder. We have a ton of bags, because we have dogs and cats (ew, I know, poop duty!) I have some divine vintage tea towels I am going to use.

I also need to patch up some of Odin's snowpants... again. AND I want to make a hexagon patch patch for my ripped up but stupidly comfy jeans. I will just keep patching them until the jeans are gone and I have a pair of pants made from patches. LOL

Bye for now!!

SO I will go start work on this list... and

wow i am terrible at blogging!

2009-12-29T13:51:00.000-08:00

I am SO sorry! I know several friends read this a lot, and I have done a shoddy job of it lately. I guess with the kiddos, Christmas, work... things got away from me. BUT! I am scaling back on some of that, so I will have more time now, for this blog and for family. All part of my New Years resolutions.

I have been itching lately to become more organized. To open a cupboard and KNOW where that fry pan is. To have a meticulously maintained family binder planner. To not be blindsided an hour before an event because we forgot about it. (Ohhhh how that makes me nuts). I have tried a giant dry erase board for the family, but nobody uses it. Except me. And I have made myself nutty trying to keep track of everybodys plans myself. SO this year, I am printing a "family organization kit" such as this fabulous one, from a seller on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35146287) which I am literally sighing and drooling over as I type. I keep looking at it thinking- MAN I WANT THAT! But after Christmas, things are too tight to spend money on a non-essential, so I will save up some extra (hahahah) cash and buy this one, I believe. Looks like it might help the organization resolution", anyways. My hubby has a full time job, volunteer fireman, and a volunteer hockey coach. I NEVER have any clue what he's up to. And I start a new job January 4th, and signed up to volunteer with older folks too. Our 2 kiddos go swimming, and I try to go to the gym as often as I can (THAT is resolution #2!). So I desperately need something to help!

About resolution #2... I have done better than usual with this the past few months. I have bought a membership, and since it was definately a stretch to afford it, I want to squeeze out every cent of use I can. I go about 2 times a week to the gym, and the kids go to the daycare (free!) while I work out. Then, we go to the family swim at least once a week. I want to lose (how cliche, huh?) about 35 lbs this year. Fingers crossed, and hard work!

Resolution #3. BUDGET! This ties in with #1 nicely! LOL. I really need to start saving, start thinking about RESPs and the like. No more of this getting by but not saving. So... I am meeting with a financial consultant to work hard at this one.

Resolution #4. Take the 2 dogs out for walks more often. They are strong as oxes, the crazies. Tootsie turned one yesterday, and Mocha is getting OLD. She takes a lot of time to make it outside and go do her business. She's creaky and stiff, and actually groans a bit in the morning. She has been to the vet who said she is in wonderful health, but she IS getting old. So, we have to take the two of them out a lot more. Which is going to be hard- I broke my ankle a few weeks ago and we have a TON of snow... eek. BUT this fits well with #2!!! :D

AND that is all the resolutions I am making. The general chaos at our house has lit a fire under my butt to just get on this stuff. I think it will make us all a bit more relaxed. :D

OHHHH and I have a few new recipes I am going to be posting on here tomorrow. Yummy... banana bread, barley stew, pineapple muffins... yum. See you then!

How time flies, and the snowstorm to end all snowstorms!

2009-12-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have really been slacking on this whole blog thing. I guess life just gets in the way sometimes.... a lot of life!

We have been snowed in. We got about 192 cms in 2 days- which is about 75 inches, which is... holy carp, about 6 feet. !!!!!!!!! It was crazy. At first, I was all excited- WOW I live in Northern Ontario, and have NEVER seen snow like THIS! But... then reality took hold. "We are totally snowed in. I can't open the front door without snow piling into the front hall. What if something HAPPENS????" Then I got all panicky. So, Odin and I travelled through the house prepping an emergency kit. Well, from what we had here. Candles, matches, flashlight, extra warm blankets and clothes (in case power cut out and we had no heat, eeek!).... some food that didn't need to be cooked... the bummer was, we do groceries once a month, and the day the storm hit was our DAY to do that. So we had not too much. We braved the storm to go to WalMart (which is almost next door its so close). We stocked up on food, sidewalk salt, more batteries fdor the flashlight, and some thermal underwear. Oh, and I can't forget the hot chocolate! Then, we settled in. It snowed non stop for about 4 days in total.

When it ended, we went outside to enjoy it. It was BEAUTIFUL. EVERYTHING was still pristine white. And, nothing brings together a Canadian neighborhood more than a storm like that! We live in a townhouse condo, in a gorhgeous neighborhood. Everybody was outside just marvelling over the amount of snow. And it was still all clean looking, no grey or dirt from cars yet (because everybodys car was BURIED!). We stood around, chatting, not really shovelling much. It was marvellous. We got to better know our neighbors, who until now, we had said hi to but never had the chance to really talk to. They're really great people. :) Then, we dug in and shovelled our way out. It was still 2 days before road crews plowed our road, the highway was more of a priority, because in and out of town, it was shut down until they got it cleared.

The kids had a blast, though we DID lose our two year old a few times in the snow- she stepped off our porch, and POOF! She was buried. We laughed so hard, I cried. Then she started wailing, and we dug her out. She was NOT happy with us for "waffing" at her. It was just priceless. Our older dog, Mocha, has some arthritis. She's about 11, and was severely abused before we got her, poor girl. She is a fantastic dog. But, not so in love with the snow. So, she hung out inside by the heat vent, rather blissfully. Tootsie, our Chocolate Lab pup, loves the snow. Like really loves it. You know those old cartoons with Bugs Bunny, when you know he's coming underground because you can see the dirt mound making a trail? That was Tootsie out there. She dug down into the snow then went under it and ran around. It was hysterical. She would come out, shake herself off, then tunnel back in. The kids threw snowballs at her, and she would go crazy, jumping around. Then, the snowball would exlode on the ground, and Tootsie just could NOT figure out where her "ball" went. LOL.

We finally have dug out and things have returned to normal, almost a week later. Parking lots in town are still insane, but we have done most of our holiday shopping online, so we get to avoid most of the stores right now. I have braved it to go to the local toy shop a couple times (link below). I have done a TON of my shopping on ETSY, because I like my kids to have classic, non battery operated, heirloom toys that they can pass along to their kids some day. And, supporting handmade is definately a priority for this family, too. Local, handmade- I went slightly over budget this year, btu there is SO much wonderful stuff out there locally and on Etsy, it was impossible not to! ;)
(http://www.applausetoystore.com/store/scripts/prodlist_new_toys.asp)

Here is a quick list of my favourite sellers.... and where I shopped this year

http://www.etsy.com/shop/baublestore -(sliver acorns for my tree)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodToyShop -(secret decoders, and a spinning top)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/goosegrease -(lovely wooden DIY doll kits)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tomhatton1939 -(ball in a hole game I'm addicted to)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sandyland1955 -(marshmallow shooters! YAY!)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LongStoryShortCrafts -(gorgeous fingerless gloves in grey)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/rtoWORLD (an awesome tutu for Arlee- she's gonna freak out!)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/madebycarmela -(adorable soap felting kit for myself)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MySunshineDesigns -(crayon rolls)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/laniercreations -(a team jacob vinyl letter sticker- JACOB!)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/blingDIY -(some felt food DIY kits for Arlees new kitchen)

It is just WAY too easy to find fab items on Etsy! I now sell on there, too. Search seller "melissacamusjeschke" or click this link...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/melissacamusjeschke

On another note, I have had to buy more sewn items this year. I usually make the stuff, but I have a broken ankle. I tripped down some stairs 3 weeks ago, and fractured my ankle and severely sprained it. I tried to sew, but it hurts still to push down on the machine foot. SO, I have been taking it easy. I can walk on it, but I tried going to the gym yesterday and now my ankle is swollen and hurting a lot again. :( Silly me. I shouldn't have pushed it, but I was going nutty stuck in the house. I Can walk on it and everything, it's just sore. No cast, just wrapped up tight. I'm such a clumsy oaf, hahaha.

I did do some sewing last night... Arlee has one of those foam kids chairs. The cover got shrunk in the wash, so I had to make a new one. I used this lovely leaf fabric... and now it matches my living room! I just need to sew on the bottom where the zipper is... will post pix and maybe a tutorial when I am done.

I hit up the local Salvation Army looking for mini skates for Arlee. She wants on the ice SO bad. We found some skates, for a dollar. !!! A dollar! They fit her great, and still have the cover ont he blades, they were never even used. I love Sally Ann! I also had my eye out for a Christmas tree, because we needed one. And I wont buy them new, so... I found one at Sally Ann for $5, including a huge bag of decorations and lights. AND they were in my Christmas colours of silver and blue. Score! There is a pic of it below. It may not be the biggest, fullest tree out there, but we love it. IT was cheap, it supports the Salvation Army, and it saves the earth from it being thrown out, and I didn't contribute to the whole WalMart consumerism thing. ;) It's a win win!

I am sitting here this morning at the dining room table. I love sitting at this table. I can see the kitchen, and living room. I can comfortably enjoy my morning coffee (today it's Neo Citron because I have a nasty cold). I can type at the laptop. I can see into the backyard through our sliding doors, and watch the crazy squirrels try to climb our neighbors bird feeder pole (he usually succeeds, and the elderly neighbor has been throwing snowballs at him). I can watch the birds enjoy the suet cake we put out for them. I love it at this table. I feel serene, calm... which was never the case in a kitchen before. Now, it's my favourite room. I look around, and think "I like it here." I have a bit of an eclectic decor- a large farmhouse picture on the wall, with old wooden lanterns hanging beside it. Then, a whitewashed bistro chalkboard on the other wall, with a folk art picture in a whitewash frame beside it. And a picture I couldn't resist buying- it's only 8x10, and it was too much money, but I walked by it for like a month every day, and I just... love it. So, I spoiled myself. ;) It is a drawn picture of an old fieldstone farmhouse window, with a wicker star hanging in the window. I don't know, I just love it. And then, I have some very modern white mixing bowls displayed, granite countertops... it sounds all over the place, but it WORKS. And I love it.

Anyways, I have to go. I need to use up these bananas.... banana bread, anyone? :)

Have a great day, wherever you are. I hope the day is treating you well.

M

Goodness and more goodness!

2009-11-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

I haven't posted on here much, even though I have had some time alone... I've been sleeping ! Yeah! I began the week last week kind of ticked off- I had made plans months before with some friends I haven't seen since my wedding 15 months ago. I was so excited! Hubby was going to a hockey game in Toronto, kiddos were at my in-laws, and I was going out! BUT. Then my boss scheduled me to work 2 shifts the 2 days I was to be gone. URGH. So I ended up staying home alone and working all weekend. Bummer. Though, there is something to be said for a house with no kiddos screaming, and no husband yammering about dinner. ;) I put on a face mask (the kicky clay green kind) and a hair mask (ditto) and danced around the house singing like a maniac and jumping on the beds doing air guitar. And let me tell ya, it was great. GREAT. Then I slept till almost noon on Sunday. Which is unheard of for me. Divine. So, goes to show sometimes what you want to do (out with the girls) isn't what you need to do (relax at home and have some alone time).

Also, I concocted a new recipe. Make a basic muffin mix from scratch (DRY ingredients only). In a seperate bowl, mix up 1/3cup milk, a can of crushed pineapple (including liquid) and a small can or mandarin orange bits (liquid included). Add a tablespoon butter/margarine. Mix all ingredients well, bake for 20 mins of until the top cracks and a toothpick inserted int he middle comes out clean. My son has dubbed them the "happy morning" muffin. Taaaaaasty!

Yesterday I went to a local coffee shop with Arlee. She was asleep in her stroller, so I nipped in there for a latte. I got a chai latte and a bagel. Total cost- $7. Which is ROBBERY. So, I went and bought myself some chai tea bags. And this morning made myself a cahi latte. SOOOOO good. Total cost for 46 tea bags and milk- approx. $4. Yeah, I'm a genius. LOL.

AND! Oh this one I am excited about. I went to Salvation Army yesterday, loking for some old man tweed coats to make a blanket with. Anyways, I was in there, and found a Pictionary kids game for 50c. 50c!! So, since it was on my sons Xmas list, I nabbed it. AND I had planned on getting Arlee a play kitchen for Christmas, and a coworker of mine had heard that. So, she gave me the one she bought for her daughter last Christmas, that hardly ever got played with. Yeah! And it came with plates, pots and pans, fake food, the whole bit. I was pumped. And it's in great shape. And Arlee is young enough she will never know... snicker... AND at Sally Ann... I was wandering about, and ended up in the furniture section. And I turned the corner and FOUND IT. WOW. A HOT PINK folding sewing table. A metal one, kind of like a large card table. And it's freaking HOT PINK. And it FOLDS down to store and the like. I was in looove. AND it was ONLY $5.99!! Score! USually you know how you find stuff at thrift shops, and it is a bad colour, needs to be refinished, etc? Well this one is awesome as it is. Hubby picked it up for me this morning. So, now I will be able to get my sewing machine off the dining room table, and up into my bedroom. And now I need a pink bookshelf. I'm on a roll.
Odin is getting a gameboy Advance for Christmas. WE got him a DS a couple years ago, and he dropped it and broke it several times, until it just wouldn't turn on anymore. So, instead of buying him a new one, he is getting a gameboy. I found it on ebay, including chargers, case, and 8 games for $30. Great deal! Christmas is always such a budget buster. Lucky for me, I'm almost done and I'm under budget. I know I still have to get stocking stuffers, but oh well. I also got a movie pass for Odin and myself. Just some general admission tickets for when a movie comes to town. So him and I can spend some mom & Odin time. For a movie of his choice (shudder). ;)

Anyways, I am going to go take pix of my new sewing table. I'm in love!

M

Another muffin recipe, and a new shirt for Doodle Bug (Arlee)

2009-11-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

I made Arlee a new shirt. I found this great Etsy seller, "heidiandfinn" who make pdf childrens clothing patterns. I used their "ALL DAY TUNIC" pattern to make up this beauty for Arlee. I got the fabric ("Good Folks" by Anna Maria Horner) at www.myfabricshoppe.com . It is a FANTASTIC fabric shoppe I am addicted to. ;) It took me about 3 hours to make this shirt, because I had Arlee "helping" me pin things. And now that I have gone thru the pattern once, I am sure it will be quicker next time.

Here is a recipe I made up yesterday. I tried to take some pictures of the before and after, but my camera battery died. Then everyone at all the muffins. (Rolling my eyes). The kids are like locusts. Anyway, here is the recipe...

INGREDIENTS

1 -14 OZ can of crushed pineapple (undrained)
1 cup sugar (I use half brown and half white)
2 tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (totally optional)
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter (mmmmm butter)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins and crushed walnuts
1/2 cup oranges (put them thru a processor or cut up really small)
1 cup quick cooking plain oatmeal (you can use Maple Brown Sugar kind too its yummy)
2 cups all purpose flour (I use half whole wheat half white)

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients (oatmeal, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, raisins and walnuts)

In another bowl, thoroughly mix butter, vanilla, pineapple, oranges, eggs. Stir this into the dry mix until there are no lumps.

Fill greased (or lined) muffin tins 2/3 full. This makes about 18 small muffins, or 12 larger ones.

Bake at 375f for about 20-25 mins or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. The tops will crack and puff up a bit. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with a big pat of butter on the top.

They are SO good, and because of the pineapple and orange, they're GREAT for breakfast. Very filling. My son kept coming inside and grabbing one or 2- he was giving them to the boy down the road and they sat in trees and ate them. :) Super tasty.

I have been thking a lot lately. We spent 5 months living in our trailer (33ft long by 9 feet wide) this past summer. And while I was all like "Bah living in a trailer", we had a BLAST. We did it because we wanted to save up some money, wanted to try living more simply, all of that fun. And you know, while I had doubts at first, it was without a doubt some of the most relaxing 5 months I have ever had. We cooked simply, went swimming every day, saw all kinds of wildlife in our "yard", the kids made tons of friends, we had campfires every night, we weren't paying $1000 a month for housing... I miss it. I really really miss it. It was easier, less stressful... the kids seemed happier. We also didn't buy anything we didn't need to have. We used our BBQ a lot. A LOT. Had friends over, everything. I do miss it. I have half a mind to sell our house, buy a trailer and move into a trailer full time, year round. I am SERIOUSLY thinking about it. Trying to talk hubby into it. I asked my son Odin if he would do it again, and he said "YES YES YES!" The kids shared a bedroom with bunks, and each a small dresser. And a tote for toys. Hubby and I had a bedroom at the opposite end of the trailer, with a double bed. It was so nice to wake up in the morning and see the lake and sunrise, and a deer in our yard. And to have a small veggie patch with some lettuce, spinach, peppers and tomatoes. Odin could catch frogs till the sun went down. I'm thinking a lot about it. We saved SO much money, was easier to clean, less maintenance, kids and the adults loved it. But there's still that stigma attached to living in a trailer. I don't know... should we do it again? I'm going over it in my mind, and if we find a decent trailer, we might give it a go again. It was fantastic.

Anyways enough of my rambling. Here are some pictures from our great summer of living in a trailer. Have a good weekend!

Giveaways I would love to win... and sewing plans for the day.

2009-11-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

So, today I think I am going to take out my Christmas decorations. See what needs to be dusted off, see what needs mending (That's you, snowman thar our dog half ate). See what I should probably be buying this year.

Also, I am going to see what I can make. I have a bunch of tidbits of things around the house I can use. I am thinking of using old CD's to make some kinf of sparkly garland for the tree. We have to be careful though. Tootsie, our 10 month old Chocolate Lab, loves to eat things that aren't really edible. :)

Also, I am posting about this giveaway I found today and will be entering.

1) at www.mystampbox.com there is a sweet travel stamp set I would looove to make cards with. And some cute ideas for stitched cards. :) Here is a link to the giveaway...

http://mystampbox.com/blog/?p=2146

2) This one is one I also want! http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2009/11/01/trick-or-treat-giveaway-at-scrapbook-update/

Also, hopefully there is some fabric in my mailbox today. I really want to make upa tunic for Arlee, and some tote bags. I have the next 2 days off work, hurrah! So, I get to do some craftiness. :) Yaaaaaaaay!

NOTE- there WAS fabric in my mailbox! The one package I have been waiting for ! YAY! THE TUNIC FABRIC! Now I get to make up a tunic today. I must be psychic.

ALSO! I wanted to know, if anyone reads this blog ever... do you have any blogs that could teach me how to knit???!!! I really want to learn but just can't seem to sort it out. So, a super easy knitting tutorial would be fabulous.

Thanks!

These things make me happy!

2009-11-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

I have been sewing up like a mad fiend lately. I just find it relaxing. That's IF it comes together like it should. When I end up cursing, reaching for my seam ripper and wanting to stab someone with it, not so relaxing. Thankfully, that's rare to happen, as there are sooooo many fabulous online tutorials out there in the big wide web.

We have a new house. We moved in in August. A brand new house! So, it has NOOOO character to speak of. It is my mission to have it painted, decorated and done by the end of winter. I totally think it can be done. IF someone steals my sewing machine and fabric stash, I can get a lot done around here! We have painted the entry hall, the living room, kitchen, and main floor powder room. so far, so good.

I made THIS little sweet tidbit

by following THIS tutorial:
http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2009/07/tutorial-reversible-tissue-box-cover.html

Then, I made THIS shirt

with THIS pdf pattern from Etsy seller "heidiandfinn"--http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=33426880

I also made a pair of pants using THIS tutorial--
http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/10/re-pursposing-girls-pants.html
Arlee was NOT going to let me take a pic of these, so this is the only one I have...
I made them with a ripped up old fleece blanket. I will try to take and post better pictures of them, they're adorable. But no promises.

And I also made Arlee a dress/art smock. I made it as a dress, but we live in Northern Canada. So, a dress in November... not very useful. so now it's an art smock. :)

Last night I made some apple raisin bread. Well, loaf. Supposed to be a muffin recipe, but hey. I winged it. It is freaking fantastic.
Here is the recipe.........

--First, peel 3 apples. Put thru a food processor and chop into small bits. Put in a bowl, with 1/3 cup of buttermilk. Add 1/2 cup white sugar. 1/2 cup brown sugar. Stir well, and let soak for about half an hour. While it soaks, do this... preheat oven and...

--mix up in a large bowl with a whisk...
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins (optional!)
1/2 cup walnuts (optional!)

After the apple gunk soaked, mix it with the dry mix until moistened and make sure you have all the dry stuff mixed in.
And you will have what looks like THIS

Pour into a GREASED loaf pan or baking dish. Put it in an oven heated to about 400c for about 30 mins. Check it often, try NOT to open the oven door though...it is done when the top cracks, or when a toothpick inserted into the top comes out clean, with no goop stuck to it. This is a pretty heavy bread, and is DIVINE with some melted butter on the top with a nice hot coffee to go with it. Yummmmmm.

Today Odin was driving me nutty. "Mom, I'm SO bored!" ... So, i came up with an idea. Maybe not so novel or original, but it worked dadgummit.
I gave him a list of things to go take pictures of. Like a digital scavenger hunt. Things like, a street sign with a name of a tree in it (we live on Pine St). Kids toys outside, a bird, a piece of trash, a pile of pinecones, a pile or rocks, the letter B, something red, our mailboox, etc. I gave him a list of 25 things. He ended up recruiting a bunch of neighborhood kids to help him out (I call them his minions. They do whatever he tells them to). They had a blast. So, I think this year for Christmas, he will be getting his own camera to do this with... so he doesn't have to use mine! Here are some of the pictures he took with his buddies...

So ladies, hope you had a good, productive weekend. I certainly did. Hurray!

Melissa

Fabrics in my mailbox! WOOOO!!

2009-10-27T12:10:00.001-07:00

Today I went in the rain all the way down the street to our mailbox. And HURRAH! My "fabricshoppe" purchase has arrived! I bought a scrap bag of fabric from
http://www.myfabricshoppe.com/... actually from her Etsy store. And it came today and now I am soooo excited. I mean, who doesn't LOVE fabric?! Come on!

She is also giving away some half yard packs on her website... who doesn't love giveaways?! Anyways, toodle on over there and check it out. :D

http://everydaybeautiful.typepad.com/everyday_beautiful/2009/10/oldies-but-goodies-fabric-giveaway.html#comments

ALSO the above are pictures of things I have made... I do accept custom orders if your pretty heart so desires... just message me for details!!

2009-10-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

"Why, hello there!"

This weekend, a friend of mine (the always magical Jill Cooper) and I took my 2 kids to the Bala, ON Cranberry Festival. BALA is this quaint, pretty fantastic small town in Muskoka, ON. It has an annual Cranberry Festival. Since this is the first year of us living in the area, it's the first I had heard of it. I was SO excited to go.

There were street vendors, tons of shoppes open... my favourite being a store called Saturday Afternoons. They have heartbreakingly gorgeous home decor, furniture, etc. It's amazing. I walked around and left like "Uuuuugh! It's SO pretty! How do people DO that?!"

We stopped for some apple cider and sherbert at a retro, 50's style "mom n pop" ice cream shop. Red vinyl chairs, formica tables, candy all over. It was great! The cider was apparently great (I had a bottle of water, so I could walk with it easier). The kids had sherbert and ice cream, and loved it.

Then, we headed off down main street. And found a bakery. My mind was saying "NO! Don't go in! Are you MAD?!" but in I went... and out I came with cinnamon buns baked like that morning. MMMMMMMM. So good. Then off to browse the boutiques. I didn't buy anything, thought I REALLLLLLY wanted this one hat, froma store called "skirt". Was a fedora. A chocolate brown plaid fedora. I think I will dream about that hat for a bit.

We went to check out a fire truck display the Muskoka Lakes Fire Dept. had set up. Arlee sat in the truck and started the lights and siren. Odin wouldn't go near it. Kids are funny. The cute fireman was playing with Arlee and asking if she wanted to try a helmet on. That was a big "No" from her. Then checked out boats, and the midway. We didn't go on rides... it was $4.50 PER RIDE per PERSON! Robbery!

We made our way to this petting zoo. Normally, I'm not such a fan of these places. BUT the animals all seemed pretty happy and actually seemed to like the people, so I went with it. The kids LOVED it. The sheep above kept licking me through the fence. Those little pygmy goats can get crazy when they hear that food dispenser thing going... mass chaos. But they're adorable! There were 2 mini potbelly pigs. Arlee stalked them for a while. In all, we were there for about an hour. It was totally the highlight of the day.

Overall, a fantastic day. Thanks Jilly!

Nesting, frugality, what to do...

2009-10-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up in one of those weird moods- you know, those moods where you look at your life, and think- THESE are the areas of my life I can change for the better. Here is my list of areas in my life that I think I can make beneficial changes.......

1) Stop the mad consuming. I admit it. I love WalMart. And their $15 bed sheet sets, and their $15 coffee makers. My husband and I have taken to calling WalMart the "$150 minimum store". I look around my house, and have caught myself several times thinking "Wow, I'd really like a new TV stand." or "Hmmmm I think I want a new roasting pan". When all the stuff we already have is perfectly serviceable and comfortable to use. I don't know when this happened, exactly... this wanting more more more thing. When Iw as in high school, my mom used to give me $100 to buy back to school stuff. Clothes, supplies, everything. And $100 isn't a ton of cash. So, I would head to Value Village or into Toronto to find the greatest vintage and thrift stuff I could. I reused the same binder for like 3 years. And I LOVED the stuff I had. I mean, I had a tshirt I actually got at Value Village for 50 cents. And I LOVED the thing. Now, I look at my stuffed closet, and think "Ugh, I have nothing to wear. I hate all this stuff". Lately I have been reprimanding myself about it- reminding myself how much I do have, and how lucky I really am. Sure, my bank account may be basically empty, but I have comfort, food, a nice roof over my head. AND I think that puny bank balance is because of this consumption! I REALLY need to start SHOPPING WITH A LIST. AND figuring out what we NEED, not just what we want.

2) Activity with the kids. Sometimes, I slack off on this, which sucks. Sometimes I get home from work, and the house is a disaster, so I start cleaning like mad (I am a TOTAL neat freak). The kids want to do something, but I'm like "Oh honey, wait till mommy steam cleans this spot on the carpet!". So, from now on, I am going to be making sure that they get the mommy time they need, even at the expense of housework... shich for some reason makes my heart beat faster and freaks me out a bit. I think I may be a bit obsessive about cleaning!

3) RELAX! I am BAD at this. I always need to have something to DO. I'm not one who can just sit and read a book. I will sit and read a book IF I know the dishwasher is running, laundry is in the washer/dryer, yard is tidy and lawn is cut. The kids must be bathed, the floor must have been vaccumed, and the pets fed. I can't just let stuff go. I really need to learn how to let go and just CHILL. Maybe a bottle of Jack Daniels would help me with this. HA!

4) Learn to not want to be perfect. I have this... complex. I want people to look at me and my home and my kids and say "WOW you're like SUPERMOM!" I want that really really badly. Why, I can't say. I used to not give a damn what people said or thought, as long as my kids, hubby and I were happy. I attribute it to moving to a neighborhood of nicer homes, moms who bake their kids cupcakes with fancy icing each night, who drive hybrid cars, volunteer for the PTA while making sure their 4 kids get to their respective activities on tiem and prepared each night... I don't know... the pressure of "the new kind on the block" trying to fit in? That doesn't seem like me at all. I sometimes just feel kind of inadequate. You know, running my sons lunch to him at school (very seldom) because I forgot to stick it in his bag, or not being able to find his mittens in the morning so sending him with mine... ugh. I hate doing that. Maybe I just need to be more organized... hmmmmmmmmm

5) THIS is one I have been doing well with! I used to be the QUEEN of take out meals. Like 3 or 4 nights a week. Now, we haven't eaten out in about a month, and most of the stuff I make is made from scratch. Which is much more frugal, as I am finding out. Hurrah! I am finding I actually LIKE doing it, too. Which is weird. Maybe it's because I have a dishwasher that works great, so cleaning up is a breeze. Maybe it's because (unlike before when we lived rural), we have a grocery store almost next door, so it's easier to do the shopping and cooking without being frazzled about it. Anyways, I like cooking now. Not quite at the loving it stage, but I like it.

6) Managing money better. THIS ties in nicely with #1. STOP the mad spendnig on non-necessities! Yesterday at WalMart (I was there to get dinner ingredients, and black shoes I needed for work)... well, they had boys tshirts (size 6-9) on sale for $1. A DOLLAR! ! ! GAH! So, since Odi wears them under shirts and for jammies, I bought like 10 of them. Then 5 more. But really, he did need them, he has grown like a freaking weed lately. Anyways, I have downloaded a free money and budgeting software www.quicken.com . It's great. And is deinfately helping me see where I spend too much money. ALSO, I have been getting ciupons from www.save.ca . They have great coupons, but I still find store brands are just as good and cheaper... and they are totally saving my budget. Also, I gave up on the stay at home mom thing, even though I loved it. I now work about 50 hours every two weeks, which equals about $1000 extra a month. We were barely making it before, so we should be fine now... as long as we don't just spend more. Which I am trying really really hard not to do! Hubby and I both are getting $20 a week to spend on whatever we want. So, we don't feel deprived, which helps us NOT go nuts and buy something snazzy or expensive. I also found hubbys favourite soup at the dollar store, which saves about $1.50 PER CAN. Which rocks. Also, have almost potty trained my daughter, for a savings of about $30 a month. Every little bit helps, right?

7) Generally being less stressed. I think ALL of the above resolutions will help this...

8) I would desperately love to do this, it has always been a dream of mine. I'm just not sure how to do it. I want to live in the country, with some chickens, a great garden, and do the whole "living simply" thing. I really have NO clue how to do it while living in a city. We have a small yard, and we rent our home. I'm stuck on this one. I want to do this NOW, not in 10 years when we can afford a place in the country. I want to start this now. Make my own quilts, have farm fresh food (we do frequent the local farmers market)... mend our clothes instead of purchasing new... you know, living frugally and simply. Bake my own bread. That sort of thing. Any tips on how I can start doing some of this NOW? When I work a lot, hubby works and coaches hockey, kids have activites... how do I go about homesteading int he city? Hmmmmm... maybe we should be looking into houses out of town. But we did that already and I found, since I don't drive, it was hard. Over an hours drive to get to a decent grocery store? Insanity!

9) Generally just living simply. Isn't what this all comes down to? SIMPLIFY!

How did you go about simplifying your life, and what tips can you give me?

Thanks a bunch everyone... :D

OM FREAKING G.

2009-10-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

So... I was bumming around on Kijiji (www.kijiji.ca) the other day, checking out all the classic cars I love so much... I emailed one guy about a car that just caught my eye. A 1958 Ford Fairlane. I emailed him and said "Just wanted to drop you a note to say I can't buy your car, can't afford it, but it's hella cool."
He emailed me back, saying "Thanks, glad you like it."

Then he emailed me back a couple days later... saying "Listen, I am getting totally insulting offers to buy this car. I am not sure what would satisfy me more- sending it through a crusher or giving it to you for free!"

This was my reaction "AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGH! A CRUSHER?!" followed by some cuss words, hurried typing and this response to him "GAD Man! Don't CRUSH the thing!"

He emailed me back again, saying "Ask your husband when you guys can come get it, you can HAVE IT if you can pick it up ASAP. Free. Just take it."

HOLY FREAKING CRAP. I mean, I've always managed to get myself good bargains on stuff, but a FREE FREAKING CLASSIC CAR?! The guy must be insane. So, I emailed him back again, saying "Okay, are you messing with me or whats the deal?"

He emailed me back, and says if it's not sold by the end of this weekend, I can come pick it up and have it... has the original books with it, ownership, in great shape, etc. I'm still a little stunned. It's about 5 hours away from us, but we're going to pick her up next weekend, if she doesn't sell this weekend (and he says he's only going to take offers over $5500.).... so it looks like I MAY have gotten myself a totally RAD car for FREE! FREAKING FREE! Holy crap. I don't even know what to really say. But I already loooover her! I think I shall dub her "Betty Sue". She's an ex cop car from Texas. Doesn't get much more bad ass than that!!

Check out the above pic... oooooooooooooh yeah.

On that note, I have a little recipe to show you... Chicken and Biscuit stew. Sorry for the messy pictures above... in no real order.. but gives you a good idea of whats giong on. Here we go!

INGREDIENTS
-2 cups EACH broccoli (or celery) and carrots
-package of refrigerator dinner rolls (I like pillsbury)
-package instant mashed potatoes
-2 cups milk
-1.5 cups water
-1 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
-basil, thyme, salt & pepper (fresh is good!)
-olive oil
-3 tablespoons flour
1) put 2 cups EACH broccoli (or celery) and carrots thru a food processor OR slice really thin and small.
2) Put veggies in a large pot with a cup of water. Put on lid, cook for about 8 mins till soft and pretty much cooked.
3) Meanwhile- cut up 1-2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast into 1" cubes. Put in a frying pan with some olive oil, season with fresh salt & pepper. Cook until no longer pink inside.
4) Put your PILLSBURY dinner rolls into the oven about now...
5) Sprinkle flour onto veggies, stir around really well.
6) Add remaining half cup water, and add milk. cover and let simmer for about 8 mins, until thickened. Put chicken through the food processor, to shred it up.
Add to pot with veggies. Make your instant mashed potatoes now. Simmer chicken stew for about 10 mins until cooked through. Season as you like. Spoon out onto top of mashed potatoes, serve with a warm roll on the side.

SOOOO YUMMY. Even my picky picky husband liked it enough to ask me to make it for a potluck he has at work. Success!!

I haven't had time to sew at all today, I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner here this weekend, so I've been busy with that. BUT I plan on wearing the apron I posted about yesterday, yay!

So I'm going to go drool over pictures of my new car now... woo! I'm so stoked!

80 odd things about me... now you know... ;)

2009-10-08T12:32:00.001-07:00

I saw this this on the blog "green is the new blue" and thought HMMM... I like it. so here it goes...a list of 100 THINGS ABOUT ME

1- I am 27 years old
2- Born & raised in Oshawa, ON Canada
3- Have one brother, Brad
4- Growing up had the following pets- frogs, birds, bugs, turtles, fish, mice, rats, hamsters, cats, dogs, snakes... everything!
5- I now have 3 cats and 2 dogs
6- I I have 2 kidlets, Odin and Arlee (7 and 2, respectively)
7- Married to a guy named Mike (which is weird, if you read the post from this blog: http://greenisthenewblue.blogspot.com/2008/04/100-things-about-me.html
8- I am obsessed with sewing encyclopedias and retro cookbooks
9- also obsessed with the 1950s in general
10- I love sewing stuff for kids and pets, not so much for big people.
11- I HATE sewing jackets and shirts. Shudder.
12- I took Esthetics in college. Now I'm a cashier. Siiiigh.
13- i love painting furniture.
14- I like white, putty, chocolate and lime green colours the best.
15- I don't like chocolate (gasp!).
16- I DO like chai lattes
17- I took the kids along on our honeymoon last year (not by choice...)
18- our honeymoon was at a cottage that we won in a charity auction- cottage on a lake for a full week! Hurrah!
19- got married September 6, 2008
20- August 18, 1982 is my birthday
21- I like swimming in the rain
22- I really don't like to sleep in much, I feel like I'm being a slug
23- I like playing Xbox. A lot. And Wii. I love our Wii.
24- I spend money on stupid stuff- like does my dog really really NEED 4 leashes just because they're all hot pink??
25- I love modern farmhouse chic, if that makes sense...
26- I got my tonsils out in grade 8
27- I broke my arm in grade 8. Come to think of it, grade 8 was a rough year!
28- I love country music, and punk music equally.
29- I am a total Liberal.
30- I love eating deep fried Mars bars. Yummers.
31- I don't like being told what to do. At all.
32- I desperately want to be an amazing seamstress, and make amazing clothing. With minimal effort.
33- I don't like the smell of flowers. Well, I like sunflowers, and I like vanilla... but that's about it.
34- I have this issue with loading the dishwasher. I hate doing it. Ugh.
35- I love blue nailpolish. ALL kinds of blue, LOVE IT!
36- I got kicked in the face by a horse once. Yep, you heard me. Right in the face. Ouch.
37- I like to read books by James Harriot. Like "All Creatures Great & Small".
38- I don't like to watch/read the news. It's hardly ever good news.
39- I work nights at a local pharmacy. Nights are great, I like the night.
40- I love sour candy. Like have a constant longing for Sour Keys and Sour Patch Kids.
41- I still have a few of my really good friends that I have had for decades. Wow, DECADES.
42- I recycle everything. And I want a compost bin. But the bears here do a number on them. :(
43- I like birds. Bird fabric, real birds, bird toys, watching birds, I just like em.
44- I also really like otters. They're funny little animals.
45- I wear glasses to read/sew/be online. Well, I have glasses... I don't wear them as much as I should.
46- I love taking pictures. I love blowing them up and putting them in my home.
47- I wish with all my heart we could do the homesteading, homeschooling thing.
48- I want our life to be simpler. Quieter, not so go-go-go all the time.
49- I want to learn how to make bread. I WILL learn how to make bread.
50- I want backyard chickens. I want fresh eggs, darn it!
51- I am halfway through this list and having a hard time thinking of more to add...
52- I love painting furniture. Black, brown or white. That's all.
53- I am hoping to have sewn up enough goodies to get a booth at a local craft fair next month...
54- I am addicted to Facebook.
55- I refuse to Twitter. It's evil.
56- I have only won 2 things in my life- an Ikea gift card, and a week at a cottage (which is how we got our honeymoon for free, hurrah!).
57- I make a mean omelette.
58- I cannot for the life of me learn to knit. I can do the first row, then I get all messed up and end up having a tantrum.
59- I have short dark hair. With a few GREYS. Gah, I keep freaking out about it. Thinking I need to dye it out. But you know, I think I'm going to leave it and see how it goes.
60- I like watching scary movies when I'm home alone.
61- I like to eat hot peppers straight. Mmmmmm hot hot heat.
62- I miss my old veggie garden. I need to plant one next summer.
63- I want to learn how to can stuff. And make and can salsa.
64- I am trying really hard to only say nice things about people. You know, if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all.
65- I love the feeling of seeing my kids wear something I have made for them.
66- I love it when my son proudly says to someone "You like my hat? My mom made it for me".
67- I love my kids. Like desperately, madly love them. Even when I want to kill them. Not literally, but you know what I mean!
68- I like cartoons. No, I love cartoons. Especially Peep & the Big Wide World.
69- Sometimes I want to go back to school. Then, sometimes, I want to be nothing more than a stay at home mom. I'm so fickle!
70- I love that coffee creamer that tastes like pecans. Mmmmmmmm I put it in oatmeal, coffee, tea, milk, ice cream...
71- I am a total neat freak. If I know there are dirty dishes in the sink, I can't sleep. I vaccum under the beds every 2 days, and do the rest of the house daily. Hey, we have 3 cats and 2 dogs. It's necessary!
72- I don't really bother with regret. I mean, it's over. Done. Gone. So, let it go. It happened, I learned, and that's that.
73- I have really calmed down in the past 10 years. I used to me manic, all the time. Now, i'm only manic 98% of the time.
74- I love browsing blogs, and reading about people. Don't you think people are just fascinating?!
75- I love going to a coffee shop alone, getting a latte, and sitting and just observing people. Just watching them, how they move, how they talk, mannerisms... it all just fascinates me.
76- I like going places alone. Dinner, a movie, coffee, I like just being by myself, but surrounded by people. It gives me time to just be quiet and be ME.
77- I got stood up by a date once. It sucked. So, I never did it to anyone else.
78- I learned somewhere along the way that the people who matter stick with you. Through everything.
79- I used to have my lip pierced. But them when I was having my daughter, the dr suggested I take it out, and it just never got put back in. I miss it terribly. But hubby hated it. So.... shrugs!
80- I think thinking about myself is giving me a headache. So, I'm going to end this list. :D

New apron (link to tutorial here) and Arlees new haircut

2009-10-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Just got home from the gym. Ugh the gym. I totally have a love/hate thing going on with that recumbent bike.

Made an apron last night, following THIS tutorial:

http://pinkandpolkadot.blogspot.com/2009/09/recycle-skirt-into-apron.html

Was SUPER easy, and I adore it <3!!>

now... lol...

I also cut Arlee's hair today. She was a super good girl while I did it (bribery with candy MAY have kept her good for me). She got gum in her hair, and needed a haircut anyways, so I grabbed my hair scissors and went to town... and now she has this (dare I say 2 yr old chic) cute little bob cut. Perfect, because her hair is SO fine it won't stay in a ponytail, and now the bangs wont be in her eyes (I'm sure that bugs me more than it does her). Now tonight I will be attacking (my sons word, not mine) my son with clippers to get at his hair... :D I wonder what my cat would look like bald... hmmmm I don't think I will go there!

Anyways, I have to go outside while Arlee naps, to do some much needed curb appeal stuff... Not quite sure what I'm going to do yet... I want to try to find some twigs to make the branch jewellry holder pictured above... sigh I love it.

So have a great day, and get making something... you become addicted to crafty after you see your lovely results!!

HELP! I need to update the decor!

2009-10-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures of our new house... I'm usually good at decor but I'm kind of at a loss here... I like neutral. I like workable. I do NOT like boring, which this is...

The thing is, with a new house, funds to decorate WITH are pretty much gone. So, I'm asking for help. HELP! I need some ideas on what to do to LIVEN up my space. I am really going to focus on the main floor- entry hall, stairs, living room, kitchen/dining room, and bathroom.

Here is a dream list of items I would like and will try to find frugally- the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salvation Army, and Freecycle. I'm going to try to do this decor do-over frugally, eco friendly, reusing, and of course, on a budget of about $100 for the whole main floor.... ouch. But luckily I like to paint stuff, fix stuff, and generally DIY. Might end up saving me some $.

Area rug for under dining room table. Something graphic and modern. BUT that will fit in with my country, neutral themed kitchen.

PAINT to paint said table and chairs. I have THIS set:

But I would really love THIS set. What's a frugal girl to DO?!

I would love new flooring in the living room, but now is not my time to be tinkering with flooring.
A nice new chandelier or light for above the dining room table. I spend a lot of time at that table with the kids, so I would love a nice, warm, comfortable mood in there. Something wicker would be great.

A new coffee table/end table set. We have an old steamer truck as our coffee table right now, but it has definately seen better days, and our puppy ate the leather straps off the side (urrrrgh). IT doubles as toy storage, but I am going to go through the kids stuff to see what they actually use, then Freecycle the rest. (http://www.freecycle.org/).

A tv console. Right now we have one of those TV trolley things. Hey, it was on sale, we didn't have anywhere to put our TV! (Though if it WAS up to me, we wouldn't HAVE a TV to begin with.)

A bookshelf. THIS ONE I can do. And will do really soon. I want to buy a basic bookshelf, paint it chocolate brown, then put fabric in the back of the shelves. Something modern, graphic... something botanical... and definately tea stained to give it that antique-y edge.

Baskets that match. I admit it, I am a basket FREAK. I love them. The thing is, I pick them up here and there, and there really isn't much cohesion between them. So, I want a whackload of new baskets that match. For the bookshelf.

A DESK. Oh man, I would love a nice desk. I currently use our dining room table for sewing, crafting, eating, homework, everything.

Some fabric to make some cushions that match the fabric from the bookshelf...

A really kick ass area rug for the front hall.

A console table for the front hall at the bottom of the stairs. BUT had to move it... it blocked a heat vent. So I need something tall enough to let airflow happen. I like heat!

ARTWORK. This is a big one for me. We don't HAVE any. Well, hardly any. I want mod, botanical, graphic... but art prints even are out of the question right now. I'm going to get some canvases, paint, and let the kids go to town... in my chosen colours, of course! :D

A big, tall, vintage mirror. Ah, I love mirrors.

I think that's about it for the front hall... check out the pix, and let me know what you think... any hints and tips to liven it up, put some spice in there? Post a comment and let me know!!

2009-10-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

Our new puppy, Tootsie, modelling her new collar and poop bag...

Tootsie's collar and poop bag pocket.

Mochas new collar...

Arlee in her crossover shirt.

Oh I love this one, it's so very mod!

My laptop cover... Folds over and has handles!

Arlee's "lazy days" skirt... got the pattern from Oliver & Co.

A cute little shirt for Arlee!

A purse for my son's "auntie Jill"

My gym snack bag, gym card lanyard, and an Ipod holder...

A purse made from a placemat I loved... but wasn't able to find a whole set of...

things I am fast becoming obsessed with...

2009-10-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hey there! Good morning!

So, lately I have found myself becoming obsessed... with 1950's "housewife chic" clothing... Sigh, dreamy... the fabulous, chic, always wearing a dress, heels and pearls and baking. Kind of like my idea of the perfect life, the 50's. The men were always dressed natty, even the "blue collar" workers... and the women stayed home and baked and looked great. And the CARS... were amazing! I like going to the A&W down the street for a root beer with the kids when they have vintage car night.... we wander around and look at all the great old cars, and I can TOTALLY picture myself driving something like the cars in the picture above... wearing my pearls, kitten heels and a snazzy dress. Today, I'm searching online (thank you http://www.burdastyle.com/) for a free pattern to make myself a vintage style dress. BUT I also found a GREAT seller on Ebay of 1950s style dresses... in my size (thank you thank you!!)... but there is something infinately more satisfying making a dress, putting it on... then when someone says "Hey, cute dress!" you can say "Thanks I made it!!"

This weekend I was at a hockey game (my life story) and I pulled out the wallet above (I made it last week). The convo went like this:
(cashier) "What a pretty wallet! Where did you get that?"
(me) "thanks, I made it"
(her) "No WAY! Can I see it?"
(me) "Sure, but they cost $20!"
(her) "Do you have a business card so I can call or email you???"
(me) "Uh no... but heres my email address"

So, it really is awesome having someone compliment something you made... makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. LOL!

It is supposed to rain here for 13 out of the next 14 days, ugh. And last night for the first time this fall, our furnace kicked on... which means it got pretty chilly here last night. Other than the rain, though, I like the temperature out there. You wear a sweater and vest, some mittens and a hat, and you're good to go. And the kids get new fall/winter wear... which I really have to get started on. Jackets and coats are too much of a pain for me to make (Yeah, I'm a closet lazy butt). Other than that, I enjoy making the stuff... today I'm working on a wallet for Odin. Here is a link to the tutorial:
http://lolanovablog.blogspot.com/2009/07/summer-wallet-tutorial.html

I got this great camo fabric, and this is going to be tucked away for Christmas... then I will put a $10 WalMart gift card in it... and stick it in his stocking. I'm also making a special wallet for his Pokemon and Bakugan cards...

And today I'm making something for myself... THIS is my "mom project" for today and tomorrow...
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=322869.0

Well I suppose I should go do something productive... my master bath still needs to be painted... though I'm not sure how much help my 2 year old will be... LOL!

Have a great one!!

M

2009-10-03T20:30:00.001-07:00

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2009-10-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

Arlee's new slippers...

And her new dress... which she loves!

Mocha being a good girl and modelling her collar and leash...

Mmmmm sweet potato lasagna!

Dinner tonight... I was so proud of myself!

Lasagna... not just any lasagna, but sweet potato and chicken lasagna. YUM. I shredded sweet potato, then put it in a blender with the pasta sauce... figuring it was a sneaky way to get my hubby and son to eat veggies... unfortunately, they said it OBVIOUSLY had something DIFFERENT in it... and wouldn't eat it. ARGH. So, my daughter and I ate it... and it's freakin' GOOD. Like would order at a restaurant good. But too "different" for the boys... hubby says it's "treehugger" lasagna. So, he ate chicken fingers at the hockey game snack bar. (Rolling my eyes). Ugh.
Oh well, now I have plenty of lunch to take to work with me tomorrow!

Also, I have been busy busy... here are a few pix of things I made yesterday and today... if you want the link to the tutorial I used, or instructions, let me know... :D Slippers for Arlee, a new collar and leash for my dog Mocha, and a dress for Arlee made from a sweater of mine that accidentally got felted in the wash (note- do not let husbands do laundry. EVER.) A very productive day, I must say... now that the weather is keeping me inside more, I can get more done! Woo!

Have a great weekend!

Some pictures of my crafties... and the kids and pets... my life!

2009-10-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

Well, here are a few pictures... one is of my version of ANNA MARIA HORNERS tote-able towel... I used a few placemats that were on clearance at WalMart... we swim a lot so it has come in super handy!

Also, a fabric bead necklace I made (and cursed for like 2 hours making)...

My puppy Tootsie with her new collar and poop-bag pocket... I love making things for our 2 dogs!

And a clutch purse made from another clearance placemat... yay upcycling!

A wrist cuff with a pocket on the back- perfect for when I go out with the girls- fits some cash, a lip gloss, and I'm gloriously handsfree!!

And a leaf table runner I am working on for Thanksgiving dinner... Use clip art, cut leaves out of felt, and then sew veins on them. Sew together all crazy like, and you have what looks like a pile of leaves to rest your turkey roaster on... :D I love fall decor!!

Wow my very own blog!

2009-10-03T06:32:00.001-07:00

Okay, all of you will please just have to bear with me... I'm new at this!

I decided to start a blog because I'm sure all my friends on Facebook are getting sick of me. :D Also, I love sharing my crafty creations, and am looking to have a sewing and craft based blog... with a ton of family goodness on the side.

Here is a bit about me and my family!
My name is Melissa. My hubby is Mike. I'm an esthetician by training, but... have been a stay at home mom with our daughter Arlee (age 2). Our son is 7 now, his name is Odin. We live in Ontario Canada, in a great little town. We go to the Farmers Market when we can, are addicted to WalMart (trying to break that one), and are busy busy busy. Arlee has gymnastics and swimming, Odin has rock climbing and soon to start karate, as well as his school activities, Mike coaches hockey and works full time as an arena manager, I work retail night shift, and sew whenever I can cram in the time... We TRY to live eco friendly and responsible, and do what we can. My hubby refers to me as the "happy housewife treehugger lady" that freaked him out when he was a kid. :D

Autumn is officially here, and so far, it's crummy. Rain rain... and cold. Holy carp it's cold. I'm sitting here waiting for fresh coffee to brew, looking out the window... and it's raining and the temp is about 6c. Brrrr.

But the weather got me thinking- what do I need for the kids for autumn, winter, and for around the house?? And here is my list of sewing "to-dos"

-MITTENS. Yeah, it's easy enough to buy them, and probably cheaper and better for my sanity. But I like handcrafted ones. Here are the ones I think I'm going to make:
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/mitten-and-pouches-how-to?autonomy_kw=mittens

-HATS. Again, easier to buy (isn't everything? That's how WalMart gets all my money!). But I want funky, and let's face it, funky isn't sold in stores! Embellishment is so much fun!
http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=9855809dc732f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

-SLIPPERS. OR cloth shoes. I made some yesterday for Arlee, my daughter... she's 2, and usually won't keep anything on her feet (what a summertime baby thing!) Like these ones:
http://www.greatturtle.com/stardustshoes/clothshoe.pdf

-SCARVES- no link for this one- here's how you do it- take an appropriate length of polar fleece. Cut the ends into fringes, and you have a scarf. OR you can do this- again, get an appropriate length of fleece, but get about 4 pieces. Layer the pieces on top of each other, then sew down the middle. Sew that line a few times so it's really strong (better safe than sorry). Then, fringe around the edges, and you will have a fluffy fleecy scarf. :D

-HOT WATER BOTTLE cover- Wow I have turned into my grandmother. She used to put a hot water bottle in her bed at night to warm it up before she got into bed... and now I find myself doing the same. The kids each got this stuffed bunny with a microwave warm pack in the middle when they were sick last winter... so I plan on using those in the kids beds before they tuck in at night... because our programable thermostat goes down to 60c at night... Anyways, here is an awesome tutorial for this...
http://whipup.net/2008/11/24/tutorial-simple-hot-water-bottle-cover/

-CLOTH BAGS for Christmas gifts... if I make a few here and there, I will have enough for Christmas for sure! All you do is this--- get 2 fat quarters of fabric. Stitch together along one side. Along the "top edge", fold it down about 2" making sure you fold the raw edge toward the seam you just sewed. Sew along that fold, so you have made a tube along the top of the bag. Put a ribbon through the tube. Right sides of fabric together (seams OUT), sew up the other sides of the bag, being careful not to sew through the tube and ribbon at the top of the bag. Tie the ribbom together, and you have a nifty drawstring bag for a gift, and then it can be reused for something else... :D

-CHRISTMAS GIFTS! Yes, I have already started thinking about this... crayon wraps, artist aprons, softies, manicure kits... I'm going to stick to minimal store bought gifts this year. The kidlets are going to get a craft apron, crayon wrap with crayons, some recycled paper, and maybe a little goodie like a cookie or something... here are some tutorials for great kid gift ideas!
http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2009/09/september-challenge-project-1-kid-apron.html

http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-make-marker-roll.html

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/artist-organizer?

My hubbys hockey team had a game last night. We go to the games, even though our two kids don't play hockey. Last night, I spent 3 hours sitting on a concrete floor watching the game... and today my throat is sore, I hurt all over, and I'm sitting here sniffling. Bah. Hopefully I don't get the cold EVERYBOODY. AND. THEIR. GRANDMA. has. The kids seem fine, and they enjoyed the game, so... oh and our team won- GO BRACEBRIDGE BEARS!

My daughter usually has gymnastics Saturday mornings... but today it was cancelled. (Picture this- 30 kids all under age 3, in a gymnastics studio, with TWO coaches and all the parents... total chaos!) YAY! You know those days where you just... don't WANT to do anything and can't really get into much? Today is one of those days... I want a hot tea, a hot water bottle, my new puppy and a good book, all in bed with me... oh that would be fabulous! But somehow I doubt it will happen... said puppy tore up a pair of old flip flops and I'm able to see the devestation on my living room floor as I type... at least it wasn't a pound of butter like she ate the other day... and sidewalk chalk, another of her favourites!

So, we got a Roomba vaccum for our wedding gift last year (THANK YOU you AWESOME sister-in-laws!!! Erin & Amy!!!).
Like this:http://www.robotshop.ca/irobot-roomba-red-intelligent-vacuum-1.html
And let me tell you- they ROCK. I can sew away while the Roomba scoots under my chair and eats up all the scraps and thread bits... and then goes and sucks up the kids messes... it's a total ingenious solution... turn it on when I go out, come home to a vaccumed house. What can be better?!

So I should go, spent too much time here today already... will work on this blog whenever I possibly can... :D

Melissa