Jars of Tom's

I am not sure who's eyes are more amazing in this photo.
Help me when she starts to ask for a cell phone or car.
Who can resist those deep dark beautiful eyes....not me and I am sure not dad.


Okay now this was fun.
Fall Fair was the same old same old; food, animals and lots of familiar faces.
It seems a bit redundant to go to see animals that we have at home but the games and the stuff for kids is great.
These human spheres were so hilarious to watch and the girls just laughed the whole time they were in them.
It is neat to see something new and something so active and fun.


I had another discussion with myself today and it went something like this...

HHMMM. Should I make bag for K for school?

other self...Yes there is always a need for more bags, they have a million purposes, to go with a million outfits and of course it is so much fun to do.

But do we really need another one.

other self...Well what else is there to do with all that fabric?

But I have so many other projects I have started and chores that should be done first.

other self....Oh but I have always wanted to try to sew one of this style and here is my chance.

Well I guess it wouldn't hurt.

other self....And K has already picked out the fabric, how can I say no?

other self...and it will be easy. Yes chores can wait.

I confess, today I made a new messenger style bag for K for school.

I love how it turned out.

I wish I was a better photographer but you get the idea.

It has 2 huge pockets for all her treasures and is deep and wide enough for all her school books.

It's big step going into grade one and being in school all day.

I think it is important for her look smart and ready.

OK how many excuses do I need, I just love to sew.

Lovely jars of tomatoes.

Thanks to my sweet neighbor and good friend we had these done so fast.

I can say that because she did most of the work.

Thank you Y.

Smart Idea from Lotta Jansdotter

It has been quite an adventure renovating an old trailer we put on our property as a rental.

I feel bit guilty that it has taken up a good portion of our summer and the girls have been more than patient.

Our renter moved in today and it leaves me feeling quite happy, a bit nervous and a really relaxed at the same time.

It means that the hard part is finished and since we have a 2 month agreement to finish the exterior and yard, I feel a sense of relief, of freedom.

Of course we went over budget and we knew since it was a reno that that would happen, but I am so happy with how it turned out.

I will do a post of "The Adventures of a Trailer Reno" soon as I get it organized.

Till then I will be catching up on many other things that keep getting pushed further back on the to do list.

Today the only thing I managed to sew was a nifty little things I found in Lotta Jansdotter's book Simple Sewing.

A great idea that is such a welcome addition to our small space.

A bedpocket.

Next time I will spend more time and do some applique to dress it up.

Perfect for books and remote controls that seem to accumulate around the bed.

So wonderfully simple and quick to sew I think I can see this being a great gift idea.

My New Love......With No Regrets

Ever make a purchase and think maybe you shouldn't have?

That maybe you really could have lived without it and that life would be just fine if you didn't have it that moment?

I admit I have.

But this isn't one of those times.

I am usually fairly strict with myself but when hubby mentioned this idea and then scoped one out, I had to laugh at first.

Then I tried it and was convinced I couldn't live without it.

I could justify it a million ways and we impulsively bought........wait for it.....

....a massaging chair.

The picture does it no service.

Okay so now I feel I need to state my reasons that one would need one of these monstrous odysseys.

Believe me once you sit in it and experience the wonders of a massage from the comfort of your home any time of day, you'll be sold too.

Or maybe you'll just be visiting me more often.

Gotta go.

The chair is calling my name.

Simple Crafts for Today

On a busy day taking care of four kids, finding a craft that suits the ages can be a challenge.
I stuck to some basic ideas and we all had fun.
We made paper beads by rolling long triangular pieces of scrap booking paper I had and glue gunned them at the ends for a secure finish.
Since their were kids from age 3 to 13 this craft went over well and many interesting shapes were made.
Next step is to string them into wearable art.


A magnetic book mark is really quick.
Cut any size you would like from the edging of the cardboard of a cereal box, needed for the crease.
Glue on some pretty paper to the printed side and affix 2 matching chunks of self adhesive magnetic paper.
Fold and place into your special book.

They work great, especially on the kids book because they don't slide out.

So here is a gifty idea we made for grandma's upcoming birthday.

Napkin rings from toilet paper rolls, cut up, coloured and ribboned up.

Next time I think I will go for a matching look and modge podge for a better, more permanent finish.

We created these goodies in between shopping, groceries, playing, chores, the beach, cooking, visiting and an evening trek to the park.

A good day indeed.

Sew Busy, So Happy, So Creatively Fun

I apologize in advance for the lengthy post today, but I have so much to share and it just keeps rattling around in my brain.
I have to get it all out.
Here goes.

I am seriously happy when I get to create things.

I have been so inspired by Amanda Soule Blake's latest book, Handmade Home.

I got it last week and have already done over half the projects.

They are simple and quick.

I love the inspiration and it makes me feel accomplished to make all these wonderful things and share them with my family.

First one, I bought a scarf not to long ago for 3 dollars and it was long enough to cut in half.

I sewed on some doilies I found at Ikea and made E a funky new scarf.

Cute.

K's scarf has a strip of wide lace I got in a bag of treasures from Value Village.

Both scarfs cost under 10 dollars.

Now that's fun.

Ikea has the best patterns and quality of fabric and for really great prices.

I couldn't resist these fabrics to put on canvass for a quick living room spruce up.

Then when I get tired of them I can remove the fabric and make something great from it.

Of course I also had to buy lots of new fabrics to add to my ever growing collection.

A great quick gift idea I got from the book was to take pictures the kids drew and copy them onto fabric paper.

Then sew them onto a table runner and bingo a family treasure.

I adorned mine with a few buttons as well, but I am going to keep mine as I can never part with ting from my kids.

I should have iron it before I took a picture.

The girls have decided to redo their bedroom.

We have had a major cleaning overhaul and style update.

I get orders for something new everyday.

Yesterday was long round pillows, one for each of course.

Today was curtains and a room divider.

I just love their decorating flair and ambition.

They are growing up so fast.

Yet another Handmade Homes idea.

I was waiting for the perfect project for this material.

Now happily on display on my computer desk to enjoy daily.

I love babushkas.

Here is a tremendous idea I scooped from a magazine I was peeking at on the ferry.

I used some of my old wooden hangers, from my collection, as magazine racks throughout the house and they display nicely.

I love this idea and wonder why didn't I think of it before??

Here are some old hooks I refurbished with some fun fabric and pictures.

A little modge podge and each girl now has a fun new hook for their robes.

Okay. Humour me.

This is me embracing my inner 70's.

My house is old and out dated, so when I saw this project I knew what I had to do.

I found some fun brightly coloured sheets and towels and created the most outlandish shower curtain and vintage flair bathmat possible.

Not usually my style but I love them.

Maybe a feeble attempt to keep the brightness of summer around a bit longer.

Told you it was bright.

Sets off the yellow sink just beautifully.

So here was a great idea....In theory.

Cover balloons with melted chocolate to create bowls for a delish dessert.

We learned that chocolate flies into every crevasse of the kitchen when a balloon bursts, but for some reason only the green ones??!!

Well I wish I could say it worked but it failed miserably.

I will have to research this idea.

And since you managed to make it to the end, I thank you for sharing with me and want to share the cute pic of the day.

Yes none other than the worlds most tolerant cat, Bella, going for yet another stroller ride today.

She really is that cute.

Eating the Goodness.

Look what I grew.
Yes cantaloupe!!
I was so sceptical when I bought these seeds, but thought I must try.
I am glad I did.
I started them in the greenhouse then transplanted outside and to my utter surprise 15 of these little beauties grew.
Although they are small compared to the store bought Mexican ones, they are perfect for us.
We have eaten a few and they are super sweet.
I will grow these from here on out and suggest you give them a try.


We have a great time figuring out new ways to enjoy all our wonderful produce from the garden.

But the old favorites are just as yummy , if not better, coming from the garden.

Juicing beets, carrots, and cukes are wonderful and easy and healthy of course.

Plum Galette coutesy of of Auntie S's plum tree and a Martha Stewart recipe.

Fresh homeade foccacia with tomatoes, basil and goat cheese brussetta.

For some of the sewing I have been busy with this week.

Here is a cute Tic Tac Toe game I made from an idea I got at Crafty Crow.

Looking at this picture made me realize I didn't need to make the board, I could have just used the rug.

Renegade Trip to the PNE

Before J goes back to camp we had to go over to the mainland to say a hello and sadly a goodbye to J's terminally ill uncle.

It was our only chance for the foreseeable future to make it over as it seems it may be not much longer for him.

It is hard to say goodbye and see the mighty fall.

Sending our prayers and love.

We took advantage of the trip to stop in at the Pacific National Exhibition.

It is an annual event we take the kids to and it is a tradition of sorts for the entire family.

I now know why I will never attempt to visit the PNE on opening day again.

It seemed a bonus to get in for free but I think all of Vancouver also thought the same thing.

First clue should have been the 45 minutes it took to find parking.

We spent over 8 hours foraging all the stands for the must have essentials being sold in the home show and all the food and bevvies that my stomach is still making me pay for.

Cotton candy, corn dogs, donuts, hamburgers.....you name it was in our hands at some point.

As a test of sorts and a feeble way to not face the challenges, we took a chance and let the girls eat whatever they wanted.

Consequently they too are feeling the ramifications of their decisions.

A lesson we all are paying for really.

The girls went on every ride they could.

K has a new delight in the scariest rides she is allowed on, much to my horror and dads' dismay as he had to go on with her.

I mean someone had to stay with E!!

I can't go on those obnoxious, fast and crazy rides.

It was okay as a wild youngster by not a chance anymore.

I would literally shriek endlessly, like the one girl we heard and laughed at, but I would pass out. I am sure of it.

We saw whatever shows we could squeeze in, the parade was fun but thankfully nobody mentioned the fireworks, so we avoided that.

After such a chaotic weekend today is an at home day, full of cleaning and baking.

I am a whirlwind in the kitchen, and I have a great healthy feast ready for dinner.

We are also starting today to get into school mode.

Bedtime routines and the such.

I figure I should have started a week ago but with the renegade last minute trip to Vancouver we stayed up till 11 or 12 both nights I am glad I didn't waste the effort.

Yikes!!!

Glad to be home.

Writing for Our Big Earth

I am lucky enough to be a contributing writer for the wonderful local website Our Big Earth.
I have been there for 8 months now and it really feels like home.
I started writing about cooking in the kitchen with kids and it has progressed into a recipe column of sorts.
You can look at my past articles on the site.
It is fun to do the research and I like learning how to write better.
I find it a challenge to get my words out right and envy those who are so eloquent with their words, those who have no trouble coming up with quick quips and tidbits.
I haven't posted any links to it yet but thought that maybe now was as good a time as any to start.
So here you go.
Enjoy.
http://www.ourbigearth.com/2009/08/19/family-eats-summer-soups/

Afternoon at Mircle Beach

Photos that prove we do indeed live in Paradise.

Fun in the sunshine with friends, fabulous sea life and plenty of beach to explore.