Hillbilly Jillies

Bleaching T-Shirts

2012-02-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

I brought this crafty idea to brownies and, with 17 girls, we made bleach resist shirts.
We put on stickers and freezer paper stencils, then sprayed bleach on.
Within 10 minutes the girls could pull off the stickers and then "colour" in with fabric paint pens.

I can see us doing this quite often, for ourselves or for gifts.
I had the clorox bleach pens too but they were forgotten so I am eager to try those out.

Living Raw Once Again

2012-02-05T22:20:00.000-08:00

After a rather long hiatus from the RAW world I am back.

I sure have missed it.

I gained 30 plus lbs since I left over a year ago and am hoping to look and feel better pretty darn soon.

I have tried twice to get back but for various reasons it hadn't work.

I know it was because I didn't have my focus and will power.

I am focussed and my will power is iron clad now.

Bring it on.

Apart from the detox acne that has plagued me this week, ( hubby asked if I was hit with a buckshot) all is well.

My body is adjusting perfect and is really quite happy all in all.

Because this is the case and I am not all sick and stuff I am able to focus on my menu.

A priority at all times is mylk.
I love my cold cereal with fruits and nuts but can't stomach it with juice.
Has to be mylk.
Chocolate even!
I made this batch with a mix of cashews, almonds and sunflower seeds.
Soak overnight, add dates, salt and fresh water, and blend.
So quick and easy and cheap.
Strain through a mylk bag and its good for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Here is my morning cereal of chai, buckwheat grouts, hemp seeds, coco nibs, gogi berries, sesame seeds and so much other goodness.
I add fresh or dried fruits depending on what I have on hand.

There are few foods that I an buy anywhere other than a Raw restaurant.
This cheesecake from Rawthentic is my favourite.

Here is my Chocolate Mousse (recipe below) that fools even the most seasoned fan.
Made with avocados and other Raw goodies, the girls happily gobble it up.

Harmonic Arts is my haven for ingredients and snacks.
They were just getting off their feet last time round.
They have just opened a store front and I am so glad.

Here are a few other snackies that I can actually grab on the go and instead of having to make everything.
This helps so I am not tempted in any way to break my will.

Treats I always have on hand, in the car and at home, are flavoured seeds and nuts, trail mixes and kale chips.

Dehydrated bananas are always perfect, anytime, anywhere.

Of course fruit roll ups.
These ones are apple and cinnamon.
Simple as blending up apples, spices and add a bit of water, pouring out on dehydrator sheets for an overnight drying.

Don't forget the endless supplies of smoothies and juices I consume in a day/week.
These orange creamsicle(recipe below) are filling and super delicious.

Creamsicle Recipe
1 1/2 c. cashew soaked overnight
1c. orange juice
1 or 2 oranges peeled and cut up
1/4 agave syrup
2 Tbs coco oil
2 Tbs orange zest
Blend till smooth

Chocolate Mousse Recipe
2 avocados
2 Tbs cocoa butter
1/4 c. maple syrup
2-3 Tbs agave syrup
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp tamari sauce
1 Tbs vanilla
1/2 cocoa powder
Blend at low speeds till all combined the high for a minute or two.
Refrigerate overnight then serve.
Store in fridge, good for only a day maybe two if it can last that long.

Parrot Refuge

2012-02-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

We headed down Island to visit all the local attractions, only to find 4 out of 5 were closed for the season.

Parrot World was open though and that was a relief and a hit.
It's one of those happy/sad sort of places.
Happy that these parrots have a safe, well provided home.
Sad because there are over 800 birds that have been re-homed here for various reasons, most of which are horribly sad.

Most of the parrots are starving for attention.
Some pick all there feathers out from boredom or neuroses.
The people/volunteers that work there are amazing but there just isn't enough help or money.

We do love to go there and show the birds some love and to learn about all the varieties and species.

When we came home this time I had the kids draw and write about their experience this time.
What K wrote made me see just how she really gets the tenor for the place.
"Pure need for hope"

I have to admit I am in ove with these creatures and if we lived closer we would be there daily.

E had her thumb bitten really hard and so this picture shows which one was nice and which one was the biter!!

Not so Tacky Thrift-Store Idea

2012-02-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

As seen on Pinterest, Martha Stewart and many more sites, these necklace redo's are quick and fashionably sweet.
Take any funky, cool necklace and fold in half.
Tie ribbon on each side and bingo bango!
New up-to- date jewellery for your spring wardrobe.
Great gift ideas as well.

(Another) Tacky Thrift-store Craft

2012-02-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

Ok?!
So who hasn't seen these tacky record bowls?
Again, I could not resist the "I did that" factor for this one.
Oven.
LP.
Bowl.
Thats it.
And now I have 2 tacky plastic bowls that I will have to pawn off.
I do know a music teacher that may find these cute for her classroom?!!!

For Forks Sakes!!

2012-02-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

I keep seeing these fork crafts and think it's kinda kitschy but kinda funny at the same time.
For 10 cents at the thrift store it is a rather low investment so who cares if they turn out or not.
Or if I'll ever use them or not.
They are neat as coat hooks though.
This is how far I got so far and it may just be as far as I ever get.
But now I can say, "I have done that!", as if anybody would ever care.

New Love

2012-02-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

Vinyl!!
Why hadn't I ever thought of it before.
I have seen many crafts and totes made of the stuff, I even own a few.
So why didn't I think I could do it?
Well the secret is out and I love the stuff.
It is so wonderful to work with and the possibilities are endless.

I see many new things to come with this stuff.
Here is my first ever attempt at sewing vinyl and it will be a gift for a friend as I pay it forward in 2012.

Some Reading I'm Trying to get Done

2012-01-31T21:01:00.000-08:00

There will never be enough time to read all the books that I want.
I just have to face that fact.
In the mean time I will power through these stacks as best I can.

Although I'm sure the pile will just keep growing, and I'm thankful it does.

K Is a True Chef

2012-01-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

I get up on Friday morning to my eldest angel cooking breakfast.
Inspired by the food network she watched the night before, she kicked the youngest out of the kitchen and set herself loose.
Pancakes and hash-browns.
YUP!! Even hash-browns.
Right from scratch, her pancakes I have to admit are better than mine.
She made a strawberry and rhubarb sauce from our frozen fruit that we gathered this summer.
She even added sugar coated fennel greens as a garnish.
I love that she is 8 years old and so competent in the kitchen I can sleep in, trust that she and the house are safe and the kitchen will be cleaned afterwards.
Now just to get her to deliver it up to me in bed!!

This About Sums Her Up

2012-01-29T16:38:00.000-08:00

E is always our constant source of humour, energy and tenacity.
She is full tilt from sun up to sun down.
I would never want her any other way.
She is a true delight.
Thank you Miss E for all that you have brought to our family and hearts.
Love you!!

Recycled Music

2012-01-27T21:43:00.000-08:00

A thrifty recycled craft session and we had our own little band.
Tin can lid castanets and wooden dowel rhythm sticks.
Decorate and play.
Easy enough and a winner with the kids.

Kind Hearted Little Ladies

2012-01-27T19:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the girls spent the morning cutting, sewing and stuffing little fabric bags with catnip.
They had the idea of making toys for all the cats at the SPCA and donating them.
The idea of this made my heart swell.
The fact that they actually followed through and created 19 of these little sachets of love all by themselves, well words cannot describe how proud I am.

I had often considered doing twoonie parties for the girls birthday's, thats when invited kids bring 2 twoonie, one for the birthday kid and one for the donation box for the SPCA, but I never wanted to force them to donate, I didn't think it was an appropriate time.
Now I am certain that it is Ok as they have proven that they are charitable on their own accord.

Today we delivered our package and a note telling the SPCA about why they chose to make these gifts.
The note stated that they felt it was important to keep the cats happy, so when kids get them the cats would be playful and kid friendly.
2 of our cats are form the SPCA, so the girls are familiar with the idea of adoption.

Ironically the building in this picture, that is named The Anderson Centre, is something close to us.
The money was donated by Bob Anderson as bequeathed in his will.
We bought the house that Bob had built and lived and died in.
This is our home and the girls are even more close to the SPCA than they knew.

K the Story Teller

2012-01-26T21:10:00.000-08:00

I think it is important for my girls to learn their way around and computer and the internet.
In this exercise I had K write a story.
She then needed to type it out and find pictures to go with her story.

She was excited as it was sort of a neat adventure that she had full control of.
I love the finished product.
I laminated the pages and she tied it with ribbon.
Her first published book!
She is quite proud of herself and has now started a book of poems that she wants to publish and share with her friends.

Molecular Chemistry

2012-01-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

I found this really neat molecule structure set at a thrift store and it has held the girls attentions for days.
I printed out the periodic table and they have been quizzing each other and me endlessly on the elements.
I find it really neat that they are so interested in this.
It was one of those tangents that just sprung up one day and I hit a home run with it.
I love seeing them get excited to learn and eager for more.
Every homeschooling parents dream.

Structures and Mechanisms

2012-01-24T21:52:00.000-08:00

K has been learning (u-hem) about structure and the function of mechanisms.
It's rather dry for her (I completely agree) but it is part of the curriculum, so she challenged it and thought outside the box.
She created each of the fundamental vocabulary words and structures she needed to recreate with a glue-gun and popsicle sticks.
Labelling each piece and describing to me, in detail, how they each work, made me realize that this was indeed a tedious task for her.
But she humoured me with it and it the process was able to teach her sister all about the subject.
She really didn't need to do this part of the school year, but she owned it. and now it's done.
Another reason why I need to trust that I know her better and should just forget about the books and let her learn at her pace.

Amazing Foods

2012-01-24T20:54:00.000-08:00

We have been living out of these two cookbooks lately.
If you haven't seen or tried them I highly recommend them.
I feel like a kitchen superstar serving up these recipes.
They are now dog-earred and loved.
Sighs of love in my house.

Steam Treatment

2012-01-23T12:19:00.000-08:00

Both girls are recovering from colds, and now one has a sinus infection and the other an ear infection.
We have lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree and all our aromatherapy floating through the air from our atomizer.
But the girls find that a steaming pot of hot water works the best by far.
Wait till I introduce them to the netipot!!

Weaving

2012-01-21T22:02:00.000-08:00

This is a handy idea for teaching weaving.
Using embroidery hoops as looms.
Its easy to set up and wonderful to work with and the hoops make it easy for transport, like in the van.
For the past 3 days my girls have been weaving up a storm.
I kinda think I'd like to take all the patches and sew them into a cushion on my bed for memories sakes.

Mama's Got a Brand New Stove!!

2012-01-20T21:56:00.000-08:00

I'm not shy to say that I am in love with my new stove.

We got a new fridge too, and it's cool.

But the stove!!.....

I tell ya!!!

How did I love without this baby.

And to make it even cooler, as if it needed any reason, it came with a griddle.

YES!!

That cool!!

This morning we made pancake dough and put it in some squeezy bottles and away the ladies went.

For some reason they even tasted better too.
Boy I wish my parents did cool stuff like this when I was a kid.

Girl Power

2012-01-19T21:50:00.000-08:00

Pinterest has so many great ideas for homeschooling as well.

This quick and powerful assignment was just what we needed today.

Each of them had to write down all the adjectives, words, thoughts they could think of about themselves

I loves how they thought so highly of themselves and even helped each other think of ones.
I recommend this even for myself, on those days when I really need to be kinder to me.

Smokin' Pillows

2012-01-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

I love Smoking Lily, it's no secret.
But I also love a good deal.
So when I found this fabric in the form of a very expensive ottoman cover I first scoffed at it.
That is till I saw the reduced price tag.
Originally $240 marked down to $35.
Yup It was meant to be mine.

And with less than 2 hours of stitch ripping and resewing I am now the proud new owner of these Smokin' Smoking Lily pillows.
Swoon!!
I can't wait to see them in my new room.

Going to the Birds

2012-01-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

We got another bird.
This one is a 4 month old who now goes by the name of Bart.

He is a perfect fit with the kids and is very much in love with everybody.

He puts up with a lot of man handling but doesn't seem to mind really.

Tea Grannies

2012-01-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

While at home we shop faithfully at The Tea Centre to get our teas and supplies.

I have 3 tea pot all of different sizes and applications of course.

The girls and I drink pots full daily but only the herbal kinds as me and caffeine have a mutual understanding that I should just stay away from it.

I love the warmth of a good cuppa in my hands and the soothing heat as I drink, especially in this freezing weather that has snapped upon us.
I love getting to sneak in some crafting as well by making tea cozies, this one from an old kids sweater that had a laundry mis-hap.

I have a basket stuffed full of teas.

Every flavour imaginable.
Have you ever tried tarimsu tea?
My girls are real grannies as well.
They know the seeping rules, the ones that need honey or lemon or milk.
They have even become refined enough to taste the differences between certain kinds and certain brands.

I have to admit though, that an all time favorite is from Silk Road.

And while in Victoria I always stop at this tea shop.

Their Philosophers Brew and Angel Water are perfection in a cup.

I think the world could solve all it's problems by sitting down to a good cup of tea.

Have you tried Evernote Yet?

2012-01-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

Now that I am working with an iPad, iPhone and a Mac, I needed a way to sync all my info and keep all devices updated.
iCloud works wonders but Evernote helps in a whole new way.

Being able to use my phone to update files and notes when running around throughout my days.
I feel like Im a superstar now!!!
Many thanks to a savy friend who got me onto this!!!

Funny Stuff!!

2012-01-16T19:27:00.001-08:00

Shit yogi's say!!

Somebody I Used to Know

2012-01-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

My Favorite song at the moment.

or redone here which I think I may like even more.

Enjoy

PLEASE!!!

2012-01-16T19:13:00.001-08:00

Oh I so want these!!

Or these..PLEASE!!!

Renovation Update

2012-01-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

Walls are painted.
Electrical done.
Flooring going in as I type.
Forms built for the concrete pad for the deck, just need it be a bit warmer, (wrong time of year maybe though).
Half log siding wood lift ordered and to be milled shortly there after.
WOW!!
I can see the end in sight!
I am so excited and still can't believe it really.

Miniature World

2012-01-09T23:34:00.000-08:00

Taking the weekend off we headed to Victoria for a little family get away.
It was just what the doctor ordered.
We hit up the usual suspects but this time we added miniature world and it was a huge hit with the ladies.
J had my camera and I wasn't too sure what he was doing but after downloading the memory card I found these and many other great shots.

I was honestly taken aback.
I never knew he was such a great photographer.
Even after 14 years he still surprises me.
There are a lot, sorry, but i just couldn't choose.

Wish I Could Knit

2012-01-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

I am pretty good at most things I out my mind to but knitting is not one of them.
I am so in love with this sweater, yet I cannot even imagine where to begin.
I have looked online etc. but to no avail.
So I thought I would just put this out in the blog-o-sphere to share.

Monopoly Revolution

2012-01-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

We are starting to be able to play board games as a family and that is huge for us.

When J comes home late in t he evening we can still get a game in before bed.

E is old enough to make sense and play by the rules and Dad doesn't cheat too much!!

We game this game away as a gift but ended up getting one as well.

It still has the basics of old school monopoly but now with debit cards.

I like it and it works well for us.

I could go on about the pro's and cons but no matter what we play as a family and that is the most important thing.

We are So Sparkly

2012-01-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

Sparklers at the lake.

What fun!!

Holiday Party

2012-01-02T15:11:00.000-08:00

It has been a great holiday season.
A little too great.
We have visited, ate and lounged our way through the last 3 weeks.

I am so grateful for it all, but am a little relieved to be getting back to a routine.

That is until tomorrow night when I wish we could do it all over again.

Happy New Years!!!

2012-01-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to make a card to give all our family and friends for the new year.

I decided that I would just email one instead.

We already did a christmas card for them all and really? how many pictures of us do they need?

I also wanted to make it a bit fun.

We decided we would pay homage to a funny video/song going around the internet by Andy Sandberg.

If you haven't seen it check it out here.

Winter Wear

2012-01-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

I just had to tell you about these.

Ironically it hasn't even been that cold or snowed yet but I am all ready for when it does.

Is it bad that I wanted this so bad I just went out and got them?

Air-blaster Ninja suit Or as my hubby likes to refer to them as....the death of his sex life.

He says it might as well have a big fat NO written right across the front...Hahaha!!!

He asked if they came in chantilly lace possibly??

It is quite possibly the single most comfortable piece of clothing I have ever owned.

I live for comfort especially when I am sleeping!!!

These boots have been so amazing, even if I haven't had to use them in snow yet!!
I have been in love with Merell since they first started making shoes, slip ons actually and I always trust the fit and the durability.

A Most Extravagant Christmas/ I was Spoiled Rotten

2012-01-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

I was gifted by the most thoughtful gift imaginable from my oldest little lady.
K spent the time to embroider the word LOVE and hand sew some poppies on a hand made pillow just for me.
I literally fell apart.
I bawled my eyes out, from sheer delight and the fact that my 8 year old who has been distancing herself from me made this for me!!
This is so huge for me, for us.
She was just as excited to give it as I was to receive it and to me this summed up all of the spirit of the season.
And the fact that her and daddy went to the fabric store, picked out fabric, actually dared to use my sewing machine and make the pillow is super cute.
This pillow will be treasured forever.

And on their sewing adventure, J made me a 6 foot stocking to house all of the gifts they got me.
They cheated a bit because we were only supposed to do stockings.

So what did they stuff into the enormous stocking?

Too many things to even count.

An amazing treasure trove of opulent gifts.

The highlights?

An iPad

HOLY WOW!!!

I mean I loved my iPhone but this blows it away.

Need I say more?

And a Targus Keyboard and Case to go with it.

The best noodle bowl EVER!!

Shoo-Foo Bamboo Towel Set

I cannot wait to try these out as they are being reserved for my first bath in our new bathroom.

Plus so much more I can't honestly remember.

Chocolates, books, clothes and gift cards,

I must have been a pretty good girl!!

Christmas Party Escort

2012-01-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

Too bad there wasn't any snow but getting picked up to go to a neighbourhood Christmas party in horse and cart is really quite special.
Bells jingling and singing songs as we rode.
Thank you Y.

Gingerbread for Santa

2012-01-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve
We stayed in our PJ's all day, something I never let happen...ever.
It was so wonderful to just hang out and relax, we ate whatever we could scrounge up which mainly consisted of all the goodies we baked.
We lounged, napped and watched movies with no regard to schedules at all.
I even had to stop by the store mid day, and I was in full Pj Mode.....felt a bit reck-neck for sure.
My kids were so proud that I didn't break the days agenda.

But no Christmas Eve would be complete without making Santa some gingerbread cookies for his visit.

And Santa did enjoy.

Elf on the Shelf Causes More Mischief

2012-01-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

This turned out to be the best lead up to Christmas.
I have so many ideas for next years Elf run up.
I strongly recommend adding this tradition to your family holiday season.

Playing Christmas Games

2011-12-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

K has been on a creative streak lately.
She made this board game for her sister, similar to the game of Life but with a Christmas twist.
They played for so long I starting having thoughts of getting it made for real to share with friends as this years gift.

Nom Nom Nom

2011-12-20T19:51:00.000-08:00

Lollipops!!!

And sprinkle and chocolate covered marshmallows on a flavoured candy cane.

Great for stirring the hot chocolate!!

Making Cards

2011-12-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

Snowflakes

2011-12-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread Houses Galore

2011-12-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

Meet Our Elf on the Shelf, Chuckles

2011-12-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

A few days ago we had an elf join our family.
Have you heard of the Elf on the Shelf book?
He's quite the mischievous little elf I tell you.
But for any family with young kids, I think this is such a fabulous idea.

Now I can't say I've been super original, most (actually all so far) of the ideas I have gotten online.
And it can be a bit daunting to try to do this late enough at night that the kids don't wake up and see, to when I wont fall asleep before I remember to do it.

The rewards are priceless.
It's like a little Christmas everyday.

From toilet papering the tree, making snow (sugar) angels to having a snow ball fight with some friends and building snowmen on the counter.
Chuckles provides a great morning laugh and sets the day off with just the perfect amount of festive cheer.

I can see why this becomes such a warm family tradition.
Maybe one day I can even pass him on the one of the girls for their kids.

Instagram

2011-12-17T17:20:00.000-08:00

I love my iPhone.
I love using Instagram on my iPhone.
Haven't heard of it?
You gotta check it out if your an iphone user.
It's like twitter meeting your photo album.

Better yet!!!
You can get magnets made from your Instagrams at Stickygram.
I just received mine today and they are awesome!!!

I love technology

Tree Ornaments

2011-12-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

Some from painted salt dough,

A package of plaster ornaments and glitter,

And marbling with paint in glass balls.

Or with paper.

The Girls

2011-12-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

At a Christmas party all dressed up and looking beautiful.
Love my ladies!!!

Family

2011-12-11T22:29:00.001-08:00

Feeling the love and glow of abundance this season.
It has been a tough year full of crazy adventures and some real challenges.
The death of friends and loved one has been the most intense for me.
Maybe it my current age?, but I have a deep sense of urgency to live for the moment, be on the present, to be happy and healthy.

Most of all I want to have the best life possible.
And my family and I have that.
We live it really well.
Sure we get caught in the day to day stuff like everyone elsa but I make it a priority to live life to the fullest.

Because we can and do life like this, I feel I have one the lottery.

Christmas Has Finally Found Us

2011-12-11T22:14:00.001-08:00

With our house back in relative order, this was the first weekend in who knows how long that we actually had family time.

We made it into Christmas time.

Here is the worlds best, most real, the magical and the perfect Santa.

Even K who said she didn't want to sit on a strange mans knee (know that she knows about the secret of Christmas) was mesmerized by him and stayed to chat for about 5 minutes.

She even had him in stitches.

Woodland Gardens is my favourite festive place to be.

Then we headed to Doveside Tree Farm and searched for our tree.
This is the first in 5 years that we have a real tree.
K found this one and we knew it was perfect.

Dad cut it down in seconds flat, and I couldn't help but feel bad for t he poor little thing, so young and we just cut it down.
I kinda like my second hand tree for that reason.

The farm has carolling tractor rides.

We grabbed some hot chocolate on off we went singing around the farm.

Then tonight we invited the family over for a tree trimming party.
Music, food and family.
Perfect start to our holiday season.

Christmas Quilts

2011-12-06T18:54:00.001-08:00

I finished 2 quilts a couple of weeks back and sent them off as christmas gifts for my niece and nephew.

I cant wait to hear what they think of them.

My little nephew man is almost a year and since I never had a boy myself, I was so excited to be able to make this space quilt that I have been wrestling with in my head for years.
Absolutely lovely to see it come to fruition.
The applique robots, planets and spaceship took the most time but well worth it.
I actually had them done about a year ago, that show long it took me to get to this project.
May it keep him cozy till I get to finally meet him.

My niece is 2 and I hope she'll love the fairies in this small blanket, I know I fell in love with them.

May it keep her warm until I can snuggle her one day soon.

Hard At It

2011-11-29T20:27:00.000-08:00

This is my man, the hard working love of my life.
He works 6 days a week and then works overtime at home on our renovations.
It is not fair but he smiles through it and I can see he really does love it.
These long days are all going to a be worth it once all this house work is done and he can sit back and enjoy his family in the new house.
I love him.
I love all that he does for us.
Thank you baby!!

Hat off to Ya!

2011-11-28T20:22:00.000-08:00

E thought that decorating a hat was the best thing ever.
It turned out to be a real creative avenue for her.
We will probably have to dry it for a week with all the paint she put on it.
This will be worn with pride.

Stable Structure Designing

2011-11-27T20:11:00.000-08:00

Glue guns and popsicle sticks can pretty much make anything.

Today we set out to invent/create a structure that are stable and sound, a part of our curriculum for this month.

K had a great time making this bird house/feed loft.

Painting, A Full Body Experience

2011-11-26T20:02:00.001-08:00

Rainy days stuck inside leads to some craziness, like finger painting gone array!!

This was a half an hour experiment in colour mixing that led to an hour of clean up.

Cute Recycling Idea

2011-11-24T21:27:00.001-08:00

With an empty almond milk container, or orange juice etc, I was able to create a fifty little coin purse using this pattern I found online.

It stated that it would take an hour but I found it was a quick 15 minutes top.

I think I will cover the next one in fabric first to create a few cute gifts for some friends.

I mean what else are you doing with an empty container anyways?

Addition/Reno Part #4

2011-11-20T21:44:00.000-08:00

Weeks have flown by and the projects seem to be getting whittled away bit by bit.
The electrical is just about complete and the plumbing is next.
I have a love/hate thing going on with picking the bathroom fixture.
Love the styles/hate the prices!!
But all in all its going well.
By no means was my over ambitious dream of moving by christmas going to become a reality but that really is just fine with me.
Enough to do before Christmas really.

Our roof is finished and the windows and doors are in .
Starting to look like a real house.

We are pouring the heat to it to dry it out completely before we insulate and drywall.
No small feat with this freezing weather we have, we had our first snow already!!

Sliver of Sun

2011-11-19T21:38:00.000-08:00

On these darkening days, as the weather sinks deeper into winter, a slight ray of sun gives me a smile, lighting up my mexican hot chocolate after a walk in the cold.

Growing, (Wrong time of Year)

2011-11-18T21:25:00.000-08:00

Ironically we are sprouting beans and other seeds for schooling at the moment.
I am going through the motions, as is Katie because this is so beneath her on so many levels.
She is a mini hortaculturalist at heart and can name every plant and flower in our yard and garden.
So to be doing this seems odd/boring, especially in the winter.
Even E finds it dull.
But I feel it is good for the writing and experimentation documentation aspect but otherwise I really can see how homeschooling from a book can be such a waste of time.
We will finish this section and omit the remainder, moving up to more challenging concepts.

I completely understand that in school they try to replicate what it is we learn at home and in life.
So being at home and living life really is the best best for my kids to be.
How lucky are we to live this life, to learn form each other and grow together as a family.
These seeds have shown me that we are doing everything just the way we were meant to be.

Freckle Juice

2011-11-17T22:00:00.001-08:00

Did you read any Judy Blume's books as a kid?
I remember them all.
Now K has gotten into them and we used Freckle Juice as a novel study.
She though it was really juvenile for her but she still loved the novel study, especially when I asked her to make her own Freckle Juice.
Her concoction was a fun mixture of kitchen/baking essentials and her recipe is top secret.
It was applied with precession and care.
But when she tried to wash it off she was floored.
"It worked!!""
She was kinda mad actually.
She didn't want freckles.
I realized afterwards that she had used food colouring, so her freckles stayed all day.
Too cute

Redneck All the Way

2011-11-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

These screamed out to me!!
I had to have them.
How absolutely perfect in my world, I mean really, look at them?!!

And they hold at least half a bottle of wine.
"No dear, I'm just having one glass tonight!"

Cake Pop=FAIL

2011-11-16T21:09:00.001-08:00

Starbucks had an all in a box, make your own, Christmasy cake pop package at the check out.
Well this day there happened to be an excessively long line up and by the end I ended up thinking that this purchase was a decent idea.
Marketing savvy at its peak!!
Well it was not so!
These little goodies were a mess.
I like to think I am somewhat knowledgable around the kitchen and can indeed read instructions, but these failed miserably.
The only redemption?.... They tasted so yummy!!

On the other hand, these prepackaged confections from Superstore, otherwise known as Whoopi Pies, were quick and easy and yummy as well.
Hubby was happy.

But nothing can ever beat good old home cooking in my eyes.

Brownies at the Telethon

2011-11-12T22:08:00.000-08:00

We joined all the Girl Guides in the valley and headed on stage for the local telethon last weekend.
The girls all sang 4 songs and it was so cute to watch.
My hearts gets all fuzzy warm when I see my ladies participating in such events.
It is such a great way to teach them about what a difference they can make in this world.
Singing to raise money to help other children who are less fortunate than them.
They were so excited and proud of themselves, even if it was a bit nerve racking being on stage in front of an audience of strangers.

Cashing In

2011-11-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

The annual coin rolling festivities took place today.
I made it into a "Math Lesson."
Feels great to be able to teach the kids money and math skills while getting a chore done.

We now have some extra cash for another trip to the Victoria Museum or maybe Science World.

I'd say it was a win-win-win situation.

Potpourri ....Literally

2011-11-10T21:55:00.000-08:00

K has a book of "Girl Things to Do."
One of those "things" was to make potpourri.
We had to use our creativeness because we didn't have all the posh ingredients that it called for.
Instead we gathered some of our endless supply of lavender, cinnamon bark, some cloves and pinecones because why not!?
Tomorrow she wants to package this stuff up to give as gifts to her friends.
She is so loving and thoughtful, and except for the pinecone the mix is quite beautiful.

Moon Sand

2011-11-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup baby oil (maybe a squirt or two more) and 2 cups flour.
That's it!
Mix and let the playing begin.

Fairly easy clean up and hands are super soft afterwards too.

"Lets Make Soap, Mom!!"

2011-11-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

By simply melting bars of glycerin on the stove in a double broiler and adding whatever colour, scents and herbs you desire, soap can easily be yours for the making.
Great to do with the kids.
We poured ours into paper lined muffin tins.
It was a perfect afternoon activity.
K choose to make Lemon Thyme, and Lavender with Shea Butter.
E decided to make Coconut Oil with Honeycomb (and dye it purple) and Oatmeal, Vitamin E and Shea Butter.

We used the lavender tonight in the tub and it was lovely.
The girl were so delighted.
They now want to make soap for everyone they know for Christmas.

Microscope Full Of Fun

2011-11-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Over the summer we collected insects, bugs and small critters that we found in our yard and house.
We put them in a special container.
Finally the jar was overflowing.
We knew it was time to get the microscope and start inspecting these amazing, dried bugs.
It was a fantastic journey that lasted for hours!
Comparing eyes, skin, wings feet.
It was incredible to learn so much about all these common critters that we don't think twice about on a regular day.

House Renovations Part 3

2011-11-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

Pretty straight forward stuff.
Especially since its just a square box we're adding on.

Foundation work talks its time, one drying day at a time.

Lots of digging work for perimeter drains and plumbing.

And then came the lumber!!
I saw a truck but heard the cash register, Cha Ching!!

Again all in a days work for this super contractor!!.

Cutting into the roof is a bit of a pain.

The walls are up and I am starting to really see it all taking shape.
Now I just want it done!!
Theres my closet!!
And the master bedroom and en suite bathroom.

House Renovations Part 2

2011-10-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

This was the side of our house with the crawlspace access.
Simple, rustic, nothing extraordinary in any way really.
But it always held the potential as the easiest spot to add onto our home.

So the machines rolled in....

Trees came down....

And a hole was dug.
Actually a 30 by 30 3foot deep hole for our foundation.

Yes!!!
I have visions of sugar plums and closets and bathrooms dancing in my head.
Let the Craziness begin!!

Renovation Mishap

2011-10-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

While hammering on an adjacent wall, our TV flew off its mount falling 5 feet to the ground.
Well no point in getting upset, chaulk it up to reno costs.

What to do with 48 inches or garbage?
Yes recycle, but it also turnout to be an excellent lesson in electronics for the girls.

After checking to be certain there was nothing we could do to salvage it, we handed the girls a hammer and let them loose.

It was quite fun actually.
I even had a few goes at it.
Sort of satisfying in a rebellious kind of way.

Didn't really turn out to be much other than a film over a plastic backing.
The innards proved to be too tiny to mess with in the yard, so that ended all that.

The girls loved it so much and laughed loudly and were completely giddy.
Not very often you get to do something like this.

Renovation Journal Part 1

2011-10-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

Living in a 40 year old 900 sqft log cabin has its perks.
After 8 years, adding 2 little people and a families worth of stuff those perks have started to wear off.
I have stretched my vertical space to lengths that would make Martha Stewart jealously proud.
I have been savvy with processions/furniture and most have a dual purpose, like our ottoman that also houses the vacuum (because there are no closets in this place).

But all that has started to change.
Startin with a false ceiling we had put in.
Now we'll have 2 bedrooms upstairs, one for each girl.
I can't tell you how excited they are.
This is the right time too, they are definitely needing their own space.

Many people scoffed at the idea saying that it would be a shame to loose our vaulted ceiling.
What!!?? no more losing heat to a 25 foot open dead space??
I have never been happier with a decision in this place.
Now we have a new room.
We painted all the walls white, getting rid of the hideous orange toned stain and have put in pocket lights every 3 feet downstairs, which will brighten up the dark gloominess of a log home.
I feel like we've stepped into the 20th century.

In a few short hours our contractor single handedly managed to get the entire floor in place....

Sheeted....

And the stairs up.
What a difference a day and a half makes.

E testing the stairs for the first time up to her new room.

Now we wait for the rest of the electrical and then drywall (something I am dreading) and carpet.
Feels like we're moving up!!

Day of the Dead Masks

2011-10-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Along with halloween, we always do some crafts for Day of the Dead.
The girls love the colourful display each mask shows.
Everyone is so unique.
Just like these little beauties.

Brownie Camp

2011-10-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

4 level of guiders together for a jam packed weekend of fun and friends.
The quintessential experience bunk-beds, crafts, camp food, camp fires and all night shenanigans.
Pretty much sums it up.
I do love being Brown Owl!!

Halloween Party with the Brownies

2011-10-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Oh we had so much fun.

I had it all wonderfully set up with skulls, rats, bugs, bones and such.

But of course my camera was on the counter, so I only captured a few sad courtesy snapshots of the night and all the action.

By far my favourite part was the Fear Factor game I set up.

We had mini maggots, troll scabs, stuffed cockroaches, witches nails, goblins teeth and more.

I gave out treats at the end.
I saw these on.....yup you guessed it Pinterest, so had to try them.
Too cute heh?

TeeHeeHee!!

Pumpkin bowling.

Face painting was a hot station.

Potato stamping.

Q-tip skeletons was a great craft idea.

Lollipop spiders and ghosts.

I didn't even get photos of our costumes.
Boy I really dropped the ball on the photos tonight.

I think Halloweeny fun was had by all, well except maybe the parents not so much, having to clean the kids faces afterwards!!

Quotes/Words I'm Digging

2011-10-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

Lavender Sachets

2011-10-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Before the rains hit I cut all my lavender bushes back.
Looking for an afternoon craft, K came decided that making her nana and auntie some sachets for their drawers would be the perfect thing.
She was correct.
Fun in making and graciously received.
I even got one!!

I love these sort of days.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Annual pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch always brings ample fun and great photo opts.

I have pictures of them here every year.
It will make for a great album on day.

Up With The Sun

2011-10-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

My camera and my tea and me,
Took a morning walk around,
As quiet as could be, look at what I found.

Flowers blooming at the wrong time of year,
Berries all confused,
Artichokes that wont quite make it

Hard at It Homeschooling

2011-10-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

This year is a new challenge for me.
Teaching one grade 3 and the other kindergarten.

It has been a bit more work and research preparing lessons and gathering curriculum that can be adapted for both and give them each what they need to meet the PLO's. (prescribed learning outcomes)

It has been fairly good for the most part, but it has its days I tell ya!

I seem to be getting a lot more resistance this year.
Theres a healthy dose a of distractions and negotiations going on.
I keep looking deep into my resources to come up with new and exciting, out of the norm, schooling ideas (tactics) but these are getting slim pickings.
And it's only the second month.
I sense a long year ahead.

I re-group every couple of days and adjust as necessary, but part of me wishes it was just easy peasy.
The other part of me loves thats its not because that means I have two wonderfully independent, well spoken, grounded individuals growing up in a safe loving home with people who love and respect them unconditionally.

I wish I had been so lucky!!!

Compostable Wild Bird Feeders

2011-10-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Introducing once again...The Toilet Paper Roll.

This time up-cycled into a bird feeder for our little outdoor friends.

Idea inspired from http://moffattgirls.blogspot.com/2011/02/toiletpaper-roll-bird-feeders.html
via pinterest

Whether with a pine-cone or roll the same principle applies.

First smother in peanut butter ( or allergin free butter of choice)

Then roll in seed to coat entire surface.
Pat seeds down into nut butter to ensure a good strong hold.

Place on branch.
Wait for little birdies to enjoy!!

Leaves of Autumn

2011-10-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Dried leaves are easy to sew and make a great garland for a harvest themed display.
The kids each picked out their leaves and threaded them.

We gathered a few extras to see if different coloured leaves made coloured rubbings.
Wondering if dead brown leaves held any colour, knowing that green leaves are full of chlorophyl and alive that they would definitely would transfer.

It was a quick project but an effective one.

Indeed the leaves all gave off colour when rubbed.
Who knew?!

It's a Jelly!!

2011-10-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

I got a nice surprise while hunting around in my garden yesterday.
I was clearing out some beds and feeding the chickens the old lettuce and broccoli stalks.
I found that my grapes has actually ripened, something I had long given up on with this weather of ours.

But the last kick of heat and sun indeed help my vines produce these lovely little grapes.
So I turned them into lovely jelly!!!

I know whats going on my toast tomorrow!!

Kiddie Pumpkins

2011-10-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

My pumpkins didn't grow...at all.
Not even an inni mini itsy bitsy one.

Thankfully we have an amazing pumpkin farm in town because otherwise we'd be without.

The girls had fun as always cleaning out and carving their special gourd friends.

I was happy too because I got to roast up some seeds for my favourite seasonal treat.

Apple-icious Day!!

2011-10-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

This time of year is Apple Time!

We have a couple trees but not enough to make cider or a years worth of dried apples and apple sauce.
When we were given the opportunity to pick from a friend of a friends 100 year old orchard today.
And we stocked up!

Maybe not enough for cider but I see a lot a apple sauce and canning in my future.

One of the reasons that the apples weren't quite as readily available were of course thanks to the weather, but also bears.

Proof as shown.

The kids climbed the trees, ran around, picked hazelnuts and swung on tire swings.

Thanks for a great afternoon L.
Thanks for the apples D.

So Extremely Thankful

2011-10-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

I am Thankful.
I am so Extremely Thankful, for everything in my world.
I feel this every single day.
But I tend to get all sentimental at this time of year and really hone in on these feelings.

As the leaves turn colour, the fires heat our home, soups cooking on the stove, the days getting shorter, and the happiness of my family, I get a deep sense of gratitude.

I appreciate the abundance of my life, the fullness and growth.
With this gratitude my life has become rich in joy, love, laughter and friends.
I rejoice in all I am fortunate enough to have.

I am forever grateful for the love of my family.
The family we have built together.
I know how lucky I am to have the dedication and devotion of the love of my life; the support of my husband, no matter what it is I'm doing!!

My heart is full.
I am thankful.
My soul is nurtured.
I have my peace.
I have my purpose.

Thank you

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on.

-- Robert Frost

It is not length of life, but depth of life.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow.
-- Mahatma Gandhi

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.
-- Mother Teresa

Many Uses for our Trays

2011-10-13T21:13:00.001-07:00

Canadian Parent Post

2011-10-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hello to all of those who have joined me via Canadian Parent.

Nice to see you!!

Im so exited to share with you our lovely humble world.

If you missed the post, you can see it here

More Tire Tube Creations

2011-10-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

I am always carrying my cellphone, key and debit card around.
I made a small tote with a key holder in the back and a little card pocket inside as well.
This is a perfect solution for me.
Can't wait to use it.

Then I tried my hand at a wallet.
It was a bit tricky but I figured it out.
This is the prototype, I think the ideas going to work.

Chalk Board Pillow Talk

2011-10-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when I found this amazing chalkboard fabric last year.
I have always wanted to make these talk pillows and finally just got to it.

I made one for each girl so I can write sweet notes for them when they wake up in the mornings.

I added a mini pocket with ribbon tied to a piece of chalk so it wont get lost.

A Village Fall Fair

2011-10-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Blackberries, Apples and Bears

Fall Fair in Cumberland

A quaint affair full of village charm.

Someone brought a small bag of apples!!
And a beautiful apple cider press.

I have always wanted one for our yard.
I need to keep my eye open on Craigslist I guess.

Lots of samples to taste.
Fresh apple cider has to be my most favourite drink ever.
It makes this time of year so rewarding.

The kids got to make some butter, jar and marble style.
Somehow I managed to do most of the work while they crafted fall treasures at the craft tents.

And everyone got to enjoy the delicious creamy butter.

Book Club- The Help

2011-09-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight was my night to host book club.

It was a great book to be hosting for.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett is wonderful.

There is a movie.
I haven't seen it yet but hear its as good as the book.
A book with this much exposure makes hosting a theme night possible.

I love any excuse for a party, especially when I get to spoil my favourite Peeps!!

I spent the morning baking up a storm.

I got the bourbon ready and made mint syrup for the mint juleps.

I found all the songs from the soundtrack, (but we ended up staying in the kitchen the whole time and never even listened to it).
Still a good soundtrack though.

For anyone who read the book.....some Chocolate Poop Pie!

Devilled Eggs Finger Sandwiches.

Minnies Caramel Cake....delish!!
And Coca Cola.

Abilene said Crisco was good for so may things, a candle being on of them.
Great for a conversation piece and added just the right touch for ambiance.

Oh and of course, Pecan Pie!!

Re-Cycling Bike Tubes.... to Make Purses!!

2011-09-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to show you this.

I saw someones messenger bag... made from bike tubes.
I freaked at the potentials!!

Lucky for me old friend of mine owns a bike store.
He willingly gave me a huge box of blown tubes destined for the trash.

I see a whole lot of rubber projects in my future!!

First I cut them open and cut out the valve stem.

I washed and rinsed a few to get the white smelly powder off,

Then hung them on the line to dry off.

(The smell is almost all gone.)

I took a tube and cut it into 3 pieces and just started sewing.

I had no real plan but knew that something would take shape once I started sewing.
After a couple broken needles testing out how thick I could go, I got a good grasp on it.

I decided I would sew a simple clutch first.
Something I could use right away and a project to showcase the potentials!!

I am so happy and bursting with ideas!!
This is the start of a long love affair with re-using rubber.

This clutch has a simple pocket inside for little extras that I always seem to tote around.

This proves that recycling can definitely be feminine too!!

Fresh Home-ade Apple Cider

2011-09-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have the BEST friends ever.
Today I got a jar of the most delicious, freshly pressed apple cider!!
HHMMMM!!
Thank you Farm Family!!!

Re-cycling Crafts-Beer/Soda Can Bracelets

2011-09-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

This idea comes courtesy of of Pinterest.......again!!
http://www.thegreenestdollar.com/2009/11/cool-at-home-project-soda-pop-can-bracelets/

I feel kinda awkward but the only cans I found in our recycling were cider/beer cans.
But the colours are pretty for a bracelet.

Pop cans might be more sturdy, not too sure, but these worked quite well anyways.
I cut the top and bottom off and split it up the centre to start.

Then I shaped it into the fashion of cuff I wanted and left 2 centimetres on each side to allow for folding over.

Its not as sharp as you think it would be.
I easily bent the edges over with my finger tips then crimped down with pliers for a tight edge.

I bent the edges over once more which made the cuff a bit more rigid and again this was quite easy to do.
The tin is very pliable, forgiving and easy to work with.
Crimp one more time for crisp edging.
Mine is not sharp in any way.

I think I will try to embroider on some beads and bling but for today this is a good enough start.
This might be a difficult craft for kids to do unattended.

5 Kids and Lots of Paper = Creativity

2011-09-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Paper Flowers

2011-09-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Re-purposed Trays into Chalkboards

2011-09-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

A cheap, quick and really effective way to spruce up dull, old school/craft trays.
A can of black spray chalkboard paint and fresh, bright cans of spray Rustoleum paint.

Spray even coats, I did 3 for good measure.
Then let the sun cured them in a few hours.

Loving the results.

A pretty chalkboard for schooling.
And 2 colourful trays for everything from beans, beads and magnetic things for learning.
Makes teaching fun!!

Dairy Farm Tour (photo journal)

2011-09-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

Books on my Shelf This Month

2011-09-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

There are far too many books I want to read.
I have about 20 in waiting for those "one day" reads.
But with piles like these I never get to those and both piles seem to keep growing.
I wonder if there will be a time in my life where I could and would sit all day and just read.
My little version of peace in the world.