Its starting to look a lot like Christmas...

Tins full of homemade cookies.


My pretty garland.


Under the tree.

Ta-Daaaa... the tree.

So, I've been making Christmas.
I hauled out the tree, decorated it, made more decorations for it, made decorations with the toddlers (sorta). I've been baking, shopping and present wrapping, making other assorted decorations and such, and I've been enjoying almost every minute of it. Wrestling away scissors and glue from toddlers, putting back ornaments that they rip off the tree, trying to come up with stocking stuffer ideas besides a big wad of chocolate.
Some stuff I've bought, some I've made, which I'm happy with. I've enjoyed gathering gifts for people this year.
What else am I doing?
Trying not to be so angry, and disappointed. Or at the very least, trying to not let it get to me.

Whats new?

I've been doing a lot of reading lately, working my way through the Harry Potter series. I'm on the fourth book now, and already I'm enjoying them more than the movies. A few details better explained, and some other things that were never even touched on! I'm loving it.

And babysitting. Yep. I hang out with toddlers most days. Its a wonder my brain hasnt flat lined to a constant "WEEEEEEEEEEE!" yet.

Today I made myself three belly warmers. A scrappy layered tshirt one, a lined ribbed one, and a super nice purple fleece warmer than I'm wearing right now, and I'm so cuddly and warm! I love wearing layers, and this makes it even more fun. Also called Haramaki's, they're essentially just a tube top, worn around your middle, keeping your kidneys, liver, and other assorted bits nice and warm.

I've got three birds sewn up, and now I just need to attach them to one of the rings, and finish the mobile. At least that will be one finished! I've also been making a few other things here and there: hand warmers, and a tissue pouch. I'm still working on my tshirt rug. I feel a need to be creative, but sometimes I feel so stuck. My only source of inspiration these days are neat blogs that I come across.
Its an itch I cant always scratch.

I (and probably everyone else!) can really notice a difference when I dont take my 5htp or my daily vitamins. Like, WOW. Stay away from me before I bite your head off!

Yeah.

While I ponder life...

Recently I've been thinking about my life and the lack of spectacular things I've done. Reading other blogs and such, to my surprise I find out that I am older than someone, and they have either started their own store, line, company, career, something awesome, etc.

I'm 28 years old, 29 this coming February. What do I have to show for my life, my accomplishments? I asked my mother this last night and she replied, "Oh, besides GIVING BIRTH AND RAISING A CHILD?!" and naturally I said, "Yeah, besides that."

I've never had a goal I've wanted or bothered to work towards. Sure there have been plenty of times I've been jealous of someone for some reason and asking myself "Why cant I do or be this?" Of course I want what I want when I want it, right now. I fail to acknowledge that people have been working hard for the things they have and do, whereas me, I havent done much. I havent wanted to BE anything. I've never 'found' myself, I've never done any other schooling since graduating high school. Honestly, back then I never thought I would have made it much past twenty, nearly certain I was going to kill myself at some point.

I've been weird and awkward since junior high, not much has changed, and now I'm nearing close to 30, and my god! I'm an adult! Now what?!
I've been seeing goal lists, '28 things before 29' for example, which I think is a wonderful idea. But I dont think my list would be very big. Just over 2 months till my birthday, I dont think I could get much done anyways. (OH hello self-doubt. Whats up?)

Will being a mom be enough for now? Things can always change, one never knows what the future will bring.

Sick.

Being sick for the past week and a half really puts a kink in things. I havent done much at all besides mope around the house with kleenex in hand.
But today we're already fed, dressed, and nearly ready to leave the house. I dont get Kid #2 till this evening, so we have the day to actually do something, and it doesnt look too horrible outside! I'm thinking the consignment store, thrift store, bank, and starbucks, in no particular order. Hubby requested a few groceries.

Oh, and we have snow.

I think I need to start decorating for Christmas soon.


img from weheartit.

Wow.

So, this time I have a good excuse for not blogging much. HAHA!
I've taken on babysitting full time. Imehjen is another girl, 2 weeks older than Sophie, her mother and I were in the same prenatal classes and such. I thought it'd be nice to help her out since she was always stuck for a good babysitter, gives Sophie and Im a buddy to hang out with everyday, and keeps me busier, and I get some money too. Its win-win all around. Its been a few days now, and the girls are getting along great, and its so entertaining to watch them, especially when they're really into playing and being silly!

Its funny, because last week I was thinking about how much stuff Sophie has (thanks to me) and how spoiled she was getting, when now that there's another kid in the house, its perfect, now there are enough toys to go around and distract them. I may need another foam chair though.



I have to admit, I do have alot of fun with them too. Last night, I turned my entire living room into a fort, with a few entrances, and I had thrown all the couch cushions on the floor and tossed a quilt over top. So the girls were rolling and falling around and generally enjoying themselves. It was super cute.

I've been a crafty, crafty girl!

After browsing camera strap covers on etsy.com lately and cringing at paying over $30 for one, I skipped downstairs and made myself this:



Purposely left scrappy looking, I simply adore it. Even though its not quite what I wanted, I may have to make myself another one day. And now a friend wants me to make her one too, and another friend may want to buy one. OH!

I finished knitting the dude toque I've been working on, and I think someone is interested in buying it. Just a couple missed stitches circled in this photo.



Apparently in Japan, the crochet earrings style is very popular. Maybe I need to get my stuff at a couple more different places in town. HRM.

I'm wearing a skirt today. Can you believe it? ME. IN A SKIRT. Maybe I'll post a picture..

I've started a 'snow day' hat, pattern taken from A Beautiful Mess for Sophie, and a crochet circle fall garland. I love the look of both, and think they would be super cute to have.

I've been doing a lot of blog browsing lately, finding some great, crafty, inspirational people, and have nicely added them to my google reader. I guess I should be leaving them comments with links to my blog, right? How else am I supposed to get myself out there and make friends?

xo, Fran.

Also..

I cut Sophie's bangs the other day. This isnt too bad right? I wonder if this could be a form of child abuse..

LOVE the look on her face here, PRICELESS.




Not my fault she wont sit still, right?

What have I been up to? Not blogging!

I've been trying to do more crafts, to stave off the looming insanity, be creative at least once a day. Sometimes if I'm lucky, I'll do a half dozen different things a day, creativity at its finest! That and taking care of the house work and The Little Miss. Well. You know where I'm going with this right?
I cant be one of those funny blogger moms! Yet.. But I did have this blog post idea all day yesterday, in which I'd write about getting felt up by the kiddo while she nurses. I'm glad we're doing the mama and baby bonding, and all that good stuff. But really? She's got to play around with the other breast too? Is it boredom? She needs some nursing entertainment? My boobs are boring!? Anyway..

Alright. I fail. But look!

Schleppy - from Crafty Mama:
Makes 49 Fast, Fabulous, Foolproof (Baby & Toddler) Projects. Which your child is supposed to instantly love, yadda yadda; Sophie just throws it away from her and couldnt care less. I did stay away from the crazy colors it called for, and used up what I had. Sigh.


Happy - from The Cuter Book by Aranzi Aronzo. Sofar Sophie likes it.


Yeah, I'm knitting a dude toque.


Painting! *lovelovelove*


I altered this boring old denim tote into this!

i LOVE this!

link here.

Sophie's Words

Its a sad day.

Today we put my cat, Turtle, down.

And as long as I don't think about it, or her, or anything else, I am ok. Whats done is done now, I cant keep arguing with myself whether or not I should have waited a couple more days, maybe she would have perked up more, maybe I would have made a difference. (See? I'm tearing up already.) And while it cant be helped, damn our lack of funds for aggressive recovery purposes. I didn't want her to suffer any more than she already was. (oh god, here it comes) Whats done is done. I love you Turtle, and goodbye.

(WAAAHHHH.. oh right, don't think.)

So, I'm not thinking. I even had a glass of wine already, and I may just have another. I may go soak in my hot tub. I may go sit outside and soak up some starlight. I may eat this black cherry frozen yogurt and continue perusing Design Sponge to distract myself with pretty things.

I hate losing a pet. I've never been good at it, and I still cry over lost pets if I think about them. They're not just pets, they're my family, my furry little children. My heart breaks for each one.

Just keep on keepin' on.

Don't think.

Feeling better, Sick cat, This and That.

I've been taking vitamins as well as Echinacea drops, and Oil of Oregano drops (which is so gross), and I feel like I'm on the mend! Wahoo!

So of course, now my cat has to get sick.

I thought it was just a hairball thing a week or two ago when I noticed it. She was trying to bring one up, but couldnt, and would just bring up spit/foam. So I bought some hairball paste and gave it to her twice a day for a few days and I thought it helped since she stopped. But now she's lost a lot of weight, I can feel her spine and hip bones when I pet her now (she used to be a big fatty), and she's so weak and can barely walk. I dont think she's eating or going to the bathroom. So I'm taking her to the vet in a couple hours, getting my MIL to babysit Sophie while I do. Lets hope its nothing serious and nothing too expensive. She's not that old, she isnt supposed to get sick on me yet!

I'm not doing much project wise, I did finish knitting a dishcloth that has been laying around for the last year. I've started a mans hat in a nice gray color, and its a great pattern.

I spent yesterday cleaning house and doing yard work! So naturally my floors are already dirty.

Oh, the futility.

And because I like to dress Sophie up and take pictures:

Sickly.

While I wasnt feeling too bad the other day, now its a full on cold. I needed kleenex today, STAT. Arent they funky boxes? Mark's worse than I am, he's got an ear ache to deal with as well. Sophie's seems to be doing better than we are, naturally.

I've replaced a picture I didnt like with these, that I mostly put together today. Its a piece of wall behind the couch, Sophie's fort area that she doesnt use much. Yet. I think itlooks much better.



Instead of markers (she's lost the purple one already, OI) today, we played with some play dough.



Also picked her up some clothes at superstore, that were mostly on sale, a pink pair of tights, and sage green colored play suit set, and a red apple pattern shirt with red shorts. Like this:

Fruit, Playdough, the 5

image from weheartit.com

Ahh, autumn. If only mine were that pretty, but no! Turn it all gray, and add rain. Lots of rain. Sigh.

Putting fruit in pretty bowls on my dining room table, has made a big difference in the amount of fruit I've been eating lately. Especially in the last few days, where I've eaten more fruit than I have in months. Before it would all sit in a drawer in the fridge and get forgotten about, which only leaves me with a mess to clean up and guilt over wasting food.
Fruit is good!

I caved in, and bought Sophie some play dough. Hey, for under $10 for a pack of 10 small jars, is pretty good I think. And the colors! I couldnt have made play dough this cool. She's really been enjoying it too, the texture, squishing it in her hands, pulling pieces off. So I'm happy she's having fun, but I'm not happy with having to search around for dough and the jars it goes in after. Hmph.

So while I've probably mentioned that I was feeling blue for a while, I'm back to taking the 5HTP and of course its working. So I'm feeling better, but then I go and catch a cold! Not a bad one (yet) but enough to exhaust and annoy me, and Sophie's got a bit of a cold as well. Here's to hoping this may be looking up.

I've been dog sitting again for the week, and while she's a great little dog and no trouble at all... I am not a dog person. Walks and stuff? Jeez.

I havent got much done with my projects lately, even though I'm still looking forward to them.

Hope you're all well.

xo, fran.

Finally Friday!

But really, it doesnt matter! As a stay at home mother, all my days tend to blend together anyways.

This morning we went to toddler time, and had fun there. We came home and I actually went out back and mowed AND weed wacked the yard. Now the grass starts growing again, after not doing much all summer. I think it got mowed once during the summer? HAH. Now the front yard.. maybe later.

I'm concerned about one of my cats, Turtle. Lately she's been more lethargic, and puking up spit/foam. She's been losing weight, is noticeably lighter, and I can feel her spine. I think a call to the vet is in order.

I've been arguing with myself lately over play dough. YES I KNOW. Crazy right? I'm down with the hip-mama, make your own stuff, yadda yadda. But some days I'm just lazy and want to go buy it instead. Especially when I'd have to go out to buy ingredients for the play dough anyways, why not just buy it? Besides I probably cant make up cool colors either.

My project for yesterday turned out to be a pair of lounge pants for Sophie, out of one of Mark's old tshirts. Not bad for a first try I think! I also got some more felt cut for the bird mobiles I want to make. Its going slowly right now.

My SIL gave me some hand-me-downs, and I'm totally loving this pair of jeans, they fit perfect, and they stretch! No more showing my bum! I LOVE them. Plus she gave me some old magazines, Elle, etc, but I think I'm going to dig these old Style At Home mags! Bye!

xo, fran.

Hi!

My SIL and her friend were over here yesterday pickling beets. Naturally I didnt really do much, seeing as I had to chase Sophie around and tend to her. But it was definatly interesting to watch, and I hope I can remember how to do it myself in the future. I tasted a fresh beet and it was delicious! It being the first home grown crop (we have a shared garden) we only got maybe half a dozen jars canned. Something is always better than nothing. SIL is also giving me another bag of clothes, which is always fun. Yay for funky hand-me-downs.

I havent done much with the website/shop in the last few weeks. I cant help it, I am totally uninspired right now. I will probably re-post the scarves, hats and what not that I still have, and see if anyone is interested. I've got the knitting itch again, and I'm currently working on a pair of toddler gloves, in hot pink. I have a beautiful ball of yarn for a nice cozy toque, when I get around to knitting it. Quite possibly some dish clothes as well. I love my knitted dish cloths.

My home decor is shifting a bit, and I'm leaning more towards 'granny-chic'. LOL. I've doilied my couch inspired from here, (hey its covering cat scratches too).
I recently bought a quilt from a thrift store for a buck. It's SO worn, it was a crazy quilt pattern, and almost all the pieces of fabric are worn away, it was outside, dirty, had some melted candy of some kind on it. But I fell in love with it. I took it home and threw it in the wash. It's even better now that its clean, and I dont mind the worn out fabric so much, there's a corner or two that is still hanging in there.


I'm also reading some SARK again. I need to be inspired and motivated.


You know those plush disney chairs, that have some character on them? Have you ever come across a craft project or whatever, where someone has recovered the chair? or sewn something over the character? Even just a soli piece of patterned fabric would be fine, I'm just getting tired of Mickey Mouse watching me all the time.

Sleepy Mornings.

I would love to be up in the early morning hours and get Sophie and myself ready for the day, running off to early toddler groups or the library, or any other bits of excitement. But you know what? I also love sleeping in (read as: getting as much sleep as I can since I'm up at various time through the night) and lounging around with cartoons, waking up nice and easy.

I was looking though etsy last night at crib sheets. CRIB SHEETS. I'm sorry but I dont want to pay more than $20, if that at all, for a crib sheet, I dont care how funky it is! So I may actually go buy some fabric in the near future and make one or two myself. Again, my quest for more colors and patterns!

Here are a couple recent pictures.

I painted her chair, this is the back of it.


The front.


Her decoupaged table.


She loves the rag rugs.

Hello Blog World!

I'll hang my head in shame. I havent been a good little blogger, have I? I wont throw excuses at you, and without getting too into it, I'll just say that I've been battling some depression, and I'm trying to over come it!

Its been a great couple days for creativity, I spent most of it decoupaging and painting some of Sophie's furniture, some old dark brown stained wood stuff, and its so pretty now. I've been thinking that my (our) lives need more color, shapes and sizes, and I'm starting small with Sophie's stuff. HEHE!

My friends from Victoria came up for the day and it was SO nice to see them again! Even though we didnt do much, its still nice to just hang out and chat. And watch Sophie be silly. Plus they brought me stuff, and bought dinner. I cant argue with that, can I! Hah.

I was looking at some kiddy programs for the season, and I could keep Sophie and myself busy all week if I wanted to! Only 2 or 3 programs would have to be paid for but it would still come to over $100. What will win out? My being cheap, or keeping Sophie entertained? HM!

A friend brought over the first season of True Blood. It's entertaining.

I made coffee today... I hope I didnt break the new coffee maker. Uhh.

xo, Fran.

Wah.

I got something in my eye this morning, and it took me a while before I could even open my eye to see at all. I can now, but my eye feels scratched or something, still somewhat irritated, and it sucks. Not a great way to start the day! This afternoon I have a doctors appointment, and I get the results of the ultrasound I had done on my cysts. Other than that, I think I'll go by the other consignment places around town and see if they'll take some clothes. I keep forgetting to zip/button up the clothes, what a silly reason not to take something.

I havent been feeling very positive these days, once again I'm stuck in a negative rut. Be it from dealing with Sophie when she's being more than a handful, lack of sleep, stress, or going stir crazy in the house. I'm not inspired to do or make much, and especially with no feedback on anything, I just assume everything I do sucks, and quit.

Anyhoo.

We had a play date yesterday and it went great! Nice fun people who could be great friends! I need to get Sophie out more, but at least the baby groups will be starting up again soon, so yay to that.

Mark and I had our 2nd wedding anniversary on monday. We havent really done much, nothing special. It's hard with no babysitter for Sophie. But wow, 2 years already!?

Been a while!

And I think I have a pretty good reason for it.

Last week, I was in Alberta with Sophie and my folks, and we were visiting my granny. It was a great trip! I almost wanted it to be a bit longer, oh well.

We've been back since last saturday, and since then its been cleaning house. Every. Day. And making some lunches, and some dinners. Two mornings in a row now I've woken up exhausted, which pretty much kills any sort of plans for the early part of the day.

Right now I'm killing time before the play group at 10:30am, and getting some blogging in while Sophie watches cartoons.

Its hard to dress myself these days. I want to wear some of my funkier stuff, but also keeping an eye on the weather and being realistic about having to chase Sophie around all the time, and staying comfortable. Sometimes I'd rather just throw on some sweat pants and a grubby tshirt, but I cant leave the house like that! Its annoying anyway. Being a mom affects so much of life's little details.

Yesterday I got a chance to get to the hospital and get an ultrasound on my cysts. I was in for the new one on my leg that hurts me, and I got the tech to check the big one on my side too. Not sure if I'll hear back on the big one as it was not requested. So lets hope for good things, right? Is it sad that I almost want something to be wrong with me? Heh.

Sophie has been teething the last couple weeks. Eye teeth and molars, oh my! So she's been pretty good about it mostly, and other times she's a real... peach. She has a thing for coloring all over herself, and sucking on the markers. Yes, I was trying to wipe the blue out of her mouth earlier. Also, every day she picks up at least a new word or two, her vocab is growing rapidly. Then she'll stop what she's doing to inspect something, and I'll tell her what its called, and she takes a few minutes to say it, and poke and prod. Like at my nose. Or my eyes.

I need to get myself in gear I think, and work on some more projects, and check if my earrings are selling or not maybe.

Come on. Lets get with it.

Going away! Far Far Away!

Yes that's right. Sophie and I are going with my folks to Alberta for a week or so, to see my Granny. Who happens to live on a little farm in the middle of nowhere, and the nearest town is an hour or more away. Talk about vacation! Must make sure I pack enough stuff/entertainment for the little monkey and myself.

I'm really looking forward to it. Getting out of this town for a while, and since we're driving as well, it'll be a really nice road trip too. I'll get to see my great great granny's house again, and hopefully have more time to dig around whatever is left there too. I love it. I think the history is so cool.

We're leaving friday, and it cant come fast enough! Must check my packing.

Crafty! - Pillowcase Dress

I just made this for my daughter, after having the pillowcases laying around for a few months already. I love that I had matching green ribbon for it!
It'll be great for the hot days in Alberta next week!





Cheers!

Eco-Friendly Friday!

Grow your own garden!

We are! Our sugar snap peas have already come and gone, and they were delicious! We have a few different varieties of tomato plants growing outside, with nice big green fruit on them already. The carrots arent doing a whole lot, I'm not sure what is going wrong there. We have parsley! We have a couple little zucchini (I think) plants. In the green house we have kale, which has gone to seed, and I've collected some already.

This is our third year of trying to garden, and this is the biggest batch of plants we've had yet. The only problem is getting outside every morning and/or night to water them!

Not All Here Right Now

Yeah, say it, I've missed more features. That I recall promising to keep up on and give my blog some interesting things to read. WELL.

Sophie is teething, and probably growth spurting again, we're playing around with the idea of potty training but I dont think she's ready just yet. I also have a trip to Alberta coming up, and I now have a week to pack.

But really? I'd rather just sit on my computer all day and play Spore. I am TIRED. I look to my dining and living room, at the constant mess from my little running tornado, and just the sight of it wears me out. Great accomplishments of the day now include getting a load of dishes done, or washing those god awful ammonia diapers.

A friend once told me that being a stay at home mom is like being a single parent, and her with her wonderful lack of children, is TOTALLY RIGHT. It is. Especially when Mark works 10 hour days, and whatever else he does. I get worn out, okay?

But I do have some projects I've been toying with. Firstly, I am knitting a rag rug doormat thinger out of Mark's old work shirts. Second, I am now working on cutting out bits of felt for the birdie mobiles, only miniature ones instead of Sophie's big one. Then, I want to make a pillowcase dress for Sophie (I know I'm a little late on the timing right? Summer being almost over and all), and possibly a doilie table runner. That is it for now, a few things to work on.

Sophie is currently totally passed out on my bed.. I think I'll go play some Spore.

OK. I forgot the Sunday feature, but you know what? It was one of those really, really lazy weekends. It was even a holiday weekend, with a parade and fireworks and whatnot, and we never did a damn thing all weekend. Which sort of bums me out because I like to go out and do stuff, get out of the house, and try to keep my sanity, but, yanno. Sometimes things dont happen.

Today I'm trying to be productive, and so far, so good. Maybe, I'll even get a workout in, if Sophie doesnt wake up.

Hello Monday.. we meet again!

Hello bloggers!

So, in the back yard we have a pile of wood under a tarp left by the former owners of the house, and this past weekend my folks were up and I had asked my dad about bashing together some benches or whatever with the wood, use it up, etc. He went poking around the pile, and then we discovered this little beauty:



A Bumble Bee hive! It took me and Google a while to figure out what kind of bees we had, Mark and I hoped it would be honey bees and then we could get it taken away without destroying the hive. BUT its Bumble, so I dont know what we need to do about it. Try to move it?

Anyhoo.. I've been working on my shop and added some baby sweaters that my MIL makes. Hoping to get more things posted soon.

Note to self: dont fiddle with filezilla! I was mucking around with it the other day and photos stopped uploading properly, I have it fixed now and need to go back to the market site and fix a few things. WHEW.

While Mark and our buddy Zach were playing guitar at the craft market, one highlight of the day was Sophie stealing $5 out of the case!

Sunday!

It's time for another round of Getting to Know YOU with MannLand5.com!

1. Thong or Granny Panties? I prefer boy shorts.

2. If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him? depends on the guy

3. Spanx or no Spanx? what is 'spanx' anyway?

4. Do you sleep in your sheets? doesn't everyone, why else do you put them on your bed?

5. What is your favorite Disney character? the grumpy old man from UP

6. Dream vacation spot? hawaii could be nice..

7. What is your dream job? I've got it, being a stay at home mom! now if only i could get paid..

8. Who is your hero and why? today its my friend Carley, who just spread her mom's ashes today in Denmark. she's been through alot of stuff, things i couldnt imagine. i wish i could be strong like she is.


Come join in at MannLand5.com!

Ec-Friendly Friday!

Hello folks! Time for the friday blog post! (I missed wednsday, sorry!)

Recycled Fabric Jewelery!

This one I've been having a lot of fun with lately! I've accumulated a bunch of scrap fabric, some that was left in the house from previous owners, some that I've been hauling around from different projects, and some from the scrap fabric bin at Walmart.

I've been making flower brooches, which are pretty quick to make, and come out beautifully! I love the worn and scrappy look of them, the uniqueness of each piece, and my expanding color varieties. The vintage buttons are so pretty! I'm so looking forward to making some tie dye pieces!

I've started selling them locally now, and they will be in my shop as well! Arent they cute?!

I'm also branching out a bit more and making some hair accessories as well, so keep an eye out for those too!

Have a wonderful day!

xo, Fran.

Oh Sunday.

That means it's time for another round of Getting to Know YOU with MannLand5.com!

1. If you had to choose a country to live in besides USA (or the country you live in), which would it be? I've never actually thought about this before.. not sure.

2. Which would be worse, wearing flip flops in the snow or wearing gloves in the summer? flip flops in the snow.

3. Fried or Bake and why? bake, because its healthier.

4. If you were an entertainment reporter, which celeb would you love to interview and why? Gerard Butler. mmmm.

5. What was your favorite book as a preteen/teenager? probably when i discovered poppy z brite's Lost Souls.

6. List your top 3 guilty pleasure television shows. So You Think You Can Dance, America's got talent & billy the exterminator.

7. What bumper sticker slogan best describes you/your attitude/your life? Sanity is back-ordered. Sarcasm is in unlimited supply.

8. If you were to join a circus - what performer would you be? err.. i'll get back to you on that one.

My inner teenager rears her emo head.

Like the title of this blog post says, my inner teenager popped out yesterday, and I suddenly felt a need for new clothes that look good and fit my body, and the need to be zit free.

I took Sophie for a walk to the mall since I needed to go pick up a book anyways, and headed into Bootlegger, and LO! they were having a 50% off sale. I picked up 2 tank tops, 2 tshirts on sale, and a pair of $40 shorts. Firstly, the shorts are a size 30, and they're big, heaven forbid I be a size 29, or 28 even! I see another pair in the future. I have been in need of longer tshirts, after having Sophie. Bigger boobs, and post-baby belly, DEMANDED that I get new shirts! $85 later, (darn you HST!) and I look good. Ish.






I try to be more mindful of the chemicals and crap in some products that go on my skin and in my body, and I've been trying to use better alternatives for skin care. But they suck. Especially with my oily skin. I'm almost 30 (I quickly wipe away a tear here) and I feel like I'm back in my teens. The acne hasnt been horrible, but its enough to annoy me. So I caved and bought some Neutrogena Deep Clean.



When I used this product before, years ago, I had very happy results. Good Guide gives it a 5.6 rating, so it's only halfway bad for you. I've been using it for a few days now, so we'll see what happens.

Eco-Friendly Friday!

A new feature I'm going to try and stick with, giving you some eco tips, or neat ideas I find online, and such. I try to be as green and eco-friendly as I can, (and afford!); I love looking at all the 'green' books in bookstores that all tell me the same thing over and over. Shop with reusable bags! Ditch disposables! Turn off your lights! I like finding a *new* idea, something I havent read or heard of before. I've used the Facebook application "I Am Green" and its a great way to discover new things, and keep track of all you do. Personally, I do a lot. I'll have to list it all here one day, just so you can be in awe of my awesomeness. HAH!

So here's my first tip: reusable produce bags.





I HATE plastic bags, and I especially HATE all those little produce bags that accumulate in your cupboards. I've seen recently that in different grocery stores they are using biodegradable bags now, recyclable, etc. That is good to see. Myself, I bought reusable mesh produce bags from Thrifys, and loved them.. until I lost most of them. I can only find 2.
OH WOE.
I'll have to buy some more.

Blog Ideas!

I recently stumbled across a post about blogging tips for bloggers, and it really got me to thinking about mine, and what I want to do with it, and where I want it to go. I would love to be one of those blogs that people like to read, have some interesting content, do giveaways, polls, whatever else. I already have 4 followers (i love you!) so I've been thinking of what else to do.

One tip was to leave out any negativity, and from now on I'm going to try real hard to do just that! Sympathy only lasts so long, and makes people leave. Another was to do weekly features, and I've been trying to think of idea for it, I've been trying to do the "Getting To Know You" feature on sundays, and I was also thinking of doing a "Things I Love" on wednsdays, and maybe an "Eco-Friendly Friday" feature. I think these I could pull off, and that is three features a week, which I think is pretty good.

Also, I need to post more, and leave other bloggers comments! Which I never do.. I am the Queen of Lurkdom. Time to get out there and make some friends.

In other news, I will be selling some earrings and brooches through the local baby consignment store! I made a pretty display stand, and I'm making some more earrings as well. I need to get down to my sewing maching and make some more brooches as well! I just need a name, and I am still trying to work that one out. If I can use my 'xoxaine' name somehow, then I can still use my .com site later on if I need to! I was thinking that I could make a 'xoxaine' stamp, and then I'd be able to stamp the back of each paper backing and sort of be more professional.

Ideas?

WOW.

The dog hair that has accumulated after dog sitting for a couple days!! SHEESH. I finally got around to some good cleaning today, but I flaked out on washing the floors.

I took Sophie to the water park today, and she wasnt so interested in it like I thought she might be. Sure she liked it when I picked her up and tossed her through some water, but otherwise, not so much.

I stopped by Podlings today and they're interested in selling my earrings and brooches, so today I whipped up a nicer looking display that will hopefully do its job. And if I use the name "xoxaine" I can still use my .com site later if needed.

I've had a throbbing headache all evening, but I'm dealing with it.

I'm looking forward to friends coming up this weekend, and some more wonderful meals and learning how to cook them. Mark couldnt find the Ps2 Singstar 90s game that I want, so I'll have to take a look around. I love our drunken karaoke!

Here's my little ham:

So tired today.

I dont know what it is, pollen that came down in the wind or something, but i'm SO so so tired today. My FACE is tired. My eyes are heavy, I have no energy at all, and I am barely keeping myself from crawling into bed and napping. I hate days like this, it is so hard to get anything done. All I've been doing so far is lurking around online, and reading the first Harry Potter book. I did manage to drag Sophie and I out to meet Mark for lunch today, and I swear I could totally live off of Thai food. Yum.

Unfortunately I just missed out on a chance to get the ultrasound on my leg done today, since I have Sophie with me. I have cysts that ache and bother me, and need it checked out. I guess I could have quickly called around for a babysitter, but oh well. Another day.

I made my first potato salad the other day, only because I had to use up some cooked potatoes, hah.

Ahh, back to Harry Potter I think.

xo.

remembering.

Sunday!

It's Sunday...that means it's time for another round of Getting to Know YOU with MannLand5.com!


1.If you had $5000.00 to spend on plastic surgery what would you have done? I'd get a cute little nose, and maybe some fat off my midsection, ass, and thighs. lol.

2. Do you watch Soap operas and if so what is your favorite and why? I used to watch Another World years ago. I dont remember why.

3. Favorite clothing brand? nah.

4. An afternoon shopping spree at your favorite store or maid service for a year? ohhh.. tough call..

5. would you ever vajazzle? WHAT?

6. Favorite Disney Princess? Belle I think.

7. Last movie that made you bawl your eyes out? Eek! Um.. Time Travelers Wife

8. Have you ever broken any bones and if so what? my right wrist: tripped and fell while roller skating, and landed wrong. My left thumb: slammed it in a truck door.

Okay, now it's your turn... play along at MannLand5.com!

oi.

i know i havent been blogging as much as i'd like to. i'd love to be one of those people with new and interesting stuff to blog about, and have giveaways and other such fun stuff. but i'm honestly not up to it, yet. i'm tired. varying degrees of depressed, and i am my own worst critic, i never think anything i may have is good enough. i'm busy taking care of sophie, and trying to take care of myself, but life always has its down moments, and they seem to be plenty. i can almost forget what its like to be happy and have fun. i usually have something in the works, or on my mind at least, and i even have a craft table for the summer market. i've been making some adjustments to things, and working on my display, so wish me luck. if anyone does read my blog, comments of well wishes and such would be wonderful.

xo.

here i am!

OK, so I know I havent been blogging much, but I can honestly say that life has been busier than normal, and it is totally getting in the way.

This past saturday was Mark's turn to be in charge of the craft market, so I figured I'd set up my stuff and see what happens. The day went fine, I got a lot of compliments and looks, but only sold one brooch and a baby sweater, so only $15 profit for myself. My arms and parts of my neck are sun burnt. Sophie ended up with hyperthermia that evening, which made for a very long night. She's been off and on since, but I think there's also some teething with the amount of drool she's putting out. She seems to be getting better now.

Last week we went down to Nanaimo for the day, and we went to Jysk and picked up a new dining room table, and a big rag rug, which I absolutely love, and put it under the new table. I keep seeing Sophie laying under the table, so I think we need to get another rug!

Last night Sophie was playing atop the stairs and threw herself off balance, and went down head first. Mark was able to leap up from where he was standing by the front door, and caught her. She didnt get hurt, besides scaring herself and us. Thank goodness. I think the whole ordeal gave me another few gray hairs. Sigh.

Not much else has been going on besides the never ending house cleaning. This afternoon was a productive one, as I got in a workout, mowed the back yard, weedwacked a bit, and did some weeding. I made an awesome smoothie and dinner tonight, and am most proud of myself. Because I rarely cook dinner. LOL.

Smoothie:
3 peeled kiwis
1 c roughly blueberry yogurt
1 tbsp honey
1 c roughly almond milk
fill to top of blender with spinach.

YUM!

Dinner:
sliced green pepper, carrot, green onion, celery, zucchini fried with braggs sauce and tahini, mix in cooked rice.

YUM YUM!

Update.

Dont you love my new doily layout? I do!

Let's see. I cant honestly recall anything blog worthy for the past week. Life was there, days went by, etc etc.
I've been on roller blades a few times now, trying to get used to them, and get back in shape, since Mark is learning to roller skate again. We switch off walking with Sophie, so we both get some exercise in.

Our garden is coming up nicely, only one tomato plant has been chewed on, and I had to cut back some rose bushes or whatever they are so another plant could get more sun. Did yard work, which is always good. There's a garter snake that live in our backyard, and while I'm not scare of it, it startles me every time I come across it when it starts slithering away.

I rearranged some furniture in the house, trying to make it nicer upstairs, and getting rid of small headaches. I had Mark move our dinning room table downstairs (his game table anyways, old and stained, etc) and all his gamer junk as well. I kicked the saturday night gamers downstairs, they can have their own room and washroom and such, and it worked out perfect for everyone. Now we need a new table to eat at! Hopefully I can find something nice.
Also moved my computer desk so Sophie can crawl across it and wreck anything. Yay.

Housework, washed the floor and whatnot. I kept seeing a smear of god knows what across the floor and it was really starting to get to me. HAH.

I've been busy working on our craft market web page lately, which is going well. See it here: Http://cvmarketsquare.ca

I've almost got my craft table ready to go, something to work on this week. Hopefully I can make some cash one of these days.

I've been trying to do more research on my family tree, with some success, but I can only do so much online. Especially when I need info from Ontario and other far away places.

Sophie's doing more new things, which both terrifies me and makes me proud. I had a friend the other day tell me she's not a baby anymore, she's like a little kid already. I could just cry. LoL. Sigh.



Sophie says: "Daaaaaaad, gimme your keeeeeeys!"

Sunday Sunday Sunday.

(Whoa I havent blogged in a week!)

Its Sunday, which means another round of 'getting to know you! by mannland5.com! Grab the picture, and join on in. Its fun. Really.

1. If a person has a booger in their nose. and you can see it, do you tell them? If its someone i know, sure..

2. What are you passionate about? Hard to tell these days..

3. How long have you been blogging?Too long, and its never very interesting. :P

4. What is your favorite "summer" drink? iced tea.

5. What is your favorite type of music? Almost all, and it depends on the mood.

6. Something I do before I go to bed is......? Take my happy pill.

7. My Summer vacation plans are...? I dont have any yet. :P

8. My favorite must have, can't live without, beauty product is? chap stick /lip gloss!!

Another round of..

It's Sunday!

1. Have you ever snooped around someone else's house?

Oh sure.. lol!

2. Can guys and girls be friends?

In a perfect world.. :P

3. Can you curl your tongue?

Yes!

4. Have you ever stolen anything?

Nope!

5. Would you rather talk on the phone or text?

Text/type. I'm awkward on phones. :P

6. Memorial Day plans?

No.

7. What do you do to relax?

Veg out on my computer, or lounge in the hottub!

8. Do you do anything to honor those that have died fighting for our freedom?
I live.