love and repurpose.

On one of my thrifting trips I happened to spot a lovely quilt. It wasnt the cleanest of stores, and sure the quilt was dirty, had some candy stains on it (even a candy too I recall, yuck!), some dog hair, and it was pretty ratty looking. But all I saw were the colored bits of fabric, and the stitching. I tentatively touched a clean spot when I found one, and it was soft.

I think I paid a dollar for it.

I washed it up, and have been using it since. I love it. I've had it on my daughter's bed, I've had it on my couch, and happily wrapped around myself.

Funny thing is, my mother *hates* it. Thinks I should toss it since it is so ratty looking.

Well I've had it folded up and put away for the last few months, until today when I saw someone else's AWESOME post about something similar, and it inspired me. I hauled out this quilt, and one of the body pillows we've had in storage, (Why does stuff that's been stored always smell? Gag).

I sewed up the quilt to be one big pillow case, perfect for my daughter's twin bed. I still love it, and I hope she does too. You too, mom.)

Pretty.

Just do it.

Blog because you love it. Not because you want this many followers or this kind of reputation.

This is what I hear, and it totally helps to hear this on a constant basis. I too find myself getting anxiety over silly things like "my blog isnt as cool at that one!" and such. Just blog. Just do it.

So I will. Try to anyways.

This past weekend Mark and I scooted away to Victoria. Its nice to just get away from Courtenay, away from the house and the daily life. I got to do a bit of shopping and hang out with my dad. We had an awesome dinner and visit with an awesome couple we know. We had to make a stop in Nanaimo because Sophie was getting pretty upset in her seat, and we made plans to meet up with another couple of friends, and good times were had by all.

My Harry Potter obsession is rearing its head these days, and in the past couple of weeks I've made Sophie the Harry Potter costume for Halloween she's asked me for. The works. I'm even going as a Gryffindor student. I also made a Deathly Hallows necklace, wanted poster, mauraders map, and spell book. My stop in at Chapters yesterday had me leaving with the Harry Potter Poster Book.

Yay!

I feel a need...

to CREATE! The last couple of days have had my hands twitching, my brain in overload, and some serious stalking of Pinterest's craft pins. I've been on an awesome roll with making things that are fun and even sometimes useful. The only thing I've noticed is that I can usually get a project done in less than a day, and a great example would be yesterday, where I finished THREE projects. I don't usually need or want multiples of each item, and I can't always rely on Sophie to play with the things I make for her. At least she humors me with a "Oh mom, thanks so much! This is great!".... before she puts it down and plays with something else.

Octopus based on a free pattern found online.

So today I'm wishing that I had a fan/client/buyer base that would be interested in buying my stuff. It would put my growing skills to good use, give me great practice, money to buy more materials, and all that jazz. I once tried to do a craft market when I had an 'in' with the people in charge. I think I was set up for a couple of hours, but I also had my small daughter to take care of and my hubs wasn't into helping me out that day. I got really discouraged and angry, and never bothered again. I once set up a Facebook group, got a bunch of likes from friends, but never sold anything. I once had a little stand in a shop with some crochet earrings, but the only 2 sets that sold were to the ladies who worked there.

Harry Potter inspired magic wants via Pinterest.

Not that I wish to be a huge internet renowned success or anything, but, something would be nice. I like making things for people, and I like it when they or their kids like the product too. Once in a blue moon I'll get a commission for something, and its usually some of my best work. Even all of that, is a hard thing to even think of when I don't know many people on a good friendly basis in the first place, online or in life. Cant count on family either, we are unfortunately too few, and out of touch.

Crochet princess crown, free pattern here.

So here's to hoping and trying not to give up. Maybe I'll make that Facebook page again, start blogging again, nag at people to buy things, and glue a big happy smile on my face so they'll go for it. Maybe try to pimp my goods somewhere, maybe even start an Etsy shop! But, as with most things, I dont know how long this crafty spell will last, how long I'll want to bother with any of this for, how much more work I'll need to bother with if I'm selling anything online (shipping, packaging, etc).

Recycled wool slippers, no pattern, suede bottoms, hand cut and sewn.

All the pictures posted here, are the projects I started and finished in a two day span. Peace out. <3

on potty training

I LOVE how quickly Sophie has taken to using the potty. Sure, a number of accidents here and there but she's getting better, and I am so proud of her. Already noticeable is the lack of diaper reek in the bathroom, and a smaller garbage load for the week. Her latest pack of boy short style panties are SO. CUTE.
We're still using pullups at night time obviously. Also having another potty trained kiddo around the house every day is a huge help, as they tend to make bathroom trips together. Good thing I had two potties already. Outings are getting better as well, as Sophie tells me when she feels the need to go, whether she does anything or not. Sometimes I think she's playing games with me.
I have the book "How to potty train in one day!" and I think I only ever got a few pages in. Sophie finally clued in to it all around her 3rd birthday. For a while I was rewarding her with M&M's, and I've slowly been moving away from that.
Mark mentioned he hopes to have them using the toilet in a week, and just keep a little stool in there for them, and get the potties out of the house. (He has a habit of stubbing is toes on the mini land mind of potties, cleaning caddy, and stool that I leave in the bathroom. HAH!) Baby steps I think. Baby steps. Also? THANK GOD that I still have the diaper sprayer attached to the toilet. YouknowwhatImean?
So what am I not digging? Or rather, what is totally grossing Mark out? (HAHA!) It is the "Come and see!" side of it. No one wants to see it kiddo. Not even Grandma. Thanks.

In LaLa Land

I'll admit it, I'm pretty much in sweet sweet love with the Lalaloopsy dolls. Our little collection consists of 3 big dolls, a little, the mouse plush, and a dozen or so mini's that live in a Fisher Price doll house. I've also picked up outfits, the new movie, and a cute little drawing book. I'm pondering how much Sophie actually likes them (not as much as I, me thinks!) and if I want to buy more or not. It's silly, I know. I'm 30 and still collecting cute dolls. Sue me?

Ahh, but here she and they are, watching the ceiling clouds in her bedroom. Love.

I hate the tiny bits of extra stuff that come with the mini's, as my OCD kicks in when something goes missing, and it drives me bonkers. The mini furniture packs are fun though. I've got my eye on the camping mini. HAH.
Sophie's been great with all of them, not much lost or broken, even though she's just turned three, and has had all these dolls for a while now.

I love the different colors and patterns, the stories behind each doll. In my internet searches I know there are plenty more accessories and junk to go with everything, so god help my wallet. Guess I'll ask the boss first, yeah?

Goodness!

Where have I been? Being my homely little house wife self, that's what! As it so happens, I have nothing of importance to note. Holidays happened, good times were had, hobbies continued, people were seen.

All is well with the world.

This one keeps me on my toes.

This is my new favorite hat, from a free pattern that I found online. I've tried it a few slightly different ways, seeing what works, and what doesnt. I've also tried a big slouchy, that I'm not sure how I feel about yet. I've been crocheting more these days, trying my hand at different hats and styles. Keeping house and raising the kidlet keep my days content. And I so love the people I've been hanging out with. They save me from the insanity that lurks in the dusty corners of my quiet house.
I've taken up pot smoking.
I've taken up fun.
Trying to start some new habits, but old ways are much easier. I've lost the attention span to sit down and read a book, or perhaps I just havent picked up the right one yet. Either way, I miss reading.

Birthdays are looming in the near future, and I have no idea what to do. SIGH. Here, read this.

i thrifted...

again! oh, how i love a nice successful thrift!

another beautiful blanket with nice pops of color! i think i'll keep this one on my computer chair, since i'm right beside the patio door to the deck. BR!
these wonderfully broken in vans that FIT! a couple cuties for myself sophie, and some bigger clothes for her as well.

yay!

I am back.

*dusts off blog* With a sudden need to get out of the house this evening, I bundled Sophie up and we moseyed over to the thrift shop, open late on fridays, and found these. Love.

Then we picked up some Chinese food and orange juice, and came home. <3

Hello Again.

While life isnt always as boring and uneventful as I usually make it out to be, its hard to remember the good fun moments, or even to put much meaning or significance behind them.

This morning Sprout and I went to our Gym Tots class and had a lot of fun. She's one of the older kids there, and this week had more kids in the class, so there was more fun and learning to be had. Sprout actually had more fun with swinging on the rings, the bars, balance beams and trampolines! I was quite impressed, as I was feeling iffy on the class this go around for some reason.
My friend Sev and her daughter K came over in the afternoon and we ended up going for a wonderfully lovely walk to the air park, around it, and back. So good to get out of the house and away from screens, especially when the weather is still nice!
This evening I was pleased to receive a phone call letting us know we got into the Mother Goose program at the rec center! Good thing I put our name on the 12 person wait list, yowza! I was looking at my planner, and we've got something to do every single day during the week! Fabulous! We've also started going to a new tot group, tomorrow will be our second visit, and we both really enjoyed it last week.

Last night I tried my hand at some kool-aid play dough. It was a success! Nice and pink! I managed to find some used play dough accessories the other day, so we hauled those out, and the play dough out of the fridge, and Sprout had a great time. She pretended the play dough was a baby, feeding it, carrying it, and I even heard her talking to it. She even put every thing away after I asked her too! Hurrah!
This evening, in another attempt to keep her away from her tv, we painted some rocks together, and it was pretty fun. I'm on a mission to try toddler friendly fun new things!

Sprout had a good day.

hard lessons.

training myself to stop getting excited about anything. too many disappointments.

my life in pictures.

Mark's had this little Ikea table for ever, and I finally gave it some love, pistachio green style.

This owl figure used to just be a worn out black, now she's pretty again.

My little deck table went sun yellow, but I think I need to cut the legs down still, it wobbles a lot.

I painted some pretty backgrounds the other night.

My new fun shelf, still needs some pretty papers mod podged to it I think.

One side of Sophie's new doll house.

The other side.

A different view. See? Made with two side table drawers. Awesome right?

The Scrappy Bunnies I sewed up for Easter.

Oh look. Its me.

That about sums it up nicely. When I have time to craft/create, I do it. Otherwise you can find me chasing after toddlers and looking for inspiration online.
Now? I have two issues of Cloth Paper Scissors to peruse through.
<3
Be well.

A Rainbow Birthday Party

We had Sophie's 2nd birthday party this past weekend rather than her actual birthday, the 30th. My folks came up, and usually its easier to get people out on a weekend. Unless there is another birthday party the same day. I was a little bummed out with all the "No" replies to the invite, but it ended up just about perfect anyways.



Being a rainbow theme, it was pretty easy to decorate, and I had lots of fun doing so. I painted rainbows and hung them from the dining room chandelier, bought colored streamers and hung them across and down from a couple of tables. A few other party favors in rainbow colors, paper garlands, fabric buntings, my dad came home with a bunch of balloons. It was great, so wonderfully colorful and happy! Even the toddler dishes that I bought from Ikea were already colors of the rainbow, so I put them out as well, and I also bought a little wooden rainbow toy that Sophie played with after.



There were six toddlers including Sophie and they all got along pretty well, thankfully, not bad for a bunch of two year olds! They played, adults chatted, and as usual I ran around getting things done and taking pictures. My dad made a great carrot cake and the kids loved the cream cheese icing most of all, lol. Sophie actually blew out her candles too.



Sometimes its good I find such great things for cheap, the kids had lots to play with, even if they did have to share and take turns!



Sophie got a nice new bike from my folks, she can even reach the pedals already even if she doesnt know how to move her legs on them yet. Now she just needs a helmet.



Her actual birthday is tomorrow. I cant believe she's TWO. <3

Birthday!

On the first I turned 29. I had a few days off from babysitting so Mark and I took advantage of it. Saturday last week we got a wonderful babysitter for Sophie and had an amazing dinner out, and saw Black Swan.



Awesome movie, equal parts of strange and uncomfortable, and keeps you guessing. It was so nice to be child free for a few hours. Our evening was quiet and pleasant! But you know what would be nice? Having a birthday where I DONT have any kind of health issue. Really. It would be super to feel totally great on a birthday. :P

On the Sunday we had a super yummy breakfast at Tarbell's in Cumberland before driving down to Nanaimo for an hour. I needed to oogle some books and I actually bought 3 and a mag, and a couple things from Micheal's as well. These books are awesome, with some very cute projects in them. I have a TON of fabric I need to start doing something with. The Stuffed mag is SO inspiring! I was looking at the Happiness Project book for a while, finally its in soft cover! I also thrifted 'the no-cry discipline solution' which better be good.



I picked up some glow in the dark bracelets for Sophie since the kids LOVE playing with them, and a little green plastic bucket for my Ponyo Project. I'm kind of determined to make Sophie a little felt Ponyo stuffie for her birthday. I'm almost certain she'll crap herself with joy, HAHAHA!

My folks were up this weekend and surprised me with Journal Bliss and I LOVE IT! Now I just need some alphabet stamps and I think I'll be set for a while.. LOL. They also gave me a little Valentines present, and a few things for Sophie. My mom and I seem to be on the same sort of wave length these days with the things we buy, and think of. Its always oddly funny when that happens. It was great to see them as always, and Sophie loves her grandparents.

It was a great birthday. There's been A LOT of assorted shopping and thrifting, and I've been finding wonderful things! I found some totally cute packaging tape for $0.88 a roll! Three different prints, and I bought two rolls of each, but I may have to go back and buy more.. they're so cute! Right now I'm very much into polka dots! I now have a polka dot shirt, mug, plate, snack bag, ribbons, and fabrics. Sophie is also spoiled, hahaha. She now has 3 different ride on cars. (omg, i know right?!) But then everything gets shared with the other kiddo as well, so.



Here's my cheeky lil' kid. I cant believe she's almost TWO. <3

oh my!

FINALLY I'm feeling inspired and creative!!

Only after finding such awesome blogs/web pages/techniques that hit me hard enough.

Violette is the author from Journal Bliss, who's book I NEED! Finally I'm inspired to work on an art journal, that I've already started, and I've been busily cutting words and images out of magazines, and painting some pages.



Teesha Moore and her blog.
I watched her videos on quilted pillows, and so far I've made 3! I love it! Today I picked up more thrifted fabric for some more sewing fun.


not my photo, just an example!

Otherwise life continues on as usual. Lots of hanging out with toddlers and assorted kiddo activities. I've taken over the dining room table with all the stuff I've been working on lately. Earlier tonight Sophie and I played dress up and I got her wearing her big tutu, wings, other frilly bits, her hair in cute little pigtails, and necklaces! The pretties little fairy princess I ever did see! Photos to post another time. <3

Oh, and its my birthday on tuesday.

Hello!

Its been a while, again, hasnt it?

Christmas went really well here. My folks came up, and helped me cook Christmas dinner, which we held here. Mark's family came over and everyone enjoyed everything, and went home happy, and I dont think I could have asked for anything more. Sophie enjoyed her presents though still isnt sure what Christmas is all about. We all got a nice haul. Hehe.

We held a small New Years party here, and had some friends come over. Mostly general schmoozing and a bit of karaoke. Mark even stayed upstairs and sang! I was completely impressed. I managed to thrift a cute little vintage looking dress a few days prior, so I dressed up for the party. Why bring in the New Year looking like a schmo? I felt pretty, and looked great! I may even dress up more often now.



This weekend we had a couple friends come up, who we havent seen in 6 months or so. We had a lot of fun, with karaoke, scrabble, and child minding. They being newly married and childless, admittedly use us as a buffer to help decide what age a child they're going to adopt later on. They were amazed at how I handle two toddlers and the trouble they get into. Yesterday morning before my #2 toddler showed up, we left Sophie at home with Mark, and went out for breakfast, and some wandering around downtown. Some much needed 'adult time' for myself which I *SO* very appreciated. It was wonderfully laid back and peaceful, we were able to take our time doing things and looking around. I managed to thrift a small SARK print, and a cute jean skirt that will go great with my cowboy boots in the spring. I also bought the last Harry Potter book, and got a tarot reading done which was very cool and insightful. I took notes!



I've also been reading through the Harry Potter books, and right now I've just started the Half Blood Prince. I love the books! All the little details that were never mentioned in the movies. Its great!

We've got birthdays coming up! I'm not sure what to do for any of them either.
It's been a fairly good time. I realize I need more 'adult' or 'me' time.

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.