Thursday, November 19, 2009

Baby Ava Lynn is Here!

There is a new arrival in my family... and when I say family I mean my friends, you know, the family you choose :)
Friends of mine just had a healthy baby girl!!! It seems to be the year that SO many of my circle are getting married and having babies!! Super exciting, with my own emotions being on a pregnant rampage, the tears just subsided now. Tears of joy of course! I am ecstatic for them!





Here in honor of their new baby I felt the need to make and post a new item that I've started to make.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

9 weeks to go!



Seems like only weeks ago I was ecstatic to share my news with the world. Now there are only 9 weeks left. I love that I am now counting down instead of up!


some days when I think of the excitement to come, I'm not sure 9 weeks is long enough to prepare, other days I wish it was tomorrow!!

I've been crafting like crazy mostly for the nursery, and apparently neglecting my blog in doing so. The handmade mobile and curtains were fun...working on a quilt now, so pics of that coming soon! Along with complete nursery photos, we hope to be done decorating in the next few weeks!


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Pearl Jam!






Another amazing summer concert brought to you by Eddie Vedder, Mike Mcready, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament and Matt Cameron! Yesterday was such a treat, bad weather was looming all week but held off on Friday night for a wonderful day and gorgeous evening. Hubby and I took off work early to head into Toronto just after lunch. After a failed attempt to get a sweet spot to park, back to Younge st we went to our fave go to downtown parking lot and took a $12 taxi to Ontario place. (We realized later the GO train would have been better but...our excited brains weren't thinking I guess) It was bustling due to opening day of the Toronto EX or CNE and the concert later that night across the st. I think there was a ballgame that night too so the city certainly was bustling!
We picked up our fan club tickets and went into Ontario Place to kill some time wandering and sitting at a nice little waterfront patio. We met a couple friends at this point and chatted with a really cool backdrop behind us!
Here other fan club members gathered from all over the place to not so patiently wait for the stage performance we were all anxious for. We didn't have to wait that long as Eddie graced us with a 2 song acoustic set, both Neil Young songs...Cinnamon Girl and The Needle and the Damage Done. Eddie told us at this point that one of the members from the opening band had border crossing troubles and wasn't able to make it! More Pearl Jam performance for us!!!!! Mike Mcready came out to do 2 cover songs, Stone came out for a song and then Jeff and Eddie came out to play Bee Girl for us :) Here's the article from SPIN online. The band played an awesome mix of fave songs and entertained us while having fun doing it! Eddie sipped from his bottle of wine and had a couple cigs during Mikes awe inspiring guitar solos.
After the spectacular performance we found our friends again and waited for taxi while watching the CNE bustle in front of us. Lights and shreeks coming of Exibition ride terror kept us entertained for about 45 min until a cab stopped upon our frantic flagging. Back to the car and a 1hr and 1/2 drive home to Peterborough got us home about 2:30 a.m. sooooooooo worth it, but needless today I've been lazy!
All in all the show was FANTASTIC and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it!
I love you Eddie Vedder ;)

Sunday, July 26, 2009

♪♫♪♫What's Going on ♪♫♪♫

Here's my update, I feel like it's been a long time, but there isn't a whole lot new...
1) First ultrasound or sonogram if your American I guess :)-- FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC! I cannot explain the feeling of seeing your babies heartbeat before you even get to meet the little one! The baby dr. had to go deliver a baby mid-wait, so we were there for 4 hrs. Normally I would leave but I wasn't about to re-schedule for a day when hubby would'nt be able to make it with me. So 1st trimester is behind me and ready to move on to the next. I can't wait to meet the wee one!

2) New Haircut! YAY




3) Latest pieces- Copper and Sterling silver are the metals of choice. Hand cut, textured, oxidized, drilled all by lil' ol' me & at the expense of my tender fingertips. They hurt from all the metal of late
It's not just beauty that is pain, making beautiful things is painful too
.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Forever and a day

WOW its been forever and a day! We are in our new place! painted cleaned top to bottom and pretty much settled. whew big sigh of relief. We feel very comfortable here and it already feels like home!!! The kitchen is light yellow with red accents and the living room is a soft beige on 2 walls and gorgeous blue on the other two walls. Bathroom is gray simply because the existing tiles were black and gray. All accents are teel, brown, white and black. Quite sharp looking! I am currently making white nearly sheer curtains for the bathroom. I've never had a window in my bathroom before nor the kitchen for that matter, I am loving the light in my new home! Its so bright and that makes it feel very spacious, yet lived in and homey. Friends gave me a big chalk board and I have painted the trim deep red...delicious juicy apple red. The bedroom is the same beige we used in the living room (cost effective and a very nice rich color) am currently looking for a divine sage color material to make curtains for that room. My search for fabric does not stop there either. I am in desperate need (ok want) of a white and red damask print for my kitchen window...nothing to heavy though. Light and airy tra la la is much nicer.

The baby progress is very fun for me and hubby!!! I am just 11 weeks and still feeling very tired and nauseated. That is my excuse for not blogging lately, that and the move of course. My belly has popped and I've already had to go shopping for maternity clothes! I love 2nd hand and vintage shopping as it is, so it has been fun treasure hunting for a different sort of fashion.

Mom's dollhouse is nearly complete and looking adorable! She has moved on to the inside decor and is coming up with all sorts of creative ways to make her own furniture, carpets and kitchen appliances!!! I owe and thank her for my creative gene, thanks mom!
ta ta for now.
happy belated Canada Day hoped all you Canadians enjoyed you day yesterday!!!
Stay tuned for belly photos and new curtain photos :D so excited!!!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

An almost complete dollhouse



Mom's dollhouse is a masterpiece! Complete with family dog and little handmade fern plants. I must get my creativity from her. The tips of plastic life size ferns were clipped and glued into tiny pots. Now they are miniature porch plants! Too freaking adorable! Dad was a good helper and painted (it is his profession after all...well, life size painting) Now we're on to the electrical. It is going to look stunning all lit up from the inside. After lights are installed then we can really dive into the decorating! Stay tuned...

Saturday, May 16, 2009

BIG BIG news

I AM PREGNANT!!! I found out a couple days ago that my amazing hubby and I are expecting... expecting what I am not sure since this will be our first. Expecting poopy diapers, tears, laughter etc etc etc.
I feel the need to tell everyone about it too. I'm sure this is quite inappropriate but I have never been more thrilled about something in my life.
I suppose the little dolly house from The little dollhouse co. my mom is making might be the first of two (if it's a girl)
So far there is a wee bit of heartburn, but mainly just exhaustion... I guess I better get used to it!

I was also a featured seller in my metalsmiths in action MSIA team on Etsy! This is exciting news for me also since, I had just been feeling like I was neglecting my teammates. I promise to be a more dedicated team member from now on. I will also make more pieces since I am feeling quite inspired!
I promise pictures next time (mom has my camera for her dollhouse progress).

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Baaaaad Cold gooood stoup!

Well I'm blogging on the couch on a borrowed laptop. Ahhhhhh the freedom!!! I know how long overdue this update is...bad blogger slap my wrist would ya! I have had a super bad cold and been doing nothing but watching movies. As nice and relaxing as that sounds, come on think about it, you know how much it sucks to be sick! I made a really yummy hopefully healer of a stoup this week. I think it was Rachel Ray that coined the phrase stoup, not quite soup, not quite stew.
Here it is with very rough quantities. Just use what you have on hand, you really can't go wrong with this one.

Big Big pot.
Saute 1/2 a large onion & 2 cloves of garlic in a bit-o-extra virgin olive oil.
add a while green pepper
1/2 package of veggie ground ("turkey" or tofurkey if you like that term better :)
a couple big carrots
1/2 a small-ish cabbabe
2 cans diced tomatoe
italian seasoning
couple squirts hot sauce
after simmering for a couple hours (or longer) add some egg noodles simmer another 10 min or so and remove from heat.
Freezes really nicely for lunches! mmmmmmmmm

Monday, April 27, 2009

New vigor for being Vegetarian

Sunday did it, I have more enthusiasm for being a veggie than ever! A few people claimed I wouldn't stick to it or "you need meat" Nope nope you don't! Before you read further please know this is MY blog, MY diary, MY opinion, MY point of view. This entry is not meant to offend or sound preachy in any way. It is simply how I look at things and what is right for, yup... ME.

My visit to farmer John's farm was delightful! Cute little lambs their fleece as white as snow...well dirty poopy snow. They are animals afterall, of course they are poopy! I love them all the same. Some think me weepy, some may agree but I cann
ot even think of putting one on my plate! What the hell would mary think!!!

The small time we spent on the windy, Masson Meadow farm we were surrounded by bleating, hopping, ba-aa-ing little lambs and protective mother sheep. Two lamas, and I can't forget Lily the sheep dog (more of a friendly people dog though)
One lamb was just born the morning of or day before our visit!!! Say it with me...aaaw
www.
I am not vegan and have only been vegetarian for nearly a year, and am amazed at how easy it is and why I didn't do this years ago. I was NEVER a big meat eater and now that I have cut it out all together it seems the perfect fit! A vegan lifestyle is something I greatly respect, but do not feel ready for at this point in my life. All the man made "replacements" scare me a little bit too much. My only wish is that all the little animals can have a happy frolicky life while we take their eggs/milk/wool and such. I'd be happy to give them something of mine they might like...shelter/grain/attention and love. On that note here is a vegetarian recipe for you to try :)
That's just me

Broccoli Soup

Preparation:

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; cook onions and potatoes, stirring often, until onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add stock, salt and pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Add broccoli pieces; cover and cook for 5 minutes.

In food processor or blender, pur?soup until smooth. Return to pan; stir in evaporated milk and heat through. Serve sprinkled with chives.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Rainy Sunday

Hello bloggers and blog readers
Back from a lovely brunch with some friends and feeling very full! Probably should be going for a walk instead of sitting here on the computer...I'll save the walking for this afternoon. I'm off to
see some little lambs and to wander around a small flee market this afternoon. A friend of mine grew up on a farm and has lovely leaping lambs right now. I'm really excited to go see the little guys. Super adorable!!!

I am also really excited as I have booked 4 spots at the Peterborough Festival of Lights as a vendor! I will be booked in for June 20 David Cassidy, July 11 U2 Elevation, July 18th 54-40 and August 12th Hotel California. It draws a really big crowd and will be the biggest venue I have been a vendor for! There is a lot of nervous excitement in my belly and am sure it will get worse as the dates get closer. I am gonna have to go CRAFT CRAZY to build up enough inventory! Definitely need to make a lot more silver pieces!!

Ever since I made my 1st Etsy treasury I have been totally hooked on curating these wonderful pages for everyone to look at. There is something wonderful about promoting items that totally deserve it!

I LOVE ETSY!!!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Tangerine Pearls








It's been a busy week!
Bank appointments, (mortgage inquiries, oh how badly I want to stop renting!) An afternoon wedding in Petawawa yesterday (nearly 4 hour drive) and crafting. Hmm I thought there was more, oh ya... a whopper of a migraine headache on Wednesday also. Today I feel pooped! Mom was busy with her dollhouse this week too! Here are some updated shots. What is it about seeing someone get married that is worth driving nearly 8 hours in one day? I simply love to watch 2 people in love vow to love and honor one another for the rest of their lives. Call me a romantic but that's just me.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

post birthday blog






Monday was spent in bustling Toronto where I visited Lacy Co for the very first time. A pleasant little downstairs shop that carries a world of jewellery making tools. *Sigh* oh to have buckets of cash. Such is not the case for me so I settled for a few items that were pretty high on my wish list. Ring pliers, a ring display case and letter/number punches. The latter has a funny story! Instead of one letter I and one number 1... I received in my lovely little wooden case of punches, two number ones. so CHIVES looks like CH1VES. I am able to laugh about this as they were delightful upon my phone call asking for a replacement. One is currently in a bubble mailer on the way to me. No wait I is on the way...not one :) Confused yet?
After Lacy it was on to the Little Doll House Company. An adorable place for kids at heart!!!! I could spend hours at a time in there. Everything is so cute and teeny tiny small. I have always had a thing for anything tiny. Even miniature coffee and cheeze whiz jars for petes sake! Mom bought a gorgeous doll house which there will be many posts to come about I'm sure. It is a kit that you put together yourself and decorate once complete. The pictures here are actually of the finished in store model.
Can you imagine a 51 year old woman who has ALWAYS wanted a dollhouse, now finally let her daughter talk her into it! I am really quite proud of her. That may sound like a silly thing to be proud of, however when you have been taught that anything that is not absolute necessity is frivilous that is a hard thing to shake. I say live for the moment, there is only one today! If you want something for long enough and that urge has not gone away...give in to your guilty pleasure! If a hobby makes you happy and gives you hours of enjoyment, it IS a necessity!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Birthday Weekend Begins........now












Friends came over for a Mexican Feast last night. That is all I wanted to do for my Birthday this year. The older I get the more I just want to get together with friends to cook, chat, eat and and be merry! I found out there is no baby yet :( so there was a little wine involved as well. Tacos, veggie quesedillas, vegetarian chili, guacamole and chocolate cake. (not very Mexican but delish none the less!)
Our friends Boston Terrier is the most energetic puppy EVER! And loves carrots...weird huh!!?? It was a really nice evening ending with all of us in comfy pants, curled up with a movie! I think we all needed elastic waistbands due to the large feast :)

I do not have to go to the day job for 4 whole days, it is freaking fantastic. I am hoping to get in a little crafting and shopping today, and Monday it's off to Toronto to buy metal letter punches!!! It will be my first trip ever to Lacy Co. very excited about this little day trip with mom and dad.
For right now I am content sipping coffee and doing the online diary thing. Hubby is beside me playing a wrestling video game.
It looks like a beautiful day outside; I'm going to make time to go for a walk today! I May need some rubber boots to slop around in the muddy woods.
Also on the agenda... a dinner with hubby's side of the family today, then tomorrow dinner with my parents. Easter weekend is always busy with birthdays (mine and mom's) and well....Easter.
Neither my thought process nor my writing skills are very fluid this morning. I seem to be just spewing thoughts at random. Maybe now I'll tell you about my amazing new kettle. It's red, shiny, whistly, and did I mention it's red! It was a gift from one of my best friends (and roomie) I'll share it with you, just 'cause I'm so happy with it. I've wanted one FOREVER!
He also gave me a moisture meter which helped me discover why I can't seem to keep any plants alive, and have really sad looking herbs. Hearty or not, if I have it for a month...I'm extremely lucky! The only plant haven't killed is my spider. I have my happy lil bee in that one, maybe that has something to do with it... hmmmm maybe I'll make some more lil lucky bees.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

March Showers????





Hello again
it's the weekend and here I am finally updating my blog again! It was a really nice weekend, beautiful weather yesterday. Today is rainy but that makes it PERFECT for shopping or crafting, or both. Which is exactly what I did. Helped friends paint a bedroom and rake the leaves at their new house. (So happy for them!) Then went shopping for a brand new swanky outfit for a Spring wedding that I am very much looking forward to! Always have good luck at Suzy Shier. I admit I love Le Chateau but I always leave there feeling broke and chunky. There clothes are for little people and I am not so little, not so big either but I am not meant for skinny girl clothes. I am o.k. with that...I may sound bitter, but that is not the tone I am trying to convey here :D
I also finished 2 identical rings today. Delightfully simple, sterling silver, concave rings!! One was to fill and order the other to list on Etsy.
Happy Spring everyone. I didn't do any cooking today, sorry for the lack of recipe...next week, I promise!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

crafting and cooking Sunday




I really like to update my blog on the weekends! It is refreshing for me to craft my little heart out then, post, post, post.
Today in about 2 hours time I completed my very first spinner ring. I used copper and a
sterling silver spin ring. I can say I'm really pleased with the results for a 1st try! I don't plan on listing this one though. Its too much fun to keep the practice model and sell the perfected pieces :)

Now I'm off to make an amazing vegetarian potato leek soup! mmmm simmer, simmer, bubble, bubble... here, enjoy the recipe and take care of some lunches for the week.


6 cups veggie stock
6 leeks (whites only)
1/2 cup onion
4 potatoes diced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup light cream (or whole milk)
chives or parsley to garnish

Combine the 1st 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 min. Run through blender. Return to pot. Stir in cream and heat through. Garnish with greens! Makes about 8 cups