Shimmer & Tulle

Midnight Crafting

2012-01-27T10:46:00.001-05:00

Do you remember those commercials, probably back in the 90's, that said: "It's 10pm. Do you know where your children are?".

Well, I have my own version.

It's midnight. Do you know your wife is crafting?

With a 3year old and a newborn, my days are quite busy and often it's just me going back and forth between the children, meeting their needs. And not only am I feeling like I am not really getting anything done -- it's a good day when I can get food on the table --- but I am feeling my creativity is just pent up. I need to do something. Even a small craft project. Though, with me, nothing is ever small, so to even come up with an idea is an ordeal. Just saying, y'all.

So it was on my mind and aim to get something, anything, done. Tonight. So after putting a strong willed preschooler to bed and nursing a newborn,
I went on my mission.

Decided to do a small project. One of those that you always see as "need to get done" because every time you pass it's future location,
the lack of "project doneness" irks you.

Evidence 1. Notice anything about this wall? Something missing?

See the smaller blue frame? I am notorious for putting up frames, without their pictures. Why? Because putting pictures up is a two step process. You find an awesome frame but need to find the right picture to go into it. Or, the reverse and then you got to find the location for this match made in heaven. It's not rocket science.

Though in my case, I usually find an awesome frame first and then have to find that picture. And usually before finding the picture, I put the frame in the desired location, because, honestly, sometimes that determines the picture, right?
You can't have too many lovey-dovey pictures in your kitchen...

So I had this antique-looking robins egg blue and gold frame (from the clearance section, I think in Marshalls) on the wall for a while. Still not coming up with a picture, I thought I would do something a little different. And during this craft lull, happy cheery pinwheels were perfect.

Using the tutorial from The Mother Huddle, I made an antique-ish pinwheel from fabric scraps by gluing a sand colored suede fabric to a cream lace piece. Then I went through my stash of buttons and actually glued two together. I was really happy to have come across the button that said "Embrace Life".....good message to read daily.

Actually, kind of funny for the message to be Embrace Life, for now, with my completed craft, I'm gonna go and embrace some sleep. :)

There. Now isn't that a happier wall....

On being Set Apart...

2012-01-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

Our Memory Scripture last week was from Romans 12...

Therefore, my brothers, in view of God's mercy, present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship. And do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be renewed by the transformation of your mind.

I have to say that, for at least the last year, I really have had my eyes and heart opened to "patterns of this world" and the very important need to renew my mind, to transform my mind, to set myself apart.

Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations...

Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God...

Galatians 1:15
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace...

We've been set apart and called to live a different way of life. And with this, I'm giving you a heads up on a 30 days series in February (I guess, then a 29 days series :P) that I will be launching called
"Being Serious about Being Set Apart".

I think a lot of people, Christian women included, struggle with what a Christian woman "looks/acts" like. And it seems, to me, that we do the things we aren't supposed to do and don't do the things we are supposed to do.

The series will take a look at what "set apart" means in terms of:
our ambitions and desires,
our dress and presentation,
our homes and families,
our beliefs, values and actions.

This will be a great journey of both the mind, heart and spirit. There will also be some great giveaways too!
I can't wait to go on it with you!

Stay tuned February 1st....

Shekinah Glory

2012-01-16T07:49:00.001-05:00

At a special evening worship service at our church last night, we sang (and sang and sang) a wonderfully inspiring song....

Shekinah Glory

We wait for You, we wait for You
We wait for You; walk in the room

Here we are, standing in Your presence
Here we are, standing in Your presence
Shekinah glory come down, Shekinah glory come down

Release the fullness of Your Spirit
Shekinah glory come, Shekinah glory come

You move and we want more, You speak and we want more
You move and we want more; we want the fullness

We want more, we want more, we want more, we want more
We want more, we want more, more of Your Spirit

Here is the Cory Asbury video

And if you are wondering what Shekinah Glory is...it's the actual dwelling and presence of God. How wonderful is it to know and feel the presence of God...
...the creator of the world
...your creator

and btw, the WINNER of the About a Bride giveaway is Amy, from AmyBeads. Amy, contact me to choose your design!

Then Sings My Soul...

2012-01-12T15:05:00.000-05:00

Another BookSneeze review. This time on "Then Sings My Soul", vol 3.

At church, do you sing the songs, unsure of whether you are singing the right words? Or, do you ever wonder how the song ever came about. Would you love to be able to play the music at home on your own instrument and with your family? That's why I love these series. In it, are over 50 songs and hymns, with the lyrics, the history and the sheet music. What's really neat about Book 3 is that it has a focus on more of the "lesser known" hymns, even some ancient and medieval hymns. The stories are well-written and give an insight into the experiences and lives of the hymn writers.

It's a great way to do family devotions and lessons on Christianity. The book is a definite goldmine, especially for musically inclined families or history buffs.

A followers Challenge (Giveaway)

2012-01-08T11:02:00.013-05:00

Thought I would start 2012 with a Giveaway.
One blessed reader will get to choose one of my designs.

You can see more at the About a Bride boutique blog.

To win, tell me what was your favorite Shimmer & Tulle post of 2011....

This Challenge will end next Sunday, the 15th.

Looking forward to it!

How I shimmered in 2011...

2012-01-07T12:52:00.001-05:00

With New Years, come New Years Resolutions. But before even going there, I believe in knowing where you've been to know where you're going. And with that, here's my year in review. From personal reconstruction (that involved my marriage and family), to adding another child to a total of 11 creative projects, it's been quite the ride.
Thank you God for blessing me in many, many wonderful ways this year!
I am grateful.

My 2011 in pictures.
(you can click on the caption to read full post).

Jed, my second son, was born in October. This was my biggest highlight.

I read 33 books this year (aimed for 25). This is a personal best.

My blog got a makeover (how do I look?:P) and we traveled to Orlando, Florida and visited Disney. THAT was an amazing (and overstimulating) adventure!
I even designed and created Eliel a Mickey Mouse tshirt for him to wear!

My husband and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. My vision for my family really started to develop and became more concrete. I got more into homesteading and off-grid ideas and found myself in a hot debate on exclusivity in the homeschooling field.

Some creative projects I completed this year were...

crib chalkboard which was featured on Roadkill Rescue by the way! :)

picnic blanket

portable giraffe growth chart for my kids

some new designs for my hair accessories business

kitchen curtain and
kitchen apron
I even tried my hand at making a birthday cake with homemade fondant!

and homemade pasta!

I posted twice as much as in 2010 and also gained many more friends and followers.
It's been a fantastic year and I look forward to 2012 and all of its blessings as well!

The Word of 2012: Diligent

2012-01-06T22:50:00.000-05:00

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
-Proverbs 21:5

So apparently, New Year's Resolutions have been replaced by the now trendy, Word of the Year.
K, I'll join the bandwagon.

My word for 2012 is Diligence.
Intentional Diligence.
Feminine Diligence
Diligent Joy.

I came across this when reading Eat, Pray, Love and it spoke volumes to me.

In my own life, I can see exactly where my episodes of unhappiness have brought suffering or distress or inconveniences to those around me. The search for contentment is, therefore, not merely a self-preserving and self-benefiting act, but also a generous gift to the world. Clearing out all your misery get YOU out of the way. You cease being an obstacle, not only to yourself, but to everyone else. Only then are you free to serve and enjoy other people.

There have been plenty of times when yes, I got in my own way. Whether by sabotaging, making excuses, or allowing fears or
insecurities to penetrate through.
This is the year to be intentional.
This is the year to be diligent.

Our Greatest Fear
by Marianne Williamson
it is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

And another one from Apple....
Here’s to the crazy ones The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. Maybe they have to be crazy. How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels? We make tools for these kinds of people. While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.

The Artist & the Audience

2012-01-05T15:50:00.002-05:00

“The Artist and The Audience”
By Kennan Burch

The Artist has given me a ticket to His concert of life;
His all-consuming music touches every part of me

Everything I see, hear, touch, taste, smell, and even comprehend are all part of the music of The Artist.

May I never forget that I am the audience and not the artist,
that I am the receiver and not the giver!

For at times I’m tempted to summon The Artist to recognize me for my song, And to woo others in the audience to hear me too,

But I find the sound of my song drowns out the music of The Artist

It is only when I lay down my own instrument and focus towards the stage, that I begin to hear music loud and clear,

➢ Music so consistent I cannot imagine an Artist with such rhythm
➢ Music so beautiful I cannot imagine an Artist with such creativity
➢ Music so vast I cannot comprehend an Artist so big
➢ Music so complex I cannot imagine an Artist with such intelligence
➢ Music so intricate I cannot imagine an Artist with such attention to detail
➢ Music so diverse I cannot imagine an Artist with such diversity
➢ Music so vibrant I cannot imagine and Artist with such life
➢ Music so freely given I cannot imagine an Artist with such love

May I never choose to ignore the music of The Artist, or attribute it to mere happenstance, for therein would lie my greatest offense.

It is written that The Artist knit me together in my mother’s womb, that he knows when I get up, and when I lie down, and that he counts the very number of hairs on my head.

For an Artist so great, to invite me to His concert, and play His songs for me… I am honored, I am humbled,
and His music is certainly worthy of my attention.

May I not perform good works out of duty, but may I enjoy the music so much that my natural response is the applause of good works.

May my life not be known for the things that I have done

But for the music I hear, the praise I express, and for encouraging others to listen to the music.

In so doing The Artist will be honored, I’ll enjoy the concert, and maybe you might find new meaning behind the music
and join in the applause of The Artist.

But the ultimate experience lies not in simply enjoying the music and applauding The Artist, it is found when I lay down my life and become an instrument in the hands of The Artist and He begins to play music through me, that is where I find meaning, purpose, and a heart that comes fully alive.

May we all enjoy the music, applaud The Artist and become instruments of His music to a world in desperate need of hearing it.

Join the Applause, June 30, 2012!

On Being a Living Sacrifice...

2012-01-04T11:46:00.001-05:00

Today, at the breakfast table, we read Malachi 1:6-8

“A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the LORD Almighty.
It is you priests who show contempt for my name. But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?'By offering defiled food on my altar. “But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?“By saying that the LORD’s table is contemptible. 8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the LORD Almighty.

Besides being about the proper way to honor God, I think it also forces us to question ourselves: what type of sacrifice am I to God? Am I (in terms of my actions, my thoughts, my heart, my presentation) an acceptable sacrifice? Do I approach the altar looking like a fine sheep, but inside am really diseased inside?

How often do we go to church on the heels of a fight with our spouse, clothed in anger and resentment? How often do we lose our patience with our children during the ride? There's definite more to the statement of putting on our "Sunday best" once we enter the church doors.

The Bible says we are to "present ourselves as a living sacrifice"....and today's scripture reminds me to ensure I am a complete sacrifice, inside and out. God know my heart and it's condition. Do I treat my governors the same way? Do I treat my husband or my children as I do outside people? Would I raise my voice to a brother in the church or the pastor -- why then would I do it to my husband? Why do I go all out to prepare the house for company (whether it's making an extra nice meal or creating the "atmosphere") but don't go to this level on regular days with family?

A false hospitality.

A contemptible sacrifice.

Here's a wonderful song: Lord Prepare Me

Lord, Prepare Me to be a Sanctuary
Pure and Holy
Tried and True
With Thanksgiving
I'll be a Living Sanctuary for You.

How to Raise a Fool....

2012-01-03T01:32:00.005-05:00

Don't remember where I read this,
but thought it was very good for parents to read...

How to Raise a Fool:
1. Teach your child God does not exist and therefore no moral absolutes exist. Whatever your child feels like doing is the right choice.

2. Spend as little time as possible with your child.

3. Raise your child to believe the chief aim in life is to please himself so give him anything he wants.

4. Do not teach your child to read.

5. Do not discipline your child ...in any way so as not to hurt his/her pysche. Never make your child do anything, especially work.

6. Let your child get his worldview from any source other than the Bible.

7. Since moral absolutes do not exist(see #1), set no standards in your home.

8. Allow all influences into the life of your child--he has to learn to sink or swim.

9. Show no affection or praise.

10. Last, but not least, set an example by living your life only to please yourself.

A sign...

2012-01-02T14:26:00.001-05:00

that you need to wean off the Dr. Seuss books from the nighttime routine.
I found myself saying....
yes, that's what I said.
you were already fed.
Now I must put Jed
your little brother to bed.

The Dawn of a New Year...

2012-01-01T00:55:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year to all!
Here's to new inspirations, growth and many blessings!

2011 Books List Recap and how to get even smarter...

2011-12-31T19:19:00.004-05:00

For this year, I aimed to read 25 books.
And so how did I do....?
I read 34 books ---- I am completely proud of my self! :)

1. Summer Sisters
2. Life After 40
3. The Pillars of the Earth
4. Ahab's Wife
5. The Girl with Pearl Earring
6. Big Fish
7. A Conversation with God
8. Bringing up Boys
9. The Map
10. Reggie
11. A Common Life
12. Prisoner of Tehran
13. Life of Pi
14. Four Spirits
15. Freakonomics
16. Made from Scratch
17. The Bucolic Plague
18. Better Off
19. Hattie Big Sky
20. In this Mountain
21. The Jungle Book
22. Clabbered Dirt, Sweet Grass
23. (The New) Dare to Discipline
24. Hannah Coulter
25. (The New) Strong Willed Child
26. Home Economics
27. Mortgage-Free
28. The Prince Edward Island Book of Everything
29. Eat, Pray, Love
30. Bannock, Beans and Black Tea
31. The Land of Painted Caves
32. Ascent into Darkness
33. Blue Like Jazz

And that brings me to my list for 2012.
This year, I'm going for 30.
*cue Rocky Music, please*

Granted, below you will see way more than 30 books....my list is always growing! So the goal is to read at least 30 books from the list. And it's highly likely, I would add more as the year continues. :)

My mom would be proud.

1. The measure of a man
2. Say you're one of them
3. One hundred years of solitude
4. Middlesex
5. Cry the beloved country
6. The nature principle
7. Last child in the woods
8. East of eden
9. Home Comforts
10. I will write about this place someday
11. No biking in the house without a helmet
12. From good to great
13. Crazy love
14. Born to run
15. The Quarter-Acre Farm: How I Kept the Patio, Lost the Lawn, and Fed My Family for a Year
16. The Dirty Life
17. A Life that says Welcome
18. The Mom I Want to Be
19. Sacred Marriage
20. Persuasion
21. The Kite Runner
22. Northanger Abbey
23. Practicing Hospitality
24. Be Bodacious
25. Mansfield Park
26. The Second Jungle Book and Just so Stories
27. Light from heaven
28. The Unsettling of America: Culture & Agriculture
29. Heaven
30. One Thousand Gifts
31. Sherlock in Love
32. Hot Apple Cider
33. Paradise Lost
34. Benjamin Franklin
35. Ten P's in a Pod : A Million-Mile Journal of the Arnold Pent Family
36. The No-Cry Discipline Solution: Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behavior Without Whining, Tantrums, and Tears
37. Be Fruitful and Multiply
38. Amish Values for Your Family: What We Can Learn from the Simple Life
39. Micmac By Choice: Elsie Sark -- An Island Legend
40. Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
41. The Family
42. Damsels in Distress: Biblical Solutions for Problems Women Face
43. Two acre Eden
44. Shepherding a Child's Heart
45. The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical

Book Review: Ascent from Darkness

2011-12-31T01:19:00.000-05:00

I recently received and read Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan. It's a personal account of a man who was a self-proclaimed soldier for Satan and how he was released from that by the power of God.

As a regular reader, it's an interesting read. Some of Leehan's experiences are vivid -- to the point of not being sure if I wanted to continue reading (especially seeing as how I usually read before bed lol).

As a Christian, I forced myself to continue reading because I think it's important for us to know (or hopefully, to remind) ourselves of the spiritual warfare that is constantly surrounding us and how subtle and sneaky evil is. The Bible talks about knowing your enemy and through this book, one is able to deconstruct the ploys of evil and know how he works and operates.

What just came to mind is the Scripture in Gen 50:20....
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. Through Leehan's experience and situation and subsequent book, many people are helped.

I would definitely suggest this book, but really only for a mature Christian.

Jed: a most welcome blessing

2011-12-30T14:26:00.000-05:00

If you are a follower of Shimmer and Tulle,
you are probably wondering where I am.

I am right here,
next to the warmest, most beautiful, new bundle of complete joy.

Introducing Jed...

Born October 27th, 2011 at 10:35pm. He weighed 8lbs 3 oz and was 23 inches long. (5 oz less and 2 inches more than his brother).

We were able to have a homebirth, with labour taking only 59 mins! (This was half the time from my first son, so the running joke --- or concern, I should say, is what will happen when we are on our 6th!).

Jed is now two months old and showing his good natured,
very smile-y personality :)

Big brother is quite happy too.

Book Review: The Fight of Our Lives

2011-11-05T09:55:00.001-04:00

As a BookSneezer, I get free books on the promise to review them. For this book, my husband actually read it and did the review -- as I was busy with another "fight" -- being pregnant and delivering our second baby boy! :)

Here's his review:

The Fight of Our Lives clearly articulates its main points: it is a call to stand firm on the truth, "to call good and evil by their proper names", to identify what is wrong and deal with it, to identify what is right and stick with it. To take serious the threat of terrorism that has grown up in our own back yard, attended our schools, joined our militaries, infiltrated our culture and caused damage and fear and left a sense of terror in our hearts.

The authors have hand selected, analyzed and presented specific acts of terrorism which occurred against American and Western society. They articulate how terrorism did and continues to grow up in our own back yard. How it has not properly been addressed, and various ideologies that need to be corrected to properly begin addressing the state of terrorism as it is today.

As a Canadian, I found this book to be a concise and insightful look into the how we as a western nation have responded to the threat of Islamic terrorism. Through this book I came to not only understand how easy it is for a culture to permit acts of terrorism, but I began to see in my own actions and beliefs, how I, too, have permitted it. History would indicate through all that we have done, politically, through the military and anti-terrorism organizations, etc, we can do much better.

Keeping in mind all of the recent acts of terrorism on American soil and against Western society, The Fight of Our Lives, is an excellent read to help answer the questions: How did we get here? What could or should we (continue to) do about this?

31 Days Series: Belted. {Day 11}

2011-10-11T21:34:00.005-04:00

I recently needed to buy my 2.5 year old son some fall clothes. It's sometimes difficult to find clothes for him because he is of the "long and skinny" type --- so he's in 3T pants but the waists are usually too big for him. Unless I want to pay an arm and one of those pants legs for a belt for him, I decided to learn how to make a belt for him.

I posted this in my 31 Days to Green Gables series because when thinking about late 19th century folk, it's not like they could just take a ride on their horse to the local Walmart. There were "stores" but they sold mostly "build upon" items like flour, sugar, seeds and fabric. Yes, there might have been some fashionable goods but for the most part, people either made their own clothing or went to the local seamstress.

Here's what the inside of a late 19th century general store could look like:

So, in the vein of "Green Gables", I decided to make my son some belts from leftover fabric. The only thing I had to buy were the D-rings (but I got them on sale for a $1 a piece). (And just a side note: I am not sure what these people at this time would have used for D-rings...maybe they would have visited their local blacksmith?) So using The Crafty Cupboard's Belt Tutorial, I made three belts for a grand total of $3! :)

Here are two of them. A blue and green plaid and a gold checkered silky "man's tie" inspired one.

Eliel was wearing the third one when I photographed. He's pointing at the casual green one.

I would have paid more in just the gas for our SUV to get to the Walmart! This craft was so worth it!

If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!
Day 10: The Chosen Poem
Day 9: The Lady of Shalott
Day 8: The Island Hymn
Day 7: The Highway Man
Day 6: Interesting PEI facts
Day 5: Island Love
Day 4: Raspberry Cordial
Day 3: The Anne Mouth
Day 2: On Being Properly Educated
Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

Linked up to:
Blue Cricket Designs

31 Days Series: Chosen Poem. {Day 10}

2011-10-11T20:10:00.001-04:00

As said in the "Highway Man" post, I was going to choose a poem to memorize and eventually recite. So I choose a popular poem by Robert Frost.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!

Day 9: The Lady of Shalott
Day 8: The Island Hymn
Day 7: The Highway Man
Day 6: Interesting PEI facts
Day 5: Island Love
Day 4: Raspberry Cordial
Day 3: The Anne Mouth
Day 2: On Being Properly Educated
Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

31 Days Series: The Lady of Shalott {Day 9}

2011-10-11T19:45:00.000-04:00

I thought that since I posted "The HighwayMan", the next obvious post is "The Lady of Shallot", also referenced in Anne of Green Gables. In the television adaptation, Anne Shirley reads various stanzas of the poem and acts out the Lady of Shalott's tragic end as she floats down the river. It's a funny scene as she's so busy "acting" and playing the part of the funeral, that she doesn't realize the boat is filling with water. And to make matters worse, her "nemesis", Gilbert, comes to find her holding on to a bridge post and saves her.

Here is the video link and here is the full text of the poem.

The Lady of Shalott

On either side the river lie
Long fields of barley and of rye,
That clothe the world and meet the sky;
And thro' the field the road runs by
To many-tower'd Camelot;
And up and down the people go,
Gazing where the lilies blow
Round an island there below,
The island of Shalott.

Willows whiten, aspens quiver,
Little breezes dusk and shiver
Through the wave that runs for ever
By the island in the river
Flowing down to Camelot.
Four grey walls, and four grey towers,
Overlook a space of flowers,
And the silent isle imbowers
The Lady of Shalott.

By the margin, willow veil'd,
Slide the heavy barges trail'd
By slow horses; and unhail'd
The shallop flitteth silken-sail'd
Skimming down to Camelot:
But who hath seen her wave her hand?
Or at the casement seen her stand?
Or is she known in all the land,
The Lady of Shalott?

Only reapers, reaping early,
In among the bearded barley
Hear a song that echoes cheerly
From the river winding clearly;
Down to tower'd Camelot;
And by the moon the reaper weary,
Piling sheaves in uplands airy,
Listening, whispers,
'Tis the fairy Lady of Shalott."

There she weaves by night and day
A magic web with colours gay.
She has heard a whisper say,
A curse is on her if she stay
To look down to Camelot.
She knows not what the curse may be,
And so she weaveth steadily,
And little other care hath she,
The Lady of Shalott.

And moving through a mirror clear
That hangs before her all the year,
Shadows of the world appear.
There she sees the highway near
Winding down to Camelot;
There the river eddy whirls,
And there the surly village churls,
And the red cloaks of market girls
Pass onward from Shalott.

Sometimes a troop of damsels glad,
An abbot on an ambling pad,
Sometimes a curly shepherd lad,
Or long-hair'd page in crimson clad
Goes by to tower'd Camelot;
And sometimes through the mirror blue
The knights come riding two and two.
She hath no loyal Knight and true,
The Lady of Shalott.

But in her web she still delights
To weave the mirror's magic sights,
For often through the silent nights
A funeral, with plumes and lights
And music, went to Camelot;
Or when the Moon was overhead,
Came two young lovers lately wed.
"I am half sick of shadows," said
The Lady of Shalott.

A bow-shot from her bower-eaves,
He rode between the barley sheaves,
The sun came dazzling thro' the leaves,
And flamed upon the brazen greaves
Of bold Sir Lancelot.
A red-cross knight for ever kneel'd
To a lady in his shield,
That sparkled on the yellow field,
Beside remote Shalott.

The gemmy bridle glitter'd free,
Like to some branch of stars we see
Hung in the golden Galaxy.
The bridle bells rang merrily
As he rode down to Camelot:
And from his blazon'd baldric slung
A mighty silver bugle hung,
And as he rode his armor rung
Beside remote Shalott.

All in the blue unclouded weather
Thick-jewell'd shone the saddle-leather,
The helmet and the helmet-feather
Burn'd like one burning flame together,
As he rode down to Camelot.
As often thro' the purple night,
Below the starry clusters bright,
Some bearded meteor, burning bright,
Moves over still Shalott.

His broad clear brow in sunlight glow'd;
On burnish'd hooves his war-horse trode;
From underneath his helmet flow'd
His coal-black curls as on he rode,
As he rode down to Camelot.
From the bank and from the river
He flashed into the crystal mirror,
"Tirra lirra," by the river
Sang Sir Lancelot.

She left the web, she left the loom,
She made three paces through the room,
She saw the water-lily bloom,
She saw the helmet and the plume,
She look'd down to Camelot.
Out flew the web and floated wide;
The mirror crack'd from side to side;
"The curse is come upon me," cried
The Lady of Shalott.

In the stormy east-wind straining,
The pale yellow woods were waning,
The broad stream in his banks complaining.
Heavily the low sky raining
Over tower'd Camelot;
Down she came and found a boat
Beneath a willow left afloat,
And around about the prow she wrote
The Lady of Shalott.

And down the river's dim expanse
Like some bold seer in a trance,
Seeing all his own mischance --
With a glassy countenance
Did she look to Camelot.
And at the closing of the day
She loosed the chain, and down she lay;
The broad stream bore her far away,
The Lady of Shalott.

Lying, robed in snowy white
That loosely flew to left and right --
The leaves upon her falling light --
Thro' the noises of the night,
She floated down to Camelot:
And as the boat-head wound along
The willowy hills and fields among,
They heard her singing her last song,
The Lady of Shalott.

Heard a carol, mournful, holy,
Chanted loudly, chanted lowly,
Till her blood was frozen slowly,
And her eyes were darkened wholly,
Turn'd to tower'd Camelot.
For ere she reach'd upon the tide
The first house by the water-side,
Singing in her song she died,
The Lady of Shalott.

Under tower and balcony,
By garden-wall and gallery,
A gleaming shape she floated by,
Dead-pale between the houses high,
Silent into Camelot.
Out upon the wharfs they came,
Knight and Burgher, Lord and Dame,
And around the prow they read her name,
The Lady of Shalott.

Who is this? And what is here?
And in the lighted palace near
Died the sound of royal cheer;
And they crossed themselves for fear,
All the Knights at Camelot;
But Lancelot mused a little space
He said, "She has a lovely face;
God in his mercy lend her grace,
The Lady of Shalott."
If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!

Day 8: The Island Hymn
Day 7: The Highway Man
Day 6: Interesting PEI facts
Day 5: Island Love
Day 4: Raspberry Cordial
Day 3: The Anne Mouth
Day 2: On Being Properly Educated
Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

31 Days Series: The Island Hymn. {Day 8}

2011-10-08T07:00:00.006-04:00

The patriotic song of Prince Edward Island was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery in the spring of 1908. It was performed for the first time in public on May 22 of that year. It was sung to Lawrence W.Watson's music, which had been composed especially for her lyric. The manuscript music, dated Charlottetown, 27 Oct 1908, and correspondence relating to it are displayed at the Green Gables House, Cavendish, PEI.

The Island Hymn was adopted as the provincial anthem of Prince Edward Island by the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island on May 7, 2010. The Provincial Anthem Act includes a French version of the Island Hymn called L’hymne de l’Île. This French version was adapted by Raymond J. Arsenault of Abram-Village.

The Island Hymn
by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Fair Island of the sea,
We raise our song to thee,
The bright and blest;
Loyally now we stand
As brothers, hand in hand,
And sing God save the land
We love the best.

Upon our princely Isle
May kindest fortune smile
In coming years;
Peace and prosperity
In all her borders be,
From every evil free,
And weakling fears.

Prince Edward Isle, to thee
Our hearts shall faithful be
Where'er we dwell;
Forever may we stand
As brothers, hand in hand,
And sing God save the land
We love so well.

If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!

Day 7: The Highway Man
Day 6: Interesting PEI facts
Day 5: Island Love
Day 4: Raspberry Cordial
Day 3: The Anne Mouth
Day 2: On Being Properly Educated
Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

31 Days Series: The Highway Man. {Day 7}

2011-10-07T21:30:00.001-04:00

In the movie, Anne recites Alfred Noyes "The Highwayman".

I really love how (back then) people used their mind for entertainment. There wasn't HBO, the movie theatres, TIVO or pay per view. Entertainment didn't go to technology, but to a book.

I remember when I was in grade school, we had an annual "storytelling contest". We each choose a book that we would memorize and then tell it back to our class. I don't remember the title of the book I had, but I do remember it was a touching story of a mouse (for whatever that tidbit is now worth). Then, in high school, we had to memorize a poem. I don't remember which was mine but this event (as well as the storytelling contest) was a great effective way of exposing us to a number of poems and books in one sitting!

In fact, this is so inspiring that as part of my 31 series, I will choose a poem that I will recite to my family on Sunday, October 30th.
Any suggestions...?

Here is the text for the poem, The HighwayMan....and if you are interested, here is a clip of Anne's recital.

The Highwayman

The wind was a torrent of darkness upon the gusty trees,
The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,
The road was a ribbon of moonlight looping the purple moor,
And the highwayman came riding--
Riding--riding--
The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn door.

He'd a French cocked hat on his forehead, and a bunch of lace at his chin;
He'd a coat of the claret velvet, and breeches of fine doe-skin.
They fitted with never a wrinkle; his boots were up to his thigh!
And he rode with a jeweled twinkle--
His rapier hilt a-twinkle--
His pistol butts a-twinkle, under the jeweled sky.

Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard,
He tapped with his whip on the shutters, but all was locked and barred,
He whistled a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there
But the landlord's black-eyed daughter--
Bess, the landlord's daughter--
Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.

Dark in the dark old inn-yard a stable-wicket creaked
Where Tim, the ostler listened--his face was white and peaked--
His eyes were hollows of madness, his hair like mouldy hay,
But he loved the landlord's daughter--
The landlord's black-eyed daughter;
Dumb as a dog he listened, and he heard the robber say:

"One kiss, my bonny sweetheart; I'm after a prize tonight,
But I shall be back with the yellow gold before the morning light.
Yet if they press me sharply, and harry me through the day,
Then look for me by moonlight,
Watch for me by moonlight,
I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way."

He stood upright in the stirrups; he scarce could reach her hand,
But she loosened her hair in the casement! His face burnt like a brand
As the sweet black waves of perfume came tumbling o'er his breast,
Then he kissed its waves in the moonlight
(O sweet black waves in the moonlight!),
And he tugged at his reins in the moonlight, and galloped away to the west.

He did not come in the dawning; he did not come at noon.
And out of the tawny sunset, before the rise of the moon,
When the road was a gypsy's ribbon over the purple moor,
The redcoat troops came marching--
Marching--marching--
King George's men came marching, up to the old inn-door.

They said no word to the landlord; they drank his ale instead,
But they gagged his daughter and bound her to the foot of her narrow bed.
Two of them knelt at her casement, with muskets by their side;
There was Death at every window,
And Hell at one dark window,
For Bess could see, through her casement, the road that he would ride.

They had bound her up at attention, with many a sniggering jest!
They had tied a rifle beside her, with the barrel beneath her breast!
"Now keep good watch!" and they kissed her. She heard the dead man say,
"Look for me by moonlight,
Watch for me by moonlight,
I'll come to thee by moonlight, though Hell should bar the way."

She twisted her hands behind her, but all the knots held good!
She writhed her hands till her fingers were wet with sweat or blood!
They stretched and strained in the darkness, and the hours crawled by like years,
Till, on the stroke of midnight,
Cold on the stroke of midnight,
The tip of one finger touched it! The trigger at least was hers!

The tip of one finger touched it, she strove no more for the rest;
Up, she stood up at attention, with the barrel beneath her breast.
She would not risk their hearing, she would not strive again,
For the road lay bare in the moonlight,
Blank and bare in the moonlight,
And the blood in her veins, in the moonlight, throbbed to her love's refrain.

Tlot tlot, tlot tlot! Had they heard it? The horse-hooves, ringing clear;
Tlot tlot, tlot tlot, in the distance! Were they deaf that they did not hear?
Down the ribbon of moonlight, over the brow of the hill,
The highwayman came riding--
Riding--riding--
The redcoats looked to their priming! She stood up straight and still.

Tlot tlot, in the frosty silence! Tlot tlot, in the echoing night!
Nearer he came and nearer! Her face was like a light!
Her eyes grew wide for a moment, she drew one last deep breath,
Then her finger moved in the moonlight--
Her musket shattered the moonlight--
Shattered her breast in the moonlight and warned him--with her death.

He turned, he spurred to the West; he did not know who stood
Bowed, with her head o'er the casement, drenched in her own red blood!
Not till the dawn did he hear it, and his face grew grey to hear
How Bess, the landlord's daughter,
The landlord's black-eyed daughter,
Had watched for her love in the moonlight, and died in the darkness there.

Back, he spurred like a madman, shrieking a curse to the sky,
With the white road smoking behind him and his rapier brandished high!
Blood-red were his spurs in the golden noon, wine-red was his velvet coat
When they shot him down in the highway,
Down like a dog in the highway,
And he lay in his blood in the highway, with the bunch of lace at his throat.

And still on a winter's night, they say, when the wind is in the trees,
When the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,
When the road is a gypsy's ribbon looping the purple moor,
The highwayman comes riding--
Riding--riding--
The highwayman comes riding, up to the old inn-door.

Over the cobbles he clatters and clangs in the dark inn-yard,
He taps with his whip on the shutters, but all is locked and barred,
He whistles a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there
But the landlord's black-eyed daughter--
Bess, the landlord's daughter--
Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.

Some interesting tidbits about this poem:
* Noyes wrote this when he was 24
* the "dark red love knot into her long black hair" suggests that she and the highwayman were engaged and not yet married. The hairstyle is what suggests the engagement. The knot is one that twists two locks together and symbolizes two becoming one.
* The Highwayman also is mentioned as to having "a bunch of lace at his chin". This could either reference the collar of his shirt, or represent a token from Bess. Men of this era used to carry something like a handkerchief from their lady around with them, either as token or symbol of engagement.
If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!

Day 6: Interesting PEI facts
Day 5: Island Love
Day 4: Raspberry Cordial
Day 3: The Anne Mouth
Day 2: On Being Properly Educated
Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

31 Days Series: On Love. {Day 5}

2011-10-06T23:01:00.001-04:00

Pretty central to the Anne of Green Gables story is the love connection between Anne and Gilbert. Here are some pivotal love moments....

Anne Shirley: You just think that you love me.
Gilbert Blythe: Anne, I've loved you as long as I can remember. I need you.

..I went looking for my ideals outside of myself, I discovered it's not what the world holds for you, Its what you bring to it. The dreams dearest to my heart are right here....

Gilbert: Well I hope you keep on dreaming. It will be three years before I finish Medical School, even then there won't be any diamond sunbursts or
marble halls....

Anne: I don't want sunbursts or marble halls. I just want you....

If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!

Day 4: Raspberry Cordial
Day 3: The Anne Mouth
Day 2: On Being Properly Educated
Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

31 Days Series: Interesting Facts. {Day 6}

2011-10-06T22:14:00.003-04:00

Here is some interesting and maybe little known facts/trivia about the Island. Hey, I am a homeschooling mom, so I love information like this :)

The Island's first residents were the Mi'kmaq and called the Island Epekwitk, meaning "resting on the waves". European settlers later changed the pronunciation of the name to "Abegweit".

The provincial flower is the Pink Lady's Slipper.

The PEI tartan was adopted in 1960.

The reddish brown represents the PEI dirt, the green is the vegetation, the yellow the sun, and the white is for the white caps of the waves.

There are three counties: Prince, Queens and Kings.

PEI is in the Atlantic Time (AST) zone.

In July 2009, the province's population was estimated to be 140,985. (Source: Prince Edward Island Finance 2009)

There are two cities in the province - Charlottetown (capital city) located in Queens County and Summerside located in Prince County.

There are 7 towns - Alberton, Cornwall, Georgetown, Kensington, Montague, Souris and Stratford.

Interesting yes...?

Coming soon: an Anne of Green Gables hairstyle that I tried on myself...
felt very island-proper! :)
If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!

Day 5: Island Love
Day 4: Raspberry Cordial
Day 3: The Anne Mouth
Day 2: On Being Properly Educated
Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

31 Days to Green Gables: On Raspberry Cordial. {Day 4}

2011-10-04T21:43:00.003-04:00

All Anne-fans know the "Raspberry Cordial" scene....

well, okay, for those that DO NOT KNOW...Anne, the main character, is so smitten to have her best friend (or bosom buddy), Diana, over for a tea party. She is happy to go through all the "formalities" of such a party (the etiquette, the conversation, the dress etc) but this party comes to end when she mistakes Marilla's (her foster mother) homemade red currant wine for Raspberry Cordial. Her best friend, embarrassingly gets drunk on the wine, cuts the party short and goes home. Diana's mom is not happy (as she's trying to raise a "proper girl") and puts a (temporary) end to the girls' friendship.

Well now, I made a non-alcoholic version of Raspberry Cordial....
and it was fantastic!

Ingredients:

* 2 pkg (300 g) frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed
* 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
* 3 lemons
* 4 cups boiling water

The How to:

In large saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries and sugar; cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.

Transfer raspberries to bowl; using potato masher, mash berries well. Strain through fine-mesh sieve into separate bowl, pressing firmly to extract all juice. Discard seeds.

Squeeze 2 of the lemons and strain juice. Add to bowl of raspberry juice. Pour in boiling water; let cool slightly. Refrigerate until chilled.

Slice remaining lemon thinly. Pour juice into glasses; garnish each with lemon slice.

So that was the official "how to"...however, I didn't have a thin enough sieve or cheesecloth handy...so I literally was sifting through it with a cheese grater. Yes, a cheese crater with very tiny holes and trying to "pick up" the pulp! Also, as a result, I ended up adding more water to thin it out somewhat.

And the result --- very refreshing!!! Like a really good, natural juice, as opposed to the overly sugared, jelly-tasting "fruit drinks" you can buy in a store. It's real fruit juice. Well, more like a fruit spritzer, minus the fizz. But I guess you can add that to if you were making a punch.

I will have to try this recipe again....this time with a cheesecloth and proper straining....but overall, a definite winner!

Also, fun at my expense, here is a picture of me in 2007 on our trip to Prince Edward Island. Yes, I donned the Anne-hat/braids...kinda scary...

If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!

Day 3: The Anne Mouth
Day 2: On Being Properly Educated
Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

The Milk Machine Uniform

2011-10-04T07:53:00.005-04:00

Juggling the "schedule" of a 2.5 year old (playdates, park dates, etc) with a newborn, I saw the need for me to get a nursing cover. I nursed my first son but didn't use a cover --- I just used a little sheet and was discreet. But mostly, I planned my schedule around the nursing so I would be home (and "all-out") and so didn't really need a cover.

But I've gotten the feeling all this changes when Baby #2 comes --- as I said, Eliel (my first) is definitely an out and about child and I need to keep him active.

Looking around --- well, I found limited choices among the price tag that I was willing to pay. Seriously. It was either $40 (and up!) for nice looking print or $16 for a psychedelic zig-zag print -- which seemed a little too "busy" for both me and a baby.

So what did I do??

Of course, I made my own. Naturally :)

My new nursing cover -- folded.
Notice the boning in the front center so I can see the little guy do his thing :)

The inner bottom right corners have fleece pockets (to wipe the baby's mouth after nursing as well as holding the soother and any other small "equipment"

Using the tutorial from Little Birdie Secrets, and custom-chosen fabric from FabricLand, I am pretty happy with my little creation.

Total: about $16 (1yd of fabric, $10; D-rings $2; Boning $4)

Linked to:
Blue Cricket Designs

31 Days Series: The Anne mouth. {Day 3}

2011-10-03T15:09:00.002-04:00

For this post, I thought it might be cool to re-read some of the funniest quotes from the Anne books.
Anne Shirley definitely has a way with words, doesn't she?

My life is a perfect graveyard of buried hopes. That's a sentence I read once and I say it over to comfort myself in these times that try the soul.

Telling about myself really isn't worth telling, Mrs. Cadbury... but if you let me tell you what I imagine about myself you'd find it a lot more interesting.

Can't you even imagine you're in the depths of despair?

Mrs. Hammond told me that God made my hair red on purpose and I've never cared for Him since.

Farewell, my beloved friend Diana. Henceforth, we must be strangers living side by side... but my heart will be ever faithful to thee.

I know I chatter on far too much... but if you only knew how many things I want to say and don't. Give me some credit.

And I promise I'll never do it again. That's the one good thing about me. I never do the same wrong thing twice.

The fact that you rescued me, unnecessarily, hardly wipes out past wrongs.

Btw, I got the raspberries and will be making homemade raspberry cordial.....can't wait to try and tell you all about it!

**This post is part of my 31 Days to Green Gables series....that's right, I am doing a series, y'all.....part of The Nester's 31 Days Event. You can get a glimpse of what I will be blogging about here.

If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!

Day 2: On Being Properly Educated
Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

Phase 1 of Fall Door Decor...

2011-10-02T14:33:00.000-04:00

So this is what I have up as my door decor....

in all honesty, it's been up throughout the summer and isn't really FALL, per se. I do like it a lot and so I have to make an equally-loved FALL wreath so I can feel good about replacing this current one.

But I've seen so many great ideas, that I am sure that it will be more of an issue to narrow down the possibilities...

But for now, this is my Fall Decor.

And btw, the "S" is for our last name and the little tag says "We are Family"...

Linked up to:

31 Days Series: On Being Properly Educated {Day 2}

2011-10-02T07:00:00.006-04:00

Anne, of the Anne of Green Gables books has a vivid imagination and a wonderful vocabulary. I think this is one of the coolest features of both the character as well as the books in themselves. It makes sense that Anne eventually became a teacher, doesn't it?

So I choose to do my second post of the 31 Days to My Green Gables series by choosing randomly some vocabulary words from the book that I didn't know and learn them.

GIMLET
noun
1. a small tool for boring holes, consisting of a shaft with a pointed screw at one end and a handle perpendicular to the shaft at the other.
2. a cocktail made with gin or vodka, sweetened lime juice, and sometimes soda water.

verb (used with object)
3. to pierce with or as if with a gimlet.
4. to rotate (a suspended anchor) to a desired position.

DRYAD
1. a deity or nymph of the woods.

PORING
verb (used without object)
1. to read or study with steady attention or application: a scholar poring over a rare old manuscript.
2. to gaze earnestly or steadily: to pore over a painting.
3. to meditate or ponder intently (usually followed by over, on, or upon )

ADDLEPATED
1. having a muddled or confused mind; foolish, silly, or illogical.

RIDGEPOLE
1. the horizontal timber or member at the top of a roof, to which the upper ends of the rafters are fastened.

TRICE
1. a very short time; an instant

FLUTTERY
1. fluttering; apt to flutter.
Pssst, tommorrow, is my first taste of Raspberry Cordial....

**This post is part of my 31 Days to Green Gables series....that's right, I am doing a series, y'all.....part of The Nester's 31 Days Event. You can get a glimpse of what I will be blogging about here.
If you love this 31 Days to my Green Gables series, catch up on the previous posts!

Day 1: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration.
Intro to the 31 Days Green Gables Series

31 Days Series: The Gentle Island. The Inspiration. {Day 1}

2011-10-01T07:00:00.003-04:00

The setting and lifestyle of Prince Edward Island is partly the motivation for my "living off the land-homesteading-getting real simple but intentional with our life" vision....

How gorgeous and peaceful does this place look?

I've been there twice and at my last visit, one early morning, I went outside our back porch of the cottage we were staying at to sit on the private beach and think/pray/reflect and I have to tell you, I was just absolutely amazed at the stillness. The calm. The peace. It was overwhelming beautiful. I was reminded of the Scripture, Be Still and Know I am God.
As if I could doubt, looking at this....

So the vision is to have a farm here. To be intentional with our lives and to live off the land and start our homestead. Land and house prices here are amazing and the pace of life is simple and undistracting.

In fact, my husband and I have been discussing the monetary value today's society has put on houses....and we realize that we don't want to, literally, "buy into" that line of thinking. It's a fallacy....Why do we buy 200K, 300K (or more!?) houses? And then work so hard (usually at the expense of our families) to pay off that mortgage. It's a 15, 20, 30 year bind! Great, you get to say that you paid off your mortgage -- but you've paid two to three times more for that house? Not only can you not sell that house anywhere near what you ended up paying for it at the end of the mortgage, but would YOU have bought that house for three times as much? Because that's practically what you did.

No, we are not doing that.

The Bible talks about not being indebted to anyone, but if you do, to pay it off quickly. And we don't believe paying so much money for a house is actually good stewardship of our finances, time, families or giftings.

So we are revamping and being intentional and strategic. And who wouldn't want to wake up to skies like this....

What are your thoughts on this matter? What's your location of inspiration and calm?
**This post is part of my 31 Days to Green Gables series....that's right, I am doing a series, y'all.....part of The Nester's 31 Days Event. You can get a glimpse of what I will be blogging about here.

31 Days to My Green Gables

2011-09-28T08:00:00.002-04:00

As many of you know (especially if you read my sidebar and not just my posts lol), that I have a love for all things Anne of Green Gables and Prince Edward Island and that recently, my family and I have decided to simplify our life, including selling our house for a cheaper house (and it looking like a century farmhouse would be fab!), living off the land and living off grid....And living in Canada, well, we are ACTUALLY considering moving to Prince Edward Island.
What a dream come true (maybe....).

Well, recently, the Nester invited everyone to join in on their annual "31 Days to.." challenge/event. I thought this would be a great way to start "preparing" for the Green Gables lifestyle and kick-start my homesteading (traditional, domestic, homemaking, old-fashioned, whatever you want to call it) experience.

Kickoff is THIS Saturday, October 1st and the month is filled with good ol' home cooking recipes (like a Southern mac n' cheese, homemade ice cream, apple cider), my first attempts at making bread and canning, country/cottage decor, homesteading and homeschooling activities and more! I will try my hand at making a dress and hat for myself and other traditional skills as well as some fun "old-time" activities. Maybe even a hairstyle or two! There will also be some "anne-fun"...
Raspberry Cordial anyone??

If you want to join in, the Nester is having a linky party on Saturday.

Mantel, in transition

2011-09-27T19:49:00.004-04:00

I have a mantel.
Fall is here.
I am seeing mantels everywhere.
I hear (or, read, on blogs the looming question of "what's on your mantel"...sounds like the Capital One commmercials, huh?)

Not one for peer pressure, and without my mantel being fully complete (see below..), but I jumped on the mantel bandwagon.
Here's my mantel, currently being "fall-ized", so it's in transition......
don't judge :)

I made a few crafts and specifically for my Fall mantel....

The Easiest Wreath. Ever. Evah.
It's two steps.
Step One: Take the Michael's tag off.
Step Two: Clip a hairpin on.

...yes, that's a hairclip from my own About a Bride (Shimmer & Tulle Collection, of course) line. The wreath is just borrowing it....

Fall Frames

Getting two ugly "fake bronze" frames from the Dollar Store, I removed the flower prints and sprayed painted them a glossy white. I then used some jute as the backdrop (which I got on clearance at the beginning of summer, it really was to wrap your trees in for the winter...).

For the green one, I clipped the flowers off of a bouquet that I used for a Little Girl's Nutcracker Party I hosted last year....not fully sure of the color -- but I sprayed one a bronzy color and well, it looked a bit like poop and that wasn't quite the look I was going for. Lol.

For the pumpkin one, I bought a cheap packet of self-adhesive foam pumpkins from Michael's and just painted them blue and one white. Yeah, as said before, I couldn't do plain orange.....

Also, that yellow flower bush on the righthand side of the mantel, that is my tissue paper tree that I made many years ago...you can see a closeup here.

And you obviously saw the unused Ikea Ribba Frame....yeah, still working on that...its a huge frame and this is really the only place it works, so I am still trying to decide what to do with it. Was thinking either a fun wall quote or scripture or the "house rules" (inspired by this)....

What's "stifling" the decor a little in this room is that in all honesty, I've wanted to paint this room since we've moved in, 4 years ago...the green is okay, but not really me. I would love a cottagey/country look with white batten board walls and pops of that robin blue color that I adore....so all along the years, I have been decorating with what I will eventually change this room into.....

So, overall still working on my Fall mantle....I have till around Nov anyhow when then, I will be working on my Christmas mantle.
Linked to:
The Centsational Girl ,
Blue Cricket Designs
and

You're a Smart Pumpkin....

2011-09-26T19:36:00.006-04:00

To continue my fall decor project (projectS, actually!), what else am I to use but pumpkins??

But as my husband declared the other day "Nothing that you create is simple" (though he was referring to his surprise that I made JELLO instead of some major gourmet sounding, looking and tasting concoction)....I couldn't just fill my house with simple, orange (read: normal and ordinary) pumpkins.

No. I had to make a pumpkin. Out of a paperback book.

Some of the pictures make the pumpkin look orangy --- but that's just because I am taking photos with my Iphone...I really do need to get a professional camera and learn.

But can you see that it's just a regular paperback book -- see the chart on the left...

So when you are done reading the nutritional value of your Lucky Charms cereal box, you can read something a little more educational -- like (in my case) "memos to the president".....Yeah, this was a book in our collection that I think my husband got at a yard sale for something like .05 cents. Trying to use what we had in our house and not have to buy anything new, I found it and asked him if he really wanted it --- because once I was done "crafting it", he wasn't going to be able to read it. EVER again.

Oh, and no, this wasn't fully my creativity in the works...but I was inspired by Craftberry's paper pumpkin.

Linky Parties....
The Centsational Girl
and

My Roadkill has been featured....

2011-09-23T09:17:00.001-04:00

Remember Eliel's chalkboard.....? The one that started out as a crib base?

Well, it's been featured on Roadkill Rescue, from the blog author of Infarrantly Creative....

You can see my moment in the DIY spotlight over at Roadkill Rescue.

What's in Your Fridge...?

2011-09-19T16:11:00.001-04:00

I've been a follower of the Life in Grace blog for a while. And recently there, I came across this very funny post and challenge. It's an off-shoot of a Mark Menjivar exhibit, looking at points of stewardship, how we eat and how we take care of our bodies. Some of the fridges are quite funny....

So, without any cleaning or shifting around, as is -- my refrigerator.

So what does this mean....? What insights can you draw?
1. We need more fruits and veggies...though I like to buy fresh as close as possible to when I will use them....and this was kind of an 'off-week'..

2. You can definitely see that I am a No-frills shopper. No name and Great Value are usually my pics...but for some items, YES definitely, you have to go name brand and just pay a little more.

3. We are obviously stocked in the butter department.

4. What you can't see is that there are 4 different types of strawberry jam...my husband LOVES bread and jam....and when he's in the mood for such, he will quickly look for it in the fridge and subsequently not find it, therefore, opening from the pantry a whole new jar. This goes on frequently...

5. You will also find 3 containers of yogurt --- because what my husband does with #4 and jam, he also does with yogurt (except that he just buys another one, he doesn't find it in the pantry lol).

6. A reminder to myself to get to that meat that is defrosting (has already defrosted) in the tupperware (bottom left). I don't like cutting/messing with meat and so I usually procrastinate in this department (even if its for a fabulous sounding recipe)...and then I end up throwing out the meat because I am just not sure...

7. The two gallons of milk -- yeah, that will last us about a week and a half and we are a family of 2 adults, 1 toddler and one on the way.....

Overall, I am proud of myself because (besides the occassional meat - see #6) I don't really waste food -- I make enough for my family and we usually eat leftovers from dinner the next day as lunch or I am able to transform it into a side for another meal. Also, I don't really have a lot of processed/ready-made food or condiments (because I am really on a "as natural as possible trend").

If you decide to take this challenge....let me know k?

Fall Equinox Decor Countdown

2011-09-17T12:03:00.001-04:00

According to my calendar, it's a week till the Fall Equinox. But actually, according to the weather outside, Fall is practically here. I'm already donned in a pullover sweater and furry boots and have bought some "little man" fall clothes for my 2.5 year old.
(I was so happy to find that Old Navy was having their $5 sale....)

And now that my family is all set, the mind turns to the house and FALL DECORATING! I do enjoy seasonal decorating. I'm not completely there, but I can't wait to have huge tupperware buckets, one for each season, just all organized, full of decor items and anticipating their release at the change of each season.

But in reality, for the Fall, I only have a few items....but have been really enjoying seeing what other bloggers are doing to fall-ify their homes....so I will be joining along in the DIY'ing and posting as I create.

My first piece of Fall Decor is a centerpiece that I made when we first moved into the house, about 4 years ago. Granted, it's out ALL year long. I just switch the vase for more of a seasonal indication. Currently, it's in a deep red bamboo vase and I love the contrast.

I've used this in the summer, in front of the fireplace as an "alternative fireplace cover", or on the dining table as a "welcome spring" centerpiece. Currently it is on our mantel.

Can you believe this is tissue paper? Using a Martha Stewart template for making flowers, I cut and folded square pieces and hot glued them to branches I pulled from our backyard.

Welcome Fall! :)

Linked to:
The Inspired Room

from Roadside Roadkill to the Classroom

2011-09-16T16:29:00.006-04:00

I started homeschooling my son a few months ago. And at the same time, for obvious reasons, I started redecorating the family room into his playroom/our classroom. I haven't posted any pics yet (partly because I am an all-or-nothing type of person who can't for absolutely any reason show you an unfinished project. It has to be gleamy shiny, have the new car smell, all t's crossed and i's dotted....in other words, it has to be perfect. Just ask my husband. I have been in the middle of writing something, say a blog post, and he will come into the room, look over my shoulder and I will literally try to cover the screen with my hands, asking him to not start reading).

Yes, I have some personal work to do. And yes, I have digressed.
Back to the roadkill :)

And by the way, the last part of Eliel's playroom that I need to finish is the chair. It's a great "mommy & me" reading chair, but the golden baroque-y/paisely print just doesn't work in the room. So it's in need of a makeover --- it's just a matter of time.

Digression #2. *sigh*

Since the room is part classroom, I wanted a chalkboard in there. One that my son could use freely and we can also use it during our "lessons" (he's 2.5, y'all. The curriculum is more full of songs, movement and creative discovery than rote learning). But a chalkboard was needed, was important, was paramount, nonetheless. It makes the room a classroom, right?

I should write something like The Chalkboard Diaries or something for I've had the hardest time finding a chalkboard, well, that WORKS! We were given one of those Fisher Price ones.....but the chalkboard part was either really cheap or really used for the chalk did not work.

Me thinks this could possibly be a frustrating experience for a little one. So then at the Dollar Store, I thought I lucked out on finding this chalkboard material Whale Wall Decal.

*This is not the actual one nor is this my house, people. Even if the writing is in French and I live in Canada....*
It worked, but was a little small AND my son kept ripping it off the wall, thus it losing its stickiness at some point. Returning to the Dollar Store, again, I thought I lucked out on finding a small chalkboard -- about 16 x 12...but for the life of $3 chalk, it wouldn't take the chalk.
I didn't want to start giving my son educational, intellectual or integrity complexes so I stopped being ~~cheap~~ frugal, and looking at the Dollar Store, and start looking into a slightly more expensive store (aka, Walmart, Target or the like). That idea was nixed pretty quickly when I saw the prices and my DIY hat was fervently pulled out. I can definitely make this.

Now here is where my husband has cringe potential. Why? Because I always say "I can make this....." and then there's another project on the plate and because I have too many projects, our basement has somehow (SOMEHOW!) turned into a wanna-be warehouse of deadbeat furniture, crafting supplies, items "drying" and projects waiting. Like the waiting room of the Department of Motor Vehicles. On a Friday afternoon.

AND because I am pregnant AND a lot of the projects require paint, this means a lot of the projects, at this time, get ~~pushed~~ suggested for my husband to complete. AND this is usually the night before some "big" event -- like someone stopping by to pick up a book ("well, honey, they will come through the front door and of course, see the strategically placed new lampshade we, um, YOU, painted for me...so of course, it's important"). Wait till I start nesting again y'all --- only have 4 more weeks :)

So I asked my husband if there were any random wood pieces down in the "warehouse" or garage because I was going to stop spending HIS hard-earned money on Dollar Store rejects and buy Chalkboard paint.....which um, for a little quart, yeah it was about $20..(it's Canada, y'all). And oh yeah, I think we have a gift card or something around here that we can use towards it....(totally trying to soften the blow).

"Find wood for chalkboard" went on the "honey-do" list and I happily bought the paint. And then one day, it happened.

My husband crossed the DIY mentality line.

After helping a friend of his during a move, my husband excitedly came home with some "scrap" piece of wood. He asked, "Do you know what this is for?" And I don't think he actually even let me finish and he continued "it's for the chalkboard".

But it's....it's......well, it looks like the bottom of a bed or......is that part of a crib?

My husband had a DIY vision --- he repurposed! He actually saw something in the garbage, PULLED over and PULLED it from off the side of the road and placed a new mission on the piece.
As my mother in law said, "I've taught him well". :)

So our chalkboard-to-be was cleaned, sanded, primed and got two coats of blackboard paint (one layer going vertically and the other horizontally -- thanks internet!). Then us three wiped chalk all over it (as another "priming" method) and then hoisted it in its new position in the "classroom".

I guess I could have just said "hey look, here's my repurposed project.
It was a crib, now it's a chalkboard.

But what fun would that be? :)

Linked to:

One Thousand Gifts

2011-09-15T15:32:00.000-04:00

Back in January, the Ann Voskamp book, One Thousand Gifts, came out and I posted my interest on reading it and joining the discussion.

Every year, I make a "want to read" list and for the most part, I read all the books on the list. What's also a definite given, is that I always ADD to the list as I go. This year, I've been my most "successful". My "Smart List" has 25 books on it to read for this year and as of today (mid September), I've read 23 books. IF you want to get really technical, I've read 8 books off the actual list, which is kind of funny. So, in terms of "numbers accomplishments", I am successful in reaching my goal....in terms of focus, yeah, I obviously have a distraction problem. :)

HOWEVER, this is just a long-winded way of saying that I HAD not got to reading One Thousand Gifts....and my disclaimer.

But what I do want to share is that from that book, even though I have not read it, is that I have been keeping a small (and quite beautiful, if I can say so) journal bedside to record daily my "blessings" with the aim of getting to 1000 (at some point!).

I've started becoming serious again about my daily QT (quiet time) and prayer/chat with God, so I just added the "task" of recording my daily blessings from the day before as part of this routine. I'm up to 48 so far and wanted to thank God now for even that amount, as many of them have either been something that my heart (not my mouth) asked for, protection over me, my husband or son (those "oh-oh moments) or just situations where I knew God was reaching out to me, if only to see me smile.

So take this post as an encouragement to really RECORD, not just count, your blessings.
What a wonderful keepsake to read through when completed, no?

On Keeping It Simple....

2011-09-13T20:18:00.000-04:00

Here's a parable I had heard before but came across it again on another blog.

The Tourist and the Mexican Fisherman

author unknown

A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist got out and complimented the local Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish, then asked how long it took him to catch them.

“Not very long,” answered the Mexican.

“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American.

The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The American tourist asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The fisherman replied, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, señor.”

The American interrupted, “I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should spend more time fishing, and with the proceeds you buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats.”

“Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise.”

“How long would that take?” asked the Mexican.

“15 perhaps 20 years,” replied the American.

“But what then, señor?”

“Afterwards? That’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the American, laughing. “When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!”

“Millions, señor? Then what?”

The American said slowly, “Then, you would retire! Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”

I carry your heart....

2011-09-01T11:00:00.001-04:00

Off another blog, I read this poem from e.e. cummings. I really like it. Also, I think e.e. cummings is really cool, especially since we graduated from the same high school (DeWitt Clinton in the Bronx, NYC)... :)

"...here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)"

Leaving a Legacy for your Children

2011-08-31T14:59:00.001-04:00

I was making a quick lunch for our family today and YES it was Chef Boyardee's Beefaroni! (Oh c'mon, you don't do Chef Boyardee....next you will tell me you've never had the boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese???)

While I was stirring and heating it up, I gazed over at the opened cans and noticed a small blurb on the name sake. I guess in some ways, I had always wondered how, or who, shall I say, the food got its name. The blurb was only a few sentences, so I did some research on the man.

According to Wiki:

In 1924, Boiardi opened the Giardino d'Italia restaurant at East 9th Street and Woodland Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. The idea for Chef Boyardee came about when restaurant customers began asking Boiardi for samples and recipes of his spaghetti sauce, which he often gave to customers in old milk bottles. He opened a factory in 1928, moving production to Milton, Pennsylvania ten years later.

Boiardi began to use this factory in 1928 to keep up with orders, setting his sights on selling his product nationally. Touting the low cost of spaghetti products as a good choice to serve to the entire family, Boiardi introduced his product to the public in 1929. In 1938, production was moved to Milton, Pennsylvania, where Boiardi was able to maintain greater quality control over his products. He even grew his own tomatoes and mushrooms in the factory basement for use in his creations. He decided to name his product "Boy-Ar-Dee" to help Americans pronounce his name.

Boiardi's company made and prepared millions of rations for American and Allied troops during World War II, and for his efforts he was awarded a gold star order of excellence from the United States War Department. After struggling with cashflow and managing rapid internal growth, he sold his brand to American Home Foods, later International Home Foods, for approximately $6 million. Boiardi then invested in steel mills, which helped produce goods needed for the Korean War.

Boiardi appeared in many print advertisements and television commercials for his brand in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. His last television commercial promoting the brand aired in 1979. Boiardi continued developing new Italian food products for the American market until his death, at which the Chef Boyardee line was grossing $500 million per year for International Home Foods. He died of a heart attack on June 21, 1985. He was 87.

American Home Products turned its food division into International Home Foods in 1996. Four years later, International Home Foods was purchased by ConAgra Foods, which continues to produce Chef Boyardee canned pastas bearing Ettore Boiardi's likeness.

So what's my point?

Well, this got me thinking about one's life work and legacies, specifically, of the one that you leave for your children.

Proverbs 13:22
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

Ezra 9:12
...that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.

2 Cor. 12:14
After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

With Chef Boyardee, in one way, I feel like he did leave a legacy, per se, in that even though it's been over 20 years since his death, he still has his name out there and the product has lasted 50 plus years and maybe this is resulting in a financial legacy for his family (children's children sort of thing). But on the other hand, I wonder about the "legacy" and question whether this is the sort of legacy that God intended. After all, one man's life work/business/restaurant/dream --- well, in all honesty, can be bought at .88c a can on sale. Plus, it has a subtle underlying stigma of "canned pasta" attached to a face with a "you actually feed that to your children" attitude. Yes, he sold the company for millions and there are probably royalties still today, but what happens when the money runs out? What is the family left with?

I think there is more to the intended legacy -- that of values, morals, character, love for and walk with God.....though I do believe the "inheritance" deals also with land, showing our children the value of work, living off the land and not being dependent on others (yes, I am back to my homesteading ideas)....In the Bible, it does say to not be indebted to another man and to work for God, to not have money as your master.....

I think it would be amazing to instill in my children these values. Where the "inheritance" we give them is something they can use as a never failing foundation -- both literally (in the land sense) and spiritually (as in God).

So this is just more of a reflection, as it came to mind today. It makes me question what sort of legacy we are leaving for our children. What decisions are we making today that will affect my children and my chldren's children? And are they to their benefit, ones that will take care of them, financially, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and physically?

I can sense this will be an ongoing thought....

Parenting, Intentional & Purposeful.....

2011-08-30T14:59:00.000-04:00

In prep for an upcoming family trip to the New England area, I came across another instance where I can be, what I call, an Intentional Parent.

I was looking around for something for our family to do on Labor Day Monday. I wanted to do something more "educational" and active than just laying on the beach. Sitting around isn't really something that my family does - we are an ACTIVE family. So, I started looking at some of the festivals or farms/mazes in the area.

I considered the King Richard's Faire. I had lived in the Boston area for about 7 years and never went, even though that is one of the most popular fairs in the area. Thinking it might be neat for Eliel to see the horses, the kings and queens in their getups and so on, I looked at the entertainment and activities list. Um, I was NOT impressed with the highlights which included, a Cleavage Contest (how low can you go without baring it? was the show's "theme"), a Torture Show, a Town Brawl, a Wet Dirty Women show and an axe and knife throw show.

GASP.

Is this really what I want to expose my family/children to? In some ways, I understand that the above "activities" may have been part of the Middle ages, but what about the codes of chivalry, knighthood, loyalty (where are the Crusades???) --- why is there absolutely NO focus or "entertainment" along these lines? And I know that in today's society, the choice between a cleavage contest and a "chivalry demonstration" or a soldier being knighted is yawn, not a hard choice -- seriously! Fair owners, you can't get more creative than a CLEAVAGE CONTEST? Why do I feel a Faire such as this one is just a few inches short of a strip club-debauchery brewhouse combo? And just as a side note, and pay $23 an adult for this?

So we moved on, deciding THAT will not be one of our activities.
What about a corn maze at a farm?

That seemed a better choice but even there, there are subtleties of evil, darkness (whatever you want to call it....it's not of God and Light). For example, each year, the corn mazes decide what image they will design. Usually, a Fall theme or something locally attributed, you might find...

Under the Sea

Space Adventures

Circus Theme

or even something local and fun like "Celebrating Ohio"

HOWEVER, the ones that were available this year in the area we were going to included:

The Headless Horseman

Blackbeard's Revenge

Family Guy

Over and over again, it is amazing to me to see how easily evil gets into our life. Actually, it's easy, because we let it. It's more than turning a blind eye -- it's not OPENING our eyes! It's not the passive response of "well, we will go for the fun of it and explain it all later...". It's the ACTIVE response of "No, we are not going and supporting that OR exposing our kids to that". We give our kids a subtle message that it is actually okay - because we are participating in it, despite a 2 minute disgruntled talk about how bad it is.

I've never been the mom that dressed my children (or myself) in skulls/crossbones, in celebrity clothing (esp from those athletes and musicians that are probably more well known for their criminal/devious acts than their "real careers") or laughingly called my children "little monsters or little devils". In fact, when family members have said something along those lines, I have calmly but directly asked them not to refer to my children as such, ESPECIALLY in front of them.

I do believe we have to be INTENTIONAL about what we SERVE to our kids. Just like we are intentional about what we serve them at dinner time --- don't you make sure there are veggies on the plate, that the food is nutritious, that they had enough liquids, that they are fed --- why wouldn't you do this for their intellectual and spiritual appetites as well?

And just for the record, the Bible calls and commands us, as parents, to train and direct, to lead our children, to guide them, to discipline and to protect. Our actions, from the very start, even when they are as young as my son (2.5 years old) are important and will either lead them onto the right path or to one that is so destructive (in both obvious and not so obvious ways) and that much harder to get off of. Why wouldn't you want to give the BEST for your child, instead of exposing him to the likes of Family Guy (seriously?!) and then HOPING s/he comes out with a good, righteous character and sound mind?

So what are we planning on doing?
We did find a corn maze that is doing a "family-friendly" theme, that of a local sports winning the Stanley Cup.

How do I look?

2011-08-20T11:39:00.000-04:00

I thought my blog needed a new look....and some updated pictures!

After all, Eliel is now almost 2.5 and I still had pictures from when he was about six months old.....

so what do you think? How do I look?

My Patchwork Picnic Blanket

2011-08-19T10:55:00.009-04:00

Back in June, I wanted to make a patchwork picnic blanket. However, with my growing pregnancy and the visit of our two international students, I didn't quite get around to it until this past week.

I went to Walmart and into my own "collection" for fabric and just choose what caught my eye. The pics don't really do it justice - but I love the prints and the assortment of reds, blues, oranges and greens. It was kind of a country vintage inspired look I was going for. Then I had to figure out how I wanted to place them.

It was amusing to me to learn exactly how "technical-creative" I am. For while assorting the fabrics, it was as if I was using some unsaid formula of "one hue of color per line, alternate "crazy" fabric with "quiet" fabric, and not too similar colors or fabric on opposite sides"...etc...anyhow, the final product!

It's on the larger size, but I think I could have made it even bigger...but it's 4 across by 4 down (each 21 inch squares) with a furry soft green backing. (see the top right corner in the picture below -- that's the real cozy side :P)

One of my favorite features, besides the prints themselves, are the ties. This keeps it folded nicely for transport and storage.

One little "oops" --- when folding it for the first time, I poked myself with none other but a sewing pin stuck within one of the seams....sheeseh. Can you see it in the picture? I am pointing to it.

So I just maneuvered it to one of the seam corners and tried to pull out as gently as possible. My fingers kept slipping and it wasn't working, so I asked my husband to just break the pin and grab the pointy side (if the head is floating around in the furry fabric, no one would feel it..) but he was able to pull the whole thing out with pliers with no damage to the fabric!
Thanks, hon!

Overall, pretty excited about my first picnic blanket. I'd say it cost about $35 in supplies. I got about 13 squares, which came in packs of 5 for $7-12 each (depending on whether I got them from Walmart in Canada or in the States), some random pieces of fabric
and a $5 king-sized furry blanket from Goodwill!

The project took about 3-4 hours in total. After buying the fabric and taking off all the price tags (why do stores insist on putting these on the most visible and hard to remove places??), I washed the fabric. I then had to spend about 30 mins unraveling the HUGE mess that came out of the wash. All the fabric sort of shredded a little on the ends and wrapped and entangled itself. I attacked it, using patience and my seam-ripper. Then I ironed each piece (remember, 16 pieces!), and decided on layout. Working on each "row", I pinned two together, sewed that and then pinned and sewed the two longer pieces together. Once I had 4 rows, I then pinned and sewed rows 1 and 2 together and then 3 and 4. Finally, I pinned and sewed "Big piece 1" and "big piece 2"....makes sense?

And by the way, I pressed the seams at every step of the way. It really helped to get the corners crisp. (sorry no pics, but as usual, I am doing my projects late at night and I don't think my Iphone pics at that light turn out so great anyhow...)

Now, you know what we are doing this weekend -- we are going to have a picnic! :)

Linked to: Today's Creative Blog, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Much Ado, Eisy Morgan, Ginger Snaps, Trophy Wife, let birds fly
and

Two ingredient Elephants

2011-08-18T11:18:00.001-04:00

you are probably asking what am I talking about, right?

Here's some quick background. I've been really getting on board with making homemade, natural foods AND with taking control of our food budget. Not that we currently spend a ton, but in a few months, we will be a family of 4 and want to get on top of things now.

So anyhow, after reading Jenna Woginrich's, Made from Scratch, I decided to try the recipe for homemade spaghetti. Yes, spaghetti can be purchased for $1, but taking a hard look at the ingredients, I still find a lot of "extras".

So, I enthusiastically went on to make my own and with Jenna's recipe, this even involves a "homesteading" technique. Meaning: BY SCRATCH -- no pasta maker for us!

3 large eggs
2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

1. Crack the eggs into a medium-sized bowl and beat them lightly. Add flour to the eggs, ½ cup at a time, mixing until you have a slightly sticky dough. Knead it for a short time and when you’re content with the ball, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for an hour.

2. Place it on a lightly floured surface and roll it as thin as you can while keeping it a solid sheet or dough. Sprinkle flour over the sheet of dough and gently roll it up into a long tube. Cut the tube into ⅛- or ¼-inch slices and unroll each slice into a long strand of pasta. Drape them over a coat hanger.

I ended up cutting the pasta with a pizza cutter. The most difficult part was hanging them on the hanger -- they seem to be "heavy" that they ended up allowing gravity to take over...(which this should have been a clue, see below for the blog post title connection).

3. Boil the pasta for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and serve with Chunky Pasta Sauce.

They took no time at all....puffed right up.

Beaming, quite happy with "my very own pasta and sauce", I enthusiastically called my husband and son for dinner....

Looking at the dish, my husband says "Whoa, look elephant noodles!"

and yeah, yeah, even though the noodles were um, quite big...(I do admit they looked like elephant trunks or legs :P), the taste was so --- wholesome. Not "processed" as I have come to find grocery store pasta. Also, with the difference in taste, and well, size, you don't need to eat as much -- they are quite filling! It actually wasn't a hard process at all and it really doesn't take too much time. I just have to cut smaller and master the "drying process".....

And so another little notch on my Homesteading apron!!!

Living off-grid... and on-God

2011-08-14T15:32:00.000-04:00

If you've followed this blog long enough or know me, you know that I am from the Bronx, in NYC. I grew up a city girl -- I (still!) lock my doors every time (even when getting gas at the station), I am weary of streets that don't have lampposts and I have a huge "shriek, eek and yuck" response potential at things like spiders, worms and anything other creepy-crawly things that might fall into this category.

YET -- I want to be a country girl.

Part of it may be the nesting factor for when I was pregnant with my first, I had definite desire to bake apple pies from scratch (and get the apples from the apple tree that I envisioned), to learn to knit and purl, to can, to use only natural and homemade materials for cleaning and grooming and so on.

Thing is, these desires didn't LEAVE after Eliel was born. If anything, they increased and over the last 2.5 years, have developed into a full-blown desire to live off the land. The other day, my husband asked me what was my "life desire" -- kind of similar to the "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" question.
My answer: "to homeschool and to homestead".

So as I quickly told him later -- "sorry honey, you married Anne of Green Gables meets Little House on the Prairie. I didn't know I had that in me. I didn't see it coming at all!"

I think he is recovering nicely. :)

But I should have seen it coming --- there was always a fascination with mason jars, handmade quilts, rockers on a Southern porch and so on. Now I know living in the country is beyond these highly commercialized "country-items", but you get my point. I think it's always been in me and that's where we are headed.

This decision, this lifestyle is driven financially, biblically and preferentially (which has relations to time, family values and personal satisfaction). Where did it start? Or, at least, where did I start sensing it?

Somewhat at all the same time, I was taking a harder look at the food we purchase at the grocery store (and realizing how much extra and unnecessary "stuff" is in there, even with supposed organic food), assessing our budget and financial picture (including our house), hearing myself tell my son that we will play together with his cars after I finish cleaning our 3rd bathroom, having a blast making my own pasta completely by hand (no pasta maker for me! 2 ingredients and some hand rolling and cutting), enjoying a delicious 4-ingredient (all natural foods) homemade pasta sauce, hating the "chemical" smell of household cleaners lingering in the air hours later, and the cheap thrill of smelling basil still on my hands after plucking fresh from the plant for dinner...

And taking this further, to a biblical context, Scripture says:

2 Thes 3:10, 12
Whoever does not work should not eat...Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.

Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding.

Proverbs 22:7(b)
...the borrower is slave to the lender.

Matthew 6:24
You cannot be the slave of two masters! You will like one more than the other or be more loyal to one than the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Proverbs 28:19
Those who work their land will have abundant food.

Proverbs 10:5
He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

The math was just adding up.

With this, I see homesteading as a natural way of life, as God intended. To be self-reliant and self-sufficient. Not in the "selfish" way of "look at me, I can rely on myself, I don't even need God for food" and go popping your shirt Superman-style to revel an undershirt with a big capital "S"...that's not the mindset I am talking about. (Even if I, yeah me, grew some corn, God's made that miracle happen, the process occur....) But I am talking about being a good steward of what God's given us -- the land, the food that I can grow, the hands that I can work with, my mind that can work out the details.

The other concept is about our money (or the use of it) and what we are indebted or bound to. Again, maybe it's the pregnancy, but I definitely question the need, the long-term benefit, the importance of today's current houses and our lifestyles. Do we really need three bathrooms? A family room, a living room AND a rec room? His and her cars or sinks? At what point are we just now working for the acquiring (and then sometimes maintenance or storage) of these things or lifestyle, that it takes us from the real important things? Again, my example, is that I am cleaning our 3rd bathroom instead of playing with my son. And that's not my only example!

So with the - what I believe is inherent to God's people - desire to live off and work the land, to not be indebted to others, to be good stewards of what's been given to us (our time, our giftings, our families and children), we are looking to turn towards what I mentioned to my husband, the "homesteading and homeschooling lifestyle".

It's a running "joke" but the new American national anthem is "I owe, I owe, so it's off to work I go." And I don't see that as, in any way beneficial, or really, funny -- I don't want to be enslaved or bounded to a mortgage, to credit cards, to "things".

In the Book of Ezra, it says, "eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance" and in Proverbs 13:22, it says "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous". Would it make you or your children happier to be left the 64in plasma tv that still has 20 payments, an expired warranty and no place in heaven? What about all the time one worked for that tv as opposed to being with the children? I've heard more than a fair share of stories where after a parent dies, the children either fight over the belongings and wound each other in the process or sever relations (seriously??!!) or are left with serious debts that affect their immediate families.

This is NOT the inheritance I want to leave my children nor the lesson I want to teach them during our lifetime. So we are making the bold step in changing our lifestyle drastically. With that, our house is currently on the market and I've been reading books and blogs on homesteading and living off the grid.

I realize this is a journey, with this being the very smallest of first steps. But I am definitely excited and feel at peace with this decision.

Enter the Giraffe

2011-07-08T11:30:00.004-04:00

So our little guy is growing....and growing fast, so we needed a way to "document it" (as my tech-y husband would say...) But as with anything, I couldn't just make a chart, or start measuring Eliel against the wall or write it in a journal, I had to CREATE something and it had to be out of the ordinary.....

Enter the giraffe.

We found a random long piece of wood sitting in the basement, free-handed a giraffe and my husband did the dirty work of cutting the wood.

Didn't he do an amazing job, especially around the ears and face part? That takes precision.

So we painted and thumb-printed the dots. Added the ruler marker lines and there we go!

THAT was the easy part. Actually measuring Eliel was the hardest part. Why?
Not because of his crazy hair or actually penning on painted wood or that I still haven't got the hang of the Iphone "picture taking delay"....
It was because he wanted to watch VeggieTales and wouldn't really stay still and cooperate...Seriously, the conversation went like this. For about 15 mins.

Me: Eliel, stand near Mr. Giraffe. I want to measure you.
Eliel: watch Pickle (Dave and the Giant Pickle)
Me: Yes, honey, let's just take the picture.
Eliel: (in whiny voice) Pickle
Me: K, stand near the giraffe.

Eliel: (in response to me getting on the floor...) Eliel sit. Sit on couch.
Me: No, you gotta stand up. (He proceeds to stand up, but about a foot away)
Me: K, now near the giraffe.
Eliel: Look Cha-cha (pointing to his stuffed frog still on floor).
Me: Yes, Cha-cha. But look up Eliel. No, not that high. Look at mommy.
Eliel: (he throws himself on the floor) With Cha-Cha.
ME: no Eliel Stand up. K, grab Cha-Cha. (he crosses the room to get Cha-Cha). K, in front of the giraffe. (Eliel comes back in front of the giraffe, but has a game starting to formulate in his head...)
Me: No, don't throw Cha-Cha.
Eliel: Watch Pickle (again, in whining voice)

Me: Yes, let's do this picture first and then we can watch Veggietales.
Eliel: No, pickle. PICKLE.
Me: Yes, honey, pickle is a VeggieTales DVD. We will watch Pickle. But let's take this picture first.

Me: Show mommy happy face. (Eliel pouts and rolls his eyes). No, not angry face. Happy Face. No, stay. Here, show mommy Cha Cha. Say cheese. No stand up. Eliel, can you stop moving? Just look at mommy for a second.

I will stop there...conversation of this caliber continued for the next 10mins. I was losing circulation in my left leg, I think I was pancaking the baby in my stomach and the cramps in my right leg started again.

Mind you, the whole time, I'm squatting, technically balancing on my toes, trying to hold my Iphone in one hand and keep Eliel at bay with the other and I have about a 20lb weight of a belly as an anchor.

All THAT for this one good picture....

Anyhow....the result is that our almost 27 month old is 36 inches tall. He's grown about 15inches in almost 2.5 years! Wow.

Maybe for the next picture, I will rip that giraffe off the wall and place it beside Eliel when he is sleeping! :)

btw, I collected the random pieces of paper from the doctor's office during his immunizations and entered that info on the giraffe as a keepsake...

Linked up to: Finding Fabulous, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Kojo Designs and Tatertots & Jello

New About a Bride Designs --- the Summer 2011 Collection

2011-06-21T19:07:00.000-04:00

It's the start to "What I Did during My Summer" essay....
So far, I have created 25 new designs for the About a Bride Shimmer & Tulle Collection....going for a slightly more casual look, rather than full out formal/bridal. And YES, even at a cocktail party or with a fabulous summer dress, you can wear a birdcage veil or feathers!
So GO FOR IT, don't be afraid to stand out!

All items are available for sale. Custom orders can also be arranged.

And by the way, if you are looking for a "boy-item"...any of the girl hair bows can be made into a bowtie for your baby boy or toddler! Or, if you are looking for a hair accessory to put on your newborn infant, any of the flowers or hairbows can have an elastic ribbon attached.

Violet ($8)

Morgan ($8)

Betsy ($8)

Priscilla ($8)

Sable ($8)

Apple ($8)

Emma ($10)

Daisy ($15)

Zoe ($12)

Sade ($8)

Francesca ($10)

Samantha ($10)

Chloe ($12)

Sabrina ($12)

Sasha ($12)

August ($8)

Sophia ($20)

Purity ($10)

Catalina ($10)

Ingrid ($20)

Francois ($18)

...on the need for exclusivity within a homeschooling co-op

2011-06-15T11:12:00.002-04:00

As tongue-in-cheek Martin Lawrence asked, 'Can't we all just get along?'
I say, sure, we can. And I believe that it is possible to do so, while still standing on and by our convictions.

I've started homeschooling my son this spring. Recently, on one of the homeschooling yahoo groups that I have joined was a post about a possible co-op forming. The location was still being decided on and I was noticing that many people were suggesting their church as a possible location. This led me to ask the question about whether this co-op was going to be Christian and bible-based. The response that I got from most was that it too, was their preference for the co-op to be Christian-based, but that they didn't want to exclude anyone. And that whereas we could have Bible studies in our co-op, not all subjects have to be Christian focused, like sewing, art and well, cheese-making (I know, funny, slightly odd last example, but that's what someone wrote!).

Then there started posts about how this group should be and IS inclusive. (Not sure if “this group”) meant the yahoo group or the possible co-op, but still.

My response to this is whereas I cannot (and am not trying to) necessarily shelter my child from all the realities of life, that home and school is where our children receive (training on) their worldview. And that it's not wise to have different msgs on the worldview you are trying to teach. I want to teach and instill application of biblical Christian values and it's my opinion, that this just doesn't only happen at home, but in all the daily situations we find ourselves in.

Prov 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it”

How God centered are we if we say (and act) that God is only to be found, or sought within Bible study, not in every.subject.of.our.life? Yes, sewing is not necessarily a CHRISTIAN-activity, but I show my Christianity to non-Christians and to my CHILDREN in the approach to all of these activities I do. For example, in sewing something (or teaching my children to sew), I can stress the importance of working in excellence for God, to finish a project and diligence, or to even sew a dress as a Service Project for a little girl in Africa? It's the PROCESS and APPROACH that comes from our worldview that is shown in every little thing we do. And yes, even if it is cheese-making.....

Deuteronomy 11:19
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

It's the heart behind an activity. It's even the heart behind the curriculum. I developed a curriculum not just to get my child “smart” and prepared to get a job (or as I read from another blog, “to be more than a skilled barbarian”). I developed a curriculum that would prepare him for life, that would develop him into a person that God could say “well done” to. For example, I just wouldn't teach math so that he learns math....but teaching math in the sense so he makes wise financial decisions in the future, for his future and for “his children's generations after him” -- that's a biblical principle about setting your crops and fields so that your children's children can be cared for.

And along on this thought, what about a code of conduct or disciplining when you have a mixed bag of beliefs. For example, when my son misbehaves, we explain that not only is “said behavior” not nice, but mommy, daddy AND GOD don't like that and it needs to stop. Again, it's the motivation behind everything. We are trying to teach that it's not just about “well, I won't steal because I have been told it's not right”...it's more than that. It's about teaching our children to do or not do something because of God's thoughts on it. This would be similar to doing something because it's legally wrong, or because it's just plain, ethically wrong. Makes sense? Also, in this “mixed bag of beliefs” situation, will the non-Christian parent flip out because I mentioned the “God” word and their kid overheard and now it's brought up at the dinner table and (gasp) the parents have to “deal with that topic”. My honest thought, if you feel you have to wrestle/stumble with a topic in teaching it to your children, you might have some uncertainty or issues with the topic yourself. For example, are you queasy just thinking about approaching the subject of s-x with your children? Are you uncomfortable with using the proper anatomical terms when potty training your children? Have you heard the statement that if your young adult child cannot say the appropriate and proper words that this is a sign that they still probably are maintaining a level of immaturity and it's a definite sign that they are not ready to engage in those situations? (And fyi, I am being purposely indescript about the words I am referring to here as I don't want this post to be inadvertently flagged...)

As Christians, we are called to be examples and this is not just on Sunday. By my own actions, I am exampling to my son this idea and whether it's at home or at co-op, he is being trained in what it means to be an example to others.

Matt 5: 13-15
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In a Christian environment (such as a co-op), the children are learning to what extent they need to be “exampling”. For example, I don't allow (or rather, at my son's age, I don't dress) my children in name brands/gangster wear such as FUBU, RocaWear, Applebottoms, Sean John (nor do I purchase or accept clothing that has the logo on children's bottom, has skulls/crossbones or suggestive in their manner - “diva”, “I love money”, “I'm a little stinker”, “I'm mommy's little monster”....) because of the subtle suggestive anti-Christian messages they give and what they represent. In a co-op, just like at home, I'd expect the environment to reflect this commitment we've made.

“You are young, but don't let any person treat you like you are not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them with the things you say, with the way you live, with your love, with your faith, and with your pure life.”
1 Timothy 4:12

Also, the question that is begged --- How logistical is this anyhow?? Say I am part of a homeschooling group that has non-Christians, Jehovah Witnesses and Muslim families.....wouldn't the following situations come along:
a) non-Christians don't want to participate in morning prayer/devo
b) Jehovah Witnesses don't want to celebrate birthdays
c) Muslims want the co-op to close during Ramadan....

In these situations, am I to give my son a mixed msg of what our family values and don't value? Wouldn't my attempts at instilling these convictions into my children be watered down or not taken seriously (for example, when he sees the non-Christian kid not praying during morning prayer)? So my child learns “value flimsly-ness” and no integrity behind my words because AT THIS EARLY STAGE he's not surrounded by it in both very important areas: home AND SCHOOL. What am I telling my kids?

Yes, we can't wear blinders in every situation and there will be things that my children will randomly see, say at a trip to an amusement park...and those are “teachable moments” in my book. My aim is not to necessarily shelter them (sheesh, the Bible doesn't really shelter in its words), but my aim is definitely to lessen the exposure to these things and increase the "good things", especially in the learning environment. And again, isn't that the whole reason we choose to homeschool in the first place? This is not to say that we only participate in fully-Christian extracurricular activities (for example, I started a soccer playdate and it's inclusive, not just Christians).....but what I am saying is that in those situations, I can take my exampling, my son's teaching/disciplining/whatever on as it rises situation - because YES I am aware (shocking as you might think) that the world is not full of Christians. But when it's a MAJOR area, like SCHOOL - where he will be going at least 40 times a year -- yes, I'd like that to be as Christian as possible.

I wouldn't go to a Buddhist temple for 40 weeks a year just because I might see Buddhists as a “gentle” sort of group and “like to be among this”---- it's a totally different culture from my family and their motivation for that “gentleness” is different from my family's motivations. I am not making a judgment on any culture or religion. I am saying that that's not our choice for our family.

So overall, YES, as Christians, we are to love one another and that's means to the sense of being approachable, extending ourselves and NOT being hurtful to those not-like-minded. HOWEVER, scripture does say the following:

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Cor15:33

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
2Cor 6:14

And so with that....these are the reasons that our family is choosing, without apology, to homeschool our children AND to commit our time and efforts within a Christian/Bible centered co-op.

I will (aim to) build my children's (value system, curriculum, daily experience) on the rock and not on a flimsy foundation that is filled with belief cracks and doctrinal dips.

Matt 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

And again, because I can just see my inbox will be flooded – I am not making a judgment on other belief systems and whether they are right. They are not right for our family. Bottom line.

In the absence of your own personal convictions, you will be convincing your child of things you possibly don't want them to be taught.
That's my own quote and my own belief.

Book Review: Reggie

2011-06-01T21:31:00.000-04:00

I'm submitting a book review on "Reggie, You Can't Change Your Past, but You Can Change Your Future" for BookSneeze.

I was excited to read this book as it was generating a lot of positive feedback and bottom Line: This book was fantastic and it delivered.

Overall, the book is part memoir, part inspiration/self-help workbook. Taking from real life experiences, Reggie talks about growing in self and in God. It's a real down to earth, sometimes raw experience, sometimes laugh out read. After reading this book, I was completely motivated to check out Reggie's website and see about him speaking at our church as I think he is one of those rare people that a crowd can spend all day listening to. And even more, growing from and with. In short, Reggie is the kind of person you want to have as a best friend and on speed-dial.

In one sense, I really did like the questions at the end of each chapter. However, I feel somewhat they border on "elementary" questions and could be a bit more thought provoking. And just me, but I would have liked more "space" to write my answers.

This is a definite keeper and recommend.

Etsy Shop now open....see gorgeousness in action

2011-05-06T16:22:00.000-04:00

Recently listed these beauties...Prices range from $7 - $35.

Custom orders are also available and I can ship internationally :)
Visit my etsy store as I will continue to add more gorgeousness to the mix!

Blogging made us friends...Life made us Sisters

2011-04-21T10:19:00.000-04:00

So, as many of you know, we just celebrated our son's 2 year old birthday....and being the over-achiever that I am, with a heart to be the best mom I can be and to just enjoy all the "mommy" pleasures I can -- I decided to enter the world of fondant. Yes, I was going to make my first "don't-I-look-like-a-professionally-done" cake. (End note: I don't know if my cake looks all that professional, but it's a definite first step in the right direction. My sugar balloon won't be burst!).

Looking around on the internet, I came across an amazing (AMAZING, I say!) blog, The Polhamus Family. Not only did I find the most easiest instructions on how to make marshmallow fondant, but there are amazing pictures of some of the most gorgeous children I have ever seen. And it's not because of the photography (though there is a definite talent there!), these kids are downright, beautiful.

Seriously, can you stand it?!

So, completely distracted from my whole marshmallow fondant mission, I spent about an hour, looking at Jac's blog. It's a great family - her and her husband have 7 children (a set of girl triplets in there)

she homeschools, has the love of Jesus in her heart and she makes cakes that looks like this

After spending an hour on her site, I was completely inspired -- no, not just to make the marshmallow fondant (oh yeah, that's right!), but in so many ways! I realized the internet is an amazing thing, because somehow we come across people that we seem to have so much in common with, that it's absolutely ridiculous. (Besides the fact that my husband and I don't have twins....seems like everything else is the same. Tho' we (husband and I) are completely open to it....doesn't that count?! :) And so I was inspired to come up with "Blog Sisters" -- where I would consistently feature a blog where I feel the author is "virtually" my sister. And what better blog to start off with, then that of The Polhamus Family.

Here's the Blog Sisters button I created....

It's time for a VeggieTales Bday Party!

2011-04-20T20:37:00.000-04:00

My son Eliel, was turning 2 on Saturday and for the last month, I had been planning the most amazing birthday party, complete with a VeggieTales theme.

As with everything, I usually overbook myself with everything and "within" everything. Eliel's (mega)party was planned for right after we returned from our Disney vacation -- meaning we were sleep-deprived, overstimulated for months on end and somewhat off of our eating and sleeping schedule. On top of this, I am pregnant and within this pregnancy, I just seem WAAAAY more tired than usual. Especially after eating -- almost can slip into a coma if I wasn't distracted by my 2 yo flinging rice off the spoon!

Anyhow, for both my sanity and my family's mental health, I "downgraded" this party to a small intimate "just-us" party....which means that I didn't go and make him a special birthday shirt, or assemble awesome garden/veggietale favorites, or cut a humongous Bob the Tomato from poster board to "pin the nose on Bob" game, or, or, or...
guess my creativity is grieving a little...

BUT I DID MAKE A CAKE!
And not just any cake, but my first fondant cake with VeggieTale characters!

K, remember it is my first cake, so it's not completely perfect --- and I know it looks seriously wet (slimy, also came to mind, ack!) but that is the flash bouncing off the fondant!...And I know I had a leaky "h"....(duh, the instructions said to test first...I never listen, like in this post)

Also, I realized that my creation resulted in a slight variation of the VeggieTale plot and characters.

For instance, Bob the Tomato (apparently, to my husband...) seems to be sporting a toupe...

Madame Blueberry is no longer a female for it (she?) looks male. That's really due to an "accident" with her eyelashes -- they just wouldn't stick and her eyes got all googly... :)

Junior Asparagus lost his hat...

I was trying to make a hat, but it kept looking like a turban or like he was recovering from brain surgery....so just decided to go without...

I have angry and sad peas...And this guy (Jerry the Gord's brother, I can't remember his name...) just.wouldn't.keep.his.shape. Must be all that pizza that he likes!

And speaking of pizza, both my husband and sister thought the infamous VeggieTales counter (only the SETTING of my cake!) was a pizza. My husband thought it was pepperoni and my sister thought it was cheese slices. Both obviously need to watch more television... :)

Anyhow, overall, I am very pleased with the results AND my biggest smile came from Eliel's reaction to the cake...

AND the fact that he recognized ALL the characters! Mission accomplished.

Then, he proceeded to lick his cake ---- claiming it perhaps?
Where did he learn that?!

Then he carefully choose his first victim...

Decided a pea would suffice...

Ate it whole...

Showed a "no prisoners" mentality...

And gave all the yummy details :)

After all that sugar, we had him open his gift...

...played some silly games...

and then went to Cheeky Monkeys to burn off the fondant and some energy!

And if you want info on the cake -- where my inspiration came from, how to do the marshmallow fondant or to just be wowed by newest blog sister, that post is coming right up!

The Sisterhood of the Missing Bum....

2011-04-15T20:39:00.000-04:00

Entering my second trimester, and with the weather getting slightly warmer (I am in Canada, after all...), I recently purchased a Bella Band.

For those of you that don't know what this is...it's like a really expensive tube top made for wearing around the belly so us pregnant ladies can still wear our "cute" jeans. You will know the moms who are wearing a Bella Band by the smile on their faces. Why smiling?

It's because of our little secret....

You don't know it, but shh, our zipper is down and pants are unbuttoned.
Yes! Hold the Aunt Jemima waffle syrup!

It's true. We are totally holding up an adult conversation with you meanwhile KNOWING that our pants are undone. This competes for a first place ribbon, against other amazing things like the power of the smell of buttered popcorn and how it convinces you to buy the large --- 'you can eat it all' (sadly, I usually do..)
Oh yeah, and we can now breathe. That's just like, a bonus. For now....give me another month or two and I am constantly on the verge of hyperventiliation.

Yes, this is great. But there is a drawback. A side effect. One that isn't really spoken about the medical community, doesn't really hit the press and completely isn't on the "care tag" of the Bella Band.

It should read: Warning, by using this product, you will lose your bum. Be aware of altitude changes and walking up hills, as you are no longer properly balanced. You will no longer have a backside. You will ensure J-Lo's celebrity status.

Yes, it is true. And I have discovered this from personal experience.
Hello, I am Ellen. I wear a Bella Band and I have lost my bum.
Question, how much of reward money should I put up?
Do I need a bounty hunter?

A Conversation with God: Book Review

2011-04-07T22:06:00.000-04:00

Previously having been introduced to Randy Alcorn's “Heaven”, I anticipated reading “A Conversation with God” by Alton Gansky. Both books are similar in that they attempt to answer those real and honest questions that most believers have, such as “what is heaven like”? Or, “what's God's take on homosexuality or abortion”? However, Gansky's format is different in that the questions are answered individually (and personally) by God, Jesus, Paul and other Bible characters.

Overall, I think this book is good and informative. Definitely a potential book study item for a group, such as post-Alpha in that in answers those “next questions” that do come up for a new believer. The language is very understandable and relatable, but this is where I start to believe this book falls short for the slightly more mature believer. To me, the book seemed to be a “copy and paste” method of taking scriptures and rewording them. Seemed more like a question and answer format of The Message. For example, in one of the “answers”, Jesus says “Peace is a choice. You cannot control all that happens around you but you can control your response to it; you can control how it affects you. Don't worry over anything, but lay every concern on God through prayer and he will give you a peace that goes beyond your ability to understand and that peace will protect your mind and heart”. Yes, this is a rewording of Philipians 4:6-7, and I get the reason why the author has done it this way, but it seems along the lines of a elementary student who doesn't really understand what s/he is really writing about and is just trying to give an answer. This added to a sense of “choppiness” overall, in my opinion.

The other “issue” I had with this book is that in order to have a conversation with God, the author has to “speak” for God – which I wasn't entirely comfortable with. If the whole idea is that God is omniscient, how can the author speak for God? I think this situation was handled reasonably well with the chapter on Heaven, where the author repeatedly mentioned that there was a lot to discover, but now wasn't the time (and etc.) and things would be revealed in their own time, in God's time. The part where I really questioned this method was in the chapter of “Why are there two sexes?” Gansky (answering for God) says “After his creation, Adam worked in the garden of Eden. He had responsibilities and tasks. Early on, I gave him the task of naming the animals. On the surface, that may seem unusual. I am certainly capable of naming animals Myself and revealing those animals to Adam. But I had a goal in mind: I wanted him to feel alone, which was the best thing I could have done for him”. What?! It references Genesis 2:20 (the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam, no suitable helper was found”). Where in that Scripture does it imply that God WANTED Adam to feel alone? I really don't think it's appropriate for the author or anyone, to put words into God's mouth or motivations into His Plan. Its such instances like this that prevent this book from being one that I would enthusiastically recommend to others.

This is not to say that this wouldn't be an enjoyable book for the mature believer, but it's almost along the lines of being a physicist sitting in a Earth Science classroom, hearing rocks being identified as “the grey one” or “the round one”. And admittedly, I did come to a different understanding of a few passages.

Overall, this doesn't seem like a conversation per se, but more like an infomercial.

American Mickey Tshirt

2011-03-19T14:20:00.000-04:00

Not only to prep my son for his Disney World experience, but to save on costs, I made Eliel a Mickey Mouse t-shirt (great for pictures and instead of wasting time and money in buying an overpriced one actually at Disney).

Now, to find a plain, white, tshirt for a young kid is an ordeal! Simple is, apparently, not popular. I went to all sorts of department stores and thrift stores looking for a plain.white.t-shirt with no logos, no designs and just couldn't find one. At one point, I was even considering getting one with a small design and just covering up with my design.....but then I wasn't paying over $10 for such an item.

I finally found a plain t-shirt (had to look in the "underwear" department) in Bonnie Togs (a children's clothing store, Canadian?).

Funny situation. When the sales associate pulled out the undershirt, I was definitely excited. Then she asked what size. I initially said "2"...but they were folded, so I couldn't really see the right size. (It's my first child, so I do eyeball a lot when it comes to size.) So then, I said, "it's cotton...it may shrink after I wash it...Can you take it out of the wrapping so I can see the actual size". She gave me a little of a look (because the shirt was folded and taped and like somewhat shrinkwrapped in...pretty much, once out, it wasn't easily going back in). Seeing that look, I said, "I will more than likely get this one. I just wanted to be sure of the size. Especially that the next size is a 4"). I didn't know that sizes only go 2, 4, 6 etc. There was no "3".... So she opens it up. I look at it. I squint my eyes. I purse my lips. And I say "Nah, I think I will get the 4". I see her eyes nearly pop out and I try to defuse the situation (and her impending eye-problem) by saying "because I'm just not sure of how much shrinkage, and I have a growing toddler". She mumbled something about 'it's fine' (yeah, real convincing!). I said, "I'm sorry. I work in retail too and I know that that's sometimes frustrating...." and she snapped at me something along the lines of "somehow I'll manage....". Okay, seriously, enough drama. It's called folding, stuffing into a bag and adding some scotch tape. It's not rocket science. It's just the death of a tight crease.

So I got the size 4 (and there was actually two in a pack) for $6.

I then went to the fabric store and looked for an American Flag pattern --- which in Canada, apparently, they don't have! Yet, they had a whole assortment of Canadian Flag patterns. Seriously!? Aren't we like neighbors or something? Can't I just walk across the border to get back into my country and you can't have one (ONE?!) American Flag pattern?

But then I got an idea, that I thought was even cuter. I did find a Vintage Star pattern and some red ribbon and decided to make the Mickey head/profile as an American Flag.

So for about $5 ($3 for the shirt and about $2 in fabric and ribbon), I think it came out nicely! And my son is quite happy to wear it. Now, I just have to hide it until we get to Florida, because he would request to wear it each and every day!

My Funny Valentine....

2011-03-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

So I realized that I never posted about our Valentines...so hopefully you readers won't mind reading about a holiday a month later!

I decorated only a little...

ceramic hearts that hang in the window
(btw, they are still up and it's now March... :))

I decorate the tree branch each month...

with these little blue and white IKEA favor holders....

I made this little gift bag and card in my "Mom's Group" at church....

No, you aren't reading that wrong. Yes, I stamped it backwards...
Outside it's supposed to read: "Together we're good.." But it worked, for the inside I wrote: "cuz look what I'm capable of on my own, without you..."

I was serenaded by a couple of cuties.....with serious hair issues!!!
(FYI, that IS a costume 'fro.....though my son can get quite close with his natural hair lol!)

---Eliel playing for me on the keyboard---

For Valentines dinner, we had spaghetti. I know that doesn't sound terribly romantic, but these were the little heart pasta shapes....and I couldn't resist. I made a garlic cream sauce to "artistically" drizzle on. And we've been married for almost 5 years, garlic breath ain't a deterrent! hahah.

For my Valentines gift to my husband, I bought him these Union 28 t-shirts that say "My Marriage Still Rocks! Re-established 2011"....These were perfect for we did have a difficult last year and have recommitted to each other this year.

here's a little photoshoot....
look at us trying to take a pic with an active 2 year old
(see the last picture.....)

haha, you can see the corner of a camping tarp that is hanging on our roof...learned after (another) major snow storm in Canada here, that we have a little "hole" in the roof and this was what my husband came up with at 2am to stop the water from continuing to seep into the guest bathroom...

all is quiet (and still) on the home front...(well, almost!)

Any um...notice anything special about the pictures...about ME specifically....looking a little round nowadays, aren't I? ;P It's not FULLY because I'm guilty of eating a box of twinkies, a bag of popcorn and a man-bowl of peach oatmeal......news soon to come!

Being Used by God or Praying for a Stranger.....

2011-03-06T14:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my husband and I made a huge decision about something that really affects our family, today, tomorrow and for eternity. It was "simply" a business decision, but it affected the quality and quantity of our family time. After weeks of dwelling and thinking, I made up my mind about "my part" and told my husband.

Immediately, (as in "day after"), God used me. Probably, more like blessed me. If my time was all wrapped up with my business, I probably would not have been given the chance to do what I then did today. Actually, I don't know if it would be ~~not given the chance~~, but I would have been too busy to actually see what God wanted me to do....

Here is what I wrote in a card that I am sending to a stranger....

Hello, you don't know me, but I recently prayed for you.
Long story short, I was using Whitepages to find a friend who shares the same last name (and initials) as you. I hadn't gotten around to calling her, but told her the next day at church "Oh, so I learned your last name was spelled *****". This friend said that that wasn't her last name at all.

But since it seemed that a person named *** was on my mind, right then and there, we prayed for you, your family, for what's going on in your life. For what's on your heart, for whatever troubles you might be going through and that God would be close to you.

If this registers somewhere on your heart, and you feel you would like to, please feel free to write me back, email or call. You are also more than very welcome to join us at church. (Niagara International Center, corner of Frederica and Dorchester. Sundays at 10am).

God has been thinking about you, cares for you and has put you on my heart. I am your sister in Christ and I am very grateful that God has used me to help you in some small way.
Blessings,
Ellen

Thank you God for entrusting me with your work. I am glad that I now have the contentment within in my heart, and the open eyes and ears to hear You.

The Map

2011-03-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

I recently just read, The Map, by David Murrow (author of Why Men Hate Going to Church). And I have to say, for a book "geared" for guys, this gal really enjoyed it and sees its relevance and application to a number of different situations.

In response to Murrow's realization that churches all over have problems retaining or “building” its male population, The Map is written in both a straightforward “lecture and discussion style” as well as in a thriller-action suspense, similar to the Davinci Code. The book suggests that there is a “map” to transform men, helping them to get on the path that brings them closer to being the man God wants them to be. And this map, has been followed by many of the Great Men of the Bible and even Jesus, himself. Further, the book boldly states that many of today's churches are doing the very opposite of what this map indicates and this results in the apathy and decline of men at church.

I think the “map” is a great revelation in understanding more of Jesus' character and of our daily walk. Yes, I said “our” (me, being a female reading a male book). I do believe the concepts in this book can transcend into teaching within marriages, within parenting and with what the different “levels” of believers need in Church.

The “down to earth”, honest and reality-based approach to problems in the Church and the need for men to become real “men of God” (and the MAP for how) was very refreshing. I did appreciate and enjoy the fictional tale in the beginning of the book. This helped to put the actual lesson in perspective --- which is one of Murrow's concepts: men are visual learners, yet Churches teach “verbally” and not experientially. If anything, the book has provided me with an insight for how to relate to my own husband, brothers in the Church and for “discipling” my own son and leading him onto the right path.

After reading this book, I plan to read David Murrow's other books, including How Women Help Men Find God.

Productivity via "Awkward Neighbor Moment" Lane

2011-02-23T15:17:00.001-05:00

As most "awkward stories", this is somewhat of a long one.

We redid our kitchen about a year ago. And since then, the space over the window has been shamelessly naked. Either because I couldn't find a curtain I liked or I hadn't ever come across time for me to make one - the space was pretty empty. And really needing some coverage. But coverage finally was demanded - and given - last night.

Why?

Put it this way. A day or so after remodeling our kitchen, the next door neighbors upon bumping into my husband outside in front of the house said "Oh, I see you redid your kitchen". Oh, my husband says, then asking how the neighbor knew this. The neighbor says: "Our first floor bathroom window looks right into the kitchen".

Can you see the tiny window --- to the bottom right of the hanging bird and slightly above the wood fence. Yes, see what I am talking about?

Now there's somewhat of a tiny window, so I hadn't thought it was the window of a room (used multiple times in a day) as the viewing gateway into a kitchen that I am in every day. And sometimes, I'm functioning as if the window directly across from me is a low-usability window. Functioning as in, being in my robe (or not)....as in, adjusting bra straps....as in...oh the blatant horror of what I could have possibly done unknowingly.

And to make matters worse, their window is right over their toilet. So there have been a few times that I am casually doing the dishes having awesome thoughts of my family, of the yummy dinner, of my beautiful white farmhouse sink....and I look up and Ahhhhh --- there is a head looking back at me from about 5 feet away. He's doesn't even have the ~~shame~~ the ~~guilt~~ the obvious decency to look down and not directly at me. I try to casually look down as if I hadn't seen him because I was too busy looking at my reflection in the window, OR I was admiring the color of the brick of his house OR I was staring at a tree.

Then I just wait and wait and wait. Seriously, how long can this guy go for? He's like 80?! Finally, I peripherally notice the light go out and I know it's safe.

And that's when I say THAT'S IT! I am making a curtain for this window. TONIGHT.

Here is the space before.

Yes, my impulse to do this came post-washing of the dishes....as you can see them all! Lol.

Here is what it looks like now.

And to help in my recovery of the situation, the curtain costs, around $2.50!

The material is a sort of jute/burlap-y material --- really something that is used to cover trees during the winter I think. I found it LAST YEAR in a liquidation store for about a buck.

The fabric the ruffle is made out of is leftover fabric from d'stash (read: free!) and the flower is a plastic green orchid that fell off of an arrangement (read again: free!). The ribbon is two rolls of a fourpack from the dollar store so that's about .50c.

Here's what happened. Oh no, my story ain't over yet. (Remember, I am a New Yorker!)

Initially, I was going for a short cafe style length. However, I didn't want to cut the material in fear that it would fray and that I wasn't sure of using fray-check. So, I left that "decision" to the end when I would either just fold it under or fold it over for some pretty dips in the fabric.

I accordion-folded (and pinned) the plaid fabric to the bottom of the burlap material and then straight stitched. Then I hot glued the red ribbon to the "intersection" (where the burlap met the plaid). Finally, I found a spot (about a 1/3 of the way in on the left) where I wanted to place the flower and hot glued that as well.

Then it got interesting. And I thought I was doing so well....

Being a Mis-treater (and following the Nester), I was dead set on just staple gunning the material to the wall. Made my first attempt, the staple didn't catch. Tried again, maybe I wasn't really at the right angle. Turns out, the staples I had in the gun were for light-duty and these were partial drywall-partial plaster so all I was accomplishing were scratches and paint chipping.

K, feeling still very motivated and unmoved by this, I decided I would up the anti and NAIL the thing to the wall. It's burlap and practically full of holes so I could just kind of "hang a box" on the nail. Shamelessly slammed three nails into the wall, put the curtain up and realized I had too much "dippage" in between nails, so okay, what am I to do? Hammer more nails, right?
Of course.

So I banged two more nails but it still wasn't hanging right.
Plus, the nails weren't lined up....really. I could tell. Kind of look like a picture of a heart monitor.

I "fussed" artistically with it. You know, teasing fabric this way, schmoosing it that way, giving it a good fluff. Besides the fact that when I would fluff on the right side, the left side would fall off the little nail head....(meaning very unstable.....it would be a concern when during the summer, the window is open...and a slight breeze comes in...) but it just.wasn't.looking.right.

It's like a scene of an accident --cant look away right?

Now I was getting a little teed. It was about 930 at night and already I chanced waking my sleeping 2 year old from the usage of a hammer, but I didn't want to wait another night to put this curtain up. After all, these are like free shows for my neighbor. This curtain was going up tonight.

But I didn't think that I had any curtain hardware laying around in the house and I didn't really want to use powertools to make additional holes (and wake the baby). Then it dawned on me....Didn't I see a curtain rod on the workbench in the basement....My heart leaped with hope. Please don't let me need additional hardware to put it up.....

I ran downstairs and for sure, there it was. A plastic cafe rod from the Dollar Store WITH holes at the end for me to just stick a nail through! Bonus!

So I returned to the kitchen, figured where I wanted the rod to be and then attached it to the wall. Perfect, I thought and then went to put the curtain on.

Duh. I needed to put the curtain on the rod first and then attach it to the wall because in order for me to not need any additional hardware I just banged the nails through these two little holes on the sides of the rod.

And besides, looking at it, I thought, naaah, with it being burlap and all hole-y, it doesn't look right with that much "light" coming through. It looks like I just put a potato bag up on the wall and called it a curtain. And the wall is so much taller than the window that the curtain just looks awkward being in the "middle" of the window. And I didn't really want to block that much light. (Probably if I had made the curtain not so long, this wouldn't be a problem and would be just like petite cafe curtains but I didn't want to cut in the fabric).

So I decided to put the curtain up. Waaaay up, to where the wall touches the ceiling. I felt like that was the spot.....

Okay, a slight interruption....
This whole time that I am putting this curtain up, I'm climbing up and down the countertop, leaning towards and against the window now GIVING MY NEIGHBOR A REAL SHOW. Thoughts such as "please don't have my zipper fall down" (because of course, I was wearing the jeans who's zipper definitely believes in the Law of Gravity) and "think my pants are sagging a little on my hips ---- please pants don't show the bright yellow trim of underwear".....I was trying to go as fast as I could.

K, back to the "show"...

Obviously, this arrangement doesn't do much for my whole neighbor issue --- which was the whole reason right??? Sigh.

So with $2.50 in materials, about an hour and a half of work, 7 holes in the wall, 3 staple gun scrapings and a couple of burnt fingers, I have a semi-functioning curtain.

I consider the curtain like a great pair of stilettos ---- all aesthetics, functionality needs to be argued!

I might have to put up a pair of sheer curtains --- for some coverage. I think I would turn pink in the face (and I am brown people!) if I heard my neighbor say --- "I just think your Little Miss Sunshine pajamas are just so cute. How old are you again?...."

Linky Parties my curtain and I are attending:
The Thrifty Home
Blue Cricket Designs

When in Buffalo, New York...

2011-02-22T23:04:00.000-05:00

Look at buffalo. Duh, right?

In Canada, we celebrate Family Day instead of President's Day.

So my little family of three crossed the border into the States to go to the Buffalo Museum of Science where there is a Children's Activity Centre and a new Narnia exhibit.

Our almost-two year old was a little young for the actual exhibits...it was more of a fly by with whatever got his attention and then he played for about an hour in the more kid-friendly spots.

I also took the opportunity to use my new Iphone app --- Instagram. I love love love this program....good thing there are only about 20 filters....if there were more, I would waste even more time lol!

upon being greeted by a life-size polar bear....

playing peek-e-boo (that's how he says it) with mommy...

making friends in the treehouse...

putting on the turbo blasters, his favorite thing to do...

needing a "shhhh" moment....

saying "it's Jonah whale, mommy"....endlessly....in a room that echoed...

technology in the Great Plains...

"it's so big, mommy..."

--- my mommy instinct tells me he isn't so interested in the buffalo, inasmuch as he is contemplating how to get into the actual exhibit and run in the fields

Eliel enjoying freedom and walking like a "big-boy"...it last for about 5 seconds

a life size bear ---- about 10 feet tall!

Overdue for a Shower....

2011-02-22T22:49:00.001-05:00

Hahaha.
So if I don't lose blog followers based on this post's title alone....what I am referring to is the Monday Music Shower.

I'm overdue! Monday was a holiday here (also in Canada, but it was Family Day, not President's Day --- see this post here for some great pics!) so I didn't get a chance to post what is one of my favorite energizing songs....

It's FOOTLOOSE!!!

I thought there was a party going on here....
Just even the first few chords can get ya going, huh??

Every time I see this video, I am so amazed at the dancing. I love love love the solos ---- especially the "nerd guy" who does the robot moves. I wonder how many times they had to do this scene!

This is definitely how I would've loved my prom to be! lol

Excuse me while I find a shiny chiffon prom dress, tease my hair and put on some electric blue eyeshadow....

And if you are a follower of this blog, you know I love learning about everything so I did some googling and according to one website about 1980's prom dresses:

In the early 80's, prom dresses worn by young ladies were very appealing and fashionable. Majority of the girls wore a long gown that nearly touched their ankles and the floor. The dresses brought out their innocence and sweetness when they began to walk in the ballroom. Young ladies often changed their dress in harmony with the type of music aired at the prom.

WHAT!!?? "...bringing out their innocent"...what, with all the pink? "..often changed their dress with the type of music".....how many dresses did they bring to the prom? And can you see the DJ playing Culture Club's "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" and a girl saying "DJ, wait, wait.......I can't possibly dance to that without my seafoam green taffeta dress with the victorian lace neckline. And I must spike my bangs the other way...."

Or, a girl doing an extreme makeover into fiercely slicked back hair, red lips and a up-to-there black mini dress in order to dance to Robert Palmer's Simply Irrestible??

I know the 80's was a "fast" decade, but that's like bogus (to use some of the lingo)!

ps -- After listening to Simply Irrestible, I may have to use it for next week's Monday Music Shower.... :)

What's your favorite thing from the 80's?

OWOH Giveaway Winner

2011-02-17T14:13:00.000-05:00

One World One Heart was a good ride this year. There were almost 1000 blogs participating and I definitely added to my blog reader.

And with any event or party, there is a door prize.

Congratulations ------ to Linda from Lamore Allure

I find this "coincidental" that she is the winner --- not only did I use to live in Massachusetts but she is an eco-designer of upcycled items. I have a bridal salon that has eco-friendly gowns.

I will email you, Linda, to notify you. And I will send you some brooch images that I have created.....been a little busy and in "creative" mode.

To any that may want me to design a brooch/headpiece for you, just email me privately.

The Monday Music Shower....of Love

2011-02-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

heheh, yes, I know that was just soaked in corny-ness...
but anyhow for today's Monday Music Shower, I've chosen something related to Valentines Day.

One movie and soundtrack that I love is Step Up. I've really come to like artists from there such as Jamie Scott and Gene Rene....

You Must Be - Gene Rene

Jamie Scott: Made

So see if these two songs don't add a little extra flair to your Valentine's Day.
and sorry....I couldn't find an actual video for these artists...

My Smart List (aka, my book list)

2011-02-05T00:00:00.018-05:00

Bottom Line: I LOVE to read and I can remember enjoying it waaaay back. My mother was an avid library-card user and on Saturdays (especially before we became a family of 5 raised by a single mom), we would always make our trip to the library. (Afterwards, there was still a trip to the library, it was just ME now having to take my younger siblings. My mother stayed home and read.) But for the times, it was just her and me, she would stay downstairs in the Adult section and I would go upstairs to the Children's section. There, we would individually read books for a couple of hours and make the important decisions about which books we were going to check out. We were VIP's at the library -- the kind where, even though it was an innercity (of NYC, that is)library, we were known by all the librarians and staff by first names. The highlight for me was at the check out. For we each, always ALWAYS checked out 5+ books. And we DID READ them by the end of that week...ok, maybe we renewed 1 or 2. But we were serious readers and I definitely grew to love reading. As a freshman in highschool, I had read the entire Jean Auel Clan of the Cave Bear series. Not impressed?! These were 4 books about 600-700 pages, each! Still not impressed. K, I read War & Peace, a 1300 page classic. Yeah, I thought that would get at least a raised eyebrow.

So with that, I always have a yearly book list. I may not always stick to it --- I may add books, may not get to some...so it's more of a guideline....For example, right now, I am reading Girl with a Pearl Earring, because upon organizing, I "rediscovered" it among my collection and it was available. And with it being under 200 pages, I can get it done pretty quickly.

My 2011 Book List: (in no particular order...)

1. The Bucolic Plague
2. Bringing Up Boys
3. The Dirty Life
4. Freakonomics
5. A Life that says Welcome
6. The Mom I Want to Be
7. Life of PI
8. Sacred Marriage
9. Persuasion
10. The Kite Runner
11. Northanger Abbey
12. Practicing Hospitality
13. Be Bodacious
14. Made from Scratch
15. Mansfield Park
16. The Jungle Book, the Second Jungle Book and Just so Stories
17. A common life
18. In this mountain
19. Light from heaven
20. Shepherds Abiding
21. Heaven
22. One Thousand Gifts
23. Sherlock in Love
24. Four Spirits

and just added today, #25....because I just found out -- but the final book (#6), The Land of Painted Caves will be coming out in March! OH MY! I've been waiting over 20 years to read this book! *be still.....

Yes, that's 25 books --- about 2 a month.... as I said, growing up, reading was built in. In fact, it was my routine to read about 30 mins while in bed, before going to sleep. I just remembered a situation where for a week or so, I had NOT followed through on the going to sleep part, that at some point, my mother banned me from reading for a week. Yes, people, she banned me. That's my childhood. (love ya, mom) :)

What's on your reading list? Do you have suggestions for must read?

And as for what I have read so far in 2011: (I will keep updating this list)...
1. Summer Sisters
2. Life After 40
3. The Pillars of the Earth
4. Ahab's Wife
5. The Girl with Pearl Earring
6. Big Fish
7. A Conversation with God
8. Bringing up Boys
9. The Map
10. Reggie
11. A Common Life
12. Prisoner of Tehran
13. Life of Pi
14. Four Spirits
15. Freakonomics
16. Made from Scratch
17. The Bucolic Plague
18. Better Off
19. Hattie Big Sky
20. In this Mountain
21. The Jungle Book
22. Clabbered Dirt, Sweet Grass
23. (The New) Dare to Discipline
24. Hannah Coulter
25. (The New) Strong Willed Child
26. Home Economics
27. Mortgage-Free
28. The Prince Edward Island Book of Everything
29. Eat, Pray, Love
30. Bannock, Beans and Black Tea
31. The Land of Painted Caves
32. Ascent into Darkness
33. Blue Like Jazz
*updated December 19th, 2011

Paying it Forward...

2011-02-04T13:34:00.000-05:00

I came across this Pay It Forward posting and decided I wanted to do it as well. Had you seen the movie -- Pay it Forward? A powerful movie.

So with this idea, I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must repost this status, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade (or homemade) by you and it must be sent to your 5 people some time in 2011.

Homemaker's Journal, on crafting

2011-02-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

The Homekeeper's Journal, sponsored by the Christian Homekeepers Network, is a weekly "journal" in which to share thoughts etc...

This week’s Homekeeper’s Journal is all about crafting and creating ……….

In My Kitchen this week ……
Some of the basics but I always try to implement some new recipes each week. This week is a "different" Crab cakes recipe and a carmelized shallot and sage souffle. I also made Jam-Jam muffins, which suprised me by looking like a creature from a children's movie (you can read the post here).

When I think about Crafting/Sewing/Making Things, I want to …
do it all. Yeah, that's pretty much. I am selfish and greedy in this sense. :)

My favorite creative outlet it ……..
sewing, decorating, repurposing, organizing. I feel great when things are put away and feel I can "think" more.

A Craft that I’d like to learn is ….
knitting. I bought a book (well a couple of books, I grew ambitious, y'all.)

One Craft that I can do but don’t do much is ….
Sewing---like with everything, need more time....or a Superwoman pill :)

An unusual Craft that I can do or would like to do is ….
Wax Painting...

Another Craft that I secretly long to do but don’t right now is ….
Photography...

The Craft/Creative Work that I have no desire whatsoever to do ……
Painting

Why don't you do what you dream....?

2011-02-03T00:01:00.045-05:00

The other day, I made Jam-Jam Muffins...(raspberry yogurt muffins filled with apricot preserves...)...should be renamed Yum Yum....but anyhow...

And when peeling the paper liner off of my muffin, I was taken back.
Way Back.
To a Childhood Movie.

Is it just me or does my muffin resemble Morla the Ancient One from the Neverending Story (la la la la la la la la la....)

my muffin

Morla

my muffin

again, Morla

Well, it obviously didn't bother me too much, for I chomped down two of my Mor..er, muffins :)
And just a side observation --- and at the risk of sounding very VH1 -- where are the child actors now??

The kid that played Bastian (cool first name btw), was Barret Oliver and only did like seven years of child acting and is now a photographer. But he was in Cocoon and D.A.R.Y.L. Can't find any updated "I'm now a 37yo adult" pics...

Atreyu -- (Noah Hathaway) apparently is a major energetic athlete (even opened a Muay Thai store) and since 2009 has opened up a tattoo shop. (I don't follow the line of thinking....)

The Empress --- (Tami Stronach) is the child of a Scottish archaeologist of Ancient Persia and an Israeli archaeologist. She was born in Iran and the Neverending Story was her debut. And it was also her last film, as her parents didn't want her to go down the path of other child actors. So, she turned to dance instead.

And okay, through my "research", I finally found what Bastian renamed the Empress....According to Wiki, Moonchild.
okay, what?! where did that come from?! I totally would not have got that from the video....

Here is what is said on Answers.com

Okay, some back story on this. In the movie, which isn't the best rendition of The Neverending Story, he mentions that if he were asked to give the Childlike Empress a new name, Bastian would give her her mother's name. However, in the movie, somewhere between the time he makes that statement, and actually calls out her name he changes his mind, because he calls out "Moon Child". Now, I very highly doubt that his mother's name was "Moon Child Bux".

Now, in the book, Bastian never makes the claim that he will give the Childlike Empress his mother's name. In fact it never comes up at all. When faced with the decision to let Fantastic (Fantasia in the movie), or name the Golden-Eyes Commander of Wishes (The Empress), he named her. And he names her Moon Child, which, by naming her, he showed his power of imagination, and the power to create worlds with it.

So, to answer the question, in the movie, he called out "Moon Child", but it was never his mother's name.

interesting...nonetheless, a definitely amazing children's movie.
I wanted my own Falkor...

Maybe I might ask for one for Christmas...

The Little Dishcloth that Could....

2011-02-02T00:01:00.008-05:00

Last year, while on family vacation in South Carolina, we visited the Magnolia Plantation.

Besides the amazing tour of the house...

the gardens...

the slave houses...(which in fact were actually USED by SLAVES up until the late 1980's..)

the petting zoo...(where Eliel got his first "hear" of a peacock and panicked...loudly)

and even the swamp garden...

what I looked forward to was visiting the Gift Shop. Call me silly, but I wanted to see if I could find a "Southern" apron or dish cloth set. We had just renovated our kitchen (in what I call a farmhouse-cottage by the sea style) and I wanted some finishing touches.

Well, I nearly squealed when I saw a dish cloth that would be perfect. A pretty blue and green plaid print.

At first, I thought I was that much closer to the country kitchen diva I so wanted to be and then I had an idea. The dish cloth was larger than most regular cloths (but then again, isn't everything in the South so....or is it just in Texas...? anyhow.). So, I took it home, telling my husband that I was going to do something really special with it. He didn't seem convinced -- he was probably tired of my spending, so I discussed the hidden benefits because I was gonna make this into something else that was on my "must-buy" list -- an apron --- so I was actually saving money. Okay, see how much I love ya. I am helping you and your checkbook out. Yeah you can give me a high-five for that.

So.....good thing we didn't talk about any compounding interest for it was almost a YEAR later that I actually got around to this project.

I went to Walmart for post-Christmas sales and actually found this pink paisley ribbon for oooohhhh $1.22! It was wired, so I just took that out and used some for the waistband and for around the neck. At first, I thought the pink was too bright in contrast to the pastel blue and green (tho' it's not that bright as how it shows in the pictures...) but I am totally okay with the contrast. You know, it brings attention to my hips when I am shaking it like Shakira.

I even made an organza and silk flower and added a little (well, not so little...) rhinestone. For some extra detail, I added green leafs and a stalk.

By the way, some other items I purchased there (cuz I was saving y'know..) was a gorgeous (gorgeous, I repeat) blue lotus candleholder and a glass starfish from the Science Museum.

I didn't have a camera handy when I was making it, but if enough people ask, I can write up a tutorial. It was VERY easy. Under an hour. Even with a 2 year old around :)

Linky Parties that my apron and I are attending...

The Thrifty House
Blue Cricket Designs
The Shabby Chic Cottage
Fireflys and Jellybeans
Somewhat Simple
Tales from Bloggerritaville
Beyond the Picket Fence
Life as Lori
Just a Girl

I want to be 50....(giveaway involved...)

2011-02-01T15:47:00.000-05:00

Announcing a giveaway.....

Especially since the launch of the One World One Heart BlogHop event, my number of followers have increased. To honor this and to celebrate YOU (my dedicated followers - who found my postings interesting enough to formally tie your Google Readers to me.. :P), I will do a giveaway to one of you.

The prize: yes, another headpiece/brooch...

I love making these. They can be used as either a headpiece or a brooch (comes fitted with both types of fasteners).

Once I get the 50, I will post pictures of the entire collection (kinda slow in the uploading department...) and the winner can choose from among those.

Coincidence....?

2011-02-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

A little story.

Yesterday, an afternoon conversation while cleaning the dishes, between my husband and I.
Background: I (the wife, the caretaker of the house) has been out of house for about 2 months and husband (busy computer software employee) has been "in charge"...including cooking, cleaning etc.

Husband: So, I'm really proud of myself. When you were gone, I did cook some good meals.
Me: That's nice honey. Good to hear.
Husband: Oh and yeah, I used that spray stuff behind the sink and the other little cracks and holes so I didn't see one mouse during the whole time you were gone.
Me: Oh good. Can't stand the mice.

(yes, I did just reveal that we have a little mouse issue....occasionally. Rarely. Hardly ever. Really.)

Fast forward to this morning.....
Husband: Hon, can you come downstairs and tell me what you see.
I go downstairs to where my husband is in the kitchen, pointing to something on the counter.
Husband: Is that mouse poop?
Me: Yup. Most definitely. Looks like in a couple of places.
Husband: Grr.

We go to sit down at the table and I start giggling.
Husband: What?
Me: Oh nothing. I just realized that when I was gone, so were the mice. Only when I returned, did they come back. They must have known I was cooking again. And you weren't.

The Monday Music Shower....

2011-01-31T13:25:00.000-05:00

starting a tradition here for the blog.

Not that I am working or anything...in fact, I am a Stay-at-home Mom...so the "dreaded" Monday or the "welcomed" Friday shouldn't really be a big difference in my world, should it? Oh but it so does! For when the weekend is over, it means that MY HUSBAND returns to work and I am FULL-TIME almost 24-7 Mom. During the weekend,it's the two of us with this energetic bundle of love. Well, actually to my husband's credit, that's not fully true. I have his help during the weekday mornings, so I can actually do human things, like brush teeth and shower...but it's just different during the weekend.

Anyhow, so there's a small part of me that does not look SO forward to Mondays and this is where the new tradition will come in.....

One refreshing thing for me and that can help with getting myself on the right foot for my day (or even being able to have my A-game on) are showers. Just feel energized, prepared and motivated. So, on this blog, Monday Music Showers...posting a song/video. The kind that you shamelessly belt out in the shower or when driving. The kind that keeps playing in your head that you find yourself strutting to throughout the day. The kind that gives you the pep for the day that's so needed to get the week on the right foot. The kind that defeats the purpose of Hump Wednesday. (who comes up with these titles...?)

Anyhow, here's the first one.

I love this song. I actually used it for one of the bridal fashion shows I coordinated last year. Don't remember how I came across it but here's an interesting fact. Ida Corr is of Danish and Gambian descent. Pretty girl, eh? And talented. And um, I'm not going to even go into the "dancewear" being used...but nonetheless, good song.

K, now go jump in the shower and strut throughout your day with "Let Me Think About It...."

Feel free to comment with your video/music ideas and it might just be posted for one of these Monday Showers.

One World One Heart 2011

2011-01-30T00:01:00.007-05:00

*** Comments are now closed. Thanks for participating. I have posted the winner for today's post ***

.

I am participating in the One World One Heart 2011 Event. It's a way of opening up our doors to all other bloggers....think of it as a major international housewarming! So on that note, welcome! You'll get to know me as a SAHM with a lot of energy, creativity and always with multiple projects going on at the same time. I'm married for about 5 years and have a little one, a 21 month old son, named Eliel.

Some of the things I love:

Ballroom dancing...I used to compete when I lived in the States and in fact, that is where I met my husband...he was my dance partner for oooh, one competition (3 months) before we decided to officially date. (Another secret, we were married 7 months later!)

Reading....I always have a yearly book list and a number of books on the go simultaneously.

Home Decorating....I could possibly be the Spanish Martha Stewart....always up for refurnishing, repurposing, redecorating...you get the point. It also helps that my next love is....

Crafting...nuff said, right? I think for the last 4 years of my New Year's Resolutions, it's been "Don't packrat.....you cannot keep that mere inch of that pretty ribbon because you THINK you are going to use it later on....."

And other things --- love love LOVE robin's egg blue color, hot chocolate, cheesecake (I make a killer one -- killer, to my thighs lol)...and recently have discovered that I have a secret fascination with birds --- whether art, figurines....don't know where that came from.

So come on in, get comfortable and enjoy looking around here at my little house on Blog Street.

And with any event or party, there is a door prize. To one lucky visitor, I am giving away a handcrafted headpiece, either to be used by that casually fabulous lady for a night on the town or for a bride who wants something different. This is an example of one, but I just got some new fabric that I would love to work with. The winner gets to choose from among the ones I will post on February 17th. The headpiece comes with a pin to attach to your lapel, blazer, hat or purse!

To enter: Just leave a comment below. And my door (and this event) is open starting January 30th until Feb 17th which I will then post the name of the winner and email the winner at the email address left in the comment box. (The winner will be chosen at random).

Come Take the Dare....

2011-01-28T20:07:00.001-05:00

....to Live Fully (Right Where You Are)...

Join the (in)Courage Book Club where this book will be discussed both online and in video.

Here's an excerpt from Chapter 1:

A glowing sun-orb fills an August sky the day this story begins, the day that I am born,the day I begin to live.

And I fill my mother’s tearing ring of fire with my body emerging, virgin lungs searing with air of this earth. I unfold from the womb, from the diameter of her fullness, empty her out—and she bleeds. Vernix-creased and squalling, I am held to the light.

Then they name me.

Could a name be any shorter? Three letters without even the flourish of an e. Ann, a trio of curves and lines.
It means “full of grace.”

I haven’t been.

What does it mean to live full of grace? To live fully alive?

They wash my pasty skin and I breathe and I flail. I flail.

For decades, a life, I continue to flail and strive and come up so seemingly … empty. I haven’t lived up to my christening.

Maybe in those first few years my life curled like cupped hands, a receptacle open to the gifts God gives. But of those years, I have no memories. For they say memory jolts awake with trauma’s electricity. That would be the year I turned four. The year when blood pooled and my sister died and I, all of us, snapped shut to grace.

Standing at the side porch window, watching my parents’ stunned bending, I wonder if my mother had held me in those natal moments of naming like she held my sister in death.

In November light, I see my mother and father sitting on the back porch step rocking her swaddled body in their arms. I press my face to the kitchen window, the cold glass, and watch them, watch their lips move, not with sleep prayers, but with pleas for waking, whole and miraculous. It does not come.

The police do. They fill out reports. Blood seeps through that the blanket bound. I see that too, even now.

Memory’s surge burns deep.

That staining of her blood scorches me, but less than the blister of seeing her uncovered, lying there.

She had only toddled into the farm lane, wandering after a cat, and I can see the delivery truck driver sitting at the kitchen table, his head in his hands, and I remember how he sobbed that he had never seen her. But I still see her, and I cannot forget. Her body, fragile and small, crushed by a truck’s load in our farmyard, blood soaking into the thirsty, track-beaten earth. That’s the moment the cosmos shifted, shattering any cupping of hands.

I can still hear my mother’s witnessing-scream, see my father’s eyes shot white through.

My parents don’t press charges and they are farmers and they keep trying to breathe, keep the body moving to keep the soul from atrophying.

Mama cries when she strings out the laundry. She holds my youngest baby sister, a mere three weeks old, to the breast, and I can’t imagine how a woman only weeks fragile from the birth of her fourth child witnesses the blood-on-gravel death of her third child and she leaks milk for the babe and she leaks grief for the buried daughter.

Dad tells us a thousand times the story after dinner, how her eyes were water-clear and without shores, how she held his neck when she hugged him and held on for dear life. We accept the day of her death at day as an accident.

But an act allowed by God?

For years, my sister flashes through my nights, her body crumpled on gravel.

Sometimes in dreams, I cradle her in the quilt Mama made for her, pale green with the hand-embroidered Humpty Dumpty and Little Bo Peep, and she’s safely cocooned. I await her unfurling and the rebirth.

Instead the earth opens wide and swallows her up.

At the grave’s precipice, our feet scuff dirt, and chunks of the firmament fall away.

A clod of dirt hits the casket, shatters.

Shatters over my little sister with the white-blonde hair, the little sister who teased me and laughed; and the way she’d throw her head back and laugh, her milk-white cheeks dimpled right through with happiness, and I’d scoop close all her belly-giggling life.

They lay her gravestone flat into the earth, a black granite slab engraved with no dates, only the five letters of her name. Aimee. It means “loved one.” How she was. We had loved her. And with the laying of her gravestone, the closing up of her deathbed, so closed our lives.

Closed to any notion of grace.

Really, when you bury a child— or when you just simply get up every day and live life raw—you murmur the question soundlessly. No one hears.
Can there be a good God?

A God who graces with good gifts when a crib lies empty through long nights, and bugs burrow through coffins?

Where is God, really?

How can He be good when babies die, and marriages implode, and dreams blow away, dust in the wind?

Where is grace bestowed when cancer gnaws and loneliness aches and nameless places in us soundlessly die, break off without reason, erode away?

Where hides this joy of the Lord, this God who fills the earth with good things, and how do I fully live when life is full of hurt?

How do I wake up to joy and grace and beauty and all that is the fullest life when I must stay numb to losses and crushed dreams and all that empties me out?

…. How do we choose to allow the holes to become seeing-through-to-God places? To more-God places?

How do I give up resentment for gratitude, gnawing anger for spilling joy? Self-focus for God-communion.

To fully live—to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal. It is possible, wildly.

I now see and testify.

So this story— my story .
A dare to an emptier, fuller life.”

How to Join the Book Club? Just pick up a copy of the book and meet at the (in)Courage website every Sunday and Wednesday for videos and discussion.

Video Chapter 1 Sunday, February 06, 2011
Video Chapter 2 Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Video Chapter 3 Sunday, February 13, 2011
Video Chapter 4 Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Video Chapter 5 Sunday, February 20, 2011
Video Chapter 6 Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Video Chapter 7 Sunday, February 27, 2011
Video Chapter 8 Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Video Chapter 9 Sunday, March 06, 2011
Video Chapter 10 Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Video Chapter 11 Sunday, March 13, 2011
Video Chapter 12 Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Introducing One World One Heart 2011

2011-01-27T00:14:00.000-05:00

Consider this a virtual appetizer of what's to come January 30th....be sure to visit my blog then for more details of this amazing event and to find out what my giveaway is........

I am participating in the One World One Heart 2011 Event.

It's a way of opening up our doors to all other bloggers....think of it as a major international housewarming! Enjoy the homes and creativity of over 1000 international bloggers -- from right here in Canada to the US, to China, to Australia and even as remote as a location as a friend I made in Mauritius!

And with any event or party, there are plenty of door prizes to be won. How exciting is that!?

Welcoming Reconstruction...

2011-01-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 3:15
...but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Looking at the list of blog posts, it's interesting that I started blogging about a year ago (Dec 2009)......and from that time until now, it's been a Year of Fire for me and my family. Individually and collectively, we've been through some major ordeals.

But even with that fire, though there are some fragile and delicate parts of me that have been singed, scarred or even destroyed, I am still here. Here -- somewhat new, and yet now, even more of myself than I was to begin with. Refined yet still original.

This year, is a Year of being Refreshed, Renewed and filled with Purpose and Priority. (ha, and with that, it's 10:30pm and I am blogging instead of putting sleep as priority). But nonetheless, my family and I have made heartfelt promises to ourselves and each other, to change our pace of life, to refocus and to re-engage.

We welcome you on our journey.

Creativity Revealed...

2010-03-30T15:34:00.003-04:00

Even though it's been about a month since I've posted, I have been extremely busy....with About a Bride Weddings & Events, my event planning business, home decorating, summer road trip plans and my accessories line, Shimmer & Tulle. I've created 4 more items.

The two green ones can be used as either brooches or as hairpins.

The white one is double layered and was made to be used as a hairpin (for a bride or any other "updo" event). The blue one is very layered (5 layers) and is huge....about *** inches wide. It is meant to be used as a bridal hairpin, with or without the veil. Or, you can be very Sarah Jessica Parker and use it as a brooch on your wedding gown.

These will be posted at my etsy store, but just wanted to give a preview.
All items can be custom made.

Want to boost your etsy sales?

2010-03-09T16:58:00.003-05:00

How about being featured or doing a giveaway?

I am so excited for I've recently taken on being one of the giveaway editors for the blog, A Little Etsy Love and each week, I am looking for an etsy store that would like to be featured in a post by doing a giveaway.

The posts would be on Wednesdays, so you would send me info about your store, your giveaway, pics and link before then. I would post the info and drive the traffic over to your store (i.e. ppl would tell me what their fav item of your store was...) and announce the winner the following week...so technically, you get 2 weeks of exposure.

So who's in....I actually still have a spot for tomm's post...so first come, first serve!
My Google followers, who's in?

You can email me at ellen@aboutabride.ca