Another Year

vesselsandware - large eyelet ribbon cake stand

I turned a year older this week, and although I am able to cross another year off, I somehow am still 28! Not sure how that has happened, since 28 was four years ago for me (gah!), but I'll take it.

It's amazing what can happen when you take a moment to pause and look at all that has been going on around you. I can't believe I'm 32, seriously, it's shocking to me and I'm sure I'll continued to be shocked with each birthday that comes and passes.

Life is very lovely, and I'm thankful for that, and I hope that I can continue to take moments to reflect and cherish all that is going on around me. Life can get busy and you can forget to take time to step back and watch....I love watching.

I was in the basement yesterday trying to tidy up our storage area. I came across my Dad's cricket bag (the sport not the insect). This is something that I've kept since he passed. He was an avid cricket player, it was HIS game and he loved everything about it. I love it because of that, even though I don't know many of the rules, I love it all the same. I was shocked to find tears streaming down my face as I dug through this bag. It smelt just like it did 12 years ago. It's amazing how powerful our sense of smell is. I could just picture my Dad walking around in his cricket uniform getting ready for a game, it felt as though he was standing right beside me. I took this moment in and cherished it. It may sound like it was a sad moment, but it was quite the opposite. It was so very wonderful to feel as though he was right there. I wonder what he's thinking, I wonder if he's proud. He was gone before I got married and before I had children, I wonder what he thinks of my family. I wonder so many things.

So I vow to take the time to cherish all of the little moments. Even if I don't cherish them as they are happening, I vow to take time each and everyday to reflect and appreciate because I am so very thankful.

Cheers, enjoy your lovely Friday.

Do I Dare?

As you know, I absolutely LOVE to sew. However, I have a confession. I have yet to make an article of clothing, well, if you don't include sashes/belts as clothing that is. Yes, it's the truth.

I see many patterns that I'd love to try to, but for some reason, I'm oh so nervous to give it a go.

I bought this pattern last year after seeing someone's post about the one that they made (gosh I wish I still had the post). She used a gorgeous quilting cotton. There are actually quite a few blog posts and pics about this particular pattern if you google it, it's just too cute!

Anyhow, bought the pattern, read it over and then threw it into my pattern drawer where it's been sitting....and sitting....and sitting. Today, I dug it out and I'm determined to give it a go. Yes, I'm still nervous, perhaps I'm scared that it won't turn it out right, or that people will be able to tell that I made it. Not sure what it is, but I vow to try it out and yes, I will let you know how it goes.

Now, which fabric to use? Hmmmm I'm open to suggestions!

To be continued.....

I hope you're all enjoying a lovely weekend....I have another sneak peek of a new item to share with you. Perhaps tomorrow if I can get the pics taken!

Cheers,

A Tad Bit Behind - Sneak Peek!

I would be lying if I said that I've been sewing up a storm. Unfortunately, it's been the exact opposite for about a week now. We've been hit with yet another cold (seriously?!) and are slowly getting back on our feet.

I may not have been sewing, but I have been working on other aspects of my little shop. Things have been a little slow for me over on Etsy, but it's almost been a good thing. It's allowed me to take time to figure out just the perfect way to package my items. I've been trying a few different packaging ideas out and finally came up with something that I absolutely love. So I went out and purchased all that I needed and took the time to source out other items online, good to have that done.

Prior to the impromptu break, I was working on a new item! I spoke of it a little earlier on how it combined both fabric and paper, but in a new way. I wanted to show you a sneak peek!

I absolutely love to receive snail mail and send, it always brings a smile to my face. Granted, email is very convenient and can get you a quick response when needed, but snail mail just has such a special meaning. I really want to do what I can to bring letter/card writing back into people's lives.

Whether it be a birthday card, thank you card or a simple note to say hello, I've designed this case to store your stationery sets. A little something to get you motivated to write that special letter and to motivate others to write as well!

The case is made of designer fabric and the coordinating stationery set inside is ready for you to use! They will be available in the shop soon!

Okay, time to get some housework done!

Cheers,

Some Guidance

I'm trying to convince my husband that we have to separate the two older boys beds. They are in bunk beds, but I want to try putting both beds on the ground. I myself have never liked the idea of having bunk beds. I remember having to sleep in them when I was young and I just absolutely hated it, I really did hate it (yes, I know hate is a strong word, but I really did hate it). Plus, I have this picture in my head of what the bedroom could look like with the beds seperated. I want to personalize the decor around each of their beds specifically with items that they love. One loves Star Wars, Lego, baseball and skateboarding, the other loves Thomas The Tank Engine and baseball.

The only problem with "trying" this new layout out is that it's not easy to simply take the beds apart and then to put them back together. I dunno if we should just go for it, or if I should just let it be. Hmmmmm My husband LOVED having bunk beds when he was little, complete different feeling for them than I have. As for the kids, they could be swayed either way I'm sure!

I'm looking to Pottery Barn for inspiration and guidance. I know that they have bunk beds, but it's the pictures of the rooms where there are two separate twin beds that I am drawn to.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids

I just really like that idea better. The kids would still have enough room to play in their room, granted they would have more if the beds were kept together, but still, enough room. Plus, perhaps this will get the basement reno moving a little quicker right?

Have I convinced you? Has anyone else tried this? Taking the beds apart? What was the outcome?

Cheers,

PS I'm totally swooning over the Pottery Barn Boy's Quilts!

Giveaway Winner and New Giveaway!

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway! So wonderful to see so many new faces, welcome to my blog!!!!

Okay, the winner is.............

The lovely Valerie from Cabin + Cub

Be sure to check out Valerie's blog and Etsy Shop if you haven't already! Her blog is full of lovely photos and posts, not to mention fun giveaways. In her shop you'll find beautiful woodburnings, stationery and prints, just to name a few! Definitely a must see!

Congrats Valerie, I'll be emailing you shortly.

For those of you who didn't win, no worries, more giveaways to come in the next little while! Including one that is currently being held over at Chelsea's Blog.....you can win a Fabric Ruffle Stationery Set!

Cheers,

Win It Wednesday! ****CLOSED*****

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

It has been way too long since I last hosted a giveaway here. So let's have one shall we?

Up for grabs...this Joel Dewberry Receipt/Coupon Holder:

How to enter, easy peasy measy! Just leave a comment with this post! For additional entries follow me on twitter and follow me here on blog! Leave a separate comment to let me know you are following me on twitter and another separate comment to let me know that you are following my blog (if you are already a follower leave a comment letting me know). So you can have a total of three comments....three chances to win! Contest is open to everyone!

Giveaway will end on Monday April 19th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be chosen by using Random.org

Good luck!

Cheers,

Did Someone Say New?

Ahhh, new listings, always a good feeling! I am managing to get work done in the evenings once the kiddos have gone to sleep. I haven't been able to do that for such a long time. It was tough to get Jenson to sleep and by the time he was in dreamland, I would be ready for bed.

For the last week or so, he's been doing such an amazing job falling asleep so I've slowly been getting back into my old routine. Working while the kids sleep, and it is SUCH a great feeling. I've got another week of solo parenting this week, but hopefully I can still get loads of work done at night once all of my house chores are all complete and the kids are all tucked in.

Oh yeah, the new listings I was talking about.....here they are!

Receipt/Coupon Holders

Fabric Ruffle Gift Tags - Set of Six

Mini Card Wallets

I have more receipt/coupon holders cut out, just need to get them put together, they *should* be listed by the end of the week.

Also, I have a new item in the works! A combination of fabric and stationery (yes, I do already offer items like that in my shop), but this is new new new! I can't wait to show you!

Okay, time to get ready for the day!

Hope you all enjoyed a lovely weekend.....

PS....I'm taking part in a fun giveaway! Want to enter, head on over to Solange's blog!

Cheers,

I Love My Sponsors Giveaway!

Doesn't the word "giveaway" just have such a nice ring to it?

Well, if you head on over to the lovely RikRak Studio Blog you can find out how you can enter to win a $25 gift certificate to one of the fabulous sponsors shops! (including mine!)

Very exciting indeed!

Cheers,

A Nice Time

Hello, hello!

What a weekend it was! I have good reasons for my yet again, impromptu break! We ended up travelling to Ottawa for the long weekend! My husband was heading out on a trip which included a stop over in Ottawa. He asked if we would want to come along and stay in Ottawa for a few days. Oh-my-goodness! Heck ya! I have seen his plane loads of times, but have never flown on it! So the kids and I packed up and we were out of here early the next morning!

It was such a lovely trip, every minute of it! From my husband literally flying us to Ottawa, to visiting both of our families (we are from Ottawa). It was just lovely, a really special trip to Ottawa indeed.

That's where I've been....and now it's back to reality, and I need to get my cup of coffee so that I can wake up a little!

I have loads of catching up to do....feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you've been up to!

Cheers,

It's Been A While

It sure has hasn't it? Sorry about that friends. A little impromptu break I suppose. I am at the tail end of another week of solo parenting. I've been hit with a nasty cold, my head is pounding, my back aches and my throat is sore. The good thing is that the kiddos are feeling better. I can handle me being sick, but I just very much dislike seeing the kids fighting colds. We sure have been sick quite a bit this winter, hopefully we won't see a rerun next winter!

I'm jealous of those of you living in Ontario. We aren't lucky enough to be enjoying high 20 temperatures. Instead, it's pouring rain, grey skies are hovering all around and it's even supposed to snow tomorrow....gasp! Ugh, no fun. Hey Ontarians, send some sunshine this way please! Thank you!

In shop news, I'm currently working on three Receipt/Coupon Holders, three Card Wallets and two Gift Tag sets (thanks for the gift tag love by the way!). Speaking of gift tags, I'm hoping to reduce the shipping price for the sets with lower quantities. Going to source out envelopes, and shipping costs this coming week.

I was thinking the other night that I needed to figure just what I was going to focus on making for the shop. I have been making a lot of stationery sets (which I love to do) and haven't been making many fabric accessories. I felt for some reason that I had to choose one or the other. Then I realized, that that wasn't true! I love making both stationery AND fabric accessories. I just have to balance them so that one doesn't overshadow the other. I'm taking time to promote the stationery sets right now, since they are all so new (more on that to come!), but that doesn't mean that I need to halt production on my fabric accessories. I definitely need to get more Receipt/Coupon Holders in the shop, they are by far my most popular accessory.

I sure can make things complicated sometimes can't I?! Glad we solved that problem!

I hope you all enjoy a lovely Easter weekend! HOP, HOP, HOP!

Cheers,