Isn't it amazing how wonderful you can feel after receiving a burst of inspiration? I'm most amazed at how I can sometimes be inspired in/by the most bizarre places/circumstances, but I truly love it when I'm hit with it!

The shop will be closing in a few weeks time for the summer and will re-open in Sept (perhaps a little sooner depending on when we return from our trip to Ottawa). I'm so so so beyond excited about the shop re-opening. I'm taking time to revamp my little shop during the closure. I plan to make sure that it is full of items and I will be introducing at least one new design, perhaps more (yay!). I'm truly excited.

I absolutely LOVE my new sewing area, it's what I needed and even better than when it was upstairs. I have my own little space and no one else goes back there, it's lovely.

We have enjoyed to lovely weather days in a row. Unfortunately the dark clouds are rolling in as I type. The rain will be good for the flower beds and the sun IS supposed to return tomorrow, so I won't complain too much.

I only just realized that I had not thought of what to get/make as a gift to give to my son's teacher! Ooops! I decided to make her a tote. Do you remember the totes I used to make? Here are a few pics:

I haven't made one in such a long time, so I'm looking forward to putting one together. Hope she loves it!

Okay, must run now....what are you making for the kids teachers?

Cheers,

A Busy Week

My goodness time is passing quickly! I can't believe I haven't posted since the 22nd!

The past week flew by. My husband was finally home for more than a few days and we kept busy getting things done around the house. We ordered three yards of dirt to use in my gardens and on the lawn, re-caulked one of the tubs in the house, we are in the midst of re-painting the house (if only we could find the right colour!) among other things! Now the rains have arrived, my husband is yet again gone away, and the kids and I stuck indoors....by choice. It's nice to sit and relax a bit after a wild week!

The shop is closed temporarily as I wait for my husband to return home. It's just too much right now, trying to keep things afloat with the shop while taking care of the kiddos and house on my own.

No worries though, I shall open it back up again next Saturday.

Can you believe it's the end of May?! Unreal! Only one more month of school! I have to admit, I'm looking forward to sleeping in during the week again, even if sleeping in means getting up at 7am instead of 6:30am! It's just nice waking up and taking your time to get ready.....ahhhh, it will be lovely.

So, what have you been up to this past week? I've practically taken a unintentional break from blogs, lots of reading to do!

Cheers,

In Preparation

I continue to search for fabulous items to take with me on my Hawaiin vacation! I'm amazed at just how many talented people there are on Etsy. I could honestly search for items on Etsy forever!

As you know, I love to be organized and that's my primary focus when I create items for my shop. A not so recent but fabulous find is the great shop oktak. The home of lovely fabric acessories that will most definitely aid in keeping you organized. You will find coin pouches, 2 compartment pouches and unbelievably gorgeous totes. All of these items would be great to have for my trip, to help keep me organized and look fashionable all at the same time!

I'm enjoying looking around.....be sure to take a peek! Want more of her loveliness? Well, look at this! Her shop with items geared towards kiddlets! Seriously too cute!

One of my favs is this GORGEOUS bag:

Bamboo Bag - oktak

And this great tote:

Handmade Tote - oktak

I was absolutely thrilled to find out that one of my stationery sets was featured in Etsy Finds! Oh goodness, thrilled wouldn't even come close to how happy I was! Thank you Etsy!

Cheers, enjoy your weekend!

Here We Are!

The weather has been absolutely lovely here in the Prairies. We are enjoying getting out and are soaking in the sunshine. The kids are busy bees, with school and sports, they are loving being able to play outside.

My husband is coming back home tonight after yet another few days away. He's supposed to have almost a week off, which will be lovely, we are missing him.

The shop slow down has begun and things will continue to quiet down up until the summer closure which will be the months of July and August.

Here is a recent pic of my trio....

It wasn't a tough decision to make, when I decided to shut the shop down for the summer and to stop making items from now until the shop re-opens in Sept. It's simply something I have to do, so that I can be here for them. That being said, I do miss sewing, I do miss promoting my shop and all the loveliness that comes with owning an Etsy shop. In due time.

Oh! And I just have to share.....for the first time in 10 months, I got a full nights sleep last night! I'm amazed at how refreshed and energized I feel after sleeping the entire night without getting up once. Hoping it happens again!

Cheers,

7 Years Today

So hard to believe it's already been seven years! It was a lovely day, he is a handsome guy and I'm one unbelievably happy girl!

Cheers,

Wordless Wednesday - Yummy

Gotta love it!

Have a good one!

One Down

Well, I'm amazed at how quickly I was able to scratch one of the items off of my to do list. I mentioned some of the items that I want to make and purchase for our upcoming trip to Hawaii here.

I finished the laptop sleeve. I have to admit, it's no masterpiece, I didn't have the right sized zipper, the one I hand in stock was a tad bit too short, but all I'm all, I'm happy with the end product. I've made zip pouches before, but none this size. I added a slip pocket to the front just incase. I never seem to have enough pockets!

This will work perfectly for carrying my Mac on the plane ride.

I hope you are all enjoying a lovely day. We have a baseball game tonight, hopefully there will be no rain.

Cheers,

Another Giveaway

Hello, hello!

As I mentioned yesterday, there is another giveaway! This time you can win an elliven stationery set. Head on over to Kristi's blog to check it out and for your chance to win! Good luck!

Cheers,

Wanna Be A Winner?

Well, you have a few ways to win some elliven accessories this weekend!

Head on over to Robyn and Sarah's blog to win a matching Receipt Holder and Mini Wallet set!

There is one more, just so happens that they are all happening at the same time! More chances for you to win!

I'll post again tomorrow with the link to the other one!

Cheers,

9 Days

That's how many days my husband will be home for the rest of this month. Needless to say, life has been very busy for me lately, unbelievably busy. The kids sports have started up, we've been doing some work on the house and I've been trying to get some gifts sewn together. I don't seem to have much spare time between laundry, meals, housework, the kids school and sports. June isn't looking much better and then we will be going on vacation in July and August.

You can probably tell where this post is going. I have taken some time to think about what to do with my shop. I don't want to neglect it, but it seems as though that's what is happening. I will be closing it down for summer vacation from July 1st until mid August. Until then, I will not be adding new items. At least I don't think I will. If I can, fabulous! However, for now, I simply do not have the time to focus sewing together new items to list.

My sketch book is bursting at the seams, I have so many ideas and new items I want to list. I have loads of new fabrics and my supplies are fully stocked......I just don't have time. Without time, you don't really have much now do you?

I hope to get things back up, in full force by the end of August. When my husband's schedule will be more flexible and when the summer activities will be winding down.

Perhaps things will change, I have my fingers crossed, but I don't know how likely that is to happen.

I will however be continuing to blog quite frequently, so please do stick with me! I will do what I can when I can in regards to sewing, I just can't guarantee that there will be much more stock than there is right now.

Cheers,

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,

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,

Listed!

The gift tags have been listed! I just love how they turned out. The bakers twine adds the perfect finishing touch....I think!

Set of 10 - Ruffled Gift/Shipping Tags

Today we are heading back to Toys R Us (fingers crossed it's another great shopping experience!) so that we can pick up our middle little guys new bike (yup, new ride for the big guy!). Hopefully the rain will hold off until a little while after we get home so that he can take it for a test run once we get home.

Had to add pics of another new listing!

Stationery Set

Cheers,

A Good One

Hey everyone!

Today is the first day of March break for us. The boys and I went to Toys R Us first thing this morning so that they could buy a few things with the Easter money that Grandma sent them (thanks Grandma!). They were so excited to buy things by themselves, to hand the money to the cashier, it was so exciting to them.

I have to admit that I wasn't exactly looking forward to this little outing since I was going to be taking them by myself. Usually a trip to Toys R Us results in at least one meltdown if not two. So I explained everything to the kids more than once about how they could only buy something that was $10 or less and that they had to behave, and gosh, it actually worked! They were little angels, it was such a great trip! I'm thankful!

So, did you see yesterday's post? It included a sneak peek at a new elliven stationery item? They will be listed in the next week or so!

Okay, time to get some housework done while the kids are content!

Cheers, hope you all enjoyed a lovely weekend!