The First Beautiful Weekend, Spent Indoors

This weekend was glorious! Warmer then any of the summer days we had last year (we were totally ripped off last summer!) Guess where I spent my weekend? Indoors. For the whole weekend. I signed up to do the Spring Prestige Craft Fair, which at the time I was unable to predict the weather. This is the West Coast, so there is always a chance of rain. This of course was not the case, so you can guess how many people wanted to spend their sunny day at an indoor craft fair. It was very disappointing. The craft fair itself was great. Amazing vendors, well organized fair, with limousine shuttle service, lots of advertising, a beautiful venue, but very few customers. Sigh. It was a little disheartening, but again, who could have predicted such a beautiful weekend?

It wasn't a total loss. I did get to pick out new earrings that I won from Sunshine Jewls:

I got to pick out two pairs of earrings. I also picked a red pair.

Face Painting

Jude insisted on sitting on my lap. 

Pikachu pose.

 Show me your cheeks.

We strolled down to the dock and discovered some seals sunbathing on the logs. They blend in so well, we barely noticed them at first. We watched them for a while, maybe the last hour of the show. I completely abandoned my booth because I couldn't bare being inside any longer. The seals made some funny farting sounds and we all had a good giggle. 

We thought this little piece of seaweed looked like a fish.

I wanted to get some sun on Sunday morning before the show. Look how beautiful it is. When I finally went inside, my neighbours told me just after I left the previous night, a women came and wanted to buy one of my quilts!!!!!! That would have made my weekend. What a bummer. Oh well.

When we got home, there were hearts on the door, and all throughout the house. The boys drew self portraits and Rob hung them under their belly casts. It was the pick me up I needed. I love my boys, and was disappointed that I didn't get to spend Mothers Day with them, but they sure know how to make me feel loved, and that was just what I needed. 

Learning to Love Myself

Yesterday I was feeling low, which was disappointing, because I have been feeling so happy for so long. I was just tired and unmotivated, grumpy and generally unpleasant to be around. I was searching for a way to bring myself back up again. I looked in You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L Hay, and looked up the affirmation for PMS, because I know that's what's behind my grumpiness. I read the affirmation a couple of times, my brain can't retain information these days, so I decided to write it on our white board on the fridge, so I could read it throughout the day. I found myself letting go, and becoming more pleasant.

I have made a commitment to myself, to be happy. To make being happy my job. It's not always easy, but I feel it is so important. I want to be an example for my children.

So after reading the affirmation a few times, I decided it was time to get out of the house, because this always help me get out of my funk. I packed a picnic and brought the children to the park for the afternoon. When we arrived at the park, there was one other little boy, who was four. He was dressed as a Power Ranger. Wearing snow boots, mittens, and carrying a sword. He was pretty awesome. The boys had a great time playing and imagining with him.  Then after being being at the park for over an hour friends of ours came to the park, which was a welcome surprise and led to more play and imagination games. Jas was running around without a shirt on, having a blast! It was wonderful, and uplifting.

Then when we got home, I went to check the mail to find it chock full of goodies! 

My new business cards from Moo:

The swiper I ordered from Kudos so I can accept Visa and Mastercard payments. Just in time for the Spring Prestige Craft Fair.

And a couple of weeks ago, the gals at Salts received some skin care samples from their favourite skin care company, and decided to share them. Well, those were also in the mail! I can't wait to try them out.

Rob barbecued burgers for dinner, and we ate dinner outside. I also got to go out and visit with my homeschool mom friends, and will again tonight for our Book Club, so things are once again moving in the right direction for me. I am feeling very spoiled and grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life. I am very fortunate:)

I hope you are all well.

New Patterns!

When I started creating clothing, I was measuring out each piece. every. single. time. I told myself I should really just make some patterns so I wouldn't have to measure each item out, but it never happened, and I know it never will, so I have decided to purchase patterns. Not only does this help me out, but it also helps out the people that create these fantastic patterns. Usually other moms.

Here are the patterns I have purchased so far, and love!

The Sewing for Boys book

I use the patterns from this book regularly. Here are some of the items I have created:

This raglan shirt is a staple for me. I love it.

With the raglan shirt I can also make dresses! Perfect!

Mr. Two face pants! A good pants pattern is important.

And the long sleeve raglan. 

There are many more patterns in the Sewing for Boys book that I still haven't gotten around to. If you are looking for some great boy patterns I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of this fabulous book!

Next I was looking for some fun ruffly patterns for girls. I discovered Lilygiggle on Etsy, and was immediately in love! This amazing designer is a homeschooling mother of four, so I felt an immediate connection! She creates these beautiful patterns to share with others, and says she hopes it will help other moms who want to stay home with the children! How generous, and caring. I am very grateful for her generosity.

She has a few boy patterns in her shop, as well as a some patterns for women. If you are looking for some fun patterns Lilygiggle is a great place to start!

Here are a few samples of items I have made using Lilygiggle patterns:

Bubble skirt tunic

Ruffle pants

 Next I decided to take a leap and purchase a pattern from HeidiandFinn. At this point I was completely converted to using patterns. This pattern has been FANTASTIC! I love it! I discovered HeidiandFinn a year ago, but I was still determined to make my own patterns at this point. I am so glad I rediscovered this shop on Etsy, because this pattern is a nice addition to my collection.

I decided to go with the Urban Unisex Hoodie:

This pattern motivated me to learn how to make button holes on my sewing machine, as well as sew buttons. I was intimidated by both of these tasks, but it turns out it is easier than I thought. 

I have a couple of pattern books that I have favorited in my Etsy shop that I am on the fence about. The patterns look amazing, which is why I want to jump in and purchase the books, but they are in Japanese, soooo, maybe I won't know how to put them together. I'm pretty confident that I will, but I'm going to hold off for a little longer. Give myself more time to work with the patterns I have. 

Here are the books, but don't buy them, because I'm going to soon! Both these books I found in the Etsy shop Pomadour's Craft Cafe

Pochee Special Boy

Japanese Craft Book

How about you? Do you have any favourite patterns?

Supplies

I love ordering supplies online. Mostly because I like receiving a package in the mail. It always feels like a surprise!

I placed my first order from Pick Your Plum, for sewing supplies of course. This deal was at the beginning of April and it arrived last week, and I was so excited. I ripped the envelope open to admire my new supplies.

Here is what I ordered:

Thread (which I go through amazingly fast!) and buttons.

Now that I have some buttons, I was motivated to learn how to make button holes, and sew buttons on my sewing machine.

Good thing I purchased this pattern recently from HeidiandFinn on Etsy.

I adore this pattern! Of course I had to try out both sets of buttons, so I made two hoodies. I'm happy with the turn out. 

What is your favourite item/s to order online?

Wedding update

I have been requested for an update on the Destination Wedding prize we won. So here are the prize details:

GRAND PRIZE

(a) The grand prize includes a seven-night stay for bride and groom in a Casita Suite at El Dorado Casitas Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma, in Riviera Maya, Mexico.  The prize also includes $1,000 air credit to go towards the couple’s flights and upgraded private round-trip airport transfers.  The winning couple will be awarded the Gold Wedding Package, which includes the Honeymoon & Anniversary Package, at El Dorado Royale, and includes the following:

Professional services of a wedding coordinator

Complimentary online bridal registry and wedding website

Wedding guest’s concierge

Bride’s personal in room wedding attendant for three hours on wedding day

Groom’s room on wedding day from 10am-4pm stocked with a selection of beverages and gourmet bites

In-room mannequin with cover to display wedding dress for three days

Spa hairstyle for bride and haircut for groom and spa gift

Justice of the Peace

Filing of all documents for legal ceremony, translation of ceremony and Mexican wedding certificate translated to English and delivered after ceremony via Fed Ex

Witnesses

Blood test performed onsite

Choice of a romantic ceremony location – including an intimate seaside chapel, charming garden wedding gazebos or on the beautiful beach – at El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma, pending availability

Special aisle runner, table with white linen and uncovered ceremony chairs

Spiritual sand ceremony with keepsake souvenir

Heart shaped petite wedding cake for two

Welcome with a bottle of domestic Champagne on ice in your suite

Guaranteed King-size bed

Deluxe bathrobes for use during stay

Daily suite decorations

Bride’s fresh floral bouquet and groom’s boutonniere

Dinner reservations for the wedding group – up to 40 guests included; additional charges may apply if group size exceeds 40 people

Personalized menu card

Romantically decorated suite on wedding night with rose petals, aromatherapy and candles

Professional wedding photographer, 36 color picture package plus negatives and handmade wedding album

Breakfast in bed on first day of honeymoon 

Post wedding day brunch reservations for wedding group – up to 40 guests included; additional charges may apply if group size exceeds 40 people

Logo beach bag

Late check out for bride & groom

Romantic candlelight dinner for bride & groom on the beach served by beach waiters

Couples half-hour massage lesson

Consultation from Canadian Living editor

Opportunity to have your destination wedding prize package featured in a TBC issue of Canadian Living magazine and on canadianliving.com

Note: Prize acceptance agreement is required.  DestinationWeddings.com will handle all travel arrangements for the entire wedding group. Wedding must be redeemed within 12 months of May 1, 2012. Blackout dates may apply.  Package substitutions are not permitted.  This prize is nontransferable.  Additional restrictions apply. Approximate value of the prize is $12,000 CDN.

Not too shabby!I have been doing a little searching for dresses, and so far this is what I have come up with:

Wedding Dress Ideas

Source: etsy.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Source: littlemisslovelyvintage.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Source: craftingagreenworld.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Source: littlemisslovelyvintage.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Apparently I'm really into ruffles. What's difficult about picking a dress is that my style changes with my mood. Who knows how I will be feeling next April, because next April is our plan for the wedding. Plus I am not really a traditional kind of gal, so white lace ruffles is coming as a bit of surprise to me. I wasn't one of those little girls that dreamed of getting married, and planned out the big day. Marriage has never been on my list of life goals, so I am a little bit intimidated by all the planning that goes along with it, though very excited at the same time! We are planning a non-traditional ceremony. What that looks like, we have no idea. Hopefully we can come up with some ideas over the next eleven months. If you have any that you would like to share, we would be very grateful.

We are still in shock over this win! It's just so incredible! Who knew you could win a wedding?! I will try and share more details as we learn them, but have only just been in touch with the representatives this past week.

I hope you all have a great Monday!

Looks like I will need a new dress...and maybe a new bathing suit!

I have some pretty exciting news to share!

First here are some pics of the birthday gifts from my loving boys:

This is from Jude. It is full of trains, bionicle parts, socks from the laundry bin, and marbles. 

and he has wrapped them in a Christmas bag. 

Here are the contents of the bag:

When I woke up, this was on the counter for me from Rob. 

Inside the bag were four silkscreens that Rob and Jasper made. 

and then Rob put out bowls and cereal for the kids to get their breakfast:)

Jai made me a card with coupons inside. The coupons are for a free massage, read an extra chapter, do the dishes, movie night, make the snacks all day etc.. I bawled my eyes out!

So here is the BIG news! It's pretty colossal, at least for us it is. So I will tell you the story from the beginning. Last year, at exactly this time last year, Rob announced to our family that we were getting married! He had a date, sometime in August this year. We looked at one venue, which we loved, but is just not in our budget. A wedding can be pricey, and for a family of five living off of one income, saving for a wedding is a bit overwhelming. We put our plans on the back burner, on the lowest of low temps, and thought nothing of it.

Then one day we were at my parents house, and I was flipping thorough a Canadian Living magazine, when I noticed there was a contest for a destination wedding. On a whim I decided we should enter. I filled out the online form, then Rob decided the picture I chose wasn't great and he wanted to take a new one. He ended up filling out the application form and using the exact same picture. A couple of months later we get a phone call letting us know we are in the top five finalists!!! We were blown away, and then I read Rob's application and realized why we were in the top five. Here is what he wrote: 

When I tossed my girlfriend a box with an engagement ring in it I realized instantly I should have put more thought into the proposal. She looked at me with such confusion it made me forget entirely what I intended to do. She was weeks away from our first son being born and I wanted to make things legit I wanted our family to be as strong and solid as possible. This mediocre engagement took place six years and three sons ago. I want my wife to feel like a princess not just a mom and have a dream wedding.

 I cried, of course. We had to make a video submission and send it in within a week. It took us a few days to get over the excitement so we could even focus on making a video. What the heck were we going to make a video about anyways? Well we finally pulled it together, and thank goodness Rob is tech savvy and figured out how to put the video together and he did all the editing...actually he pretty much did it all. He's pretty fantastic! The video does not want to be shared at the moment, I have made several attempts to share it, and it's not working. But hopefully I will be able to share it with you all soon!

Well today, on my birthday (April 12th), I received a call from the judges of the contest to inform me that we WON!!! Is that not the best?! We are over the moon, and in total shock! This is just the best thing ever, and I can't even function right now, because I'm just so darn excited!

So it looks like I can begin my search for the perfect dress and maybe a new bathing suit!!

What's in your fridge?

We have the usual, meat defrosting for tonights dinner, lots of veggies and fruit, almond flour, leftovers...... and a stuffy puppy in plastic container with marbles. 

This is one of my favourite things about having little ones in the house, and I try not to think about how much I will miss these discoveries when they are older, but I will. They warm my heart.

As I'm writing this I have tears in my eyes. Tears of love and happiness. My ten year old just came down the stairs to give me the birthday card he made for me with coupons inside for things like, a free massage, a free movie night, a free I make snack all day, one free I make you a comic, one free read an extra chapter etc...I love my children so much, sometimes I cry.