A Quick Update

Where to start?
Well, first off I would tell you that "Things are Good."
We are good, happy, more or less healthy (though we've had our fair share of bugs this winter!) and all-in-all in fairly good spirits.

Eloise is getting bigger and smarter everyday, not to mention a HUGE personality to go with such a teensy package.
Her words right now consist of:
- Bapa (papa)
- Hippo
- Balle (ball in french)
- Suse (soother)
- Numnum (for food)
- Uh oh!
- Mama
- Lait (milk in french)
- L'eau (water in french)
- 'gard! (for 'regard' or 'look' in french)

And I'm sure of a few others that I've forgotten off the top of my head.

We've had an insane amount of snow this winter - and it just keeps piling up! I can't help but feel very Canadian as we shovel off our cars and drive in all sorts of crazy weather (at 10mph mind you...)

I have been keeping busy with all sorts of little crafts and my herbalism. I've even started getting some orders for my winter skin balm, which I handed out some samples of.
It makes me optimistic enough to think that maybe I really could work at home and make a little income this way.
I've been enjoying my quilting and drawing and also learning how to even do some gluten-free baking!
While none of us are celiac (thank God) we do have some carb issues and hubby may have a gluten intolerance, so we're slowly cutting it back and seeing if it helps.

Jeremie is in his first contract as an IT tech and really enjoying it. It's quite the change from the welding shop, and it was so funny having the discussion that yes, you needed to wear nice slacks, and a button-up shirt or a nice sweater...yes, you need to wear a belt and nice shoes...

Poor guy, he's only ever wore clothes that could get grease stains, rips, tears or catch on fire as opposed to a nice, clean-cut look.

Although personally, I think he looks very handsome in his  "office clothes." ;)

We recently celebrated my 26th birthday this past weekend by going to the Museum of Nature and then out for some wonderful Indian food while Grandma and Grandpa graciously babysat for us.

And today we just finished celebrating Shrove Tuesday with family and ate a wonderful pancake dinner! My Mum and Dad thought I was a little crazy when I told them I wanted to make blue, red and green pancakes; but being the wonderful sports that they are (and used to my weirdness by now) allowed me to play with the food colouring!

(yes they did taste better blue)

Lent is now upon us and I'm trying to get into the season! I've decided to do the 10-10 challenge for the internet/computer usage. Meaning I can't be on the computer between 10am and 10pm. I'm also going to try not to make any meat dishes on Friday and really honour Lent this year.

And that's what we've been up to!

Coming up, my DIY project for table-runners, and recipes for bottling your own berry cordial and gluten-free bread.

Peace,

Aromatherapy Dream Pillows

Another Christmas gift I made this year was aromatherapy Dream Pillows.
I had seen the idea online and was struck by how easy they were to make, and useful!
Herbs have been known for years as being therapeutic not only for their medicinal properties but for their smell as well.
I wanted to make pillows that could be easily slipped into a pillow-case, that was stuffed with loose, aromatic herbs to induce a calmer, quieter more restful sleep.
In these pillows I stuffed:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Rose Petals
- Calendula
- Mullien

I can't say I actually measured anything, just divided the herbs evenly then poured them into the bag. I didn't stuff it tightly or with anything else other than the herbs.
I wanted it to lie flat under the pillow and not be bulky or over-stuffed.
These ones I did just simply sew shut - however if you wanted to re-use your pillow, a line of velcro could easily be sewn onto the opening so you can refresh your herbs every few months.
I would really recommend using fabric such as cotton or linen, something that air can easily pass through.
Another benefit is that these dream pillows can also be put with children, to help promote sleep as well.
If you decide to do this however, I would make a pillow that cannot be opened, or placed on top of the mattress but under the fitted sheet so playful babies don't suck on it like another toy.

Sweet Dreams!

Homemade Vapour Rub

I came across this recipe for homemade vapour rub from CrunchyBetty's website.
As a Mum to a little one, I didn't feel comfortable even using the baby brand vapour rub on her little chest when she got the coughs or sniffles.
This recipe seemed straight forward enough and true enough I soon had a natural vapour rub that seemed identical in texture and smell.

Homemade Vapour Rub

• 2 tsp beeswax (grated)
• 1/4 cup EVOO
• 35 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 15 drops rosemary essential oil

Melt the beeswax and olive oil together until smooth (I used a glass bowl in the microwave, stopping and stirring a couple of times until it was completely melted). Stir well with a whisk. Continue whisking while adding the essential oils drop by drop. Transfer to a small lidded container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to  a year (or more).

Both baby and hubs loved it, not to mention it left the skin on the bottom of my feet nice and soft!

Enjoy!

Peace,

DIY Decongestant Shower Disks

DIY Decongestant Shower Disks

My whole household has been sick with a cold and I desperatly wanted something to help clear our poor sinus'.
Thakfully I came across THIS. A recipe for a vicks vapor rub shower disk knock-off.
The recipe is extremely easy:

• Baking Soda
• Water
• Eucalyptus EO
• Rosemary EO
• Lavender EO

With 2 cups of baking soda I was able to make about 8 disks.
Add water to baking soda slowly, until it is thick and resembles putty, add 15 drops of each essential oil.
Spoon into lined muffin tray and let dry over-night OR bake at 350' for 20 minutes. 

I added a little too much water to mine, and they didn't set as well as I would've liked overnight - so I popped them into a 350 oven for about 15 minutes and they seem just right. 

To store keep in dry place, and are well kept in just a simple paper bag.
Try not to put disk under direct water-fall, instead put it on a shelf or side of the tub. The steam of your shower should draw out the EO's and you'll keep your disks longer. 

Enjoy!

Peace,

DIY Personalized Mugs

DIY Personalized Mugs

I had been admiring quirky, funny mugs on Etsy, and was thrilled when I came across a handy DIY for them on Pintrest.  I loved how cheap and available the materials were, so I decided to give it a whirl.

I went to the local dollar-store and picked up two big, white mugs. It took a bit more hunting to find the Sharpie Paint Markers, especially as I needed the oil-based ones.
The cost for the marker was around $3.50, so more than reasonable.
I lightly outlined what I wanted to put on my mugs and decided to make one for Jeremie and I.
It took a bit of getting used to, but the paint pen was quite easy to use.
I then pre-heated my oven to 350' and baked the finished mugs for 30 minutes.

I was thrilled with the finished result! It was fun, cheap and a great craft to do while the baby was napping.
Just PLEASE remember that the paint WILL come off in a dishwasher and cannot be soaked.
They're completely usable, just don't scrub on the paint, or it will flick off.

I think this will definitely be making it onto my "christmas gifts to make" list.

P.S. The mug for hubs is a popular quote from his favourite movie "The Big Lebowski" ...just in case you were wondering. Also, on the back of my "mustache you a question mug" it says: "But I'm shaving it for later." HA! punny. :D

Peace,

Of Flowers, Brown Paper Packages and Chubby Strays

Yesterday I was spoiled. I went out to check the mail and found a lovely brown paper package on my porch, I wasn't expecting anything so this came as a wonderful surprise.
My friend Teri has been following my blog for some time, and when I had talked about embroidery and learning to crewel, she jumped right in saying she had tons of crewel yarn, and that she was happy to share.
A couple months later, this appears!



A shoebox stuffed with brightly coloured crewel yarn and a lovely letter! It made my entire day, so Teri, if you're reading this THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I LOVE IT!

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, my folks dropped by with this:

Some beautiful Crocus'! My mum and dad just wanted to drop it off 'for no reason' apparently, other than that they knew I loved flowers.
Like I said, completely spoiled.
I've also had this little guy hanging around.

I don't know why he's decided to try and adopt us, but he shows up most mornings, mewing at the door like he lives here.
He's very friendly and cute, and not exactly a 'starving stray' either.
I think he's a polygamous cat, and has several houses he visits regularly.
I keep trying to explain he doesn't live here, and that we're just not interested in making that kind of commitment right now, but like the song: "The cat came back, the very next day. The cat came back, he just wouldn't stay away."
He sits on the back porch while I hang laundry, he looks through the window at baby Eloise who squeals in delight every time he paws the screen.
Sorry kitty! You're cute, but not that cute!

Peace,

My Little Felt Birdies

To add to my Christmas gifts this year I thought I'd make these little felt birdies.
I drew the pattern free-hand then cut it out of heavy card stock.
They're very simple, and very cute.

I enjoyed sitting down with them in front of a Christmas movie, that is, when I could! Eloise liked the pretty colours of the felt and kept trying to play with it. So I gave her a little square and that kept her happy. 

I liked the simple blanket stitch around the edges - they're by no means perfect, but it wouldn't be handmade with love if it was! I try not to dwell on the flaws or be a perfectionist.
When I do crafts, I do it because I find it fun! If it has to be 'perfect' the fun goes right out the window!

So here's a few of my finished ones. :)

Oh, and here's playtime with grandpapa!

Merry Christmas!
Peace,

Curry Leek Soup and Knitted Lovelies

I tried a new recipe the other day, and both Jeremie and I loved it!

It was amazingly easy and deliciously healthy.

Curry Leek Soup



 3 Medium Leeks, white portion only, thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 T. Butter

1 (14.5 ounce) can Chicken broth

3/4 c. Water

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced Carrots

2 Celery ribs, thinly sliced

2 t. chicken bouillon granules

1/2 t. Curry powder

1/8 t. Pepper

1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk.

In a 3-qt. saucepan, saute leeks and garlic in butter over medium heat until tender.

Add the broth, water, carrots, celery, bouillon, curry powder and pepper.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until veg is tender.

Cool slightly.

Place 1 cup soup in a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth.

Return to pan.

Add milk; heat through.

Do not boil.

Here is Mum with Eloise, and her new cardigan and bonnet she knit for her.

It's so soft and warm, and looks just adorable on Eloise.

Perfect for those cold Fall days!

Look at those cheeks!!



I love the back of the bonnet almost as much as I do the front!

Thank you so much Mum.

Peace,

Happy Fall

Happy Fall My Friends!

The leaves have all turned here.

They are either bright yellow, red or brown and crunching underfoot. The air is fresh and cool, and I find myself throwing open windows to try and perfume our apartment with the crisp fall scent.

Our little Eloise is getting so large! Here she is in one of her last "warm weather" outfits. She's been living in those fuzzy sleepers mostly and I feel better knowing she is warm and comfortable.

In other Eloise-related news; she has officially moved into the nursery. I shall try to post pictures of it soon, but I admit it presently is quite a disorganized mess.

She is sleeping well in her crib, and I found my eyes a little misty as I packed up her small cradle that has been sitting by my bedside since before her birth.

We have reached another stage in her 'babyhood' and I'm in constant amazement how quickly its flying by.

My darling Husband has hung these hooks for me by the front door.

We didn't really have closet space in our entryway/living area of the house, so these hooks have been wonderfully handy.

I think they look quite pretty!

I've been re-reading through Beatrix Potter's books.

Eloise was gifted the first 11 from Grandma and Grandpa. She loves the illustrations and will happily stare at them and coo. A love we both share; here are some of my sketches of her wonderful characters.

We have also been very much enjoying: "A Child's Garden of Verses" by Robert Louis Stevenson.

She lays on the couch, and I prop up the book so she can see the pictures while I read his poems to her.

The rise and fall of my voice and the repetition of verse keep her very entertained.

I've also been working on some embroidery.
I'm making up the pattern as I go along, and just doing it for my own enjoyment.

I have an interest in crewel work, but am having trouble finding crewel thread, as it's thicker than embroidery (which itself is becoming scarce.)  

I'm afraid that these skills, cross-stitch, embroidery, crewelwork and rug hooking are fading away.

It's becoming more and more difficult and expensive to get supplies, and I don't know anyone else that does embroidery.

I am determined to do my part in keeping some of these traditional crafts alive.



I hope you all are having a lovely week, and have a happy weekend!

Peace,

Spring isn't the only thing that's sprung!

So, this is me at 21 weeks. Baby is roughly the length of a large Banana. I'm feeling little fluttery movements, but mostly just feeling my heart-beat very strongly in my belly.

Other news is that Jeremie and I are moving! Yes, again.
This will be the 5th time we will have moved since 2008, the year we were married. However, we'll be moving to the same small town where both my Sister and her husband, as well as my Brother and his wife are living! I love that I'll have so much support and help with the new baby.



We don't move for a few months yet - but already we're starting to pack and organize. I'm realizing I better get going soon, before I get too big to be much help. At least I'm an expert by now, all those moves come with experience!

I have no idea if I'm having a boy or girl yet - but not for lack of trying! Baby decided to be modest and have knees together and ankles crossed, and could NOT be convinced otherwise.
I have another ultrasound coming up, so I'm hoping the baby will be more compliant! I have started this embroidery piece, and am really enjoying it.
I used to do counted-cross stitch, but boy - I don't think I ever finished a piece! It's so time consuming and after awhile my interest starts to wane. With embroidery, I find that I can finish pieces quickly and have more artistic freedom.

This is Alice, from "Alice in Wonderland." I didn't draw it, but rather found artwork I liked online and simplified it into an embroidery pattern.



I'm looking forward to seeing it all finished.

Spring is almost here - the snow is more or less gone, and the Canadian Geese are honking noisily in the river beside the house. I hear them all the time, honking at each other and driving my cat insane. It's pretty funny.

I've been reading "Home Comforts: The art and science of keeping house" - It's an amazing book and I highly recommend reading it. I'll be posting soon about it.

Peace,
Jenny

A Bit Of A Blizzard

There is something about walking through knee-high snow, while it's falling sideways due to the wind that makes you feel so utterly Canadian.

Jeremie and I needed potatoes and broccoli for our dinner tonight, so we bundled up and trudged to the local butchers for supplies.

You know you're Canadian when you step into a blizzard and your first thought is: "Hey! It's not that cold out, only about -15!" (It was after the sun had set, so the temperature was dropping.)

I'm happy when it snows; not because I'm that partial to snow after Christmas, but because if it's snowing that means it's warm out!

At -30 degrees, it's too cold to snow! And I would much prefer the snow to that biting, freezing cold where it feels like your lungs can't expand properly, and there's a 10 minute exposed skin frost-bite warning!

The snow was more than enough to keep us in for the day!

It was lovely having Jeremie home, and being snugly in our apartment. I was able to get laundry done, make some nice chocolate chip cookies and for dinner, made Saucy Pork Chops, the easiest, most delicious way to make them, in my opinion. With them were nice red potatoes and broccoli. (The recipe is linked to my Mother's blog, where she's posted it!)

In other news I also just bought my first "nursing necklace." A nice heavy necklace with beads for the baby to play with while nursing, and hopefully will keep little Pip (our pet name for the baby) from tugging on Mommy's hair, earrings or bottom lip!

My good friend Celynne made this one for me. Everything is non-toxic and can happily be sucked on or chewed by Pip without me having to worry if (she) is ingesting anything.

Lol! No, I don't know what the sex is of the baby yet, but I'm feeling it's a girl.

Jeremie however, feels pretty certain it's a boy...well, one of us will be right!

Other than that, we have been pretty good here. Surviving the Canadian Winter, and wishing for Spring.
Peace,
- Jenny

Seasonal Musings

Today is another gorgeous fall day.
The air smelled beautiful, so I whipped open all my windows and aired out the apartment.
I've started in the mornings to pull back my blankets and sheets, and open the window to give them some freshening up. Then later go back and make my bed.
This keeps the sheets smelling great!

While cleaning, I threw in a Joni Mitchell CD, and found that she's "Autumn" music.
You know how we all have Christmas music? Well, I tend to have seasonal music.
Winter, I tend to listen to more Classical.
Summer I enjoy my 60's Acid Pop, like Strawberry Alarm Clock and Donovan.
Spring is Soft Rock.
Fall is Folk Music.

I don't really know why, but over the last few years, I've started to see a pattern; so Joni really fit the bill!

I gave P.J. a bath today - and I wish I had thought to take a photo! But it was difficult enough trying to keep her in the tub, rub in shampoo and rinse; then put her on the counter to be brushed and hair blow dried!
She was great though, despite a few foiled escape attempts, all she did was mew pitifully and look at me with huge big eyes.
Jeremie and I don't believe in de-clawing, even for an indoor cat; so she could've done some real damage if she wanted to - but we're lucky to have such a chill cat.

(also, I found out it isn't all fur. She really is just fat.)

Ask Mum and she'll tell you that I've been crazy over this book and want to start doing some small-batch canning. I've done canning plenty of times with Mum, but that was big bushel after bushel of tomato canning, and it's quite the operation - so I've always felt a little intimidated by preserving.

This book is gonna help me fix that!

I'm going to grab Mum and my sis, Nessa to come over and help me make some small batches of jellies, jams and preserves.

We'll do it at my place, so I'm comfy and hopefully be able to split some nice preserves later!

My wish list is:

Peach Lavender Jam

Autumn Fruit Jam

Apple Cider Cinnamon Jelly

Spiced Apple Jelly

Blood Orange Port Marmalade

Mango Marmalade

Traditional Rumtopf

I know it's a lot, and I doubt I'll get it all done - but that's what I would love to have in my pantry!

The three of us have a lot of projects that we'll be setting days for this weekend at a family potluck.

Our list of things to accomplish are:

- Soap making

- Candle making

- Freezer meals

and I want to try making Cheese if we have the time for it.

All spring and summer is garden chores, early to late fall is harvesting season, so Winter is when we get to start our fun projects like the ones listed above.
All of this should be done before Christmas as we like to spread it around as gifts.

I'll keep you updated!

Peace,

- Jenny

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

I awoke to a grey, rainy morning today.

The sky was grey, the buildings were grey, and even the people seemed grey.

While I expected a cold drizzle, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was actually quite warm out, even the rain felt warm.

Of course, sitting here now in damp jeans, I can't say I feel particularly comfortable.

I was tired of looking at all the grey so I went to the only colourful place I could think of that's open this early in the morning.

The local cafe.

After a nice hot chai latte and a blueberry muffin, the day has started to look brighter!

I'll be working today at the Library, I still can't believe I was so blessed to get that job. I've never been able to walk to work, especially work in my field.

I have worked in Libraries since '03, and since then have worked in governmental libraries, college libraries, small business, and public.

Public is by far my favourite! The only other place I'd like to work is perhaps in an elementary school library, I think I would really enjoy that as well.

As I'm typing I hear a voice I recognize, its the antique dealer who works down the road, whom I just bought two decorative spoon holders from the past week.

My sister and I want to start collecting spoons - my mother thinks its horrendously tacky, but I want to paint the holder a bright green or yellow and make it more "Kitsh". A lost cause? Maybe, but for three dollars I'm willing to try!

Christmas is almost here and I am starting to prepare all my Christmas gifts - as a family, we generally like to make our gifts to each other.

We have a budget, only about 20-25$ per couple.

It's not a large amount, but I'm always amazed by the ingenuity of my siblings to make that money stretch and give a wonderfully thoughtful gift!

I love Mill St. Its the main street in our town where all the stores, cafes and restaurants are.

You get to know everyone, but I'll make a new post for that later!

Tomorrow's a home day, aka cleaning day.

Friday the girls and I are heading out to Fabricland to take advantage of a huge sale and Saturday, it's more canning of Tomatoes!

Let's hope this warm weather holds so we can get more veg!

~ Jenny