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Archive for July 2011

mabel's labels

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011 by

Can you believe summer is almost half way over?!  Now, my Miss. Norelle isn't quite school aged yet (she'll start junior kindergarten next September), but I can't help but think of all the supplies she'll need.  I always remember my mom labeling everything of mine; we even had a special fabric marker handy in one of our kitchen cupboards in case she needed to label something of mine quickly.


Labeling is a smart way to keeps kids stuff organized, and to insure they come home with the right stuff!  As much as my mom's marker trick worked for me as a kid, many kids clothes now a days have ironed on labels, and the marker would bleed right through ruining the clothes; boo!


If thinking of labeling is stressing you out... have I found the site for you!? Mabel's Labels is a increditible online store FULL of iron-on labels, waterproof labels, shoe labels, clothing labels, baby labels, ALLERGY labels, household labels, stationary products... you name it, they have it!  Their designs are so cute, and colourful; trust me, your kids won't be embarassed of these labels!



They even have combo packs starting at $30.  Also, Mabel's Labels is such a charitable company, they often do fundraisers.  If you plan on browsing, or purchasing anything, please visit www.kisses.mabel.ca.  The procedes from this fundraiser will go my my cousins, cousin's daughter who has Lukemia.  Kaitlyn was 2 1/2 years old when she was recently diagnosed with Lukemia, but with the strength, love and support from her family, she has proven to be an extremely strong and brave little girl, and this is a battle she can surely win.  Here is more information on Kaitlyn's story.  My cousin Stacey has done such an amazing job rallying for Kaitlyn, holding benefit parties, fundraisers, and working with Mabel's Labels for Kaitlyn.


Why not help your life be a little less stressful and get more organized, all while helping out a great cause.  As for Summer slowly disappearing, soak it up while it's here!


-A


bread dip recipes

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Monday, July 25, 2011 by

Who doesn't love a late night snack?  We all have those nights when we are craving something munchy while relaxing.  I generally don't like turning to chips, pretzels, etc. (but I do have a weekend for popcorn from my Whirley Pop).  Maybe it's the Italian in me, but I love dips for bread.  These simple dip recipes are a staple in our house, and make for great late night snacks with some fresh bread (and maybe even a glass of wine!).


Easy Marinara (in 15 minutes)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
Kosher salt & pepper
28 oz can crushed tomatoes (or about 3 cups chopped and peels fresh roma/plum tomatoes)
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 cup water (I sometimes use less, all depends on how thick of sauce you'd like)
Pinch of sugar
1/4 cup of fresh basil, cut into strips (optional)
1. Heat olive oil in pan on med-low heat.  Add onion, cook until translucent.  Add garlic, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes or until garlic starts to smell good.
2. Add tomatoes, oregano and basil, stir together.  Cook over low-medium heat for 10 minutes. 3. After sauce thickens, add water, stir. Cook 5 minutes longer, remove from heat, and stir in sugar to taste.
4. Add any spices, salt & pepper if you feel necessary. Finish by stirring in fresh basil.


Italian Bread Dip Mix
1 tbsp crushed red pepper
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
Olive oil
1. In a small container that has a lid, grind and mix together all spices and salt.
2. Use 1 tbsp of mixture (or more if you'd like) in a small bowl and pour in olive oil until you get desired amount.  Mix together and serve.


The marinara is also great with pasta, sprinkled with fresh parmesan cheese.  Enjoy these easy recipes next time you're looking to munch!  


-A


butterbeer cupcakes

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Friday, July 22, 2011 by

Last weekend was one of my best friend's birthdays, but she pushed back her celebrations since we were away last weekend (talk about feeling special!).  I've been trying to think of the perfect cupcake to make for her birthday.  I considered doing some fondant, but figured I would run out of time.  She loves Harry Potter, Twilight and anything to do with anatomy!  Since I figured human organs would make for some weird cupcakes, and our male counterparts would never let us live down making them eat Twilight cupcakes, I figured Harry Potter cupcakes were the best bet.


I have never read the Harry Potter books, nor have I seen any of the movie's past the first, so I had to do a little bit of research.  Apparently the drink, "Butterbeer" is quite popular in the books, and has even been created to sell at the Harry Potter theme park.  I found a neat and easy recipe on amybites for her Butterbeer cupcakes.  Here's how they turned out!



I even added little Gryffindor flags are toppers (which look more brown and yellow, than the intended maroon and yellow... but you get the idea!), out of the colours printed on computer paper, taped to toothpicks!

I made two extras of these puppies for Mr. Norelle&Co and my daughter to try.  Two thumbs up from them; I just hope that everyone enjoys them tonight, especially the birthday girl!

-A

ps. I'm excited to use my Cupcake Carousel for the first time!


pinterest

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011 by

I'm recently new to pinterest.  I've heard of it a while ago, but recently, it has become an addiction. Pinterest is a place to post pictures of DIY's, clothes, food, drinks, inspirational images, things you love, etc. which you can place in a titled grouping of your own images relating to one another.  Others can 'repin' your images on their page, and the best part; not only are the images usually amazing and inspiring, there is a link to the how-to or original image. You can find the pinterest's etiquette here.


Here are just some of the stuff you can find:


How fun are these little art tables make out of cabinets?! Also, if you are looking for children's bedroom/nursery inspiration, please visit her original site here.


How cool is this?!  I am seriously going to be trying this once it hit 'publish post' on this entry!


How about this fun fabric covered baking sheet turned tray!

Simple jar vases made to look extra special.

I don't even drink alcohol, but I cannot wait to make these Sangria Jello Shots for my friends.

You can find everything you've ever imagined and more on pinterest.  Have fun exploring and creating your own! 


But seriously, can't you see how a girl can get addicted?
-A


ps. Please take care of yourselves in this heat.  Thursday is supposed to be 47C here; a total scorcher.  Make sure you keep cool, especially your little ones, and don't be afraid to call for help for others if you think they could be in distress.


what a weekend

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Monday, July 18, 2011 by

We had an incredibly busy and amazing weekend.  Our friends wedding went so perfect; the bride looked so beautiful, and groom handsome, and Norelle did absolutely amazing for her first time being a flower girl! 




The ceremony; perfect, the reception; perfect, the dancing; norelle was a dance machine!


Taboo Golf Resort was the perfect venue for a wedding.  Also We were lucky enough to be only a 20 minute drive from family in Bracebridge, and we drove up to their cottage on Sunday, which we got to take a boat ride to, since it's on a island on Wood Lake.


It was such a beautiful cottage, and Norelle really enjoyed her first boat ride.  I think she's addicted!  We were so lucky to be able to get away this weekend, and we really enjoyed ourselves.  We felt so honored to be able to be a part of Wendi & Rich's special day, and we are so thankful to have friends like them.

-A


wedding relaxation

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Friday, July 15, 2011 by

Today we are leaving for 2 of our very good friends wedding.  My husband is a groomsmen, and my daughter is taking her stab at being a flower girl!  I'm secretly really nervous that she'll chicken out and not want to walk down the isle.  I've been trying to amp her up about it by showing her YouTube videos of little flowers girls, but her first response was, "I'm too little to do that"!  Uh oh, we'll see how it goes!  I have faith in her and I'm sure she'll do great!


The wedding is going to be held at the magical Taboo Golf Resort in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.




Isn't it breathtaking?!  It is such a beautiful venue for a magical day.  With amazing food, a golf course, spa, children's activities, and it being right on the lake, it's going to be a special and relaxing weekend for us.  An early congratulations to Wendi & Rich, we are so thankful to be able to take part in your special day.


Here's to love and happiness,
-A


pick your plum

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 by

As many crafters know, as much as there may be the desire to craft, it's sometimes hard to think of inspiration.  We often turn to blogs and magazines for inspiration, and sometimes you can find that ideal DIY, but then you think to yourself, 'WHERE the heck to I get the supplies for this?!".  Since my daughter was born, I've been a big fan of Baby Steals, Kid Steals, and Baby Half Off.  Luckily, I found the crafters solution to these sites, Pick Your Plum.






You can go onto their website, sign up, and receive daily emails giving you a heads up on the amazing deals for crafting supplies.  They give great inspiration, and for the prices, and it wouldn't hurt to order lots of stuff from them, just to have on hand for all your crafting needs!  There has even been products that were FREE... YES FREE!!  Also, if for any reason you aren't happy with your purchase, they will accepts returns within 30 days of you receiving the item, no questions asked.  Talk about great customer service!


My advice, since they post at 7am, check out the site early so you won't be disappointed!  Why not go in on an order with a friend to save shipping costs (even though they're super low too!).


Happy Plummin'!
-A


keeping organized with a moleskin

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Monday, July 11, 2011 by

I never expected that my life would be as busy as it is (all welcomed of course).  But for only 3 of us in our family, and my daughter only being 3, it's surprising how quickly our days fill up!  My husband and I are both organized, but he lacks one thing that I have; a great memory. He's pretty good at remembering most things, but just in case, we have a monthly calendar that we write everything down on, just to keep track.


I have the Blackberry Bold 9780, and he has the new google phone the Nexus S, so they come with great calendars built within them, but I am still a sucker for writing my stuff down. I love little daily planners that I can carry around in my purse, I can have handy to get out with everything in it.



I have fallen in love with the Moleskin Daily Planner.  It's so well put together, with the weekly calendar on the left, and a lined side for you to write little notes and memos.  For $20 at Indigo, and only $10.95 on Amazon, I think I seriously need to purchase one of these!


Life can be busy, complicated, and amazing.  Try to make it a little easier by keeping organized, and don't forget to schedule time in to *italics* relax.


-A


Butterfly Cupcakes

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Friday, July 08, 2011 by

On Tuesday, I went out shopping with my mom and N.  We ended up in Home Outfitters, browsing around, where my mom found something  that she had been telling me that she saw in The Shopping Channel, and almost bought for me. It was the Cupcake Carousel.


Everyone knows that I heart making cupcakes. Finding a good, sturdy, travel container for them is hard to find, especially one that won't wreck the icing and decorations.  So as an early anniversary gift, she bought me the Cupcake Carousel.


Ain't she cute?!


This makes me think of the Butterfly Cupcakes I made for N's Butterfly themed birthday party.  I decorated our backyard by hanging big butterflies on fishing wire, made centerpieces of artificial grass, flower pots with flowers and lanterns.


I found the instructions for making these butterflies at Annie's Eats.  They were super easy and fun to make (I even made them a couple days in advance and kept them in the fridge to save me some time).


I can't wait to whip up a batch of cupcakes and make a special delivery to someone! Anyone want some cupcakes ;)?!


-A


P.S. How cool is this?!


diy dresser make-over

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Wednesday, July 06, 2011 by

After months of sitting in our garage, calling my name, she's finally done.  This was my first ever make-over, and I am pretty happy with how this $50 dresser turned out.  



This is how I found her, raspberry pink.


Products used: protectant, spray paint, latex paint, primer (+ a foam roller & small foam brush).


DIY Dressser Make-Over
Here is what I did to get her looking in tip-top shape for her great reveal (further below in this post!).
Step 1: Remove hardware. (Fill in any holes or knicks with woodfiller if need be).
Step 2: Sand, Sand, Sand. I used a sand brick, since it was easier for me to grasp than sandpaper.  Don't forget to wipe your surface down after, since you'll have little dusty pieces all over the place!
Step 3: Prime. Since I wasn't sure what type of paint was originally used on the dresser, I went with Zinsser's Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Interior Primer-Sealer-Stain Killer, since I was advised that it will work on both latex and oil paint.  I did 2 coats of primer, just to be sure it covered all of the pink, since I would be painting it white.
Step 4: Paint. I used CIL Dulux that I had at home in Wedding White.  Then applied two coats with a Foam Roller brush (which I HIGHLY recommend since it will make your life easier).
Step 5: Protect. I used Varathane Diamond Wood Finish, Water Based Crystal Clear protectant.  I used water-based protectant since I used latex paint.  I followed the directions of the 3 coats, each within a few hours of one another, that I again applied with a foam roller.
Step 6: Spray paint your hardware. I used Rust-oleum Painter's Touch Winter Gray Gloss.  Check out my post on tips, where I explained a trick for painting knobs evenly.  Also, when painting the pulls, stick toothpicks on each side hole to prop up the handle, so when you paint it, it would leave a mark on the base.


Next, wipe surfaces with a damp cloth once protectant is completely set, line with drawer liners if you'd like and.....


Drum roll please.......!




I am so happy with how it turned out, and how well it fits at the foot of our bed.  I plan on putting some vases (maybe milkglass), a tray, and a picture frame or two on it. And soon we will have my homemade headboard up. Pictures to come!


The moral of this story is; do not let the look of a piece scare you.  Hot pink would have turned many people off, but I saw past that and could see the potential it had, and am so happy that I made it over.


-A


diy felt flower pillow

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Monday, July 04, 2011 by

Norelle has been in her "big girl" bed and room for almost a year now I think.  I was so excited to transform her room into a room that was somewhat little girlish, but had potential to grow with her as her style changes.  I knew that I wanted to paint her room a light green, and was so pleased to find Behr's "Key Lime".




It is a super fresh green, without being too 'baby' pale or too bright.  I found a bedding set at Target that is hot pink damask,  a pink lamp from Homesense, and pink curtains from Wal-Mart, and it really brought the room together.  We have Norelle's glider in her room from when she was a baby (which she gets more use out of now reading books with us, as she never needed to be rocked to sleep), and her room has been lacking some fun pillows.  



I found a tutorial on Vanessa Christenson's site for a Felt Flower Pillow and I knew I had to make one for N's room.  I found a fun fabric pattern that matched the colours in her room (I almost went with a baby blue gingham pattern, how could with that look!!), and used white felt.  I used a slightly smaller pillow that shown in the tutorial, so I used less petals.  It was SUPER easy to make, and I plan on creating more for gifts for friends.




-A


citizen kid

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Friday, July 01, 2011 by

I love shopping for children's gifts and toys for my daughter and her little friends, but not at big box stores.  Thankfully Citizen Kid opened up in my city.  They offer natural and unique toys, that are well designed, ethically made, safe, and engaging.  When I first stepped into this store, my heart literally melted.  




Located on the amazing Locke Stree South in Hamilton (we actually used to live just up the street from this store), among vintage tea rooms, bakeries, floral shoppes, bookstores, organic food stores, and restaurants filled with only local ingredients. Citizen Kid is a breath of fresh air when it comes to children's shops.  Every single piece is chosen by the owners, and all pieces that will not only last for years, but generations.


My friends over at Beaux Mondes  wrote this amazing article featuring Citizen Kid.  Norelle is invited to her first outside of prenatal class friends' birthday party this weekend, and we were excited to shop for Avery's 2nd birthday gift at Citizen Kid. We ended up getting Avery (and Norelle) a boy and girl body puzzle.  My husband especially loves these, since he teaches biology at all!






If you're ever in doubt when searching for a gift for a child, go with a classic, education toy, that will last forever.  
Happy gifting!
-A


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we all have places go to, things to do, and people to see. i am a mom, a forever student, a soon-to-be teacher, an earth sympathizer, and a want-to-be do it yourselfer. this is the way i see life, with all the things i love about it.