Thank you Sunday!

And I managed to get the Kitchen completed in Time! Photos to come.
Enjoy your Super Bowl celebrations.

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Dear Friday...

Dear Friday,

Thank you for coming, after seeming like you would never arrive. And thank you for taking your turn and almost being over.
You have brought lots of good to many and me (one day closer to seeing Mr. S - hooray), but also challenges to some just a few steps away. Steps from my desk; an unexpected realization that the tough times we have heard so much about have now hit close to home...steps down the street; people protesting for their families' safety...steps around the world; times of need increasing.

I am looking forward to spending the rest of you curled up at home and then kissing you good night. I hope your neighbor tomorrow brings better news for those who need it and maybe even my partner back through the door.

See you next week,
L.

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While Mr.S is away, a decorator I shall play!

Our Kitchen pre-overhaul by moi - I took one door off to add effect!

One of things I do to pass the time while Mr. S is away is decorate an area of our house!

The process usually goes something a little like this:
1. pick said area (usually late one night - after 10:30pm) and decide is absolutely MUST be re-decorated
2. Begin demolition immediately (requires no forethought or planning - just demo)
3. Go shopping next day (without proper measurements or necessary paint chips etc.) and purchase pieces for new design - feel super awesome about how great this will be!
4. Begin painting (usually late one night - after 10:30pm) - go to bed feeling sick because the color is clearly all wrong
5. Re-paint with paint you already had in the house (curse self for wasting money on wrong colored paint - ugh!)
6. Second guess self for 48hrs and dream of the way the space use to look pre-re-decoration. Remind self that you have no experience decorating, which may be why this has all gone bad.
7. Spend full night before Mr. S comes home ( because you have now totally run out of time) fixing mistakes and making the space look incrementally better!

Sounds like fun, eh?

Well, I am at it again - this time, giving our kitchen an overhaul.
I hope to have it completed Friday night (Mr. S should be rolling in on Satuday). So far I have adhered perfectly to my process and am now on stage 6 - totally second guessing and dreaming of our old ugly kitchen!
My goal is for the new space to be brighter, quirkier and more fun! I will let you be the judge of that next week when I post photos of the finished project!

Wish me Luck!

PS. For actually amazing, well thought out DIY Before and After Projects, visit Design*Sponge HERE . A wonderful blog with inspiring ideas and crafters.

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A Bed for Miss Maudey

Maude and Her New Bed - Tentative at first...and then she fell in love!

Over the last few weekends, I have attended the "Box Cushion" class or as it could be called "Beds for loved Pets" class at the Workroom, which was taught by the always lovely Erin. I thought it was pretty cute that about 75% of the class were making beds for their pets - the most loved and spoiled pets in town!

A little history on Maude...
Shortly after Mr. S and I bunked in together, sibling J gave me a "cat" for Christmas in the form of a gift certificate so that I could go out and choose the perfect friend. On a chilly day in January (2007 I think...), Mr. S and I looked at several different shelters until we found her - and after almost losing her to some bratty kid (a story for another time) - she was ours! She purred from the moment we brought her into our home and slept between us the first night. it was love.

As one of her welcome home gifts, I made her a little bed - very simple in design (two rectangles sewn together with some batting), but she loved it and has loyally slept on it for years.

Back to the Box Cushion class...
When Kayrn and Erin offered the box cushion class I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to learn some new skills and offer Maudey a higher class version of her bed! The class did not disappoint - we learned how to make and apply piping, develop patterns for customized covers and a million little tips along the way that Erin shares.
Totally ripping off Karyn's styles and creativity, I filled the bed with rice, which gave it a really nice texture. I also made a sachet full of catnip to hide inside and let Maude know this bed for just for her!

It has taken some time for her to get accustomed to it, but each night when I come home it is warm (and covered in cat hair) so I figure it is getting some love.

That being said, on these cold chilly nights, nothing can compete with the warmth of a hot radiator!

PS. My apologies to all non-cat people out there - this post must be like nails on a chalkboard!

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Soundtrack to Monday - Marianne Dissard

Today's soundtrack to Monday Feature is:

Marianne Dissard

Photo from Marianne Dissard Myspace Page

First Introduction:
Some girls like getting flowers, or jewellery or stuffed toys – I on the otherhand like getting cds and fortunately for me, Mr. S rocks at giving them.
This one (L’ENTREDEUX) was a gift to me a few months ago and while some songs were instant favorites (le Lendemain) some of the others have taken the last few weeks to grow on me. I think what sealed my love for Marianne was seeing her play live last weekend at the Dakota – she was charming, sexy and a pleasure to watch.

About the Band:
Marianne grew up in the southwest of France and made the move to Arizona in 1985 with her family. Explaining why she has stayed so long despite her best intentions, Marianne says “"Maybe it's in the water. Or the cheap Mexican beer. Or cheap rent. Maybe it's the heat in the summer that makes this town look inward, just like musicians in Winnipeg in the winter, who would go inward and make the most of cabin fever."
When we saw her play, she was joined by Clay Koweek and Andrew Collberg – two super talented guys. However, she has been joined by a collection of amazing musicians all listed on her myspace page.


What the Critics Say:

"Magnificent merging of old European elegance and poignancy of the songs with the glaring loneliness of the American Western Landscapes" Der Spiegel/Germany

"Cet album est une des merveilles de l'année" Magic/France

If this band were a fabric or craft, it would be:
A hand knitted hat from Karissa Cove – found 30 years from now in a Paris Antique Shop.

Your next purchase should be:
I can only speak to “L'ENTREDEUX” and would definitely say it is worth picking up… and for any Calexico fans out there, it was co-written and produced by frontman Joey Burns

Don't Believe me? Check them out for yourself:
For those of your in Toronto, you just missed her…
But if you are up for a road trip or live abroad, she is touring between the USA, All Across Europe and back between now and the end of April! Check here for her dates.

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The Small Object

Today's purchase - they make me smile and remind me of Mr. S and I!

The Small Object is a wonderful online shop run by Sarah Neuburger, who also has an adorable blog that I follow loyally. This morning she posted about these Printables that she has just added to her etsy shop, and before I had even poured my morning coffee, I had purchased this set - so sweet. There is something about her work that I find so real, positive and joyful!

What a great way to start my day!

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Hope Over Fear

A toast to the 44th President of the United States of America.

May he face the mountain of challenges he has inherited with the grace and optimism he has shown. And may the words he spoke today that, "All are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness" be the mutual understanding of everyone whose ears they fell upon.

This is one of those days that are remembered by the feeling it invoked, the weather outside and the place you were when it happen.
Feeling - Hope
Weather - Perfectly Sunny, Perfectly Freezing!
Place - Abbot on the Hill - with a grilled cheese sandwich in hand

"With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come" - Obama

PS. In Crafty News - Karyn has posted photos of her underwear! Now this is really what homemade undies can look like - they are adorable.

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Soundtrack to Monday - Timber Timbre

I am the lucky roommate/partner and sibling of two talented musicians, who are both not only in amazing bands and do amazing things musically, but are also connected to an gifted community of talented musician friends. So, I thought instead of rambling on about my daily activities, today I would launch what I will now call "Soundtrack to Monday" (picture me saying this in a booming announcer voice), as a way of sharing some of this musical goodness.

Today's Soundtrack to Monday feature is:

Timber Timbre

Photo from Timber Timbre MySpace Page and taken by James Bunton

First Introduction:
In celebration of getting my first long term life job, I offered to take Mr. S and Sibling J to our favorite record store and buy them each a cd. While we were there I thought, “what they hey – why not get one for myself, I am now a career girl after all!” So, sibling J handed me “Medicinals” by Timber Timbre and the rest is history.

About the Band:
Timber Timbre is Christienne (organ), Mike (baritone guitar), Lindsay (drums), and Taylor (guitar). All members hail from Oshawa.
I have only had the pleasure of seeing a solo Taylor play live, and would say his self description and delivery of being a “reluctant performer” combined with being exceptionally talented, make for a really amazing live show. As one reviewer said, “Basically he is the type of artist that could be playing alone in a bar and stop you dead in your tracks.”

What the Critics Say:
“The arrangements are stark and minimalist, drenched in echoes and as soulful as they are moody and dark. This is actually the third album by the local band, and they’ve really managed to hone this vibe into a strong, cohesive statement. Refreshingly restrained and understated, but equally confident and arresting.” NOW Magazine

“I love the new Timber Timbre record. It's spooky, beautiful, layered and still sparse, his voice is amazing.” Mr. S

If this band were a fabric or craft, it would be:
A vest made out of Erin Michaels - Lush collection

Your next purchase should be:
I can only speak to “Medicinals” and would definitely say it is worth picking up…however, if you are in the market for just one new CD, the New Self Titled Album “Timber Timbre” is supposed to be amazing – even Mr. S says so!

Don't Believe me? Check them out for yourself:
Thursday February 12th, 2009
Toronto ON @ The Music Gallery - CD Release / Wavelength Anniversary with Ghost Bees

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I see London, I see France...

...I Love my Homemade underpants!

Wednesday night was the last underwear class at the Workroom and it was another great one. I find this project a challenging one - getting the stretch fabric and elastic to work together and stretch at the same tension, getting the right fit and working on a smaller scale - I think this one will take a while to get just right.

About 2 mins after I took these photos, myself and approximately 100,000 unlucky Torontonians had their power cut off because of a water main break. It was a chilly night for Maude and I, but thankfully around 9am it came back on.

Have a great Weekend!

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My first commissioned piece...

... is starting to come together and I am loving the process of getting this just right! It has a long way to go yet before it travels across the country to its new home, but I think we are getting close to choosing the fabric, which is half the battle.

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Resolution #3 - Quit My Day Job

Portions of this photo taken from Etsy

With the economy the way it is, perhaps this resolution should be titled "Get Fired from your Day Job, and then desperately look for a new one"... but for now I will dream and imagine what it would be like to leave my current job to be doing things I absolutely adore.

This resolution is inspired by a weekly column on Etsy that highlights people who have left their day jobs to work full time on their craft - and actually make money from doing it!

I am by no means disillusioned into thinking that I have a "craft" that is just mine. At this time the things I make are largely the pattern, design and creativity of the amazing people around me. However, I do know it is something I adore doing and that inside me is my own idea(s), my own design(s) and own creativity just itching to bust on out.

So this year, or perhaps over the next few years, I would like to "Quit My Day Job" and pursue my love of all things crafty and crafted as not only a hobby, but something that sustains me.

And hey, if they want to feature me on the Etsy column that I drool over and dream about each week, then wouldn't that just be the piping on a beautifully made box cushion... or icing on the cake...whatever.

PS. My apologies to Replicca for crossing her name out in the photo - hooray for her, she did it and her stuff is lovely and worth checking out here.

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Me time is good time.

A baby fawn I grew in one of our indoor planters!

The weekends while Mr. S is away can sometimes feel long - but not this one! The days were packed with plenty of great Me Time, mixed in with a healthy dose of seeing old friends (during a trip back to guelph), hanging out at the Workroom (I am taking a box cushion class from the amazing Erin) and sewing at home. The older I get, the more I appreciate having some time to myself - the space to reflect, check in and re-group.

In other news...

As some of your may remember, I ran my first Poll in December to see what your favorite Holiday Movie is.

Now...I realize that this was not the most riveting poll, nor is this little blog adored by the masses, but I was slightly disheartened by the total number of Votes...

6

And let me break these 6 votes down for you:
2 - are from my first reader and loyal commenter (she used two computers to do this)
2 - are from ME! There it is, I voted twice on my own poll
1 - from Mr. S. because I reminded him daily to visit and vote.
1 - a mystery - thank you to whomever you are.

However, the fact that anyone decided to vote at all is success enough for me, so I will celebrate by watching Elf next weekend with Maude, any loyal readers who are interested and a bottle of sparking white wine!

I promise my next poll will be more riveting (valentines day is coming up, hmmm..) and will include a prize!

Happy Monday.

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Me and Maudey

This morning Mr. S hit the road for his latest tour, which leaves me and and Maude to man the house for the next month!

One of the other girlfriends affectionately referred to dating a musician as being a "band widow" because of the amount of time it takes them away from home. It can get tedious at times, but overall I can't help but admire a person who works so hard to be able to do what they truly love doing! It is great being able to miss someone and have the excitement of welcoming them back home.
And arguably, with all the sewing I was doing over the last month and time I was spending at the Workroom, Mr. S has put in his time as a "sewing widow"!

I have lots of things planned for this alone time...including getting started on my very first commissioned piece - a duvet cover and pillow set!

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Christmas Memories...

I am finding it hard to believe that Christmas is already two weeks behind us. If I haven't already said so, my holidays were a dream. The days felt like a big warm hug from all my favorite people.

Our family dog exhausted on Christmas morning from opening gifts
(yes, she gets gifts and knows how to open them)

We had time to enjoy our home, each other and all of the friends and family who walked through our doors and whose homes we were welcomed into. And at each of these stops we were greeted with endless plates of the most delicious treats, late nights of wine drinking, catching up and getting fit (we got a wii fit for Christmas - it rocks)

We mourned the loss of a loved one and chatted anxiously about the upcoming arrival of a new little one. We were spoiled with the most thoughtful gifts, and excitedly offered the things we had picked for each of those important to us.
This weekend I am going to pack up our decorations and tuck them all safely away until next year. Thanks to all those who made this a Christmas that brought tears to my eyes, a countless numbers of smiles to my lips and a feeling of total calm and gratitude to my heart.

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Resolution #2 - Managing my Pre-Party Rage (PPR)

My Camera's Interpretation of PPR displayed at my nanny's house this Christmas

There is a unique little gene that has been passed down from generation to generation of women in my family called PPR or Pre Party Rage.
It shows its scary little face about 1hr to 45mins prior to the start of a party. Fortunately, the gene only appears when you are hosting the event at your house.

The main characteristics of this sassy little gene are:
- A general displeasure with anything your partner, kids or pets are doing
- A overwhelming sense that your event will be a failure
- A remarkable need (there is no convincing otherwise) that a space that no one will see needs to be cleaned, organized, whatever.

* I am sure Mr. S would add a few more less then flattering characteristics, but these are the key ones.

Like many things in life, the first step towards change is acceptance, and I fully accept that I have inherited this charming quality. I work on it daily and to my own credit say that I am improving. However, there is always room for improvement so in addition to Resolution #1, I will add "Managing my Pre-Party Rage" to my list.

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Chocolate Truffles and Body Scrub

Around the 23rd of December I realized that I was running seriously short on time and that I needed a backup plan for gifts ASAP! Fortunately, I found these two amazing ideas in blog world and whipped them both up in about 2 hrs!

This first was a great recipe for Chocolate Balsamic Truffles. Super easy to do and using balsamic vinegar reduced with cherries added a nice flare. I made little packages out of wax paper that I closed up with red thread done in a zig zag stitch on my machine. Poked a couple of holes where I had double folded the wax paper (to avoid any chocolate spilling) and attached the little tags I made - voila! Cute to look at and really yummy.


The second gift was homemade body scrub! For this I used a combination of oils, white and dark sugars and lavender oil. I put the mixture into jars from the dollar store and again attached little tags I made. These tags I covered with clear mac-tac to make sure they stayed looking nice just in case some of the scrub got on them.

Sometimes the easiest gifts are some of the sweetest!

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Back to work tomorrow...

This afternoon I have been busy making lists and completing things I want to get done before heading back to work tomorrow.

I cannot believe my 12 days away from the office are done; they have really been so perfect!
At brunch today with a some lovely friends, we realized that the way we are feeling about going back to work is similar to the worry you would feel when you have an exam the next day at a school where everyone bullies you....ugh!

At our delicious brunch we also chatted about New Year's resolutions. Although I am not really a believer in these, there are a few that I want to use as guidelines for the upcoming year.
I will post more on these later, but for now I must run and act on one of my resolutions - looking nicer when around the house.
When I walk inside our home the first thing I do is change into sweatpants and a sweatshirt, tie my hair up and erase any sign of class or interest in my appearance. Today is a new low - hair totally unwashed, old sweatpants and a sweatshirt that just got stained by the tea I am drinking (oops!) Mr. S is on his way home shortly and this is the perfect time to try this resolution out - clean up my act, slap on something nice and add some charm back into my household look.

To make sure this is an attainable goal, I decided that this should only be done 2 days a week (I really love my sweatpants) and only when other people are around to appreciate my efforts!
And since Mr. S is heading out on tour this week for a month, it looks like I am in good shape to achieve this new year's goal!

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2009 - the year of the Ox

Welcome to the Year of the Ox.
A sign known for its prosperity due to hard work and an animal said to be " unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint". Considering the struggles that this old world is facing, I feel like we could not be in a better year.
I brought this year in with a beautiful meal with family, great music with friends and a warm cozy bed with someone I adore.

Happy 2009 - here's to you and yours for another amazing year. Let us meet the challenges with patience, create the good with boundless positivity and celebrate it all with eachother.

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