Inspired #17 No rymhn or reason

Just because I like them

Is spring in the air? Maybe I am just dreaming. Maybe cause I have heard people talk of it. A rumor far off that has been a part of a past life but feels so unreal in the deep freeze. That does not hold me back from the dream.

1: The flowers on this clock, the simple shape, how can you go wrong with such bold colors?
2: Push pins made from old jewelry? Yes I  could take part in that, thank you very much.
3: This Tea box!! What can I say, it speaks many more delightful things than I could every put forth.
4: Cozy up, spring has not sprung and will be long coming in my neck of the woods.


5: This is a beaut. I love Beauts!!
6: Like I said winter is not behind us, in fact for us Manitobians we are in the midst of the thickest bit.
7: But we still dream of warmer days, dry ground, Ballet slippers. I dream....
8: SOCKS!! Big comfy boot socks.

Can you see? How my mind dreams of one reality and sees another. There is great stuff to be found all around us and why stick to the season we are in? There is always hope around the corner and there is great stuff to be found in every season. And well..... I like to window shop.

Happy winter day or summer if you are in that part of the world. As for me I think we will bundle up and head on out for the morning. Always something to do so let's go do it.

Inspired #16 The new year

So here we are in a new year. 2013 is what they say. I know so many are doing a re-cap of the year gone by and that sounds like a really good idea. I think I might do that next year. For now though I have something else.

Resolutions!

Okay I admit. I am not such a big fan of those cause I am not so good at keeping them so why start? At the same time, is there anything wrong with challenging myself to do better? And it seems inevitable that I want to do better and when that clock ticked past 12:00 last night while I lay in bed I had a thought. Do you want to know what it was?


1: Peachy lovely 2: Fun with some great stuff inside 3: Just a journal but I love the pic and the quote 4: This one can hold what you like.

Yeah, Me too. It's gone now but so are a lot of things I think of and don't write down. So here's what I think might be a good resolution to make. I want to write down more of what goes by in the day, in my mind, from the girls mouths. I want to have some memories written down cause truth be told my memory is miserable. So here is my latest inspired post.


1: you put it together, you could totally add your own touches 2: Cute book with blank pages added to the end.

Check out some of these really fun, really lovely, really simple, really great day planners or journals or both. And let's remember things this year. Fine you might be really good at this and not need one cause a: you remember everything or b: you already picked yours up last year getting ready for this year. Well, that is super great for you, I on the other hand am me and I don't have one yet and don't remember things so well. So here is what I found.


1: blank journal style, make it a day planner or what you will 2: Funky day planner for the year 3: day planner that you can add pages to, has pockets.

However you roll with this new year I ask you this one thing. Don't forget to enjoy the moments. And if you are in the middle of a great one, enjoy it. Don't think on how you will write it down or what you would say to tell how it went, just be there. It is a moment for you to take part in. Let your heart settle in to every detail. Even if you are like me and you will forget it later. That doesn't make it any less of a moment.

Happy new year my friends, my family, My daughters, my loves.

Friday Fun #45 Fall and the KCWC

Here is a quick post as in mostly pictures with a few words.


Like I said back there. A few words will go along with this post.


Yeah you see that big thing. That is something really cool



See. It's big and can drive and...




It helps up replace a window in the apartment building we are working on.

Hmm. Did I not mention that. I mean that it is an apartment building? Oh I can't remember. Whenever I call it the "project" my family and friends all know what I mean. But there are those of you that read this that do not know every detail of my life. I forget this. So if you ever have any questions as to what I really mean about certain things please feel free to ask.

Anyhow what I really came here for today was this little walk that the girls and I took before the weather turned nasty. It is now teasing us with tiny bits of frozen ice crystal type things that some are calling snow but I feel it is too early to call out such horrors. We have not even seen Halloween yet. I will call it snow when it actually leaves a blanket on the ground. It does not have to be much of a blanket but I must be able to point it out in the land scape to my girls.

Oh this... I finely know for a fact that I have photo evidence of this stance. This pose. This way she goes about studying the world. She has done this from the day she first discovered her arms. I mean, laying on her belly and not even able to roll over to her back yet she would throw her arm back there and just "relax". She will walk around the yard with her arms behind her back as she takes in the scenes about her. And now for some great fun, Her little sister thinks this is the thing to do so she will follow her while holding her hands behind her own back. The two of them studying life with their arms in place.


Little sister thinks there is nothing in the world quite like her big sister.






A few pumpkins from Paul's parents farm sit out on the front steps.




They are much enjoyed.






Suzie will sit with any large book, including the phone book, and ask me if I am listening. She will then proceed with the reading of the story of Bartimaeus. He was a blind man who received his sight from Jesus.


If you ever get a chance to hear her rendition I highly recommend it.






"Mom this looks like a tree".

And to top it all off I am working hard around the house while still trying to get ready for this next week.

I am taking part in a sewing project for one week. It is one week of sewing for one hour a day on clothes for the kids. For my own kids. Not to sell. Not to give away. But for my own girls to wear. My Suzie is in need of pants and my Jade is in need of a sweatshirt or two. Lets see what one hour a day can put out.

For more check out this link here.

Hope your weekend is full of family and love. There is not much fall left here for us before the cold really takes over. Already the world shows more of it's nakedness till it will be covered in a cozy white blanket. Soon my Older Brother and his family will be here as they are moving back to from the west. Happy Thanks Giving to all my Canadian family and loved ones.

Inspired #15: The season to preserve

Suzie on seeing the small portion of clothes I managed to fold before diving into a vat full of tomatoes.

"Oh Good Job Mom. Good job on folding the laundry"

Suzie on seeing the laundry basket still nearly as full as it started.

"Oh, mom I think you need to just fold this laundry now"


This is my life. All my laundry baskets hold clean, not folded laundry. One of them holds summer clothes that need to be packed away but these are things I cannot seem to get at. In fact I feel that I am in a constant state of Behind. But this is not news to you. So instead of going on about how full life is with the "things that need to be done" Let's just pause for a minute and look at some fun things that inspire me with what is first on the list.

Putting food away for the winter.

1: I love jars and I love to store stuff in jars. Is this just not the cutest little thing ever
2: Okay fine, That last one can't be the cutest cause this one is blue
3: Fine Green, Yeesh, How am I to decide with all these great choices?
4: And these labels? Well you just know that these are a must when canning. These are stunning!!
5: I love these little baskets. I had no idea these even excisted and I am in LOVE
6: For the chokecherry syrup I wanted to make this year but then there were no berries. Next year
7: And this might not be something that can be used for canning but I think it would hold table butter nicely
8: Here's another green jar. That label just makes it all the more amazing.
9: Finely this canning pot. The lack of one of these in my life is why this year I am freezing my tomatoes.

Okay fine I don't lack the pot I lack the wire rack for inside and the guts to just do the boiling caner process. Everyone that hears me say that goes on to tell me how easy it is but I have only been canning for a few years now and I just have not yet gotten my nerve up. I will. I promise, one day I will boil all my cans and be a pro. But for now it is one step at a time. So yesterday I froze my tomatoes for this year.

Suzie is sitting next to me watching National Geographic kids animal videos. It is very distracting and I can't seem to focus on finishing up this post so I am going to leave you with that and hope you have a great rest of the week. And I think I might just head down stairs to sew. Have a lovely day.

Inspired #14 Fall is coming

Fall is most definitely in the air. The winds move more swiftly through the open windows and the leaves have taken on a tinge of gold. Soup stock boiling on the stove top and the fresh bread from yesterday are a testament to the cooler nights. When this weather hits it often brings with it a feeling of comfort and a need for warmth which makes my heart sing in a yearning sort of way.

I have been enjoying the cooler nights and the occasional need for a scarf. I am inspired to change up the wardrobe and make some new/old additions to the daily trend. So here are a few things that I have found on Etsy that inspire me for the fall.


1: These yellow vintage shoes make me want to jump into them and wear the dress next to them. Fall colors galore
2: The dress next to them, Such a great pattern, color and fabric. I love this dress.
3: And while we are putting this outfit together lets add the earrings for good measure.
4: I often see turbans and wish I could wear them. They look so warm and comfy, great alternative to a hat.
5: And if those yellow shoes are too flashy then these brown ones would do just nice. Gosh I love these vintage shoes.
6: This little cube necklace is calling me and saying that it wants to live around my neck. I am seriously this >--< close to putting it in my cart and walking to the cash register with it.
7: And for the days when I will not have the girls hanging around my neck, this is the scarf of choice.
8: If I could knit, this pattern along with so many others, would be in my list of to knit one day.
9: And for the end of the day or a nice simple grocery shopping day with a cup of coffee, this comfy looking dress. Love the color, love the design.

This list could go on forever but of course I can't sit here forever, there is too much lovely weather to enjoy.
Looking forward to meals with extended family and holidays that come with the season. Getting ready for the winter season and enjoying the cooler days and nights. Oh do go and find the joy that is out there. The newness that is around every corner.
Happy week to you all.

Inspired #14 Camping trip part two

Last week I showed you the adult side of camping. All things that would and could be inspiring to the older members of the family. Now let me take you to the child's side of such a trip. There are two sides to a kids experience.

First is what they remember and love

1: A toy trailer from days of old. My girls may not remember these but I bet some of you out there do and it brings you right back to being a kid again.
2: Ring toss is a game for any kid at any age. Even a 60 year old kid gets much enjoyment from something like this
3: And this little camper with a boat trailer is great for recreating the times you enjoyed with the family
4: What little person would not take great pleasure in having a lantern of their very own. Too cute!!
5: And now they can camp in their own back yard with no worries of touching the fire.
6: Okay this one is for Mom and Dad. It's all good kids rain or shine we camp on.
7: And I know with all certainty that Suzie would get a kick out of this whistle
8: Another camping scene to recreate those fond memories.

Okay, I admit I want these toys for myself. I think they all look like way too much fun.

Second, what you want to show them or give them

1: Mmm! Pie irons. Loved these things as a kid, love them still.
2: A little shirt to wear for the days after. If your kids are anything like mine you will skip white on a camping trip.
3: GAh!! I love this sleeping bunny and turtle. I want one hanging in my girls bed room
4: A camping guide of old. Teach them the ways
5: This simple wooden seat would be great to take just about anywhere. Simple collapse would have it fit in most any corner of the packing.
6: And this thing. OH MY WORD!! I want one for my girls. I want one for me. I love the colors and the idea of an outdoor hanging cradle. YIKES!!
7: Ha ha ha. I may not have boys and my kids may be young but I grew up with boys and I get it. I love this old photo.
8: Some fun fabric for a fun quilt or something. Maybe a shirt? Oooh or how about a jumper? dress? You get the idea.

So there you have it. Just a taste of what is out there. I still have not touched on all the things that we can do to bring the camping experience to life for the little ones. But I did manage to put together a few shirts to give to my girls for this trip. I am planning to give them to them the first day we are there as something to remember the trip by when they get home. Of course Jade is a bit young I doubt she will connect the two but I know that this will be something that will stick with her older sister.

This ones for Suzie


And this ones for Jade.


This trip is coming up real soon now and I am getting really excited. Funny thing, It's a super short trip. We will only be gone from Thursday night to Sunday afternoon sometime. But that does not take away from the anticipation.

Hope you have something grand to look forward to this weekend.

Inspired #13: Going Camping, part one

Paul came home a week ago and informed me that he had a plan to take a week off. For part of the week we would work on "the Building" and for that last portion we would go camping. The plan now stands that we will leave Thursday late afternoon and return Sunday afternoon. A shorter trip but with Jade at the age she is we are okay with that. She is right at that stage of life where running off is fun and staying put is boring. And I am sure fires are intriguing. So with that I bring you this weeks Inspired post. The first of two.


1: Vintage photos of a Coleman lantern and tent. These would look great hanging in any corner of the tent trailer.
2: And this piece would do nicely hanging next to the Christmas tree to remind of a warmer season to look forward to.
3: I would feel so accomplished if I knew how to use one of these. Maybe one day I will learn and show my girls.
4: How fun to have a postcard to send out from a camping trip
5: A vintage pack for a vintage camping trip. Love the older camping supplies.
6: And if you have not yet noticed I love the plaid blankets. This one just screams pine trees and large lakes.
7: And this fire starter is just a great vintage piece, and right from this province.
8: And coffee while sitting next to the fire seems like the best way to start a cool morning.
9: This seems like a great tool, turns any fire into a spot to cook a meal.

Looking forward to a quick trip full of camping fun. This year Suzie will remember it vs. the last time when she was not even yet three. I am hoping to get a few special items together for the girls to bring some extra  memories to this trip. Till next week there will be much packing and preparations and anticipation.

Hope your week is full of plans even if is just for a quick trip out in the back yard or a fire in the fire pit.

Inspired #12: Picnic days.

This post was finished yesterday morning in it's entirety. I needed only to link up a few more of the inspired selections and then something happened. More on that later. For now I will leave you with this inspired post. On a day that is not so sunny or welcoming to picnic in.

: :

If you follow me on instagram (link to the right) at all you will have seen a few pics of the girls and I turning our lunches into picnics.

So it is from that I have drawn my inspiration for today. I am loving the cooler mornings and the hint that fall is just around the corner. This reminds me to get out more and enjoy the weather before it turns too cold.


1: Oh the colors of this blanket I do so love. It feels so earthy and fall like. Want to lay it out for evening under the stars.
2: This little basket would do well for a cookies and fruit picnic out amongst the trees.
3: Purse or picnic I can't decide but it would do well in any environment.
4: Oh to set the picnic up with actual dishes and sunny ones at that.
5: And this blanket made from Cotton Saris. LOVE!!
6: This makes me think of going out on horse back to arrive at some river side destination for a meal.
7: This is what my mind always pictures when you say picnic basket. Reminds me of a book I once read
8: More great dishes for a meal out in a field.
9: And with fall around the corner a hot beverage would do wonders.

I just clued in to what it is about this weather and this time of year that makes an outdoor meal the thing for my heart. Harvest. The time when my Mom would pack up the roaster with the hot out of the oven chicken, hot mashed potatoes and fresh beans into the back of the truck. Driving all bumpy over the stubble of a newly combined field. Flag down the farmers which were my Father and Grandpa to join us in a quick meal as the sun worked on cutting the evening short. Knowing they will continue late into the night if the weather allows. Fall is a season that my heart sings with great joy. It fills me with gladness and a desire to wrap my neck in a scarf and head out for a refreshing walk in the cool air.

May you have a wonderful rest of the week. Be inspired to take your indoor lunch outside. Even if it is just out onto the deck. Throw down a blanket you have kicking around and sit near the earth. Grab a lawn chair and take your shoes and socks off, put your bare feet on and let them enjoy the cool grass. Sit and enjoy for a few minutes more than you might think you have. It is free to you, enjoy.

Inspired #11: No ryhmn or reason

Thinking about what I am inspired about right now I could come up with no one specific thing. But there are things that I just like so here is a random inspired post. It's going to be quick cause Paul is sitting on the couch watching the Olympics and I want to join him.

1: These little bowl just look like fun. Whatever I would use them for. Food for the girls or candy dishes for guests.
2: A little plaid dress for a little girl. Plaid is just way too much fun.
3: And this little bowl I am thinking would do nice holding the jewelry that needs to be quickly tossed aside before a good nights sleep
4: A very fun candle holder to light the room on a cold winters night. Ha I know, how on earth can I even be imagining cold winter nights when all I know right now is the sticky sheets of summer.
5: Sugar and cream this looks like a good way to serve up peaches and cream or anything else that would need these two things combined.
6: A sheer dressing gown all lacy and pretty. I love lace. I love the feminine found here.
7: These little bears on the very flowing fabric seem so pleased and settled.
8: Now we're back to the kitchen though I think these things would do well to hold most anything. Tins abound in my home and I always have my eyes open to more. I love tins.
9: And a green hat. Who doesn't need a green hat with a snake skin bow? Okay, Maybe I don't Need one but it's fun so why not.

And there you have it, Random. Sleep is on my mind and the kitchen says I am not finished yet. Maybe that is where all of this comes from. The girls dress? well I have girls and they just fell asleep.

Oh what fun to have my own space to drop my thoughts. Thanks for joining me in this random look about. I hope you all have a wonderful night and get lots of golden sleep.

Inspired #10: Coffee

So here's what happened on Sunday.



And here's how I felt about it.

There is no real special value to this coffee cup. There is no real sentimental value. Really there is nothing to say about this mug other than? I loved it. I can't fully get it across in words cause truth be told I don't really know why I loved it so much. There were a few things to note. One, I loved the shape of the handle. I could stick my whole hand in there without any pinching and no big gaps. I know, really not that big of a deal. Two, I adored the color and feel of the picture. There was something to it that made me feel at home. No I did not come from an ocean side fishing village. No I did not grow up near boats at all. I just loved it. So what else is there to say.

So now comes the task of finding another. Looked for this one on ebay. There were similar ones that might do the trick but I thought why not do an inspired post on this. Who knows maybe I will find something along the way. Adventures in coffee inspirations here we come.

1: lacey goodness, Nice big handle, good colors to please the eye. This is a beauty
2: spots. I like spots. This is white and clean and super cute
3: I am taken in by that green handle.
4: No boats but it looks like water. Again I am pleased
5: The colors are pleasing. I think coffee would be great coming from here
6: Lotus cup, Oh My!

And then I headed on over to the vintage section and here's what I came up with.

1: Wee!! Fun green flowers from the past And now I could share with you when you come for coffee
2: This thing just plan old intrigues me. I want to try cause, well, who wouldn't love to make coffee look like a science
3: And a little old advert to put up in the coffee room. No I do not have a coffee room but when I do.
4: Eeek! this thing looks like a highly motiveated paper cup. Coffee has just been re-vamped.
5: When it rains it pours, indeed it does.
6: And well I could use a really cute place to store my coffee beans when I am making coffee for my new mug.

Ah well. It's not like I don't have other mugs to use. In fact sometimes my cupboards seem a bit full. But you know how it goes. There is that "one" that really makes you reach for it nine times out of ten. Here's to a great cup of java with a good friend and hopes of finding another "the one".

Have fun this week and always be inspired. Even if it is out of a broken coffee mug. Something new is around every corner.

Inspired #9 Round and Round

Inspired posts are a weekly concoction of what I find inspiring me that week. It can be anything from household goods to birdhouses. Check in weekly to see what's on my mind. 

Today I am inspired a day late. Some weeks I don't even manage to get up a post but here is what I have for you today.

There is not a lot of variety in the inspirations today but I can't help myself. I have wanted one for some time and have finally finished my first one ever. Now that it is done? Well I want more, I want one for every day of the week. I want my girls to each have one. I love it. I may not have done a perfect job on the hem. I may not have lined things up "just so". I may even be slightly unhappy with how the waist band turned out but....

 If it is your style to feel feminine and you have yet to put on a circle skirt then I HIGHLY recomend it. Talk about feeling like a girl/lady/woman. Yikes these things can become anything. Playful, dress it up, At home, or shopping the options are endless. And so I digress.

1: for the sewers who want to do it up real nice here is a pattern for you.
2: I LOVE the fabric in this little girls skirt. How can you go wrong with bold prints on the littles?
3: And if you have one but want to dress it up here are a few crochet patterns taken straight from Laurens 50s collection.
4: And this one speaks for itself head on over here and take a look at all the angles. Love this.
5: And here she is all dressed up, the circle skirt ready for a night out. YIKES! Be still my heart!
6: Lemony goodness, Oh my goodness!
7: In case the above pattern is gone by the time you get there here is another one just for good measure.
8: Eek! Too cute much or what? Pretty in pink for your little ladies trip to the zoo.
9: (inset) You know if you like circles then why not do a two for one.

Oh boy, How will I find the time. I must get to doing some more sewing. Till then I will see if I can find the time to post a pic of the one that I have finished. One day I would love to add a petticoat under there. Circle skirt goodness brought to eleven. Hope you find the time to wear that which makes you most comfortable and feel like the lovely person you are. Till then, Be inspired by all that you see.

Inspired #8 Staying in

Inspired to stay indoors when the thermometer hits 30 + degrees C (that is 94 to 98 F). So here is a bit of home.

I asked Paul where the TV came from his answer "It came with the house". It turns out many things came with the house. Fun Antique things.


When I moved in to this home my wonderful husband had already renovated the main floor and so the walls were painted and ready to go. I was given full freedom to take over with the rest. (the green chair is most wonderful for sitting and reading with both babies and three years-old)


This great little number is a collaboration between the two of us. He had a box of 9 volt batteries that his Grandpa had collected and I wanted them up on the wall. What came to mind was a vintage letter tray. We took one of these and cut off one end of it. Who would have known that a collection of batteries would look so cool.



For the first corner of the sitting room a few bits of inspiration. 1: bake light phone atop the TV 2: Letter tray already made small 3: TV Salt and pepper, get the old feel without taking up the space 4: Ottoman/sitting pillow for a splash of color, 5: Green chair for sitting in (of course), 6: Old radio turned Armoire, how cute, 7: Standing lamp for in the corner, ours "came with the house".


Other half of the sitting room..

If you have not gathered yet, this is one of my favorite rooms in the house. It is a great blend of both Paul's and my taste, as well as items we have gathered from family and over time.


This lamp is something I found in the back alley behind my basement suite in Calgary and my dad came up with the lamp shade idea. The tree has been in my life since I lived in that same apartment. The little china cabinet holds tea cups and dishes that came from both Pauls Grandma and mine and my mom and other collections.


And this lovely barrister cabinet holds books and more treasures. To list it all is too much. If you want to come and sit with me in the sitting room I could tell you where most of them came from. The bunny was something Paul's Grandma knit for Suzie when she was a baby.


Second half. 1: Red and whit clock to keep the time, 2: Books to put in the barrister to add some vintage feel (not only that they actually look interesting to ready), 3: Desk lamp for all that reading, 4: Red pillows for more pops of color, 5: Ah yes and the barrister for all the treasures, 6: A red couch in any room would do well (okay, maybe not but I sure love the flash of brightness)

Inspired to stay in and enjoy the very home I live in. Thankful for all that I have right here, right now.