Christmas Decorating Underway....

Here are some pictures of my Christmas decor. I am not nearly done. The tree needs some more baubles, and the mantle is missing some stuff . My goal is to visit Pineridge Hollow in the next week and pick up some items like twinkle lights and maybe some fake twiggy stuff for my vase to match the sofa table arrangement. Home Sense is another  store I love that Im sure will have some Christmas items I may want to get my hands on.

Moravian Star Pendant

I absolutely love the Moravian star pendant. It is traditionally from the 1800's and is said to bring luck to the family. I am thinking of replacing our oh -hum-drum of a light in our foyer/hallway with this beauty. I believe I saw them at home depot made by Hampton Bay Lighting.  This will give a wow factor upon entering our great room...lets see if hubby approves. I bet he wont like it, until he really sees it. Men don't have the  vision, lol.

Vintage Christmas Baubles

I know we still have yet to pass Halloween, but my mind is in full swing with christmas decorating. I was passed down a high quality white christmas tree from my mom. It was bought through sears possibly over 20 years ago..Its beautiful really. Every year I come up with a theme at my house..This year  I decided to put up the white tree as my main tree in the great room filled with vintage colorful ornaments.  The green one will most likely be downstairs in the recroom, with all the ornaments of the kids ect...I dont really have a collection of vintage glass ones....so I am now on the hunt for some.

Chile Rescues Workers Break Through to Trapped Miners

By Nathan Crooks and Randy Woods




Oct. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Chilean rescue workers broke through into a chamber half a mile underground today where 33 miners have been trapped for more than two months.

A crowd made up of hundreds of foreign and local journalists, family members and government officials erupted into cheers and chanted “Long Live Chile” as alarm bells signalled that the drill had broken through at 8:05 a.m. local time.

“It’s unbelievable; it’s an emotion you can’t explain,” said Jeff Hart, an operations manager at Layne Christensen, a drilling company assisting in the efforts. “It was extremely hard, harder than we expected.”

Authorities will spend about six hours today preparing for the rescue site before running a camera down the shaft to determine if the well is stable enough to pull the men out without first lining the walls with a metal casing, Mining Minister Laurence Golborne told reporters today at the mine in northern Chile. The minister said yesterday that withdrawal of the miners may begin as soon as Oct. 12.

The miners have been trapped since Aug. 5 after an access tunnel caved in at Cia. Minera San Esteban Primera SA’s San Jose copper and gold mine in the Atacama region. Chilean state-run Codelco, BHP Billiton Ltd. and other mining companies assisted in what has become the world’s longest-ever mine rescue.

Family Members React
Family members and union officials have urged rescue workers to install the casing to ensure the miners’ safety. Trucks with the casing arrived at the mine this morning.

“We’ve waited for two months, we can wait another two days,” Norma Laques, whose son Jimmy Suarez, 19, is the youngest of the trapped miners.

The miners’ only contact with the outside world has been through tiny drill holes into which people on the surface send down food, water, medicine and games such as dominoes.

As engineers prepared the rescue shaft, workers on the surface were rehearsing plans to extract the miners and transport them to a nearby hospital. Medical facilities will be ready by Oct. 11.

The miners are split into three groups. The strongest will come out first in case they are needed to go back down to assist others, the minister said yesterday. The weakest will then come out, with the rest to follow.

24-Inch Tube
Workers will need two or three days to prepare cranes and other equipment for the extraction and as long as eight days if they opt for the casing, Golborne said.

When the rescue starts, a tube 24 inches wide will be lowered into the hole, which measures 26 inches at its narrowest point, Enes Zepeda, an engineer and director of the Codelco’s supervisors’ union, said at an event on Oct. 7. Once they start pulling out the men, it will take about 90 minutes per person to complete the rescue, he said.

 
Let's pray for these miners and miner's families that they get out safely.....

Pictures from Italy

My dad's hometown Maiera in Calabria

A picture from my dad's house where he grew up.1of 2 balconies

My Husband and I at the wedding (Can you tell he is 6ft 6  and Im only 5ft 2? lol

My Uncle Vincenzo , my sister and I

Reception

Bride and Groom (Eda & Fabio)

My cousin's son Domenico

New Cupcake Flavors In!

Cupcake soaps are back in stock...flavors include: birthday cake,orange cream,pink sugar,chocolate raspebrry and chocolate :)

Another Home Sense Find!

I waited and waited until the perfect counter stools popped up in the store.  These stools I picked up are listed online for $220 CDN (plus shipping of course). Homesense price: $99. What a steal! I bought 2 for my breakfast counter and I just love them. Easy to clean too, because when you have 5 kids ,you never know what may happen. They also swivel, and have  metal footrests which is quite nice. I also picked up a cotton table runner for the kitchen and a pair of lamps for the dining room. The lamps didn't look as good as thought on the server...so, going to return them.

Easy Arts & Crafts Kid's Projects: pompom maker using a recycled CD and...

 If there's one thing we've learned over our years of crafting, it's that someone, somewhere, has tons of yarn to give away. After the jump you'll find a fabulous how to idea on making this rug on your own, courtesey of a fellow etsyer, plus a cool video I found  on constructing your own pom pom maker!

What if we made one ourselves? Yes, we'd love to pay them for their craftsmanship, but around the holidays, money can be right and lets say we don't have the $140 bucks lying around to purchase this adorable pom pom rug? So you decide to make one yourself. Here's a quick how to when it comes to pom pom making in case you need a refresher, plus a handy way to keep fingers from getting pinched so the kids can help out!

After your pom poms are created, head to the local craft store to pick up some rug backing. You'll find it near the yarn where you can buy a pre cut size. If you need more, many fabric counters have a bolt in back if you ask for an extra large piece to be cut (if you're feeling daring). Simply tie on your pom poms and that's pretty much all there is to it!



Would you ever make your own rug in this method? Why or why not?  I may do one for my craft show booth flooring in my business colors



(Image: Etsy Seller: CustomPhotoProps)








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I'M Back!!

I am back from my 2 week whirl-wind in Italy. I had a fabulous time and visited many relatives. I miss them already and cant wait until the day I return...Dont know when that will be. My kids missed me alot, as I did miss them. My cousin's wedding there was picture perfect. Beautiful food, beautiful setting. We visited Rome, my father's hometown Maiera in Calabria, visited Lanciano in Abruzzo where my uncle lives, Edina where the wedding was held. We went to see Padre Pio's hometown as well.  It was very hard to leave , alot of tears....

Going to Italy

My husband and I , along with my sister and my brother-in-law, are flying to Italy for a cousins wedding for 13 days. This is my first trip there, and will be away from my kids the longest ever. There was one other time I was away from them , that was only 2 days ...so, this will be quite the long separation. I am just starting to pack, and still have no dress for this wedding. I am not too worried about it though., I still have time. I'll be packing soaps to give away as gifts and maybe going to buy some chocolates. I think you are allowed chocolates in your luggage but not quite sure.

I got my hair done last night at my favorite new salon Vixin here in Winnipeg. I went red violet and also got some side bangs. This color is very rich and quite vibrant.  I really like it.

My husband is more set than me....he needed a suit and slacks, so we purchased them off ebay believe it or not. A Ricky Freeman wool suit that actually fit him with a few alterations , and also a pair of pinstripe Versace pants. He looks hot...Quite the deal too!

Home Sense Find

Yesterday, I found a tufted linen stool that opens for storage. When I saw it, I just had to have it. Initially, I was trying to find 2 stools to go under my console. I searched high and low in the store for a second one...but couldn't find one. I even asked staff if there was one in the back. They said all the furniture was out, but I still think it was an easy way out so they wouldn't have to actually go and search the back... Anyway..my husband thought it was nice but he tried to keep me from purchasing it (big surprise!) I was determined that this stool was coming home with me...I didn't even know the price yet . I was thinking the stool was $100 since that is sort of the norm for Homesense. I was so surprised that it was actually 69.99 for a stool that size. I bought it thinking I may run into a second stool if I go back and check next time. If I didn't , I could always return it (I only had 10 days ). I am keeping it whether or not I find a second one..I just love it. Thank goodness I didn't listen to my husband!

Proud Papa

This morning, my dear Bilbo (a Goldendoodle) found 4 bunnies buried at the side of our yard. He disappeared for nearly 45 minutes outside which is unlike him. I looked out our dining room window only to find dead grass and bunny fur scattered around the yard. Horrified, I quickly ran out expecting the worst.I found him, to my surprise, sitting with his paws crossed, looking proud as ever. He was watching over these babies as if they were his own. Amazing!

Guess What!

You never believe what I saw in the city today....me on a billboard , and on a bus! Well, its not exactly me but, people seem to think it's me! Thanks to this Downtown Peggy in Winnipeg, because I have been getting calls and orders because of it, lol. This is the best advertising ever for me, I dont even have to pay a dime! You see, apparently "Peggy" must have been inspired by my character logo. I am very flattered to say the least and such a compliment I think. She must of liked my business logo so much, she decided to do one for herself. It actually is helping me get my own face out there even though I have had this look for 2 years....People dont know the difference anyway. When I saw my so called face plastered on the huge bullitin board over the diserali overpass, I almost died and take a double take ,"What! Who put my face up there! That's Awsome! Someone decided they love the soap and put my face on there! LOL! Anyway, I is sooo funny...twins! The only way to tell us apart is the beauty mark :)

And the Winner is....

Winner of the cutest Soap Giveaway (theres a body butter in there too btw) Is Missy AKA Little Miss Messy! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address and it will be shipped to you! Thanks to all who took the time and entered

You know your a mom when.....

You know your a mom if the dark circles under your eyes is not from partying but from sleep deprivation from a crying child

You know your a mom if you make coffee and drink it cold

You know your a mom when you cut up every ones food at the table while your out at a restaurant

You know your a mom when you have 2 inch roots because you cant find the time to touch them up

You know your a mom if your lipstick is broken in half but you still manage to use it

You know your a mom if you find yourself drinking from a juice box

You know your a mom when you ask your child "How does this look on me sweetie?"

You know your a mom if while using the bathroom, you have constant knocking and banging on the other side of the door

You know your a mom if you wait for everyone else to eat and consume the leftovers on their plates

You know your a mom when your kids throw up and you catch it

You cant bear to give away baby clothes- its so final

And most of all you know your a mom if by the end of the day you would do it all over again, and wish they could stay in you arms as your little baby

Mother's Day Soap Giveaway

This is a cute picture taken of 2 out of my 4 girls .... Sara is 6, its her birthday, , shes the one in the polka dot dress. Olivia is 3 and Bilbo (the Goldendoodle) is 1 and a half. I thought I would post this because its too darn cute not to share :)

Mothers Day Giveaway! I am giving away a $20 soap package on Monday May 3rd. Please leave a comment below and leave a comment. What's your most favorite memory that you shared with your mom? My favorite memory is when I was little , every morning she would have her cafe latte and put her feet up on the chair I was sitting.. She would quickly realize I was sitting there already and motioned to move them off to another chair. But I would always move over a bit and say " its ok mom, you can put your feet here".... This seems insignificant,but to me it was a feeling of comfort and love to have mom's feet resting right next to me. Its the little things in life that your children will remember.....now let's hear yours :)

Donut Soaps

Donut soaps sold out..but will be retocking in a few weeks.

Here are a few pics of the Asimi Rug from Crate and Barrel. I love the pattern and colors.

A big thank you to all my new and regular customers for a successful show this past weekend. Thank you!





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New Baby , New Rug

My girlfriend had her baby yesterday. Her name is Julianna, and she weighed 8 pounds 7oz . This is my friend's first child and I know she will make a wonderful mom. And of course, dad Jeff will make a great daddy too.

I also received my rug from Crate and Barrel the other day. I love it and wouldn't change it...It is super soft on your feet and the pile is nice and thick. The quality for the price does not beat what we have here. Great first time experience ordering from them. I took pictures but will post them later today to show you what the rug looks like. I am also happy that I decided on the larger 9 x 12 size, and not 8x10. The 8x10 would have been too small.

Things can get expensive, especially groceries. And believe me , feeding a family of 7 is not cheap. This helpful site called A Full Cup is put together by a bunch of really great mommas. "Shopping Lists" have been set-up with all the current sale items and coupons at most groceries. Signing up is free! Check it out at http://www.afullcup.com/store-shopping-lists

Working Away....

Today I am making Sweet Pea Soap, and also going to make some Graham Cracker Scrubs. I am feverishly working away in preparation of the Scattered Seeds Craft Show to boot. Last year, I ran out of body butter so Ill be sure to have plenty on hand.

Ill be bringing donut soaps this year. They were not available last Spring but will be there for sure. Vanilla Sprinkle and Blueberry will be the choices among the donuts. If time permits, I may be able to squeeze in another choice.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! Don't eat too many chocolate bunnies...

I should be getting the Asimi Rug thats pictured above (the brown one on top) any day now, and I'm very nervous and excited about it at the same time. I'm a little worried about colors, size ect...We don't have a Crate and Barrel store here, so I had to order it over the phone. Ive tried many rugs over the years (yes years!) and not one seemed really right for the space. There was one that I settled on months ago, but the rug lady said it was discontinued. Maybe it was a good thing because otherwise I would have been stuck with it. The rug selection here is next to nil in my opinion. My husband thinks that there is alot to select from but I'm picky and the styles that I am looking for ,not everyone likes the style I am looking after. I think hes wrong though...Why cant they have more rugs here that look like the Asimi? Its timeless I think, and the pattern is just right.

Rugs are quite expensive, especially the wool ones. We decided on only getting a wool rug because of the 5 kids and dog. Our dog Bilbo wont even come close to this carpet anyway. He was taught from 8 weeks not to go upstairs (carpeted), and our entire main floor is hardwood. He thinks carpet is a foreign substance.

Young and Stupid

Ugggh! What has that Lindsey Lohan done to herself now? She looks horrible! Will someone give her a slap on the head already? What is it with these young, rich girls who waste away on drugs and drinking? Maybe she should start a new hobby or something....

Candy Wrapper Purse

Last night, I recieved a fantastic gift from my mother-in-law who came back from her vacation from Mexico; a purse made from candy wrappers! Its the neatest thing ever... Thanks Mom!

Booth Etiquette for Craft Shows

How to be a Good Neighbour

When attending craft shows, there are some simple things to keep in mind that will make you a better neighbor. Remember that there are others at the event who, like you, are there to make money. To make the best of things you should try to acknowledge the needs and rights of your fellow crafters.

Stay within your allotted space
If your display needs that extra “couple of inches”, buy it from the promoters before the event. Often you will need to purchase a “double” booth or at least an additional half space. Check with the show promoter to see what options you have regarding measurements. If you do not want to incur that added expense, you may need to redesign your display so that it will fit in the space you purchase. Whatever you do, do not extend your display into your neighbor’s space! The quickest way to make an enemy at a show is to steal space from a fellow exhibitor. And it is stealing. When you put your display into another crafter’s booth, you are taking space that someone else has paid for, which is theft, not to mention, rude.

Be friendly, but don’t be a pest
It’s fine to visit with other exhibitors at a show; in fact I love meeting new crafters! But don’t stand around talking if a customer walks in. Remember, craftspeople are there to make money. They can’t do that if someone is continually visiting or blocking customers from viewing their wares.

Give yourself enough time
Setting up a booth at a craft fair takes time. It takes more time for some than for others. Whether it takes you a few minutes or several hours, be sure you allot enough time to finish before the customers arrive. Boxes blocking aisles keep customers from visiting other booths. Even if you are not in the aisles, setting up a display in your space while the show is open distracts customers. This can hurt sales for yourself and your colleagues.

To sum it up, be aware that there are others attending craft events beside yourself. Be courteous to fellow craftspeople and keep in mind that what may work best for you may infringe upon other exhibitors. Too many negative happenings can make enemies of your fellow craftspeople, or even get you banned from a show. By getting along with others, you can sometimes make important contacts and better yet, friends for life!

Here is a candle holder hurricane shade I picked up at a shop in Winnipeg . Its called Slic Chics and its located on Henderson Hwy. It is two pieces...a metal design that sits right inside the glass. Right now, I'm the only one in Winnipeg that has it..not that it matters :) . I found out after I purchased it , it was a part of an exclusive line to Marie Osmond's lifestyle collection. Slic Chics is the only authorized dealer that carries Marie Osmond . Anyway, what caught my eye is that it was different, modern yet classic . It sits on my coffee table

Right now, I am making Mint Chocolate Chip Soaps. YUMMY!

Its that time again...The Scattered Seeds Craft Show . This year, Ill be at Booth #336. See you there!

A Work in Progress

This is our great room. This pic was taken a month and a half ago..It looks different right now so, Ill have to load up a recent pic. The table to the right, against the wall was bought at a fantastic store just outside of the city called Pineridge Hollow. I loved it from the moment I first laid eyes on it. It is made of mango wood. It reminds me of some of Restoration Hardware furniture pieces . That lamp on the console is in my den at this moment and replaced with another Pineridge Hollow piece, a gorgeous black lamp. The mirror above the fireplace will be replaced with a piece of art because I bought yet another piece from Pineridge, which is now hung above the console . Its a gorgeous 2 paneled mirror that has circles designed in the panels. Hard to explain but it is simply stunning. I had gone through a few pieces of art to go above that table, but didn't like anything I brought home. I was looking for the "wow"factor, the Ï love it to death"feel. So, I finally found it.

A rug is what we are on the hunt for now...I have been looking for the perfect rug since I moved in (3 years) . I think I have found it but I have to order it online. that's what scares me. We went through a ton of rugs from retailers around here to try out, but did not love anything. The style and colors that i was looking for , we cant seem to find around here. That is what Winnipeg is lacking here... All we have are marshmallow couches and particle board tables. That's why,Pinridge isone of my favorite furniture/home decor retailers. We don't have many that have my particle taste. My taste falls somewhere between Modern Traditional Classic with a pinch of vintage charm. Mmmm, that is interesting!

Colin and Justin

I was watching Colin and Justin's Home Heist yesterday afternoon, and they were talking about eclectic design, which I am quite fond of .This couple's house was filled with a mix of different furniture eras, some were ugly, others were in need of being revamped. There were pee pads thrown everywhere, which was quite disgusting ! Messy and loads of needless clutter. They called it " Hectic Eclectic".

I learned from them this simple rule : K.I.S.S

Keep It Strictly Simple

You cant go wrong if you follow their advice. Being eclectic in style doesn't mean you have to look like a hoarder.

If you haven't tuned in to this show, I highly suggest you make time for it. Not only are they talented designers who know their stuff, they are extremely witty and funny!

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

I came across this recipe by a blog named The Sweetest Kitchen. It is definitely yummy, and with Valentine's Day just days away, this is a perfect choice!


Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Adapted from Nigella Lawson

Makes 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

125g soft unsalted butter

100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces

300g raspberry jam, seedless if desired

150g caster sugar

pinch of salt

2 large eggs, beaten

150g self-raising flour

Method :Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas mark 4.
Put the butter in a heavy-bottomed pan on the heat to melt. When nearly completely melted, stir in the chocolate. Leave for a moment to begin softening, then take the pan off the heat and stir with a wooden spoon until the butter and chocolate are smooth and melted. Now add the raspberry jam, sugar, salt and eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon and when all is pretty well amalgamated stir in the flour.
Scrape and pour into the muffin papers in their tin and bake for 25 minutes. Cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes before turning out.
Cool cupcakes completely.

Fill cupcakes with raspberry whipped cream using the cone method.

Raspberry Whipped Cream Adapted from Joy of Baking

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:

1/2 cup ultra-pasteurized heavy whipping

/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 tablespoon granulated white sugar

1/4 cup lightly sweetened raspberry puree, strained if desired

Method; In a large mixing bowl place the whipping cream, vanilla extract, and sugar and stir to combine. Cover and chill the bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. When chilled, beat only until soft peaks form.

Add the sweetened raspberry puree a little at a time, and beat just until stiff peaks form when the beater is raised.

Taste and fold in more sugar or puree, if required.

If you have any leftover, use it as a topping for a cup of hot cocoa or mocha!

Ganache Frosting Adapted from Nigella Lawson

Makes enough to lightly frost 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

100g dark chocolate

100ml double cream

12 fresh raspberries, optional

Method: Break the chocolate for the icing into little pieces and add them to the cream in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, remove from the heat and then whisk – by hand or electrically – till thick and smooth. Ice the cupcakes, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon, and stand a raspberry in the centre of each.

2 of My Favorite Decorating Websites

If you haven't already checked out these two places, you must ! http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/multigallery.esi A place where you post pics of your house/decorated rooms , and then the public rates it .

The other is http://www.decorpad.com/index.htm. Loads and loads of beautiful photos of home interiors.