Ambrosia Couture

Great big giant blankets

2008-11-24T07:20:00.000-08:00

Looking for some Ambrosia Couture for a newborn? I am excited to be sharing a little sewing endeavour I undertook this weekend when I saw some funky fabrics. They were calling to me, and so I brought them home to make a few limited edition Ambrosia Couture blankies. Extra super big, they are about 40" by 42" and are great for swaddling, playtime, and light covering.

I cannot promise that I will ever be making one again, it got pretty tedious in my sewing room, fold, iron, fold, sew, repeat - but I am pretty sure that these unique blankets were worth it!

Click here to check them out in my etsy shop.

Late night musings...

2008-11-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

Today was a H-E-L-L of a day with the girls. Actually, that's not true, the morning was so great! We played UNO, did some art, had a "Love Party" and I actually got two shelves of the fridge spic and span :) I even had a cup of tea. It was in my pyjamas, at 11:30, but who cares.

It was the afternoon that made me understand why people beat their children.

We drove home from school, and the baby - high off of only napping only 45 minutes ALL DAY LONG, was still not napping, but dancing to the music instead. We had to get a few groceries and I thought a quick drive would do the trick. When we got to the market, Lilah was asleep (VICTORY!) but then the two older ~~monsters~~ children flat out REFUSED to get out of the car.

What followed was much coaxing, threatening, and finally, a phone call to daddy. Which of course woke up the baby. Of course. So the three of us headed into the store, to my shame, baby chewing on an ages 3+ McDonald's toy. For about 4 minutes, it was bliss. The older girls even picked out some peppers for me. By the time we ~~were kicked out~~ left, they had cleared out the mandarin orange samples, and high on a fructose binge were both spewing pith left and right. The baby never did get back to sleep.

Dinner was a gong show, even thought it was delish - only Matt and I really partook. French onion pork chops, french fried potatoes and yams, salad and Scotch Baps. I guess the silver lining of today is that all three munchkins have been in bed since 7:10, and Matt had the foresight to buy me not only a bottle of red wine (to share of course) but a tiny bottle of my favorite cider. Thanks honey. Love you.

By the way, I did sew up a BEAUTIFUL reversible skirt on Saturday night. My sewing began with making a few large swaddling blankets for gifts, but once I got started I couldn't stop. Even though I went to bed at 1:00 AM, my mind was BUZZING until 3:00!! Hope to get it listed soon!

Let's see if I can't find a few pictures here to prove my kids are all still healthy and relatively happy, actually mostly alive after the post above.

Sending a blog post out...anyone around?

2008-11-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Yes. I have been uber absent. Sorry! Life with my (not so) little family has been ticking right along. These three girls keep me very busy! It seems so sudden that Lilah's first birthday is looming, followed by Fiona's 4th birthday.

Part of me feels like after so long I should have more to report; like a fabric line to debut, patterns to unveil, a photography venture to undertake, or at the very least a sewing project to share. The truth is that I have litle to talk about other than that I am blissfully raising my family. See the pictures strewn all over this post to prove it.

On the sewing front, the babysitter thing that I tried earlier this year never really worked out. I guess I underestimated the challenge that my the three girls would present for a 15 year old. Looking back, I should have known better!! I am purging my sewing room and I'm hoping to get a few holiday skirts up in my Etsy shop soon. I know better than to promise that one, though.

Sigh. Life calls, I'm off to rescue the baby from her sisters. From what I hear on the monitor, she's up from her nap and all three have piled into the crib.

Lookie, lookie, a new auction

2008-04-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have a fancy pants new summer skirt set up on ebay. The euro-ish fabric is from my friend Emily, thanks Em!!

Click here to see the auction - and mention you found it on my blog to get free shipping!!

SOOO FREAKING PROUD!

2008-04-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

Sydney had her first recital this weekend, and it was so super great!! She was so proud of herself, and so are we!! You may not love it as much as I do, but humor a ridiculously proud momma!

So many fabrics!

2008-04-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm back to sewing with some sense of regularity, I am allowing myself to do a little fabric shopping. It has been about 6 months since I bought any fabric, and there are too many choices!! I did order some great Euro prints from my blissful friend Jen, but that's all the fabric jonesing I've done.

I have my eye on the new line by Amy Butler, Midwest Modern, the ones plastered all over this post. The prints are pretty yummy - but I am having a hard time visualizing them together. You'd think I start with a design in my mind, but more often than not, I start with the fabric (a la Sandi Henderson - you haven't copyrighted that have you Sandi?). Kristen, the amazing designer behind Gock's Frocks did some beautiful skirts up, so I have those for inspiration!

Aaaaah, so many faabrics....so little time :)

My heart belongs to these three

2008-04-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, they keep me busy, and drive me crazy sometimes - but more often than not, these three fill my heart with pure love.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!! LIKE, HUGE!!!!!

2008-04-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

Click here to see all the twirly listings!!

A Swingy Sundress

2008-03-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

I have a new design!! Woot, woot!!

Sewing is such therapy for me, I need to make time for it. To that cause, I have a girl coming after school a few times a week to watch the kids around the house and in the yard while I sew. It feels soooo decadent, but AWESOME at the same time! And I've already used the time to make something! Click here to check out the Etsy listing for the happy little sundress I made! I am literally grinning just thinking about it!

On another front...the protest against the library lockout was so much...fun is not the right word. How about torture? After the well-attended protest, I went with a few (read 3) other moms to a storytime sit-in at the Labour Relations office, where despite being asked to leave (repeatedly) we sat on the floor of the lobby and read stories. I almost peed my pants, I was so scared!! The good news is that the union and bosses have resumed talks and are hopeful for a resolution! Dear god, I hope so, because I don't know if I can do that again!!

Click here to watch the news coverage of the rally and sit-in. You can catch a glimpse of the side of my head about halfway through, and some shots of the kids, too.

Social Activism for the very young

2008-03-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Greater Victoria library workers have been locked out by the GVLRA since February 17. The lockout has affected not only the library workers, but in this house, we have been personally devastated by the closure of the libraries! We miss storytimes, new books, movies, computer games...everything! I have been reading about others affected, like shut-ins, the elderly, the homeless, and researchers, and am really upset the this resource has been taken away. We support the library workers!

I'm taking the girls to a rally this morning organized by a fellow blogger. I helped them make signs with their personal sentiments about the library closure, and am feeling an anticipation of the pride I will feel when I see them stomping around in protest!

I'm thinking of pinning a sign on Lilah's wrap, is she too young to protest?

Stumbled over these - you like?

2008-02-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

I came across these videos on YouTube while I was up rocking Lilah. Seems like the only computer time I get is while I'm nursing or rocking her. Somehow we're on our third kid and the only chair that rocks in this house is right in front of the computer.

The first is the video for a killer song by Gnarls Barkley, you know, he of "Crazy" fame? And the second is a happy/sad statement about the state of society - the Free Hug campaign.

They both tickled me, and I hope you like them!

Oh happy day

2008-01-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

Winter is NOT my season. I am a warm weather gal, and the cold frostiness of late makes me GRUMPIFIED!! Thank god for the recent appearance of snowdrops around here. I'd guesstimate we have about 5000 on our property - love them :) Love them even more since I saw Stardust. Think I'd get funny looks if I walked around with a snowdrop on my coat?

Life with the girls is copacetic right now, too. The three of them still love each other, and today Lilah started smiling!! Not that I caught one on camera yet, but we did have a mini photo shoot :)

In pictures

2008-01-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

A run down of my last 4 months in pictures:

Fall came, and brought leaf piles...

...and a monkey and a pumpkin to trick or treat!

My family of 4 waited patiently to become a family of 5. This picture was taken on my induction date, on which no actual induction happened.

Lilah was eventually born....

...on the same day I was born 29 years before.

December came, and we celebrated Fiona's 3rd birthday.

We rang in the new year by building an igloo!

That brings us to January. and up to date. Life is back to chaos around here!!

So much to update

2008-01-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

Holy carp - my last blog post was September 27? That is terrible!! I am so sorry!!

I have had several people emailing asking how I am, and how baby is - I have to apologize for my blog-absence! Check out the picture at right, where I am measuring 45 weeks (at 37 weeks), needless to say, my pregnancy got kinda miserable at the end there, and I cocooned myself in our house. Before I blather on too much, let me do the important stuff:

Lilah Kate was born November 27th (also my birthday), 2007. She is now 6 weeks old, and doing so great!! She looks quite different than her sisters, and her personality is just starting to emerge. She is quite mellow, and growing so well!! She is a joy, and I couldn't feel happier to have her around! (Gosh my boobs just filled up with milk with that emotional gushiness!!)

Her sisters are proud to be the big girls and have fallen into that role so well! I am so thankful they have each other, they have a very special, loving relationship, those two. Barring the occasional fight over Polly Pockets, they are best buds and it warms my heart whenever they hug each other.

Far down on the list of priorities...I have been on design hiatus for a few months now, but am starting to get the design itchies. I have to majorly clean out my sewing area and then I will start up soon, I think!!

I'll try to post more! Honest! And I'll do my best to make the posts about more than diapers, feeding, and the like - I promise - even if that's what my days are nowadays.

Yodelay-hee-hoo

2007-09-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

Anyone out there?

Sorry I've been a very bad, absent blogger of late! Life gets busy, and somehow my blogging, as much as I enjoy is not something that I am good at keeping up with! I wasn't very good at keeping a journal either - I have all these old journals from when I was was a kid, with only 3 or 4 pages of writing in them.

This baby has been cooking for 28 weeks now, and I've been growing at a crazy rate! I have been feeling big, and having people ask me daily "Are you due yet?" has added to the feeling. Finally, I was measured, and I am in fact, REALLY BIG. I am measuring 36 weeks!! No wonder I am waddling, growing out of clothes, and having people look at me funny! I have to have an ultrasound to see what's going on in there, because for my uterus to grow 11 cm in 4 weeks...not so normal.

On the design front, I have a new Christmas set up on eBay for the launch celebrating my friend Jen's fabric website, FabricBliss. The fabrics are all available on her site, and I have another set I am trying to get done for the launch - but truthfully I can barely reach the sewing machine past this monstrous tummy!

Click here to see the set.

Click here to see the whole launch.

Cotton Candy + Popcorn + Fake udders = SO MUCH FUN!

2007-09-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were BLEEDING money - ever have one of those? Even though we went to a Greek Festival last night, and we celebrated our 6th Anniversary on Sunday, in style with dinner and a movie, our Saturday at the Saanich Fall Fair would have to be the highlight! Here are some pictures, enjoy!

The kids and I on our first ride of the day, the Merry-go-round of course! What you call it a carousel?

Think they had fun on the roller coaster?

She usually goes for a butterfly, so this was a new one!

My butterfly and I.

F learned how to milk a cow. I did my best not to think of how many grubby hands had been on those fake teats. *shudder*

My favorite picture from the day. And about the most fun ride I could go on in my baby-carrying state!

I couldn't believe S was tall enough to go on this VERY big kid ride all by herself!! She has assured me she wasn't scared AT ALL. Uh-huh.

Near the end of our day, F couldn't walk anymore!

The view of the fair from the parking lot, er, farmer's field.

Thanks so much for sharing! Happy first day of school!!

Friday Traditions

2007-08-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! For us that means pizza and movie night! All 4 of us just watched Cat in the Hat, the live action version. It was really bad. Thank goodness I had a weeks full of flyers to catch up on while it was on or else I would have gone crazy! And it had plenty of scenes I thought were not all too appropriate for my 2 and 4 year old!!

And right after I get this posted, the tradition continues. My hubby (sidetrack: of nearly six years! our anniversary is on Sunday!) and I are watching Wild Hogs and eating popcorn! And that will be the highlight of my day. Well, if you don't count the sale at the fabric store...I am so boring!!

I also wanted to quickly say that I've added another design to my Etsy portfolio. Like I promised, nothing too super fancy, but a delicious Amy Butler fabric and a great cut make these sweet flared pants a fall wardrobe staple. The listing includes a wide headband so that no matter what top is worn with the pants, the entire look will still be synchronized.

Take a look by clicking on the picture to the right, or click here to see my Etsy store.

Have a great long weekend!

Another Indelible Design

2007-08-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

I have had such a blast being part of the Indelible launch with other ebay independant designers. At it's peak, there were over 110 designs available!!

I have a second design up using Joel Dewberry's incredible fabrics - click here to check it out.

My first Indelible design is still available and ending today - click here to see that one.

Thanks! Have a super day!

What did you do all day? A funny...

2007-08-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this joke (that had me laughing out loud) by saying, THANK GOD I have a husband who has never had the nerve to ask me what I have done all day!! Okay, here ya go, enjoy!

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pyjamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog.

Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pyjamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"

She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?"

"Yes," was his incredulous reply

She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."

An Indelible Design

2007-08-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

What an exciting day this is!! Not only is the sun shining, and we're planning a trip to the petting zoo, but...the Indelible launch is finally here!

I have joined over 50 other independant designers for an amazing launch using the debut collection of fabric by Joel Dewberry. Click here or on the logo to the right to see the whole fantabulous launch!

My design includes a wrap top with flutter sleeves, ruffle-legged cord pants in a sublime shade of baby blue, and a wide headband. Click the picture to the right, or click here to see my listing.

I also want to say thanks for the support over on Etsy!! I am loving the simplicity of selling over there! Fiona designed a long-sleeved T for herself, and I'm offering it as a custom tee over there. Click here to see that listing.

Have a great Thursday! The sun is shining, so I hope I will as soon as I can wrangle my kids out of jammies and into daywear, and out the door!

Your Children Are Not Your Children

2007-08-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have a short break in a busy day to share a favorite song of mine. It is a version of Khalil Gibran's poem, On Children, and the first moment I heard it - it stopped me dead in my tracks. Not only is it hauntingly beautiful, but its message is one that is true in the most divine sense.

Click here for a link to the song courtesy Ritualwell.org (Music by Ysaye M. Barnwell, © 1980 Barnwell’s Notes Publishing; recorded by Sweet Honey In The Rock® on “Selections.” Used by permission of the composer.) The text of the song is below. I hope you enjoy it.

Your children are not your children
They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself
They come through you but they are not from you and though they are with you
They belong not to you

You can give them your love but not your thoughts
They have their own thoughts

You can house their bodies but not their souls
For their souls dwell in a place of tomorrow
Which you cannot visit not even in your dreams
You can strive to be like them
But you cannot make them just like you

Strive to be like them
But you cannot make them just like you

Another Reversible Skirt!

2007-08-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

Wow - I've had GREAT feedback on the holiday reversible skirt! Thanks so much everyone!

The ones I listed on Etsy have sold, but I had some time to myself today and whipped up another. Ha - whipped up makes it sounds like it was as easy as egg whites - which it WAS NOT! But it was more fun, that's for sure!

This skirt is more funky with a bold plaid, wacky polka dots, and an unconventional Christmas print that I have been hoarding since last year ;)

Click here to see the Etsy listing, and have a great weekend!

One of those days...

2007-08-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

I've had one of those days, you know the kind. The only time I have sat down today is to sew. Oy. I am tired. I'm sure being 5 months pregnant may have a little to do with it, too.

So, what have I been up to, you ask?

I have joined the Etsy world of handmade goodies. I'm thinking my shop will stock simpler styles sold in separates, but don't hold me to that. The Ambrosia Couture shop is just barely stocked, but I am really excited about my "Ultimate Holiday Reversible Skirt" that I have for sale there. You can check out my Etsy shop by clicking here.

What else...Busting my @ss to get ready for Sydney's impromptu "Leaf Contest" running at our house tomorrow morning. Green leafy crafts and snacks will abound, all courtesy of Syd's imagination - I was not allowed to contribute a SINGLE idea. I'm sure there will be PLENTY of pictures to share!

And just because I can, I want to plug this great outfit I found by Jenn of takeabowcreations. I really love everything about it! The fabrics, styling....if it were a smidge bigger it would be MINE...er....Fiona's. Check out her auction by clicking here.

Off to work...now at 10PM. How many coffees can I safely drink again? Just kidding...I really just have an IV laced with caffeine set up by my iron. The coffee upsets my stomach :)

Four vs. One

2007-08-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

IT'S A GIRL!!!

I had an ultrasound yesterday (only 5 weeks late, oy) and was incredibly surprised to NOT see a little penis on the black and white screen! Another girl for us! I have been feeling girl vibes for the last few weeks, but was still hopeful for a boy. When the tech said it was a girl, I couldn't stop giggling :)

"Me and my three daughters." I have to admit I kind of like the sound of that!

My husband and I haven't even thought of girl names! He's asked his friends on Facebook for suggestions, so I'll ask you :)

Let's call it cocoa

2007-08-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

My new fall design, that is! I listed this new 3 piece semi-custom dress set. I have had these fabrics for awhile now, but couldn't bring myself to use them in the summer. If I do say so myself, I think it's the perfect set to transition into fall.

My mailing list members got a special offer when they use the BIN option - what, you're not a member? Email me to be added, and I'll let you in on the secret...

Click here to see the whole auction!

What's for dinner?

2007-07-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

I made one of my favorite recipes last night, and I wanted to share it with you! It is modified from a recipe from On the Road to Vegetarian Cooking by Anne Lukin, a great recipe book for the dedicated vegetarian, or just the veggie curious.

When I was 11 years old, I decided to become a vegetarian, and my dear grandma bought me a few vegetarian cookbooks so that I would eat properly. Now, many moons later, this book still sees a lot of action. The recipes are all very tasty, and not too *out there*. Other favorites of our family are the Macaroni Moussaka, Crisp Vegetable Salad, and Parmesan Tomoatoes. I hope you enjoy this one!

Zesty Sesame Medley:

1/4 cup sesame oil
1/3 cup sesame seeds
1 cup onion crescents (1 onion)
1 1/2 cups julienned carrots (3 - 4 carrots)
1 1/2 cups trimmed green beans
2 cups chopped tomatoes (2 large tomatoes)
5 cloves garlic

Heat oil in a heavy skillet. Add sesame oil and above ingredients. Saute for 5 minutes.

1 cup julienned zucchini (1 small zucchini)
splash of worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup salsa
3 T soy sauce
black pepper to taste
1 cup stock (I use chicken) or tomato juice

Add zucchini and seasonings and saute for additional 5 minutes. Add stock and simmer for 10 minutes.

2 cups chopped fresh spinach leaves, trimmed
1 cup of plain yogurt mixed with 2 T flour

Add above ingredients and simmer for final 5 minutes.
Serve over pasta or rice.

And...here's a sneak of a fall dress design I have been working on that should be listed later today. I've spent hours drafting this pattern, and am really proud of the final result! Hope you like it, too!

I'm Tee'd OFF!

2007-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Well, in this, my first fall design, I am!! The Boutique Jaynes are having a Tee'd Off Launch, where all designs use either tanks or tees, and this is my contribution. I don't usually "do" appliques, so this was a bit of a challenge for me, but I am really happy with how it came out.

I've been thinking of appliqueing an 'Ambrosia" flower (like in my logo) for quite awhile, and this launch gave me a push to do it. I'll admit it took longer than I expected, but that should get shorter with time, right??

Click here to see the auction for this outfit.

The vegetables of our labour

2007-07-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

Man, the time is just getting away from me this summer! We have had the best weather lately, and I seem to be outside all day, waterparks, lakes, and on the hottest days a few hours at the mall (hey, a girl needs to shop). By the time the girls are in bed, all I want is to watch a few hours of mindless TV and pack it in. We're also off camping every weekend we can - so there's loads of sand-filled laundry, and many trips to the grocery store.

But that's what summer's about, right?

For us, this summer is also about gardening! If you knew my husband or I, you would be laughing out loud right now! Every year we try to garden, and every year we end up with brown flowers that are either drowning in water or crispy and dead of thirst!

This summer, our first in this house (remind me to tell you more about our little house with huge gardens!), we decided to cultivate some veggies in the beds in the backyard. Believe it or not, we are actually having some success!

We have been munching on butter lettuce for awhile now, and every day I get a handful of sugar peas all to myself! Last night we enjoyed broccoli and cauliflower that we grew all by ourselves!! I accidentally cooked up a cabbage worm, too but no one who ate at my dinner table last night knows about that tasty extra!

On the design front, I am nearly caught up on orders and brainstorming fall designs! Tomorrow, keep your eyes open for a fab one of a kind fall transition set.

Email me to join my mailing list, and not only will you get an email from me when each new design is listed, but you'll get free shipping, too!

So...how have you been?

2007-07-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Me, you ask? I've been busy - but am starting to relax now. This past weekend was a holiday weekend in Canada (Happy Canada Day!) and, more importantly, my younger sister's wedding weekend extravaganza!

Nicole and her newly minted husband Jake celebrated all weekend at his family's beach house in Qualicum Beach, BC. Friday night was the rehearsal and luau, Saturday was the wedding, and Sunday was the brunch and gift opening. The wedding was so lovely, Nicole was just gorgeous, all in all a perfect (if uber-busy) weekend. My girls were the flower girls, and I was a bridesmaid (that's me on the far left over there) and a cake mistress.

I made an almond-lemon cake with cream cheese frosting, and no I won't make you one :) There is no joy in making wedding cakes for me, I only do it for those I truly love, so if I've made one for you, then my feelings are clear!

Enjoy the pictures, and look forward to lots more posting now that my time is my own again!

Summer Sale!

2007-06-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Sadly, my summer design season is coming to an end. I have the most fun working with bright airy summer fabrics, and designing airy clothes. The thing is, I still have a studio full of summer fabrics, and my mind is racing with designs...

So I've decided to have a summer sale on customs!

I'm offering custom pieces at $40 a piece for sleevless tops, capris, and skirts; and, custom dresses at $70. You can take a look at my portfolio for design examples, although I likely don't have enough of those specific fabrics to recreate past designs exactly. What I do have is an overflowing fabric shelf, and these pictures are only a fraction of what I have available.

I'm guaranteeing a 2 week turnaround time on the first 5 orders I get, so please email me if you're interested!

It does feel weird to be having a summer sale, when summer's start is in 2 days - but here it is! Hope to hear from you soon!

Breaking fashion rules - and channeling Sister Mary Katherine

2007-06-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

The new set I teased about last week is up now! The Jaynes are having a Miss Primm launch - the idea is to break a rule that would be in place at Miss Primm's school, and mine is a pretty old school fashion rule about mixing plaids and polka dots.

Sydney really broke out the supermodel poses for this one. My favorites are the shots where she has her fingers right up her armpits, as far as they can go. Now, I swear the kids has never seen an episode of SNL, but almost the whole shoot, I was thinking, "Sometimes, when I get nervous, I stick my fingers under my arm, and I smell them like that." It would have put me over the edge if she had busted out a "Superstar!" pose, too.

Anyhow, enough reminiscing about when Saturday Night Live was still good...you can see the whole auction by clicking on the photos above, or by clicking here. Thanks!

Two things

2007-06-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Firstly, and funniest, check out this video of Fiona. She is telling the "Interrupting Cow" joke, but when she says interrupting, it sounds like something COMPLETELY different. I swear we are not teaching our child to swear!! So be warned, there is unintentional swearing in the video below:

And secondly, and not nearly as funny - I worked on a one of a kind design last night until the wee hours. I'm really excited about this one, and I will probably have it listed in the next day or two. Here's a teeny peak!

You have GOOD kids! Yes, YOU!

2007-06-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

You know when you watch those Nanny shows (go to your NAUGHTY SPOT!), and the kids are such spitting, hitting, screaming monsters that you want to go and wake yours up from their peaceful slumber and hug them for being the perfect angels they are. Well, have I got a doozy for you.

My sister is a nanny, no, not THAT nanny. She started working for a new family with one son last week. By her own description, her 5 year old little charge is a handful - but yesterday, I called her to chat and caught her in a major crisis.

The little boy, just for kicks let's call him 'Damian', had a friend over for a playdate. They were playing in Damian's room all morning, and when they wanted lunch, my sister asked them to tidy the room first. My sister kept checking on them, and the room got worse and worse. The last time she checked on them, the room smelled distinctly like steaming fresh POOP. They both denied having an "accident", and when my sister finally got the story out of them, it went something like this:

Damian convinced his little friend that it would be fun for him to poop, and then (it gets a little fuzzy here) they could rub all of Damian's toys in it, or possibly it was that they could wipe his tush with the toys. Whichever the intention - my sister had to deal with the aftermath of legos filled with excrement! When I talked to her mid-crisis, she was about to lose it, and said she was going to quit, but last night, she had calmed down.

So go hug your great kids, who don't rub their toys in their friends poo, would ya? My sweet kids wouldn't either, and just for hoots, here's a beautiful picture of my two poo-free cherubs.

First camping trip of the season!

2007-06-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Why do we love camping so much? It couldn't possibly be the dirt that gets under your finger nails and stays there for days, or the eau de campfire that is so hard to wash out of your hair. It must be gourmet dinners with a hint of sand in them, the outhouses, and the sleeping bags that don't zip all the way :)

Truth be told, it's the absence of technology, the sights and smells of the outdoors, and sounds of the ocean crashing outside the tent. Most importantly, it's the quality time with the most important people. These three goofballs hold my heart in their hands, there's nothing I'd rather do than build memories of climbing tree roots on the beach with them. And the s'mores of course!

We went on our first camping trip of the season this weekend! Despite my husband's repeated pleas to buy a trailer, we are still tenters; however, our tent measures 12 x 10 feet, and our air mattress sits two feet off the ground - it's hardly roughing it! Our campsite backed out onto a greenspace, and just beyond that was the pacific ocean. Through the trees we watched the sunset on Friday and Saturday night. We spent our time at the beach and around the campfire, and in the evening, I curled up with a book instead of a glass of wine.

Camping, and my birthday are the only times I miss drinking...love you little baby in there. Oh! We heard the heartbeat on Thursday! Sweetest sound ever :) Who needs wine, anyhow?

My Budding Designer

2007-05-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Sydney is usually not very interested in or impressed with my designs, so I nearly keeled over when she asked me to make her a party dress for a birthday party a few weeks ago. I was super eager to do it, especially because she wanted to help design it - but the catch was, she asked me to do it at 8:00 AM, and the party was at 1:00 PM. I managed to pull it off, but was in PJ's all morning, barely stopping to eat.

Sydney picked out the fabrics from my stash all by herself and helped with the design, by choosing one she liked from my portfolio. I am excited to be able to offer this dress designed by Sydney for sale on my blog! I have enough fabric to recreate it at least once. I can recreate it in sizes 2 through 6, and the price is $80, shipping included.

UPDATE: Thank you for the interest - "Sydney's dress" is now sold!

I also listed a new capri set on eBay this morning, check it by clicking here.

I know I owe you 8 facts about me, too...I am working on it, I promise!

Reluctant Little Helpers

2007-05-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have heard that there are some kids so eager to be just like mommy (or I guess daddy - but not at my house...) that they are right there to spray the windex or scrub the toilet. My kids, on the other hand, give me a polite, "No, thank you!" when I ask if they want to help mommy.

Yesterday, we bought the first corn cobs of the season - and I decided that my two non-helpers were going to be shucking the corn, and that was that! I sent them outside with vague instructions (peel the leaves and "hair off") and a wagon to hold the husks. There was quite a bit of whining to be heard drifting in the kitchen window - but after a time, husk-free corn cobs appeared in the kitchen! I was beaming with pride for them, and...I'm pretty sure they were proud of themselves, too :)

And hey, know who else I am proud of? My friend Sandi - something she made is in a magazine, and she has been interviewed on a quilting website! Check it out on her blog :)

Do you know who else I'm proud of? Why, me! I worked really hard on this new design for the BonBijou Girly launch. Check out my listing by clicking here.

I am going to try to make a second post today. *GASP* My friend Gyl has tagged me, and just like when I was a kid, I am proving to suck at this game - but I will try - I swear.

Question for the blogging moms

2007-05-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

This one is going out to all the blogging moms out there. Faced with a day full of dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, and maybe a nerve-tingling stop at a local park, how on earth to you muster up a blog that is not so mundane it brings on tears? I'm not complaining, I am being sincere!

Today is going to be one of those days. We have a long weekend coming up, and I am faced with getting everyon'e clothes cleaned, pets ready for our absence, and countless other completely boring tasks. So what on earth can I blog about? I guess that's the challenge, huh? To find the exceptional in the every day?

What I can post about is my wonderful Mother's Day. We started the day off with a delicious brunch. The good thing about being pregnant and having brunch is that I really got my money's worth! I think I out-ate Matt. And the girls gave me such thoughtful love-filled presents. Sydney gave me a beautiful wallet she decorated with stickers and fabric pens. It was her idea, because my wallet is falling apart - so that wallet is really in my purse, and I really use it. :) Fiona made me a gorgeous green bead necklace, which I have been wearing all week. And..my husband, through an unfortunate miscommunication, gave me my present early: a bright shiny Kitchenaid! I love it! Go ahead, call me domestic. It's not as flashy as lucky Patty's present, but it'll do. Hope you all had great Mother's days, too!

Quick one - new sundress!

2007-05-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick post to say I have a new sundress style listed with the fabulous Boutique Gypsies for their I Spy Launch. It was inspired by my retro kitchen cabinets, and is made from the most delicious kitschy fabrics. It is available in sizes 2 through 6, and I can only remake this design once, sorry!

Click here to see my auction.
Click here to see the all the auctions in the Boutique Gypsies launch.

And...yes, I know I have been tagged a bunch to reveal 7 fun secrets - I am meditating on those, and should have them up soon. Most of my secrets are dark and scary - not fun!! I'm kidding...no really, I am, bwa ha ha ha.

Ack - has it really been 3 weeks?

2007-05-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Wow - I really meant to post during the last 3 weeks, but somehow they just got away from me! Sorry to those that kept checking and finding...deafening silence!

On the design front, I have a launch with the Gypsies tomorrow inspired by my kitchen cabinets! Heehee, I'm giggling away again!! Wait until you see the dress, though - it really fits!

I'm excited to be selling some pieces on my friend Whitney's website, The Silly Wagon. They are almost up and running, you can check out her blog here.

I have received so many email asking about my cat, Oscar. Thank you so much for your concern, he is doing SO much better!! We are treating him for degenerative heart disease with beta-blockers, and he is back to himself! It's not a cure by any means, but it is a treatment and hopefully will buy him a few more years with us. I have to say it is a HOOT buying a prescription for a cat at the pharmacy!! Apparently it happens all the time, but I laughed about it all afternoon! I have to refill "Oscar (feline)'s" prescription today, so I know I am in for a giggly afternoon!

Finally, I think spring has actually sprung around here! We are spending more and more time outside just soaking up the sun (slathered in sunscreen of course). The park next door is getting alot of attention from us - we are having picnics and blowing a ridiculous amount of bubbles. It's the best!

Hope the sun is out where you are too!!

Woohoo! Cat Pee!!

2007-04-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

My sweet kitty Oscar is sick. He is 8 years old, and has been in perfect health his whole life - but after a few days of severe lethargy, we took him to the vet Sunday afternoon. She hospitalized him because of his sever dehydration and ran a slew of tests on him, none of which revealed much about what was making him sick.

We decided to bring him home last night. We are feeding him with a syringe and giving him oral antibiotics, which explains his dirty mouth in the picture. Last night was rough, I prepared myself for the worst. Cried myself to sleep for the first time in years.

But this morning, Matt woke me up because Oscar had hopped into bed with us and was purring on my pillow. I fed him by syringe this morning, and he took about 30 mL. But the BIG news is that I just took him to his litter box, and he had a big pee! The first one since he came home, which is GREAT! Then he went to his food dish and ate some of his dry food!

I have to believe there's hope for him to recover or else I'll become a blubbering mess.

At least I have TV to distract me now. Remember this post? Well, we're weak. Thanks to a new satellite on the roof, we have about a billion more channels than before - which ain't so good. But I did watch American Idol at 5:00 last night!!

I'm also working really hard on my custom orders right now. I have a beautiful new design up on eBay right now, too. Take a look here.

Can we live without TV?

2007-04-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

This sucks!!

Officially, we never ordered cable at this house when we moved in last December. We weren't going to order it - but when we hooked our TV up, lo and behold, FULL CABLE! But last night when I turned the TV on at 8:00 to watch Lost, it was a black screen! I frantically flipped through channels, and just about cried when I realized there were no network channels. We get a few really random channels, but nothing worthwhile. I didn't get to watch Lost, and my husband was really ticked he didn't get to watch the first Canucks playoff game! WAH.

We aren't a major TV watching family. Us grown-ups have a repertoire of about 5 shows we like to watch, the rest of the evening is spent doing other things. The kids watch 2 shows on CBC in the morning: Lunar Jim and Curious George. The kids LOVE these guys, we even went to see them when they came here live! Then the TV is off all day. But those 2 shows in the morning are pretty freaking important! That's when I check my email, read blogs, have a shower, drink coffee, basically become human. They are watching Barney right now on a random channel, which has me almost ready to crack.

We can't call the cable company to ask what's going on, because we don't officially have cable! So now we need to ask ourselves whether or not we want to order it. The proverbial shoulder sitters are having an argument:

NO: TV doesn't enrich my life - it's a time sucker.

YES: I really love my shows! I deserve some down time and to enjoy adult shows!

NO: Set a good example for the kids.

YES: TV can be educational.

NO: It's an extra $50 a month, where is that going to come from?

YES: Got me there...

I'm thinking it's going to be no. Spring is here after all (even though it's bloody hard to tell) and we can be accomplishing so much more. I know I will get way more sewing done if I don't have the TV to distract me. I still have the internet anyhow.

SIGH* I guess it's a done deal.

Even though it's hard, I'm still hanging tough in Use What You Have month, and will be participating in the eBay launch on April 30.

I'm also restocking my Blossom Street Shoppe tonight - hopefully I'll have some separates I'm working on up there - they are soooo cool, I can't wait to share them.

I've thrown some spring pictures of my kiddos in this post, just for my own encouragement, bear them please.

The Amazing Easter Bunny Presents

2007-04-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

Not only did the Easter Bunny brought the girls chocolate eggs and stuffed puppies, he brought me a surprise present, too! And let me tell you, that Easter bunny is one amazing present giver!

Yep - that's a positive pregnancy test!! I'm pregnant!! WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO! We have been trying for a third for 6 months now, and I cannot explain how happy our house is right now! Baby will be born in early December! Can you believe it?

Just so you know - that is a stock photo up there - like I was going to take a picture of a urine soaked plastic stick. I'm not a sentimental girl.

I also wanted to share a picture of a custom order I made for a great customer. I love how it turned out, a sort of reinvention of a past design. It is on the way to her now, and I hope she adores it!

My Husband, the Bad Ass

2007-04-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Granted, you may not have thought my husband Matt a bad ass had you met him yesterday morning. You see, yesterday, that 3 inch tattoo over on the right; that was on his shoulder. Yes, that is Barney Rubble on a Bedrock ~~Tricycle~~ Motorcycle (like that makes it tougher, Matt). He regrets getting it, but sadly can only claim he was young when he got it 11 years ago. Under the heavy influence of Miami Ink he decided to get it covered up.

Check him out, now. Isn't he the coolest Koi sporting dad you ever saw?

He loves his tattoo, and so do I. The detail on it is incredible, and it is just so striking! He says had to sit through ~~three~~ four hours of excruciating pain, and it was completely worth it. The tattoo was either going to be a mermaid, or a Koi, but once Matt learned about the legend of the Koi, that sealed the deal.

Now it's on to the care of the tattoo, which is much like that of a newborn baby:

Wash with Ivory soap 3-5 days per day.
Moisturize with unscented lotion frequently.
Make sure there isn't too much nasty brown stuff.
Do not expose to sun.

That last one made it more than a little difficult to enjoy today; the first day it actually felt like spring around here!

We had a glorious day, mostly outside; the park, the yard, the flowers, the smells. It was just an amazing day - one that makes you feel happy just by breathing. I managed to snag a few pictures of a new outfit I'm working on, so that made it great too! Check out Sydney's hard core tattoo, too ;) Just like Daddy!

Have a great Easter weekend!

Hit me baby, one more time

2007-04-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Because my passion is in creating new things, I have a self-imposed production limit of 3. That is to say that I typically will recreate a design a maximum of 3 times; however, what's that cliche?

Production limits are meant to be pliable.

Or something like that.

I have relisted my two Fresh Bliss designs for the amazing Material Girls launch using the Fresh Cut line of fabric. This will be the very, super, absolute last time I am making these - so get 'em while they're hot. I get inquiries nearly every week about them, and Heather Bailey, herself, complimented the dress!

Click here to see the auctions!

That's "Queen Princess" to you!

2007-04-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

My girls were playing dress-up, and wanted me to join in, so I busted the wedding dress out of the closet for the first time in almost 6 years! I don't know what reaction I was expecting from them, but they didn't fall over at the sight of my beauty - perhaps because I couldn't zip the thing up, nor could I fill out the bodice.

*Sigh* Bubble bursted by bouffant bridal gown.

I always thought I would still fit into my wedding gown, but having two babies and breastfeeding for what felt like 22 years has taken a toll on my hot bod. No big deal - I still had fun dancing, twirling, and preening in my wedding dress. The girls called me "Queen Princess" so I'm going to take that and run with it. I think I need to find an excuse to take my dress out of the dungeon more often.

On another note, I am joining my buddy Gyl in her month-long self-appointed restriction. Which means....I will only be using the fabrics I have in my uber-stash this month. No matter how mouth watering the new fabrics are, they will not change my life, and purchasing them will not solve anything. I may sneak a few pieces of this line when I can find it - but that's between you and I, okay? Care to join me in Use What You Have Month?

I snuck a little fabric today...OR...proof of my last post!

2007-03-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Just to prove that my love of fabric shopping isn't limited to online purchases - I had a few spare minutes today in between my kidlet's ballet classes, and of course, went to my local fabric store! They were having a sale, and there were some new arrivals....and well, it doesn't take much convincing to get me to buy fabric.

What do you think of these scrumptious fabrics? The floral is a stretch cotton with a fairly heavy hand, and has a handpainted feel. I couldn't pass up the perfectly coordinating rosy gauze, and adorable seersucker (I am such a sucker for a cute plaid). I also got a white embroidered cotton that has crocheted embellishments on it!!!

They're all in the wash now, and I am so excited about them! I only got a teensy bit of each, so look for them in a set or two soon!

Hi, My name is Becky, and I am a fabric addict. No, really.

2007-03-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure when this happened, that my love
for fabric became a detriment to my credit, but somehow it has! Ok, I'm only kidding about the credit part (or am I?) The core of the matter is that I simply adore fabric! I love shopping for it, touching it, getting it in the mail, washing it, folding it, and especially sewing it up into something fantastic! It doesn't matter that I have a sewing room completely FULL of beautiful prewashed, folded fabrics, I simply NEED more! I think I may have rubbed off on the kids a wee bit.

Fabric is part of everyday! My morning routine goes something like this:

1. Get coffee (of utmost importance)
2. Check email
3. Check auctions
4. Look at new arrivals of fabric online

I didn't mean for this to be a confessional! I meant to show off the pretty fabrics I found this morning! They are from the line by Anna Griffin called Margot by Baum Fabrics, and I must get my hands on some!

Busy as a...

2007-03-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Bee? Beaver? I googled "Busy as a" to see what other analogies I was missing - and there are some interesting ones out there! I think the one that best describes me (and one I'm sure a lot of you can relate to) is:

Busy as a mom of two preschoolers who works from home.

I have a lot on my plate this week. It's back to activities with the kids: dancing, swimming, preschool... I have a new custom design that I will be listing soon that you can see a peek of over there; I made a deal with myself that I have to finish my orders before I can list it - so lets hope it's by the end of the week!

My house - by Sydney, age 4

2007-03-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

The other day Sydney asked if she could take pictures with my camera. MY CAMERA. My baby, a Nikon D50, possibly the most expensive thing that is mine. My gut said no, but I couldn't turn her down. After I made sure she knew how to work it (on auto) and that she wasn't going to drop it - I let her go to town! She took about 50 shots, and some of them are so freaking pretty! These are the things that Sydney memorialized in our house:

I am dying to get her her very own camera, but I'm wrestling with the over-indulgence of that. I don't have to buy her a digital camera to be a good mom? Do I?

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia...would you approve?

2007-03-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ready for a super groovy new design? I am psyched to have collaborated on a launch with Blog Queen, and super designer, Sandi of Portabello Pixie. We challenged each other to use vintage patterns and a great new line of fabric, Uptown by Moda. I used this super cool 70's pattern, and altered the heck out of it. This set also includes an ivory bubble top, flare pants, and removable sash! Click on the picture to the left to see the auction!

I'm off to to my other job now, I get to mystery shop a very popular coffee chain. Actually, I think I should say, "perform a quality check", but it's not as much fun to say! Wish me luck, it's hard work ;)

Clean up the studio - and FAST

2007-03-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Nothing to kickstart a cleaning bee in my "studio" like having the furnace repairman come by for a little maintenance visit! Doesn't that make sense to you? Becuase when I say studio, you probably think something along the lines of this fabulous one. My truth is sadly, far from that!!

My sewing space, which I fondly term my studio, is really wedged in between the dryer and the hot water tank in my laundry room - I guess that's convenient! I do have a large armoire overflowing with fabric, and a giganto cutting table that (in theory) folds up into the wall. Right now it is loaded down with piles of fabric and other sewing paraphernalia. Look closely at the picture on the right to see the handle of a screwdriver. I know, what is that doing amongst my fabric? Couldn't tell you.

So this morning, knock on the door bright and early. It's the furnace guy, come to check the furnace.

Me: Are you going to be checking the hot water tank? (please say no, please say no, please say no...)
Him: Of course!
Me: Okay, great! (CRAP!)

I contemplated taking a picture of the entire area, but decided it would be too humiliating, maybe after the big cleaning spree. And besides, I need to vamoose and find the hot water tank under piles of fabric! Oh, and hop in the shower!

I did it - I really did it!

2007-02-28T09:29:00.000-08:00

I think I may possibly be one of the last people on earth to set up a blog, better late than never, and all those other cliches!

I am hoping that this blog will be an avenue to share my crazy, hectic, and perfectly ordinary life! Most posts will be about my passions: my family, my friends, and my designing.

Okay, is that all? What a boring start! I promise, my next post will be amazing! Well, I hope so!