Thursday, January 26, 2012

:: My Little People ::

I was scrolling through my blog last night (yes, not only do I write the blog, I am also an avid reader of it) and I realized it had been a while since I've done any sort of update on on Dc and Pj.
As much those two girls seem to fight over toys and bug each other, they play and wrestle and kiss and hug and sit and read together. It is so, SO much fun watching them become friends.
:: denay with Santa ::
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:: both of the girl's on santa's knee ::
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:: just had to share this one ::
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:: pj's turn ::
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:: denay at the gun range the day before New Year's ::
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:: yup, that's your truly, with a pistol (not mine, my older brother's) ::
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:: and with a rifle. and yes, I'm wearing a pink flower headband ::
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:: and the Mr. with the pistol. he really liked it ::
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:: my mark sheet. the five shots around the bullseye are mine. I used a gun with a scope and with target was about 30 feet away ::
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:: a little family photo shoot on New Year's day ::
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:: denay, running ::
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:: paisley, flying ::
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:: I had a little mini-shoot with the girls after our family one ::
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:: melt. my. heart ::
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:: goober ::
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:: the girls last week in their matching ducky ponchos after their bath. their new after bath routine is to both put their hoods up and run after each other and giggle ::
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:: watching the snow fall, the first time for paisley ::
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:: busted. "oh, sorry mum. did you want some?" ::
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:: trying to eat her pancakes with the spatula ::
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:: denay and momma bakin' some Pioneer Woman chocolate chip cookies ::
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I just love life with these two goombas!
If you haven't been around these parts for a few days, be sure to check out this post for you chance to win a free package of Cleaner Planet Soap nuts!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

WIN FREE STUFF - {A Giveaway}

Who doesn't love free stuff?
Even more, who doesn't love free stuff that is awesome?
Just want to say a quick welcome to anyone who is here for the first time from Cleaner Planet's Facebook page or Twitter. I hope you enjoy your stay!
Shortly after I wrote this post, gushing about my new found love (soap nuts), I got an email from the lady herself of Cleaner Planet. She thanked me for my write-up, and before you know it, we were planning a giveaway.
I feel so passionate about these berries. Last week I used them to made an all-purpose, antibacterial spray and cleaned my whole house top-to-bottom without using a single chemical. Just my norwex cloths and my soap liquid.
So, since I'm sure no one is exhausted with my constant raving about them, I'm going to talk some more.
Wanna win this batch of soap nuts and a stick of all-natural stain remover? (just say yes, and make me feel good about myself)
All you need to do is leave me a comment and tell me about your favourite green cleaning tricks/homemade cleaner recipes OR one way you have/are planning to, make a change and be greener in 2012 (cause green is the new, uh, black?).
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Entries will be accepted until Wednesday night at 12:00am, February the first with the winner announced on Friday morning.
The lucky winner will receive a package of Cleaner Planet Soap Nuts (that will do 80-100 loads of laundry) as well as a stick of Buncha Farmers Stain Remover.
And if you happen to win and are a fellow blogger, you'll also need to post your own review of your experience with the product so as to spread the word even further!
Feel free to check out Cleaner Planet's website for tips, FAQ's, reviews and more usage ideas.
Thank you Katie and Marc from bring Soap Nuts into my life!
Let the giving-awaying BEGIN!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

I think. I need help.

Okay. I'm out of control.
At least that's what I'd like to think about myself.
Really, I'm one of the most un-out-of-control people that I know.
I digress.
I was at a 30th birthday party for a very dear friend on Sunday that lasted until an hour and a half after the restaurant closed. It was an amazing evening, loud with friends and laughter. When we were all settled up, some of us weren't ready to go home, so six of us ended up at Tim Horton's....until midnight. Somewhere in that conversation, hair coloring came up and my girlfriend brought out her iPad and showed us a few photos of some celebrities whose hair color she liked. And so did I. I said, in passing, "I should dye my hair that color", to which my girlfriend replied, "Yes, you should".
So, I did.
A little over 12 hours from that moment, I was doing this......(and please excuse the really-happy-deer-in-headlights look in the first picture).
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The color I ended up with is much darker and deeper than the photos I looked at, but I wanted something that was more of a departure from my natural color.
It's not permanant (and yes, it's store bought) but I think I like it enough that I might keep it up for a while!
Here's to whims and tolerant husbands!

Friday, January 20, 2012

::: Favourite Picks :::

Okay.
This is the THIRD time I've written this very long and labour intensive post. I'm hoping the one you actually read isn't the fourth (or fifth or sixth).
I had the chance from the end of the October until the middle of December to travel with my in-laws to Red Deer, Regina, Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver and work in their Cranberry Creek booth at some of the largest Christmas craft shows in Canada.
Along with a lot of working, I (of course) did a lot of shopping. And lucky for me, because my birthday and Christmas are both in December, lots of the goodies I came home with were presents!
I'm going to introduce to you my absolute favourite businesses, products and people that I came across during my cross country galavant.
:: just for kids all natural shampoo and conditioner - Kogi Naturals ::
I came across this product in Vancouver, and was so excited to get it home and use it on my girls. The tangerine scented conditioner is amazing and I no longer need to use a detangler before I brush Denay's hair. And, of course, I can pronouce each one of the ingredients. I'm no longer a LiveClean user (which I discovered isn't as "clean" as it's made to appear) and once I finish with the bottle of hair care I'm using from the grocery store, I'm going to switch to Kogi's Rosemary and Mint line (LOVE that combo).
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:: princess art print - Cici Art Factory ::
This is my second purchase from Liz at Cici. I got my first last year at the Vancouver show and when I came across her booth again this year at the same show and she showed me the corresponding print, I had to have it. Liz's art is so playful and whimsical and original. If you are looking for a unique and special baby shower gift or some affordable art to add some flair to your own little one's room, her 8x10 prints are super afforable and she's got so many different collections and options.
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:: lilith earrings - Foxy Originals ::
Foxy had booths at a few of the shows I worked, and I went back oodles of times just to look at and admire their stuff. I was scanning their website one night and saw a picture of Paris Hilton wearing these earrings. Their stuff is chic and (the best part) totally reasonably priced and I have fallen in looove with their dahlia earrings.
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:: chai spice - Daksha's Gourment Spices ::
This very full-bodied spice mixture can be used in lots of different ways, but it was suggested to me by the owner as a before bed tea to help with a good sleep (which tends to be an issue for me). I find it very relaxing and enjoyable having a cup at night while I read!
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:: yerbe mate tea - Mate Factor ::
I. am. addicted. to their cinnamon rooibos tea (a cup is part of my new morning routine) but the lemon ginger is also lovely. This tea is organic, fair trade, naturally energizing, full of antioxidants and trace minerals and is delish!
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:: dream weaver mister - Soulful Sister Aromatherapy ::
Joanne was our neighbour in Vancouver and all of the gentle scents coming from the booth was very relaxing. I got this in my stocking and spray it on my pillow and sheets (and all over the place) before bed and because there are no artificial scents and only essentials oils, it is very soothing and gentle smelling. Joanne has a huge line of products, from misters to roll-ons, candles, lotions, bath salts, linen water and more!
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:: twig toggle bag - Honeybea Design Hive ::
I didn't choose this bag, it chose me. I walked by Becky's booth for the umpteenth time in Toronto (adoring her coaster-sized button bags and bumwarmers everytime) but this time, I swear I heard this bag call my name. I tried it on, put it back, left. I did that two more times, trying to be responsible and convincing myself I didn't need it. When I finally decided to buy it (with my mother-in-law's encouragement), I returned to the booth to find it gone. Little did I know that my MIL had bought it under my nose for my hubby and I found it under the tree on Christmas morning. The designer, Becky and I are both in agreement that this bag is very special, and I love that it's mine!
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:: super garlicky bread dipper - The Garlic Box ::
My husband and I came home from Walmart one night with one of their huge $1 sour dough loaves of bread......and then we sat down and devoured the whole thing in one sitting with this dip. If that doesn't tell you how good it is, I don't know what will. It. is. goooood.
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:: one piece top - Kania ::
This is my second piece from Kania and I love the fabric, structure and fit of her designs and I love that this hot coral is like me in a color.. I got this on sale and love how it can dress up a simple long sleeve shirt and a pair of jeans. It's cut like a donut out of fabric and can be worn belted or unbelted like a vest (right below) or a shawl/cape (next photo).
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:: keremeos cowl - Lucky 14 Handmade (see FB page here) ::
It's warm, soft, thick and fabulous. I tried all of Beatriz's styles on (a few times) and found a hard time making a desicion because they are all so lovely. Love, love.
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:: feather headband - Thug Fairy Designs ::
I bought this for my husband to put in my stocking :) It's perfect for snazzing up my hair when I only have time to throw it in a messy pony.
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:: fascinator inspiried headband - Batavia by Sil ::
I met Sil in Toronto and tried on almost all of her recycled material headbands to find this one and I adore it. She is such a sweet lovely woman who even brought her little ones to the show one day. I hope to see Sil's talent and love for keeping fabric from landfills, take her far.
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:: genuine emu feather earrings - Featherettes ::
I met Katy and Katie in Vancouver and snagged their second to last pair of this style of earrings. Their stuff is super chic and funky and is handmade not far from where I live and I hope to add some more of their designs to my accessories wardrode sometime soon.
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:: micah sweater in soft pink - Luved Clothing ::
I got this top as a gift for my birthday and just love it. It's soft, comfy and oh-so versatile! Luved has a line of one-size women's clothing that are made to be worn numerous different ways and can be dressed up with leggings and boots or dressed down with jeans and flats.
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Phew.
My blogging marathon means your reading marathon.
Be sure to check out these artists/products and support Canadian made!

Friday, January 13, 2012

New Year ::: Crazy Obsessive House Decorating

Al.most. There.
I've got one more coat on one more chair and the table legs, but I couldn't wait to share all the changes I've been making with you.
::: so here are my kitchen chairs. you can't really tell in the photos but the chair on the left is before paint and one on the right is after. the whole chair used to be the same color as the seat. i painted them the first time a few years ago, and they were way due for an update :::
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::: before being covered :::
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::: here is a before of the dining area :::
notice the chairs, drapes and corner hutch......
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::: some of the orange decor from my kitchen :::
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::: and the black star on my dining room wall that was black (like everything else) :::
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::: sha-ZAAM :::
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::: awesome new drapes from walmart that am in LOVE with :::
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::: and my pretty new chairs!!! (they have since been covered in plastic) :::
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::: after searching half a dozen stores I found a lovely blue spray paint that pulled out one of the colors in the chair fabric and went paint crazy :::
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::: my kitchen before :::
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::: after I took almost everything down :::
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::: and after i redecorated a bit today (and after my husband informed me it looked to bare) :::
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::: the hutch after. switched some things around and added a few of those painted blue touches :::
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::: the kitchen sink area with the once-orange-now-smoke-blue accessories :::
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sorry about the crazy disjointed post and crappy, unfocused and poorly colored photos.
just having a minute to sit and blog is rare so i'm not going for quality here :)
i've been having lots of fun rearranging and moving things around and trying to organize and clear things out.
be sure to check back again for a breakdown of some of my favourite products that I came across during my craft show tour.
AND i'm also going to be having a giveaway......(insert cliffhanger)