tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78488897647427727342024-03-13T07:26:36.191-03:00Frugal Days with DaisyKatrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-29396007002952703792010-06-18T16:45:00.005-03:002010-06-18T22:53:12.464-03:00perfect friday<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Had the day off, and boy was I glad, it was perfectly sunny and enjoyably warm! The morning held a couple of errands which I ran on bike. I made this pink lemonade card to enter a contest on Paper Crafts. Info about the contest can be found here : </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/pc_go-to_sketch_challenge_4/"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">http://www.flickr.com/groups/pc_go-to_sketch_challenge_4/</span></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyw2NARPwQaYgFtVtcPRkSd1wgcaLRIsMvTvtfegLNExj7jZFDct7a1yLn73PDYO4PKiDaG0xTgRl6mx0d0OllwlCUgqJpvzf7iUkmX2YtaPnECj1Dq909uvyO3jkxicxU3Ewl7t6Atw/s1600/card+001.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 168px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484203040606416514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyw2NARPwQaYgFtVtcPRkSd1wgcaLRIsMvTvtfegLNExj7jZFDct7a1yLn73PDYO4PKiDaG0xTgRl6mx0d0OllwlCUgqJpvzf7iUkmX2YtaPnECj1Dq909uvyO3jkxicxU3Ewl7t6Atw/s200/card+001.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">As you can see I stuck with the lemon theme I've been on all week. To really enjoy my day off, I picked up a couple of my favourite magazines to read whilst I sat in the shade, dipping my feet in Daisy's kiddie pool, while she daintily dipped her paws to cool off. I also made a light summer snack, Lemon Jello (yeah i bought store brand cause i'm cheap...sadly, they didn't have a light version). We also spent a delightful hour at the dog park, which I think has become my favourite place.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheO6ghJQraOclrKkbMhI_aC7SIDmThvXLOwRssm31CkJq7QYYJvSTjo9VmL7SWoeE68tDOeep0_licnemBUliXCcul_hGFNDOyaMRKlKDjxXNDffZSqgpDwsf4n2wm2Z7eRhPW3OiEIP8/s1600/blog+001.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484203024495025618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheO6ghJQraOclrKkbMhI_aC7SIDmThvXLOwRssm31CkJq7QYYJvSTjo9VmL7SWoeE68tDOeep0_licnemBUliXCcul_hGFNDOyaMRKlKDjxXNDffZSqgpDwsf4n2wm2Z7eRhPW3OiEIP8/s200/blog+001.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">In the evening, after years of preparation, I finally went public with my singing & guitar playing. We had a talent show at church, and I signed up to do a couple of songs. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Playlist : </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Meant for me by Jewel</span></li><li><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">All You Wanted by Michelle Branch</span></li><li><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Good Mother by Jann Arden</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484285672386537858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-ZVVN-XYmPInt4-IHlIHDDGYqFTKfZjNjoQlOQoydBMZO3mYj3MRJNipuXqKeDkYRdTY6C9UXm_p8mA9U6uhnkGs2pr2UeL0OT2u5zkAnbDm2VPS8YjivG8SujBUtTwENsuwR1LfvJs/s200/me+001.JPG" /><br />Judging by the reception, I'd say years of practice worked off. I was uber nervous, and yet, so excited to finally have a chance to share my love of music with others. This pic was taken after the show once I was home and the nerves had disappeared. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">All in all, I'd say today was a perfect Friday for me, and now I'm looking forward to the weekend. I hope everyone has an amazing weekend. Be sure to check out this post : </span><a href="http://fdwdaisy.blogspot.com/2010/06/daisykisses-giveaway.html"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">http://fdwdaisy.blogspot.com/2010/06/daisykisses-giveaway.html</span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> to enter for a chance to win a dazzling pair of LemonDrop LolliPop earrings from my Daisy*Kisses line of handmade jewelry!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Cheers.</span><br /><br /><br /></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-15993258388782542592010-06-15T14:50:00.011-03:002010-06-15T17:22:16.347-03:00The L word<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Meaning LEMONS of course. There is something about bright sunny days and warm weather that makes me crave these citrus fruits. They yield such yummy delights in both baking and cooking, that they are one of my favourite ingredients, something I always keep on hand in the fridge. Mum had found one of my Vegan Lemon Scone recipes tucked in her box, and that seemed like reason enough to make them. First thing this morning I hopped on my bike and went to the store to fill up on some fresh summer picks.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjre2mzmrD6FrfOatPa-bkgnHye7G3IQI0dOeVSjNFAK0GfB3QSETiLpJutTmcEuziH-7Gp0OzNsi01TAIIut6mhRwr45wavUdk0TKjxaSYOKUf-0wz_aHfQkHjxgqBUewoFgBm0_qDw/s1600/blog+002.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 176px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483061629422055954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjre2mzmrD6FrfOatPa-bkgnHye7G3IQI0dOeVSjNFAK0GfB3QSETiLpJutTmcEuziH-7Gp0OzNsi01TAIIut6mhRwr45wavUdk0TKjxaSYOKUf-0wz_aHfQkHjxgqBUewoFgBm0_qDw/s200/blog+002.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> The recipe for the scones is as follows, and an easy peasy tutorial is here too! </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><strong>Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Scones :</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">-2 cups whole wheat flour</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">-3/4 cup white sugar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">-4 tsp baking powder</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">-pinch of salt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">-3/4 cup margarine</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">- 1 lemon, zested and juiced</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">-2 tbsp poppyseeds</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">-1/2 cup soymilk</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">-1/4 cup water</span></div><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCppqQAQ4CbNz02kAvbKMqi8-qEXGI7oOH7chQx6g1GeZge5E3-0kinw-7f9UqarsGB_v2-OfmJZMHTsKVfoY883k7DqNfzwTh1HFVksisioTNbyu7eUt-cY8emiCqrl6jy2MV41C298/s1600/blog+003.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483061625839181122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCppqQAQ4CbNz02kAvbKMqi8-qEXGI7oOH7chQx6g1GeZge5E3-0kinw-7f9UqarsGB_v2-OfmJZMHTsKVfoY883k7DqNfzwTh1HFVksisioTNbyu7eUt-cY8emiCqrl6jy2MV41C298/s200/blog+003.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> First thing, sift all dry ingredients together into a bowl. It will sift out the yummy bran of the flour, so just dump those bits in after everything else is sifted. Cut margarine into dry ingredients until its all nice and crumbly.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu7OBQHaJT9Yu_IhZOGnyFkWZQV9k87aJcBgT6147ejTG4NkuAA7r9SklwtadyRSP9o6t5nxtjikhbVr3rZDTox4XCzJ90mlFWsLkHdsFjOiyDkyQqRiXGyZ3xSXs59Du2YE6wPQR3_A/s1600/blog+005.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483061621213707442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu7OBQHaJT9Yu_IhZOGnyFkWZQV9k87aJcBgT6147ejTG4NkuAA7r9SklwtadyRSP9o6t5nxtjikhbVr3rZDTox4XCzJ90mlFWsLkHdsFjOiyDkyQqRiXGyZ3xSXs59Du2YE6wPQR3_A/s200/blog+005.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />Zest and juice your lemon. Note : zest the whole lemon first, THEN cut it and juice it. Add to dry mix.</span></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB3R9RdXuNqjLUPS29mli1VPO7TkZblSwsefv_fyS0zGCOlKVMFF3dq4oXCmMSBS3sPDSW9fiaJiDiBlyOmaSve88D04V03GVfMdS2pK1beEZf32QEOxXP6AzuxWgFJ5d05wsGjskRYs/s1600/blog+007.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 159px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483061619221405810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB3R9RdXuNqjLUPS29mli1VPO7TkZblSwsefv_fyS0zGCOlKVMFF3dq4oXCmMSBS3sPDSW9fiaJiDiBlyOmaSve88D04V03GVfMdS2pK1beEZf32QEOxXP6AzuxWgFJ5d05wsGjskRYs/s200/blog+007.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Add remaining ingredients, poppyseeds, and slowly add the liquid. If your mix seems too liquidy, then you can use less water, or, add a bit more flour. Combine it all up til its a nice ball. Then with floured hands take chunks as small or large as you like your scones, and roll them into balls.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE182S5p9XviygvOLVY672ex7dx3xG50XgH7S6Nj6lncSPUQkm-URv5XBVZ4yqfcCdEu_7fN_3PezPRtjRgInpBzCNv48ZxUUTXeueQ2T_6NaNHmqAQpcoe1ECp-sCtd9R5DZ2cEgsJQU/s1600/blog+008.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483061614459368146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE182S5p9XviygvOLVY672ex7dx3xG50XgH7S6Nj6lncSPUQkm-URv5XBVZ4yqfcCdEu_7fN_3PezPRtjRgInpBzCNv48ZxUUTXeueQ2T_6NaNHmqAQpcoe1ECp-sCtd9R5DZ2cEgsJQU/s200/blog+008.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Make sure to space them. They'll expand quite a bit in the oven. Now I wish I knew how to do fancy triangle scones, but i'll have to find a tutorial and learn it for myself first. For now, round will do. Bake at 400F or 200C for 10-15 minutes.<br /><br /><br /></span><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VE9ScfoZs1Y7zBthpvKCIdvAdtRiaKIdJZeE6U5v5MThOXPLHaY3WEOAmr7DYcwtz8-ckgpU7zWg9RFtIpgQ_rYZnBc2QGmfHyg1ucdwwm0CE019FoKDaqvL1iAFFak6Gkmf928hhT0/s1600/scone+001.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483059700261407314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VE9ScfoZs1Y7zBthpvKCIdvAdtRiaKIdJZeE6U5v5MThOXPLHaY3WEOAmr7DYcwtz8-ckgpU7zWg9RFtIpgQ_rYZnBc2QGmfHyg1ucdwwm0CE019FoKDaqvL1iAFFak6Gkmf928hhT0/s200/scone+001.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> And voila, yummy lemony vegan scones. They're not overly sweet, but they are lovely fresh.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Now foods with lemon are not all that have been on my brain, I simply adore yellow this time of year, and was browsing Etsy for some sunny finds. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.150482986.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">This sweet lemony organizer holds coupons and a notebook for runs to the market. You can find it and others at offthehookbybrooke.etsy.com </span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 385px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.150604254.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I practically squealed when I saw these cupcake wrappers. Hello fun tea party accessories? So cute, and a dozen is so affordable, find these and other cute paper wrappers at Oliviaspapershoppe.etsy.com</span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.142841184.jpg" /><br />Lastly, you know I can't help but browse through pet things for my darling Daisy. I found a super sweet yellow polkadot collar. It would be so fresh for summer! These and many more accessories for your pooch can be found at collarsbydesign.etsy.com.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I'll be keeping with the lemon theme this week, as I have more recipes and things to share. There will even be a sweet giveaway of one of my own jewelry creations from Daisy*Kisses!! For a head's up, you'll be able to enter the giveaway contest by leaving a comment under Tomorrow's post, 2 entries by leaving a comment AND following the blog, and 3 entries for commenting, following and posting a link/featuring the contest on your blog!</span> <div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Thanks for popping in, remember to leave some love, and spread the word!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">-Katrina</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-54180692418021666232010-06-11T15:53:00.003-03:002010-06-11T18:48:57.763-03:00Daisy Friday<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">After two hectic days of work at the restaurant, I had this beautiful friday off. There were chores to get done, and jewelry to be made (I made a pair of sweet earrings for my dear friend Emma who is going to Korea for the summer; and like a dufus I forgot to take a picture of them before giving them away). And once all the necesarry things were out of the way, I decided to do my favourite thing, which is go to the dog park with Daisy!</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FHo3sWuX4xRRYZkB8mTuIJ6UTjXNRVK33iK17XQnAf53wkgTnbwYC0kTZ2_nb6zZDSt4cMX2HrAw3e1FIU5INSgmElu-UhvYQOC0gSqa_xly27-3aF-7gtPPCGykF79PH3rffs6lohE/s1600/daisy+june+007.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481591923547616258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FHo3sWuX4xRRYZkB8mTuIJ6UTjXNRVK33iK17XQnAf53wkgTnbwYC0kTZ2_nb6zZDSt4cMX2HrAw3e1FIU5INSgmElu-UhvYQOC0gSqa_xly27-3aF-7gtPPCGykF79PH3rffs6lohE/s320/daisy+june+007.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> I slathered myself in sunscreen, filled the waterbottle, and pocketed plenty of poop bags before heading out. We walk there and back, so we get plenty of exercise (and it really tires her out so she is nice and mellow the rest of the day). In the evenings we generally go in the "small" dog park, but Daisy being the awkward size that she is, I blame the stubby legs, she can go either way. So because it wasn't an overly busy afternoon, we went in the "big" dog side.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481591932676773490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jDvUmpZU-e6OeOAir8H0iPtLEhBLhcj_LkwN1pKL49KUPbDfDdMISUtGsUiGlUlmJAfKxnZ1GIoucsJSvCWU5LG5XSI7xdtMXFc1iLjDmA70SFMVAexTdIufREC2H38JEB6S53KF0uI/s320/daisy+june+009.JPG" />Of course I had to bring my camera along to utilize the sun's perfect lighting, and get some new photos for her scrapbook. Doesn't she look so happy above? She really does love the dog park, it does wonders for socializing your dog and helping to make them happier. The pictures below are ones I took at home in the backyard, right before I filled up her kiddie pool for her to cool off.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481591938194196178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yUs2sjgoyE75ClYs88F2h32Bpxfpx7oeydPoQRcYkQ4qhB8uY2QjHGsenmQtmsw3qIMaj7_hkvMNygL29ueKxPqwYQYMoIUVudEl9x295XbB26-tycXTukC_IgLQ6tSZhNOyWEi-nW0/s320/daisy+june+006.JPG" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I'll admit I took alot of pictures today. She is so good about doing sit -stays when I need a shot, but I think at this point she was feeling like I was the paparazzi. Love her little 'tude, like "No more please".</span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481591949953433890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX_5pqsLI1HlUmL58FpJZ1aTr46CdBzkfptVwWqIt9lQnPtb4d-BfwQBJH3BgL4hdGgO20CLhZH5Jq-wQrAwLceCfVc-UT9eGCBTnjdQlbGn-X-5P3y6XyXmPizmNhIqRMI7TPklGGoU/s320/daisy+june+003.JPG" />Wishing everyone a great weekend!<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-37642249630489828592010-06-09T21:44:00.007-03:002010-06-09T22:25:36.941-03:00Midweek Musings<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I'm trying to post regularly, so I can get myself back into the blogging habit. Granted, everyday life does not always seem post-worthy, and it is rarely accompanied by photos. But there are a few things I should very much like to share with my readers.<br /><br />First off, I received an exciting parcel on Monday afternoon, and inside was such a treasure. I had custom ordered a pair of earrings from a fellow Etsy seller, a Canadian to boot, and they had just arrived. Had I been thinking, I might have taken pictures of the cute packaging, but I was so eager, I simply dove right in.<br /><br />Inside were my earrings, the sweet wire wrapped pair I had been checking the mailbox for everyday since I bought them.<br /></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480940926542636626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dC9KM-sVhQhS48Z26RoiW9bCNQB3Tef4knmkuLjNKtjfbV3hLr8zz7wjgUfzsqV4Do8ARSjOeOfhS0mghe1U8corbOxl8cFeVb_a7m0cX0hTLBJPHNbR8UtFRyuetSugQD5Dg2VuYtk/s320/earrings+jkfoster.jpg" /><br />Simply amazing aren't they? Giddy as I was to try these on, to my surprise and further excitement, Joella had included a second pair of earrings completely free as a thank you gift!!! They are gorgeous gold and turquoise dangles, and I will post a picture soon. She has been so sweet, and her work inspires me. I want you all to check out her shop right now and click favourites, I promise you won't be disappointed by her wonderful handmade designs. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jkfoster">http://www.etsy.com/shop/jkfoster</a> I already know I'll be shopping with her again soon.<br /><br /><br />Also, tonight was our last Young Womens activity before summer break, so we had a little party for the girls at church. My friend ordered gourmet cupcakes from The Cake Box, and I made yummy fruit-kabobs with Marshmallows included. I also helped the girls create their own monogrammed door hangers. Mine is shown there at the top. I simply printed out large letters for each girls name, cut out the letter from coloured cardstock, and then glued that onto a 6 by 6 inch cardboard square which I had modge podged patterned paper onto. Add some pretty ribbon with little brads, and voila, a cute, easy paper craft! </span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480944239629024194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-9XJnIR5jksthZXDlbrcyN8T6jVUydVT65FxXbKIIsfjTru_1n2TdO-KkA58_uskSBx1o5Tlj4tWpITggDlKpVNHAZE0PANxrFF-08PLTFXOkoS_YifxpfwBfXnnTOq6ALkRPpdXyrQ/s320/K+001.JPG" /><br />Hope everyone's weeks are going well. Leave me a comment and let me know. Don't forget to check out Joella's shop!</span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-89420262491590508212010-06-07T20:49:00.008-03:002010-06-07T21:30:17.322-03:00Summer Shop Talk<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I've been very absent from the blogging world for the past few months. Life has its ups and downs, and I was meeting quite frequently with some down portions, so I felt it was necessary to just step back and not worry about these sort of things. However, I'm feeling wonderful now, and with the sun making attempts to break through the rainy clouds, I can see clear skies ahead.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I thought it was time to get back on the blogging bandwagon. Though I have always felt blogs were incredibly self centered things, I've noticed that they can be therapeutic. And there are blogs which are so wonderful and inspiring.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">My etsy shop Daisy*Kisses, has slowly been updated with new summer earrings. I've really got the earring bug at the moment, and keep feeling inspired to make more little danglies to adorn your lobes. </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Just yesterday I added three new sets of sweet floral earrings, excellent accessories for girly girls in summer. Take a peek at the shop here </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.daisykisses.etsy.com"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">http://www.blogger.com/www.daisykisses.etsy.com</span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> ! If having a green thumb isn't your thing but you still love flowers, then these are the perfect way to show it.</span><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I also attended a 2 hour photography workshop that a friend of mine had put on this past Saturday, and boy was I glad I did! One of my biggest frustrations with the whole etsy endeavor, is that the pictures are absolutely essential in selling a product. If one can't see the quality of the item, because the picture is too fuzzy or too dark, then buying is a scary process.</span><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I have an HP Photosmart M415, and its really not the best for great photography. However, I was able to learn some great tricks in the class, about how to take better pictures, and was eager to try it out. The new earrings gave the opportunity to do just that. See here, I'm quite pleased with the improvement in my shots.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480191346543901298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_tpWWBLqchcw5xirWpGswwLrqu_6TI7LopR8hMrZuI7Dw-4XJ8W2U0EpDaKnbzSTQsqPMN01hZWhjMUcfrvkZlS-jomBWVC74mmEcojGTb51DYSOTmdl5JvpP0tUDIb0kh70jObB9gM/s320/jewelry+010.JPG" /><br /></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480191339829909250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CQlqZoKb18UZULPGugRQ6mt_1IvZig6TSqTHvpLzrThRWLAnEgITCgE6wH3HYEx6e_VeBpBk76VkxV2nGl4JyjmduaQb4douGQhqIQdFx0vE8lMCzeeT42J6Wowd2jhSthubriOB9lg/s320/jewelry+013.JPG" /><br />Granted, I still want to save up and get a better camera. She talked about Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed in the class, all functions in a camera that can make taking good quality pictures so much easier. I'm definitely going to start piggybanking for that now, and also, try and use my camera more often to take some more artistic, or just plain better, photos.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><strong>Love and gratitude to all my visitors </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><strong><em>~Katrina</em></strong></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-67130903587060766262010-02-16T12:54:00.004-04:002010-02-16T13:05:01.309-04:00the lovely lemon tree<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I have long been absent from the blogging world and I have ever so much to catch up on reading. But my days have not been entirely fruitless (pun intended). There are some new items in my Etsy shop, most notably this sweet little collection of lemony jewelry.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438886460951598434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiYnO4M-I6AAt5RvOSrvA_uArTG-_gyh9Oxyi4WxVJ0awq-g_hjYNkmYoc7EPDGmXuadhFuwIE1-ZltAHnCsybvtpH08HdcU1YgQOxC0U4mDigUxbI8i3y8bJ7UAPNDLvsXXE1KLMfdc/s320/HPIM0889.JPG" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">The above bracelet is three strands of sunny cuteness. The gold & silver closure is salvaged from a vintage necklace I found. And all the pearls used are also recycled from old jewelry. All other yellow and white beads are made of glass.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438886463972490098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl7TaGP4f3Fu75KTR1JRD41swIQxLfXYULYamorSZpbSUZo_diVdIqnDUhX6AGlj9W8F_T0vagw7A0PG3Gxk4OK-Fg_Eq4W4yLy85RIwEooHZTOd0Jmjfp81rAtTsVukg0kKH2hHDm2A/s320/HPIM0882.JPG" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">These earrings remind me of a tangy lollipop! So fun, they'd be sure to brighten up any outfit.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438886456295545234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmlnJbUsSPB0nmw0Yodieonzd7SnCRhT6wBqkB4voJp1NxkxcMe2Xs5IL-4n8L_YIPUdeOg4VSe_ZhKcHrDka68YFwwpdYxGdkqubx8_4SqdxQ5-UVubJKiYLmoUerxOAq1R6RM5M_vA/s320/HPIM0878.JPG" /></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">And this single strand bracelet has the perfect combination of delicate recycled pearls and fun fruity swirls. All items are available for sale now in my shop! <a href="http://www.daisykisses.etsy.com/">www.daisykisses.etsy.com</a> . Please have a look, and leave me some feedback!</span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-16292637457380175762010-01-30T08:51:00.009-04:002010-02-02T11:09:35.034-04:00February is heart month<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTLMJ-O9SmfNyigpRIIOIQdjUcEw1D6fZL0QeFFcp03222dej205jCbgS4CqBKxyigmCTKGL6HrV1SJ6mlOUyxw8__5D2V8_efREowehznq6B1YvyeWP5Ajx8YiIYVuYNjJETWAJBTjw/s1600-h/piggy.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:78%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432521156862152930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTLMJ-O9SmfNyigpRIIOIQdjUcEw1D6fZL0QeFFcp03222dej205jCbgS4CqBKxyigmCTKGL6HrV1SJ6mlOUyxw8__5D2V8_efREowehznq6B1YvyeWP5Ajx8YiIYVuYNjJETWAJBTjw/s320/piggy.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:78%;"><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjRAzF7ckuDkyLVdMSo-XVvgG3GdvdOHxQrnWxDV9QSJSNJ4YrhsbXWJjIUuPn1UvlPRRoIUvb6qvctvbQapRxZd9HG0Gwj94029tqm3jmuqo0-OgHSfOkYFVNBjlVVNnu5GlFagGZGY/s1600-h/pig.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Isn't Valentine just too cute (unfortunately she's probably bacon by now, I know I didn't eat her). So you may already be aware that February is indeed heart month, or the month for heart & stroke awareness. I was reading the latest issue of SHAPE magazine the other night, and came across an article about lessening our risk factors for heart disease. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">Well, the article got me thinking about how I had allowed my good habits to decline. And I began wondering what sort of affect this was having on my heart. I asked my Mum about our family history, and if heart disease or strokes were scattered in there. I have an uncle who suffered a stroke on my father's side, but that was it as far as we knew.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">So my genetic risk factors seem fairly low. But I know genetics aren't the only factors. My day to day choices today will affect how well my ticker works in ten-twenty-fifty years. Should I be proactive, or reactive?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">I hope the answer to that is clear. So after much thought and rereading of the article, I decided to make some positive changes. Mum and I made an agreement to try to eat our healthiest for one month. Now, we don't eat horrible anyway, but there are some processed foods that maybe should be less frequent in our home. I was surprised that Mum was so willing to accept the challenge, but she is totally up for it (after all she's not the one addicted to her nightly bowl of ice cream...that is my own demon to face).</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">The great thing is we've planned out the month's meals. We've found that making up meal schedules ahead of time, makes a huge difference in the quality of the food we eat (no lazy pizza or fries), and the grocery bill gets affected for better (less food wastage, and its cheaper because we don't run to the store and just pick up anything frequently). I'm excited to cook meals every night, some old, some new recipes. I'll be certain to document a few of the new vegetarian ones we'll make.</span></div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> <div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">So think about YOUR heart this month, and give it a little lovin. I'll be writing more about the topic througout the month.</span></div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">Cheers.</span>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-47994713379064406902010-01-26T19:00:00.007-04:002010-01-27T08:23:38.137-04:00My Esty Shop<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Finally...After an entire summer of saying I was going to do it, I've finally gone and done it!! My shop, Daisy*Kisses, is finally up and running on Etsy.com. I am just sooo excited, and really quite relieved. You can find it by clicking here <a href="http://www.daisykisses.etsy.com/">http://www.daisykisses.etsy.com</a>, or it will always be in the sidebar under My Other Pages.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">For the past few months its been somewhat frustrating every time someone would ask me "So what are you doing these days" and I would explain what I was working towards, but I felt like I had nothing to show for it. Now I can finally say I make and sell jewelry (and soon other handicrafts), and then easily direct them to my shop website.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Hopefully you like what I have to offer. I absolutely love the creative process of finding neat pieces to work with, and then putting them together into something wearable. Some of my pieces use chain, and lots of it, others use recycled jewelry from broken or unwanted pieces, and others use silk cording. I'd have to say the silk cording is my favourite media to work with, as it seems to be something you don't see much.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">It really has so much potential though, for both casual and fancier jewelry. I wanted to get all my jewelry posted first, and perhaps in the coming weeks I'll start posting some of the other things I've made. Now that all this jewelry is ready to go, I'm eager to start working on the next batch. What sells first or gets favourites will be a good indicator of what ya'll (that's right I said it) are looking for, and while I will try and cater to the market, I still want to be creative and make sure that my pieces are inspiring to me as well! Thank you for all of your support in reading my blog and encouraging me towards accomplishing this dream of mine!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">xx</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Katrina</span>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-78880749514151355892010-01-25T17:05:00.003-04:002010-01-25T17:11:53.583-04:00shop banner<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">So I finally got around to designing a banner for my etsy shop today. I'm certainly no graphic artist as is quite obvious, but I still wanted to give it a try for myself. After playing about with the Paint.net program, I managed to create something I was fairly pleased with.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 42px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430786970404164146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE3FtNtunNhg7Ab_YZprND97RTBsKE3iyNrGNMzdqb2AXcsNPbhApp7H1rc8ymrsNhBS1OGr5A9Wd7MKDs5wenFSylQWnjA1v4nXGdAXr8HjwAGaFqKPBfDPxhQuYuDE8fFZjvFNa47o/s320/shopbanner.jpg" /><br /></span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I wanted something that seemed a little bit vintage & unique. The background is a dictionary type definition of Daisy*Kisses in alphabetic form. What do you think? Do you like it? Let me know what you think.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">In other shop news, I'm in the process of uploading listings to the shop, and will activate them once they are all done. Its a time consuming process to a newbie like me, but its not broken my enthusiasm yet. Items will be available on a Grand Opening day...which will be this week....Some time. ^^</span>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-25314710020215547402010-01-21T10:56:00.005-04:002010-01-21T11:07:23.258-04:00necklace<span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">For Christmas this year I sent my friend Steph, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archibald-maximilion/4287323118/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/archibald-maximilion/4287323118/</a> a couple pieces of jewelry I had designed just for her. Because I am unashamedly proud of this piece, I wanted to feature it here on my blog.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">The silver swirly pieces were purchased at Michael's one day. I thought they were so darn pretty, but I had no idea what I would do with them; just one of those, had to have things. When inspiration finally came, it came in this form and Mum says its her favourite piece that I've created yet.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yzeT02GOuD_i09PAt8v1EMESnIkc2_EVZ1G1TwT8DmXx6zg723nNpWEpTkKlMs7u56TJToZeLzNqWug3zmmF-aS-QrfbRTGgVz1pPRHfHD5-if4Ez2Nsyz62XqmCMThMnE9b9XXVsbI/s1600-h/HPIM0402.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429207417853892482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yzeT02GOuD_i09PAt8v1EMESnIkc2_EVZ1G1TwT8DmXx6zg723nNpWEpTkKlMs7u56TJToZeLzNqWug3zmmF-aS-QrfbRTGgVz1pPRHfHD5-if4Ez2Nsyz62XqmCMThMnE9b9XXVsbI/s320/HPIM0402.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">The pearls, both small and large, were repurposed from other pieces of jewelry I had thrifted. I was originally going to use silver chain to hang it from, but felt that the design was too delicate to add chain to. So i experimented with ribbon, and boy was I happy with the result!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">Hope you've enjoyed this little taste of what is to come in the shop. My shop is there on etsy, but as of yet has no listings. Its taking more work then I had realized to get things organized and set up. When it is finally open, you'll be able to find my work at <a href="http://www.daisykisses.etsy.com/">http://www.daisykisses.etsy.com/</a>. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">Thanks for popping in and have a wonderful day!</span><br /><p><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-75354863695333041292010-01-19T20:53:00.000-04:002010-01-19T13:53:11.469-04:00journal tutorial<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I love journaling. I have kept a journal sincen I was about eight years old. There were times when I would go months without writing, and other times where I wrote every single day. I find it therapeutic to jot down my thoughts and feelings at the end of the day. As I have quite a collection of filled journals, all catalogues of different periods of my life, choosing a journal is important to me. I always try and choose something that is a reflection of what I'm into at that point in my life. Some have been vintage, others puppies, and some older ones were movie/tv show ones.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">As my current pink doggie journal has only five pages left, it was time for a new one. I searched for a month at all my favourite places, Chapters & Winners, Wal-Mart and even dollar stores. I could not find a journal that spoke to me. Finally one day I saw a plain notebook at Superstore. I looked at it and saw potential! I decorated it myself and am so pleased! Here's the tutorial on what I did.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EFavnTZ_fZrpgBQ2CwgkT6l7e2XDJ0lPBORKYDILiDO33nq1bIJAo6rqhcA-oLR_yy9iQXFQE1VunBJzP9rfpQh7echfcli8ql0BiW4YP-1wO_nVhWcdzp5R7ovOlKcwsZHp5GinxCU/s1600-h/HPIM0709.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426766921935255762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EFavnTZ_fZrpgBQ2CwgkT6l7e2XDJ0lPBORKYDILiDO33nq1bIJAo6rqhcA-oLR_yy9iQXFQE1VunBJzP9rfpQh7echfcli8ql0BiW4YP-1wO_nVhWcdzp5R7ovOlKcwsZHp5GinxCU/s320/HPIM0709.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> Here's the chipboard notebook. It has a cute cut-out heart on the cover but is otherwise boring.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTx3K8W9siWH2H3FzNuk2U2kcOZ2UyTWXgpkDoQp-QyCTJLx9ISUfO9xBCYNFHXIFHHDEs3finPd5h9G_4BJXF-gMmn0zwXkrCRGMVq9j47rMmWO98KxrFmLv155YrOUgVwYsWlsQqRQ/s1600-h/HPIM0715.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426766912007120242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTx3K8W9siWH2H3FzNuk2U2kcOZ2UyTWXgpkDoQp-QyCTJLx9ISUfO9xBCYNFHXIFHHDEs3finPd5h9G_4BJXF-gMmn0zwXkrCRGMVq9j47rMmWO98KxrFmLv155YrOUgVwYsWlsQqRQ/s320/HPIM0715.JPG" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I chose these gorgeous scrapbook papers, they've got newsprint with green and pink swirls and patterns. I measured the cover and used a rotary cutter to trim the paper to the right size.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7nN5IPlDfM14keY6uSxuQuW5UtxHJ0shHyXcgG-YsjfsxJyPBF9_SylC3tiR7le_IEYxvSJflgsMy6FZLylB_cGA9WJ-ZIWE8oemx_csueRK1STX0V1j3HdMu_1eXTHJ_LgX67qA9R4/s1600-h/HPIM0716.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426766905987041938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7nN5IPlDfM14keY6uSxuQuW5UtxHJ0shHyXcgG-YsjfsxJyPBF9_SylC3tiR7le_IEYxvSJflgsMy6FZLylB_cGA9WJ-ZIWE8oemx_csueRK1STX0V1j3HdMu_1eXTHJ_LgX67qA9R4/s320/HPIM0716.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Make certain the pages fit as best as possible. I didn't want to touch the coils which would keep it from turning nicely.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtC6rGnM3-BLZ34QdYT8BmtpkE_cwzrPzO7AHRDotxkVH1FXykZBllvX6PgbHeE0Adk-GF8CH4QJ5PhfXWhWONpv8DKLGuwmUIERmLLybE8UWDSLaKmUqzycjNi6chyphenhyphen5pIlQIW5iUOHg/s1600-h/HPIM0717.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426766898471766738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtC6rGnM3-BLZ34QdYT8BmtpkE_cwzrPzO7AHRDotxkVH1FXykZBllvX6PgbHeE0Adk-GF8CH4QJ5PhfXWhWONpv8DKLGuwmUIERmLLybE8UWDSLaKmUqzycjNi6chyphenhyphen5pIlQIW5iUOHg/s320/HPIM0717.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I didn't like the neon pink page inside, so I tore it out, and cut a pretty piece of cream & pink polka-dot paper.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg666TOYyrwyi2_Zrgl4-WZr52Gu9CXp51KHj8iYdiAsqXXdRVxrZDtvqICtdaheFS3vWnAIKAvqrDia3OKojn8Sm1RRofTXgrS0_JGpjAfOUSemFGhBlqs8xjwNl_HDiEbKcqr6v1xF1s/s1600-h/HPIM0719.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426766890891418002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg666TOYyrwyi2_Zrgl4-WZr52Gu9CXp51KHj8iYdiAsqXXdRVxrZDtvqICtdaheFS3vWnAIKAvqrDia3OKojn8Sm1RRofTXgrS0_JGpjAfOUSemFGhBlqs8xjwNl_HDiEbKcqr6v1xF1s/s320/HPIM0719.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />I used double-sided photo mounts in the corners of this page, and then glued it really well all around. Then stick it to the first page.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguh4OUBI5gfHQ_ZvSedmXiSAEUN-_dmonqSkiDqg6L3dnCLYYmiKPzQsyV8MItNdGX3sNNe1EdsjyxGqHV_rE1fZ9hQF-222r77WZ3ok0KjfVCMviSeWb2tAJtLGmC-Dix08gvjpF_DVw/s1600-h/HPIM0720.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426765587964955826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguh4OUBI5gfHQ_ZvSedmXiSAEUN-_dmonqSkiDqg6L3dnCLYYmiKPzQsyV8MItNdGX3sNNe1EdsjyxGqHV_rE1fZ9hQF-222r77WZ3ok0KjfVCMviSeWb2tAJtLGmC-Dix08gvjpF_DVw/s320/HPIM0720.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> Now, to stick the paper on the covers, I used clear decoupage finish. It works as both a glue and a glaze.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9H35iTJOgepWK94g3MbRSkjHETWXwsOdHSvXZYipl06IT5X32w4AKM5N9ywvueSq6TjLi1IuhAqduTEunlPPmSj8q6sH00D-o_YIWiouMC44Pr3hM4JVXw9LXLu_PyIRM9om1CXdRkM/s1600-h/HPIM0721.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426765581956834578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9H35iTJOgepWK94g3MbRSkjHETWXwsOdHSvXZYipl06IT5X32w4AKM5N9ywvueSq6TjLi1IuhAqduTEunlPPmSj8q6sH00D-o_YIWiouMC44Pr3hM4JVXw9LXLu_PyIRM9om1CXdRkM/s320/HPIM0721.JPG" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Using a foam brush (these apply the finish more evenly than a paintbrush) apply a thin layer of decoupage finish. I say thin, because you don't want to get your paper soggy. Put the finish directly onto the cover, not the back of the paper.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZ0N-gSVtICfgG1lhzPFoh00unz7Y5nZ7-PMyIxUkqvj7Bcw7J1ypfjESfut7WVOonzZiuIOZEiclw0dPrFcw8hkwUHPfK5U_nKZEbmda7A008rINlNi5Wntx2L4E0czTckVNFaCuIKY/s1600-h/HPIM0722.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426765575054610034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZ0N-gSVtICfgG1lhzPFoh00unz7Y5nZ7-PMyIxUkqvj7Bcw7J1ypfjESfut7WVOonzZiuIOZEiclw0dPrFcw8hkwUHPfK5U_nKZEbmda7A008rINlNi5Wntx2L4E0czTckVNFaCuIKY/s320/HPIM0722.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Line up the paper and smooth it out. You don't want any bubbles.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_xdEaQJjRwiyQPWJvtPaU9nc9km3rGZK8-0eRxWBmlDlwwEiHpEr3yyOUHi8aAzc6ON3bL8J8O2eRIKlWxCutGsLpW7AMNnd-Hh3GPqp04JguHoCQf2gBgfmX_j9cKpkPq3Vt9zV1hU/s1600-h/HPIM0723.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426765571335288562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_xdEaQJjRwiyQPWJvtPaU9nc9km3rGZK8-0eRxWBmlDlwwEiHpEr3yyOUHi8aAzc6ON3bL8J8O2eRIKlWxCutGsLpW7AMNnd-Hh3GPqp04JguHoCQf2gBgfmX_j9cKpkPq3Vt9zV1hU/s320/HPIM0723.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />Now when I did the front cover, remember the cut-out heart? Once I had glued the paper on with the decoupage finish, I allowed it to dry and then used a knife to carefully cut out the heart. it was a little jagged, but I think it gives it character.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EL4czQPxLVzJohYwJX5e1rS-QvmmwOzf_-TrPq1suowUvB6eDAR8EKqUKEtLNzpvIWHirU5E7WLbS3YK_UcQAK9UCGmlvuuovok94h6G-_ZdaMPpoR8OpmW0rf103FNR82WB9umTdO0/s1600-h/HPIM0726.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426764712994053234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EL4czQPxLVzJohYwJX5e1rS-QvmmwOzf_-TrPq1suowUvB6eDAR8EKqUKEtLNzpvIWHirU5E7WLbS3YK_UcQAK9UCGmlvuuovok94h6G-_ZdaMPpoR8OpmW0rf103FNR82WB9umTdO0/s320/HPIM0726.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />On a small piece of the polka-dot paper, I stamped a pretty monogram. I bought this stamp for $1.50 at Michael's. Afterwards, I mounted this square, onto a green square with glue, so it would stand out, and yet the colours would still be cohesive with the other paper.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhcacOc2r-bDvB-GuRtuhV_gqwYfUbGc7YzDcGn49r1KzKF-W2RaGBVvPrlq3dEVhJMawVtVC0ajhyphenhyphenkM8mcIwZZvch6fpRFVqDnW4bL9hJDD2fb2YaCnlr1sIy4Nm9oYmrJ1-hDGRCn4/s1600-h/HPIM0727.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426764706543006466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhcacOc2r-bDvB-GuRtuhV_gqwYfUbGc7YzDcGn49r1KzKF-W2RaGBVvPrlq3dEVhJMawVtVC0ajhyphenhyphenkM8mcIwZZvch6fpRFVqDnW4bL9hJDD2fb2YaCnlr1sIy4Nm9oYmrJ1-hDGRCn4/s320/HPIM0727.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />On the first page, I stamped a pretty bordered box. I like to write down the date and details when I start a new journal. Plus I just love stamping and embellishing.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rsO5JzecUKKXveh83tM0mJPkvtrqMFo1GQJpjo-JCm54RkC7x3Stp_uSxjOwo4WvytW4-SOQgeqoENdNXGhI0307NtFawQ4S5e2JSN6AECPhSmoemi7yDnNKI6zP_QOmhCa_D1BAatc/s1600-h/HPIM0737.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426764700628836610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rsO5JzecUKKXveh83tM0mJPkvtrqMFo1GQJpjo-JCm54RkC7x3Stp_uSxjOwo4WvytW4-SOQgeqoENdNXGhI0307NtFawQ4S5e2JSN6AECPhSmoemi7yDnNKI6zP_QOmhCa_D1BAatc/s320/HPIM0737.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />Speaking of embellishments, I added two types of ribbon, using a hot glue gun to apply them. But <strong>first,</strong> you need to use your decoupage finish to paint a thin layer over the top of each page. So for mine it was front & back covers, and inside of each. Leave it for ten minutes, and glaze it again. Then it will be shiny & won't budge. So then add your ribbons. I then glued down the squares with the monogram, and on top of that, hot glued on some pretty coordinating buttons.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU_k4DWReHpqtm8tkfdrijC-T-jn5Yv1YBEymR-KGjKnhyphenhyphensgKWr6TC773M6NnvnSW6WZ30bNw4MRI1u6D7BQ9do_x40RFlzZWw8rDpwebLm1vzxORtZYZ40q49SewpbdMKUCpc9TbY6M/s1600-h/HPIM0742.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426764694171405282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU_k4DWReHpqtm8tkfdrijC-T-jn5Yv1YBEymR-KGjKnhyphenhyphensgKWr6TC773M6NnvnSW6WZ30bNw4MRI1u6D7BQ9do_x40RFlzZWw8rDpwebLm1vzxORtZYZ40q49SewpbdMKUCpc9TbY6M/s320/HPIM0742.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">And that's it, my pretty journal is personalized and waiting to hold my deepest secrets. Hopefully this tutorial has been helpful to you, and inspired you to add your own pesonal touch to things. I promise its easy, despite how long this tutorial seemed. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">Thank you so much for visiting my blog! It really makes me happy to feel part of an online community. All of your thoughts are welcome and appreciated and you can leave a comment below, or email me. Also, be sure to follow my blog, and vote in the poll. </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-10175293558164026822010-01-15T11:24:00.007-04:002010-01-15T11:50:40.299-04:00site love<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">These days I am much too poor to be able to afford to buy magazines (thank goodness I have one prepaid subscrition). While I do love turning the pages in my hand, and ripping out the glossy pictures for inspiration, I have found that a website can be almost (very nearly) as good as the magazine.</span> <div><div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Cue, Country Living. Adorable magazine, super amazing website! I spent hours after I found it, just, browsing through every article they had posted. Soooo many amazing ideas for home decorating, restoring, upcycling, and cooking. My project list grew exponentially in the time that I was browsing. I've already started a couple, and others are waiting patiently in line for me to find the <strong><em>perfect</em></strong> pieces to make them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Here are a few of my favourite things (all of which are on my to do list) :</span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426989574024224738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZOCfpW9q_gaxRQihvSpdtVbvOMOWWLWNfRqWHpQHYcVO7FFJpfA_OBGlyoCZP6Zsjap2bO6C4bLyPraewEkZoaFWxYxctkJZncH6FTJuLWI3amkqA88asnYd6bLACSus3-1XfSttN50/s320/board.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Isn't this picture frame board pretty? Before I had even found the site, I had a project like this in the works. The frame is painted, I just need to buy the corkboard and frabric to make it prettiful, and then hang it in my room.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426989570693719762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf-Ld-D426LtizeBEJHpWDN9SeVDJMTkbgCfADpvipZTDQBoHxKvyT2Y3TWJGqtAX7F_VauEtzy8-_HmLN7qule7hZaRjK58W8xtmcpb4v3TT1I_frhY00-OisidITRPiZ6Q03JIinQo/s320/shelf.jpg" /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I must admit, I have a thing for old framework. I am so in love with this shelf idea. Again...Must go thrift an ornate wood frame soon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426989562933559810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntD-FU0uBQMk9ya7YVKS9lKHzkOG1M-p2YDtn8NLARnkHXU51oeXv7ucbFMoirGe_tRwjOHpug-JvGYHJdvivz_Zg4BrjgnIHYebcQLEmwor_LzS7bVzCuYxBq1yPHbTmTxAFVqh2zHw/s320/candles.jpg" /><br />I thought these candles were just the bees knees! I would love to try my hand at candle making, and I think vintage tea tins make them perfect for gifts! I predict that Value Village will be seeing alot of me soon.<br /><br /><br /></span><div></div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426989560934414786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajP6bIh43ER-MGlpNkeYn98HKc1m1lsNWMi3e8iNV-53Fl1LF4u7FjND2ZUIDuezgIpMxXPUBA-7oxMDNdp3rHHSmYkoFKQLNRZr4rzQ9XqtKe89M2X0nJEfSZZRavDRgbm8F1j4sEfE/s320/plates.jpg" /><br />And, as per usual, I save the best for last. As if vintage china plates weren't beautiful enough on their own, then you go adding sentiments or quotes and arrange them on your wall, and they are just <em><strong>that much more amazing! </strong></em>Needless to say, this is the project I am most excited about. Right now I have a huge poster of the Eiffel tower on display, but I can see that coming down to make way for an inspiring collection of vintage plates. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I just love the personal touch of doing something yourself, thrifting and repurposing. There is truth in the saying that "<em>Everything old is new again"</em> . If you're looking for more wonderful ideas (these really are just the tip of the iceberg) check out countryliving.com, or click the post title which will link you to their site.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Let me know what projects you're working on, and share any ideas that you may have; I'm always looking to expand my repurposing idea book. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">-Katrina</span> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">p.s. - I'm tinkering around with the layout of the blog, so if you find it changing frequrntly, just bear with me.</span></div></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-54273404037713596022010-01-13T15:38:00.000-04:002010-01-13T15:38:17.870-04:00hats<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Recently I've been seeing alot of stylish ladies wearing very stylish hats on flickr! I've always admired hats, and wished I wore them more often. Some are for looks and some are for practicality, and some, thank the heavens, do double duty. So I decided to share with you, those hats (and the ladies who don them) which inspire me most.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 162px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425635714968380658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo4vv8Zni2gDs0KxH6R9O5K07S283VTonbinbfbMQe6CVLIBK4dUAO_1UyUPh-o9ZWZqc36A-Y3W7ZRyQQTyoP6tgczlhBXUAJGBWr5yz2KK3cOSjdWFR3qaKxA2tmSNExe7kPOMbe4o/s320/anabita.jpg" /><br /><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">AnaBita here has been my inspiration for wearing berets. They are just made for her, really. Go check out her flickr page, here </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shopoholic79/"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/shopoholic79/</span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> to see more and be as inspired as I am. And can I just say that I love her hair, the side swept bangs and those gentle pieces that frame her face are perfect for wearing hats.<br /></span></div></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425634657403400962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4L1vX4gBUcZqhywdZrS6nKG7n-ZYPO5HWKoH_kXkzyXRu2Ltt7pMQ7Wyt0NrlWxxqFMOAIb9CauWSRDNoC2kIVfzBvwfyojJ0RNuophwVqC4aCPHdlg2UBmEDi0CeCnetNKl3lwS2Uk/s320/mousevox.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">When I saw Rachel wearing this gorgeous crocheted number, I was gushing my praise. How sweet is it? The colour, that large groovy flower? So perfect. She collects and sells quality vintage wears through her etsy shop. I highly encourage you to check out her flickr page, which will also lead you to her Etsy shop, here </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30828317@N08/"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/30828317@N08/</span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">. </span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 332px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426021416078202162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTAwvcdVfgjrv5ZQT-gUost_zkJRA5fA1VSeVqr7KlfTN4NoTN3tKHdONIN-IK1WV06s04AULspSLD05fhQc7CkdrhTn0CoZYWP2_jiW2dHkawS3oLBmfLNRAbb56LjDuft4OusiKkFQ/s320/IMG_1897.JPG" /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Now see here, Andrea has her own collection of amazing hats. One of the ones I was fell most in love with, was this gorgeous red cloche. Check out the huge red bow that adds such charm to it! So perfect. How could you feel anything but chic in such a hat as this? See more of her wonderful hats on her flickr page, here </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/acatofimpossiblecolour/"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/acatofimpossiblecolour/</span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> .</span><br /><br /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 324px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426208096618771522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9VL-GTDR2Hdqw2QBYSMaKIXyQz09pQPa0kJjOQflr3VjKVszeTLHO3D39MfM0mXToXuHLl1ly8G-8FrICvqtG5aEVFfvIDYViUL9kX0JZgQZCjSTmlNLRA6N7FMekdioqcjo3VboLqw/s320/pic+for+katrina.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lastly I wanted to highlight my friend Steph, now it should be noted that they're just going into their summer weather this time of year, so her hat serves the purpose of keeping the sun off her face. I just love how she has paired the straw gondola style hat with that flowy white dress and superstar shades. So lovely. She has at least two or three other hats she has been wearing under the sun recently too, so I reccomend you check out her flikr page here, </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archibald-maximilion/"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://<span style="font-family:courier new;">www.flickr.com/photos/archibald-maximilion/</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> .</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">So there you have the hats that I'm lo</span><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">ving right now. I have got to find me a couple more of my own, so I can start looking as pulled together as these ladies. Hope you enjoyed and found some inspiration for yourself. Let me know what you think!</span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-35250993357905918052010-01-12T12:47:00.004-04:002010-01-12T13:06:04.542-04:00loafin' it<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I woke up today with the desire to make my own bread. There is just something special about getting up early, rolling up ones sleeves and getting to work on bread, which is sure to warm the house and offer a delicious aroma to the air. </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I've got to hand it to women who were making bread (or who still do) without bread machines or KitchenAids. We have neither of those oh so convenient tools, and thus, I did all 250 kneads by hand. Using part whole wheat flour seems to make the dough a little tougher, and therefore requires more effort. I felt I had worked up a sweat first thing in the morning. But for the sake of the end result, I loved it!</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425896540863515218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA7Y6jP0RTZfMwiDpe4KXBF1VDEzExCC1q_WHpFFTC79yF7QbQPMnrRtP5mm9Tv8of9l6riAcDr_uqdiT1cjOAJ91Cy1wq_iwWdlv3l7mZKmjBRjoCOGPTmSqy8_LZL9mpzhQkMdvG-g/s320/HPIM0666.JPG" /></span> <div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I decided to do two loaves in the french style, thicker than baguettes, but still sort of free form. I had googled bread glazes this morning, and rather than use the usual egg wash that Mum's recipe called for, I chose to use olive oil. Look at the nice golden-brown crust it offered, and the oil added a hint of mediterranean sweetness to boot. I glazed it before and after it went in the oven.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425896538384791010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtGf4ElVo7LiG21UHkiJBsUCKEU54WpXD1_nGbVxW_war4zcOPRJOokv-Fs5nJ9zSegyMgDq10JMLNjMfAkyoSiGzLmBMHQ4BYrmFxBqbT0E2EYrUiHbleKIA16kinztzG4CJ2bU-LHw/s320/HPIM0667.JPG" /></span></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Nearly as soon as it came out, Mum cut into it and we taste tested...Verdict, nothing beats homemade bread. Also, be sure to vote in the new poll and leave any comments or questions you may have! Thanks for stopping by. </span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-45361156449679529662010-01-11T10:00:00.002-04:002010-01-11T17:43:58.310-04:00some like it sweet part 2<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">After my last post of little sweet things, I realized there was some crucial cuteness I had bypassed. So I decided to do part two, and showcase those yummy little wonders. I'm not gonna lie, I have a penchant for cupcakes and cherries.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423710874736861010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDXpRz62GdZGVolDDHCyyaa7Qa-pICRgjwqQgV7gAvYbHWGuS6QQdNQIrJ8UPt5WBHWgbRuTNmQRR3f40SP9MyUHOPGJdhgccFuVrE3KHVE8No5asdhSEecPIAFWBh_JilET9NXNl1c0/s320/HPIM0586.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Here we have my recipe book. It's got plastic holders for all my recipe cards, as well as long pages for longer recipes. Its really quite cute. It's only about a sixth of the way full, but I'm increasing my collection over time. Only the very best gets a place in here.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423710869877608930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7kw8z8GeWpUe05xiUFTwXVTazc2FE4Yo-VyYQk9OcTHmJhuYs4KgCs9_xaNfiavije-GxnD8GhS17pJR1zxd0Unqs8S2mbe_1k-fc_Xgkss-h0t3_nFiMQYi6e07JXybIS7yopZZ5UU/s320/HPIM0584.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Here's a sweet cherry magnet I got in my stocking this year. Now take a deep breath before you scroll down...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423710861890989314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WTdI3M2uah5V783_hrUNHCpUvXzXEKNluxdmxBZJdbzkYnTio9NYEy5hhVxsX5gn345RKv7P1T8Km5a8Q3J5-fv-k3ObRSKmnk8d6IGIIGo9hV6gkho7yBItrW8oOrVVu2WMvu89eIA/s320/HPIM0583.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">The most adorable <strong><em>*mini* </em></strong>spatulas, complete with <em><strong>cuppycakes</strong></em>!!! Winners how I love you for supplying my mother with these to put in my stocking.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423710857531788706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FbmFgUvNPTu_SIIbzuiEBMP68ZxsjC3_7RWa38X4WmQSbnT3BYkl1KEe75-fPsQslc7tFBGoHM9McOhDQPcq5f_m9uMdLF8a2T3SUKazlgjBBxxIt4t-4bUPHHLl2PfA1H58q_p7cnM/s320/HPIM0581.JPG" /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Lastly, is a project I completed last month. I can't take credit for the canvas bag, I've had it for some time, but I did design the cute cupcake that I ironed on, and then stitched into place. I love the blob of pink fabric frosting, and the heart cherry on top. Oh, as for the sprinkles...thos are sweet vintage buttons I picked up for a dime. All I have to say is...life is better with sweets. Even if you can only look at them...not eat them...</span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-50571820739495656622010-01-09T17:28:00.006-04:002010-01-09T17:39:32.208-04:00charmed thrifting<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Today Mum and I stopped into Value Village to see if we could find anything. And we did. I found some great little charms on various chains. Some were such a decent price I picked them up immediately...Others were well...outrageously priced for second hand charms but I gave in and bought them too.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I found a sweet little goldtone daisy charm, a must have for me. A cute itsty-bitsy rainbow, which I will use on some piece for my etsy shop (soon to be opening I swear, I'm in the process of organizing all the last minute details now). The one I could not pass up despite its price, a vintage telephone! Hello awesomeness, thanks for calling! And lastly were some sweet vintage bows; cause they were sweet.</span><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424855316136974962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipboIM3d1xf0U1p42Yqx2FiOJMYZXNVcmxIZ73FgkGBMgO0NdNFdW-0FPx_7TDvaY5VbiMOCmmpMUZYMIzgsqmLB0Tp4HDeK7vRaU9MPAKza84aWHtgGkZ18Um-AmZnh5iUkR1Yiaxu3I/s320/HPIM0663.JPG" /><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">So what do you think? Mega cute right? I also managed to find the perfect frame for a project I've had in mind for a while. I'll post that one later, when I show you what its b<span style="font-family:courier new;">eing upcycled into. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Thanks for visiting my humble little blog. I've recently photographed & created a new header, what do you think? Also, be sure to check out the latest poll and place your vote! Thanks so much. xx</span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-70990273465008328222010-01-05T19:18:00.011-04:002010-01-06T12:43:17.510-04:00couture photography<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">So my good friend who just recently celebrated her birthday (27 gf, whooo!) told me she was dabbling in photography, and wanted to pursue it more seriously. She sent me the link to a collection of work she had done, and I was so amazed!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2KVpFHJvD_Nmn7yMiMcp_bgUqcymUz-3Hd3u3Hv6Bj-6Pg-WW8XIKRclgXazXCCyo8zsRqjpui_MeDQ95_bZYj4oeASUsc8tEBllMat1dxd3r2npnj77XCD3EprJqSFN14TSd-ow0Eg/s1600-h/kayla1.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423399456393561778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2KVpFHJvD_Nmn7yMiMcp_bgUqcymUz-3Hd3u3Hv6Bj-6Pg-WW8XIKRclgXazXCCyo8zsRqjpui_MeDQ95_bZYj4oeASUsc8tEBllMat1dxd3r2npnj77XCD3EprJqSFN14TSd-ow0Eg/s320/kayla1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />I am so proud of her for going after this dream. I just had to showcase a few of my favourite photos here. The one above is my absolute favourite. Amsterdam....Look at all those cool bikes!</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e6vGec5hdEq5UBfkLhN-Rp6QG0EA9WnP3Lpzs8Kuyn7TLUis8m1UFnMeY585m9vZniz6hrnUWK4_BhuhVxOIPDLY35wDkGWrFIyoxNvTD__qTiqZw4YnQc5lB5EnZ90wCts9Gapd30Y/s1600-h/kayla2.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423399455140272850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e6vGec5hdEq5UBfkLhN-Rp6QG0EA9WnP3Lpzs8Kuyn7TLUis8m1UFnMeY585m9vZniz6hrnUWK4_BhuhVxOIPDLY35wDkGWrFIyoxNvTD__qTiqZw4YnQc5lB5EnZ90wCts9Gapd30Y/s320/kayla2.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />This gorgeous ceiling shot is somewhere in Dubai.</span></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJQzCJW6VsTy_vuxAFw0BdnZwV9gK-apXx6yYsI_1-bPEucG3B8M63fuFbDN7f6oMCa9y44d0E64XWGeAO6invp98i6KVNRtwL_r8mwV1vBDzq05NcnWIp07R5Zl71GaR1gMwgO89MHU/s1600-h/kayla4.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423399449222476498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJQzCJW6VsTy_vuxAFw0BdnZwV9gK-apXx6yYsI_1-bPEucG3B8M63fuFbDN7f6oMCa9y44d0E64XWGeAO6invp98i6KVNRtwL_r8mwV1vBDzq05NcnWIp07R5Zl71GaR1gMwgO89MHU/s320/kayla4.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />And these last two, are pictures she snapped during the big opening celebration of the Burj in Dubai. Its the tallest skyscraper in the world now!<br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJf7gJSIXTb2qrBeA78h53ezG71MOvyxtf4r4qXrf_RmxCW3fZkQ4NwWQKvTNBQodlUMAapqHkgtn9E0tOXcDqYTWHe4rhndo8iqsajQKZ2_x8W-Csyf77fKViRXkoEZg5GsoW8eqs_us/s1600-h/kayla5.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423399444534236258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJf7gJSIXTb2qrBeA78h53ezG71MOvyxtf4r4qXrf_RmxCW3fZkQ4NwWQKvTNBQodlUMAapqHkgtn9E0tOXcDqYTWHe4rhndo8iqsajQKZ2_x8W-Csyf77fKViRXkoEZg5GsoW8eqs_us/s320/kayla5.jpg" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Kayla, your work is amazing and you know I totally love you. (and miss you for being half way across the world from me). Consider this a belated birthday gift. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">You can find her site here, </span><a href="http://klaaspice.tumblr.com/page/1"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">http://klaaspice.tumblr.com/page/1</span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> to see more gorgeous pics she has taken. As she goes after her dream, I am going to continue posting my favourite shots here, so stay tuned!</span></div></div></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-61715353882342294162010-01-02T08:00:00.004-04:002010-01-02T08:48:56.656-04:00birthday card<span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It's the birthday of one of my best friends soon. I decided to get her a gas gift card, something useful for any driver. My Mum pitched in also, because my friend looks after our cat when we go to my sister's place (she's cared for Fiona two long weekends in December). </span><br /></span><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 187px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421184814543106914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovWNEAe3BemyMkUFq7hqhigl6o2dgkpf_dowX2cLn5EmrY7k1dVcMw35CgtXuQ2dwtX0uUALuA-wNP2zHPOpVkqPufoiGbT3B9nlmm0ldsFiY6q1uzggMrXm6k5MKUqlIfqMm6ovKwtM/s320/HPIM0558.JPG" /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I used some of my fun stamps. I wanted it to have a sweet, yet edgy appeal.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421184808107269058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sbGW0MMho5qcgYD30rodVyGLbrOVbw3qBENeq4TPm6cntcU2bn8pJwgPjITjuhOBmKyp7OY6kVhWhogDOoxTCl4jNXs7PrMa1zM7FNVC8vkeLkxUpwv-JSYsmEkqSKVukWtEaMXy1U4/s320/HPIM0559.JPG" /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Instead of a standard card, I decided on a trifold style. Yay...more stamps and punches!</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421184802796735138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kDxsW84tbhnCJ-snCYnLi80V1EMP92P7XcOBs9HbBJw3KxRo6jblYLe_WnbqfaQxZfA26y6i44tMDMhTkjFVbN8yUwjJOesCfCu02aS6WmQ51chEcB1pbybsuGj_-LPCeUD9hFPxdDI/s320/HPIM0560.JPG" /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">And the middle section. More cute stamps and a little red pocket to slide the gift card into.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421184796972986034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0ZNKgIrE1CNiGKOT6jbWVHTnhjh67a9av9cNo_cAWYSZLa7rgmKmSU-k_X8ze3FQ42D4dhwd1mkfnTub1B3DDaM1QXSdtHBLnaXzgkyvQ89vuMSs8c5u20jGG-o8BBamalqu0a8Twt8/s320/HPIM0561.JPG" /></span></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">And on the back, there is my logo, for my soon to open Etsy shop. daisy.k.creations. Yay!</span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-74860333256972877342009-12-31T05:00:00.000-04:002009-12-31T09:25:43.304-04:00homemade crackers...<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">...and not the edible kind. I mean the fun, break-open-with-a-pop ones!!! Mum and I found this awesome kit at Superstore at the beginning of December, and its a make your own crackers kit. We were so excited about this. It provides you with the essentials, 6 pretty rolls, ribbons to tie the ends, paper crowns, little fun facts, and gems and stuff to decorate your crackers. All we needed now, were little prizes fit for each individual. The hunt was on and we were two very happy hunters. Now I am pretty darn sure my family are not yet aware of my blog, so it should be safe to share what we put into them.</span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420751239051915330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54YHjOJ0HjVtVj1IMAgL7L_R5KtcfZvTN2SJLnPffvKu2yTlik_QvWWUvJh7kla8rvx-BzYqyY0mmN9x13ypiX19mvE0DjBSW9QzmpUxP24w_f8j3K-ZfBTJ5kfwgDW_gFZtWWyf_6ec/s320/HPIM0537.JPG" /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Luckily the pack provided crackers & accessories for six, and that's exactly how many of us there would be. I picked out the yummy kinder chocolates, I just love those little treats. Mum chose Hershey caramel kisses and divvied them up for each person. Then we picked cute little scrapbooking punches for the girls and I, and gel pens too. A yummy fig melting candle for my sister, a pretty stamp and pen for my Mum, and my genius idea for my brother-in-law was all the Canadian Tire Money my Mum had been saving. Everyone's gifts were around 1.50, except for his which amounted to 8.75!! </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420751233628905426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2BEdcNrvHf2Y7xD8R6yCVAjvWPp_mfkaaoScYK7Rkc1V7y-3DyPgYGHAcmD64XznHCemoBLX8hMjqE5I3zQ03b9-pPcSR8glTsvM9ynXk8WUotIju3iTzZq5EZqLxszfCglvd6HP1Sw/s320/HPIM0538.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Here you can see Mum rolling up my brother-in-law's cracker, the wad of C.T. cash rolled around his chocolate! Yum.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420751229368200610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-iknrftYeL746oCLWDstlSnEWArgQ4j50GyCCOStMDtyrRg_qCosF5OyTQMtHV-Os8UEWwMC5IqKS3J-dwXEw2B8Wj12xY51d_rjjw50rdhNuAtghBlaV_C5a_7dTvn3DUFDtJcb-Mw/s320/HPIM0540.JPG" /><br />And the box of finished products!! Gorgeous silver and gold personalized crackers. We initialed each so we knew which cracker corresponded to each person. Hopefully these will be a big, fun surprise for the rest of the family on New Year's Eve!</span><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Now I have a genius friend, who did one better than me. Not only could she fill her crackers with personal candies and gifts, she actually was so crafty as to construct her own crackers!! She found the sticks, the lovely things that make the <em>pop</em>, at Michael's. It was a huge package for about 2 dollars. She then collected up her empty toilet paper tubes. Using pretty wrapping paper, she wrapped each roll, tied one end with ribbon, filled it, inserted the popping stick, and tied off the other end. Genius no?!? I wish I had a picture to share with you, but I will definitely be doing it that way next year. What are your traditions for New Years Eve?!</span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-8732704384744559942009-12-30T09:18:00.001-04:002009-12-30T09:37:00.494-04:00some like it...sweet.<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Forget hot, I'm all about the sweetness. Apparently my Mum is onto that, as I found my stocking stuffed with the most delectable little gifts. I simply had to share them with you. I promise they'll satisfy your sweet tooth without a hint of pain.</span><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421019001816251746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUFWoSI8XM87g78-mFMunCO6HlI8jBPekWRM4kIC103AR_AcCKD3rKWQ6iW7GlCfwpfMag8Q5DZrMjt-h4fb1BCWSL7HzB0fUuSDari4ah8ddA_mxIVXEsUC2ijzqfpXbLMTwrn-Y-So/s320/HPIM0552.JPG" /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I do love me some cupcakes. But a suncatcher? Yes please! Mum picked these make-your-own kits up at Michael's for me. I got to bake them in the oven and everything.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421018999063395538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnxfQZX5rdVmQAM9NezI9Z_iGCFMFs1OkgX76zw40y2bgbLu1dcUOVZik0Rq7ZzzOYyjKhcd3OZxRBVitUg6RRG3RHt1G_XlgrTX_92cd4EjBRPwJxcus4r8Z0MRgOYEnL2255fOd81Y/s320/HPIM0551.JPG" /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">She got me cute cherries too, because these little red wonders have vintage appeal.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421018993565319602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbylg9zceiAlSzGlFZUC4CU5BKpQ-PLr0TeX7mjwCJWg42ZT2zzjSRoW3_THBQmfFqikkTir2Mq0Cbqy_qrK-p3oF3ous4nhvi_aprHTiObbYm1oUidUdLK81Gw0uzKackTClm4axWxQ/s320/HPIM0556.JPG" /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">And two cute cuppycake journals? How sweet are those? Again, she picked these up at Michael's in the 1.50 bin.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421018989517993522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi617iYKt_YO52Y190TF9MjoWEGKK_nJj4AoEWp_fGCtEwbh_sNcoYZQkRtXne_enCHq6dcy-ZttGzLebtVqbIkb2P4Dy9ZEZ3LUlOBfF03CVdnol_QJMU4OutykaJmtMsOEKoPxH-Rh2o/s320/HPIM0555.JPG" /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Piece de resistance... A wee little lollipop lipbalm! It smells like yummy peppermint. That's it for sweet things in my stocking, but I've one more thing I'd like to share. A few years ago, maybe six or seven, one of my best friends got me this ornament for Christmas. It was instantly my favourite...</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421018979802593874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MuxMnqHbi8LJ7GO7V6ouHTAxSFzdir8XKi6hHlAFSs78C1-s_43I_chs7Oo2YydF8gIs1jawhRngB4QWHtGkLDM_XWnUDsrBnqTOBXpTuYnaK6kgHHdHrrlMET1gOF7lh0-2UUky4ps/s320/HPIM0557.JPG" /></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Can you guess why? I'm a sucker for sweets, 'nuff said.</span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-61850084262642268882009-12-29T11:54:00.000-04:002009-12-29T16:41:34.266-04:00winter wonderland<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">We woke up to a wonderful surprise this morning; overnight it had snowed and was still snowing! It was the perfect light fluffy snow, which made shovelling a heck of a lot easier than usual. And after the hard work was done, Daisy and I had a little photoshoot. Enjoy the cuteness in her denim jacket!<br /></span><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 310px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420690524345166242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aeqrRQoCP3fIZYE52ldK-CPwX4KIUHcwPNxDr2FzIX_Bc0396SOXVmWdm374RImxw7WpZYtJR-hj6bMPmVpN3HM1NDG7-o-yxrZydptZvn4aiSqbrQ-Q9wahGrqIS1GJOENutPCgRvE/s320/HPIM0531.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /></span><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">It was hard to keep her attention long enough to snap a shot, she couldn't resist munching on the freshly fallen snow.</span></div></div></div><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420690518436605426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z4fE-3ywtB9_2FbMjswPqtJnHx103iAVuS54hrD2ZfIMy3wBeJyKHdJdFJHSHGR0_mhbdTamyZ40_W8V8ICszGtyAHNhab0fa49XRErEStnMrWQd-bn5eXaWC6gMDoT2gTNJqMm-SgM/s320/HPIM0536.JPG" /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Close up of the cuteness! I love the snowglobe effect of being outside <em>while </em>it's snowing. There were lots of flakes caught on our lashes to be sure. And yes...the jacket is fleece lined. Only the best for my girl.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420690510042216306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp1ZwfoKSUveUAAVY3gdUrc_rpVVwfqXRU-3az-wUZ6o_oWj2vTX6j7K5Dxw6ds2ku4jhJenyV_lxxgU7e26a95nDRDD2jZ8Iq3MOYKjdP2_Rj7h_75BOQS-Qg-eGFlCgTjvi61SVNhY/s320/HPIM0535.JPG" /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I saved my favourite one for last, she looks so picturesque here. This pic is now my desktop background. I hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse of cuteness as much as I have. I can not wait to scrapbook these into her album, and yes I am <em>that</em> crazy.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Daisy and I also want to give a shout out to our pals on the other side of the world. My friend Steph from flickr, has just added to her puppy brood. Her pup Archie now has a chug (chihuahua pug mix) sister named Gracie Scarlett!! </span></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-82064856622044397412009-12-28T19:32:00.000-04:002009-12-28T19:43:33.072-04:00new toy<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Now I am not much of a gamer, never had much of a skill for it. As a kid I'd sit beside my brother while he played games on our original nintendo, and I'd offer my opinion when needed. As I got older, my best friend and I spent hours upon hours gaming, she played and I consulted her. Her fingers had dexterity, and my job was to figure out all the puzzles and make sense of the games. I haven't played much of anything in the past few years, just a little Star Wars Pod racing on the 64, and Zelda sometimes too. </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">But for Christmas this year, my sister surprised me with something just for me. A Nintendo DS lite. I'd tinkered with my nieces' ds games over the summer, and so my sister got me my very own. She got me this pretty red one. How lucky am I?</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx40NWdoYgkX11vOGVe3KfOY1WGd1COYFSeb5NuOi1l3I1ZXG3xq_mL-6fjMlezW6qVWch0GhBNLJBF-1dKtjQd3YyYuw_dMDSGPgGfSAeV__4GTrugdH024ELR4F9xAJgD2yXmL776iI/s1600-h/ds.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420434597355614690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx40NWdoYgkX11vOGVe3KfOY1WGd1COYFSeb5NuOi1l3I1ZXG3xq_mL-6fjMlezW6qVWch0GhBNLJBF-1dKtjQd3YyYuw_dMDSGPgGfSAeV__4GTrugdH024ELR4F9xAJgD2yXmL776iI/s320/ds.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> And as little actual time as I should be spending on this thing, I've managed to find the time to play Big Brain Academy, which she got for me. It makes me feel more grown up and responsible playing games that challenge the mind and help keep my brain exercised.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZfsrSTRU2QZzkz6UdDCTHwMA5_UIu6Ah1fx0N6JDUgprKX4IKZRUXfj6nQmiZH823zyn-DJ06zyxmPnYiyGwzANVgZG1eNy1j9P35BSGHDcBlCPUSvbUmoxI5oWVgwIDIWqk4wg7Bk0/s1600-h/ds1.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420434593589594322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZfsrSTRU2QZzkz6UdDCTHwMA5_UIu6Ah1fx0N6JDUgprKX4IKZRUXfj6nQmiZH823zyn-DJ06zyxmPnYiyGwzANVgZG1eNy1j9P35BSGHDcBlCPUSvbUmoxI5oWVgwIDIWqk4wg7Bk0/s320/ds1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />She also bought me USA today Puzzle Craze...which is actually pretty dang hard for me. So today, with one of my giftcards, I went and bought Crosswords...A game for DS I really enjoy playing. So addictive...<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89LwPUfZPNQmil4gAlU9YfASN12U1Q8Noqkm2erZjX8XgQgq006rLQTVX6aCF07QPTUGWZ2vqM_X3IeAoBIroGSsnui6pWdWLT3mD3fFhFkIO28vFDqVTkMG3rFp69tIcIE55-ofxOKA/s1600-h/ds2.jpg"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420434589467601586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89LwPUfZPNQmil4gAlU9YfASN12U1Q8Noqkm2erZjX8XgQgq006rLQTVX6aCF07QPTUGWZ2vqM_X3IeAoBIroGSsnui6pWdWLT3mD3fFhFkIO28vFDqVTkMG3rFp69tIcIE55-ofxOKA/s320/ds2.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br />So I'll be keeping busy, and probably expanding my collection of educational games whenever I've got the extra money kicking around...Which won't be often. Thank goodness I've got a lot of work to do in Big Brain Academy to get gold medals in each category. Happy Gaming everyone!!<br /></span><br /><div></div></div></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-80097057886936829532009-12-27T21:36:00.000-04:002009-12-28T07:20:46.805-04:00holiday joy<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">There is so much going on that its been hard to post things when I wanted to. But here is a quick update of some of the things that are new. My family and I had a wonderful Christmas, and I hope that you did too. There was so much good food, quality veg' time all cozied up on the couch together, and happy smiles as we opened gifts. Because my budget was so tight this year, I went with one small purchsed gift, and then their other gifts were handmade by me with much thought put into each thing. Everyone seemed more happy with their handmade gifts so I feel it was a success. And it only went to solidy my belief that it is not the price, but the thought behind the gift.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize-UgbinC1QHqiM1fV3WsotT4RqpyxYa26z4fO-HRVwVzYrzcJ4KRpFxrmqt8e7ZfhEgWmhq7WvTdbwucSvJf1Wum7KlEgBNICEbmfvsoJcgv_NA1SBsPDj2eFYzZ677hCaVzqzvJVxU/s1600-h/HPIM0528.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420095894078713122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize-UgbinC1QHqiM1fV3WsotT4RqpyxYa26z4fO-HRVwVzYrzcJ4KRpFxrmqt8e7ZfhEgWmhq7WvTdbwucSvJf1Wum7KlEgBNICEbmfvsoJcgv_NA1SBsPDj2eFYzZ677hCaVzqzvJVxU/s320/HPIM0528.JPG" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Here are some pretty cards I made. I'm entering these in the Paper Crafts December Gallery Challenge. </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDh532kXtwo7_uCnhwAQ7bwnmIj2Ui3QOWe8P8dGSFcMiWlLDxZho5y6V7pqtb4La_BlR7Hp75vnajA9yFB9kfa_IdNzVRxL33jIiOnz83S6ercjgD2vRfrdd7OmTIleEZ-IDLmt1ys0/s1600-h/HPIM0470.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420095884238037106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDh532kXtwo7_uCnhwAQ7bwnmIj2Ui3QOWe8P8dGSFcMiWlLDxZho5y6V7pqtb4La_BlR7Hp75vnajA9yFB9kfa_IdNzVRxL33jIiOnz83S6ercjgD2vRfrdd7OmTIleEZ-IDLmt1ys0/s320/HPIM0470.JPG" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Daisy wants to wish you all the very best this season, as she fills in as one of Santa's reindeer!</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yoUZua_2OvnonIZyiD4BDo5gKC6A3-ycij3LEiC67oPoFTW6yx19lXKP7hgqc6VwU75dePmtfyKFmsO-u4WCiJ0akKJN9T0lwTHXUFrbaOa8fLVHMKm6_jdd_M1SzrSNW3ufeRvXMBk/s1600-h/HPIM0463.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420095876626536194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yoUZua_2OvnonIZyiD4BDo5gKC6A3-ycij3LEiC67oPoFTW6yx19lXKP7hgqc6VwU75dePmtfyKFmsO-u4WCiJ0akKJN9T0lwTHXUFrbaOa8fLVHMKm6_jdd_M1SzrSNW3ufeRvXMBk/s320/HPIM0463.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"> And here is what I wore to the Christmas Party I hosted on Wednesday. After all that baking and prep, I managed to have a wonderful time and indulge my friends. The little black dress is thrifted, one of my wonderful finds at a Value Village half price day, lucky me!! </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Thank you for taking the time to visit my little corner of the web, and reading my blog. I wish you all the very best.</span><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-9126351777142428402009-12-23T07:46:00.000-04:002009-12-23T14:40:32.502-04:00tis the season...<div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">To make cookies!</span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418502634617021650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj389AG-l2nXO6UIPDDcMjZ-aYiN9SePGyXa3FaF-KmKYZk6IJhlRzmnA1MJ9yA5j__B5sznn72QHnxd2eAHMtUGRoU60H2lzbMeGCZce3Ao6j3PbmF12je8KdHzZswMxRmPgJm8BFnZts/s320/HPIM0461.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">I have been baking up a storm since Monday in preparation for the open house Christmas party I am hosting tonight. I always go over the top when hosting parties, because I just love playing hostess. Apparently this time I've gone so over the top I broke the bank, and by broke the bank I mean, I'm broke and thus, am considering finding a job.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">But those matters are not to be thought about until the new year. My mind is still in cookie mode. I did not want to do anything too fancy and meticulous, but I did want some cookies with taste & visual appeal to my guests. So I whipped up a few batches of my Mint Brownie Bites, Classic Sugar Cookies, and Gingerbread Men. And yes, they're all wee.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">The mint brownie bites are compliments of Good Housekeeping, and the recipe can be found here, <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/mint-brownie-bites-recipe">http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/mint-brownie-bites-recipe</a>. Warning, highly delicious little morsels. I made them for the cookie exchange and they were a smash hit. I got a lot of feedback the next Sunday, or moms telling me how their children begged for more.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">I also bought some pretzel batons, and dipped them in chocolate and then decorated them with sprinkles for another tasty party treat. But I had by mistake, melted too much chocolate for the amount of pretzels...what was I to do? Why dip the cookies, of course! And, because I simply could not resist, I made mini vanilla cupcakes. Don't they look so yummy with their frosting and sprinkles?!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418501674773624274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBB1pk2BhbREhmNAf8E-Dt6J1rGLahyJ84iQ1fsFMFcYjkLU5Xywvsf-jZtATGN8UuznKbel_TWHLkIzRsM54VtT_GqZM79nwxS74JyOIRcThLc0nD7iYppwmGjdqC_6K_35KmPTmj6o/s320/HPIM0457.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">Here's my perfect cupcake. I ate this one ahead of time, because I couldn't resist its cuteness.</span></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418500397545216018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRTWo8_es3e3K9r4BcQRuwrC-SVa3XkbbpjDinc8NeAR7dxhsMUqSYG7PnAdlxAr2d9-g82c8r_uBh1pRX3aFxVlpW8d4fv1Z2-RPuEX1EjPOCt5jzK4FdtcwZCket9Lij7ZVVGbQAtU/s320/HPIM0458.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">And amongst all of this wonderful baking for my party, I took time to make a batch of peanut butter doggie treats, for Daisy, but also for the dogs of my friends & clients. They're cute wee gingerbread men, a festive treat for any pooch. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418499624355112386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi3_NZbstK7_5MeTbPoVJDvQb2bcfSl6tYqQ2Yl1eVxbK4pkvNqvmMwscITj4Oq8xDduasIr2wQmg9JclDYbZdxmIhhuKYBJyCLYVMrl5ZLX2_pbtp503rDiPPOo54nozx509ECRYhAc/s320/HPIM0451.JPG" /> <div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418498826673654146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0Lxyo5XQSE5s9i63Kw_orL47GyoPA-Cpa8ZNNOTCkQ1becAhUpSBCbLUX-rkhlpNTotWEr3-u4iCoKIx1flcHVlkcfD8x_UMJcAO99R-05yjhuIEuuNffXaLZJjyr_hchX40buiQTSA/s320/HPIM0455.JPG" /></span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Look at how 'wee the baby gingerbread cutter is? Perfect size for doggie treats. And don't worry, the peanut butter treats will not be mixed up with the real gingerbread men. What holiday baking have You been up to? Let me know with a comment, I promise to read them all.</span></div></div></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848889764742772734.post-59041984275731567182009-12-20T21:30:00.000-04:002009-12-20T21:40:31.721-04:00magic dress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_qJb9yvg2twSVa-zlKX0h8NhHeFktwVYafOyaoKIWMUicFGCrsZ8Lo2m1Z4BkbPokbakTZpiUhvOhTCzENVsVH_rLE6VjUf8gOXBy2tdfWXnuqv03BnGUnjXzwWiKtR-1ch9Lz-0o5s/s1600-h/HPIM0446.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 174px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417496142906835538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_qJb9yvg2twSVa-zlKX0h8NhHeFktwVYafOyaoKIWMUicFGCrsZ8Lo2m1Z4BkbPokbakTZpiUhvOhTCzENVsVH_rLE6VjUf8gOXBy2tdfWXnuqv03BnGUnjXzwWiKtR-1ch9Lz-0o5s/s320/HPIM0446.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">Do you have a dress, a pair of shoes, a hat or whatever, that just feels magical? You put it on and feel like nothing can go wrong, that you look perfect every time you wear it? That's what this dress does for me. It comes out of the closet only once a year, usually at Christmas parties. But I had the desire to wear it to church today, for our special Christmas program.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">I love this dress. I inherited it from a woman who had been one of my mother's elderly clients. This dress is vintage, circa 1950. The ornate beadwork on the front and back are positively amazing to behold. The craftsmanship and quality of the dress are beautiful, and when I wear it I feel just so darn good!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">It used to be an ankle length cocktail gown, but Mum altered and hemmed it to be knee length for me instead. It was the only modernization I could do, the rest of the dress is perfection on its own and simply not to be tampered with. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;">So what about you? Do you have something that feels special every time you wear it?</span> </div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04544928157555121852noreply@blogger.com0