I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone already!!! ALOT of hours of wrapping and only minutes of ripping and tearing.....it was worth it!! We were truly spoiled this year..so many wonderful gifts from our families, and many useful things that I am so thankful for. I think our girlie was totally happy with all of her gifts...she's such an appreciative, un-selfish girl..the BEST really!!
Our day was pretty long and involved alot of driving...it can be tiresome, but I'm always happy to see everyone and spread some holiday cheer. We've decided (and informed everyone) that next year we will NOT be leaving our home but staying in and enjoying our lil' fam...our beautiful decor and an awesome dinner..everyone is invited of course, so it will be a fantatsic celebration!! It's definetly our turn to enjoy our beautiful home and all the hard work that we put into it, and we would love nothing better then to share it with our loved ones.
I never really ask for anything for Christmas (o.k....I have an obsession with a certain type of candle...but everyone knows that already, so no need to ask what to get me!!)..but my in-laws wanted to get me something that I REALLY wanted...and there was kinda one thing that had been on my mind for awhile...a video camera!! My Nikon was just-not-cutting-it when filming K's piano recitals, soccer, etc........I needed something better! I want to capture these moments now while she's still young so that we can sit back years down the road and look at just how awesome she was and has become!! Needless to say, I was THRILLED when it was one of the first gifts that I opened at their house Christmas Day!!! I haven't quite mastered it yet, not that it's rocket science or anything), but I'm going to sit down soon and read the book from front to back and fugure it out!!
I hope all of you had as wonderful a Christmas as we did!! We are truly blessed, and spoiled. (with gifts and love!). Though we both come from small families we truly are showered with tons of love. I love our lil' family gatherings and it just goes to show that Good things come in small packages!! Right??? Right!!!
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Sunday, 23 December 2012
And.....we're ready!!!!
I can't believe that it is Christmas Eve Eve!!! Whaaaat???? I know...it has crept up on me...and I finally, FINALLY finished everything today...I think. My hands are raw from wrapping so many gifts (o.k...that may be a slight exageration...but they ARE dry and cracked..), but they are done and all placed under our fantabulous Christmas tree!!! One less thing on my To-Do Before Christmas list!!
I decided that this Christmas I was going to make a couple of gifts...who doesn't love a nice homemade gift that comes from the heart?!?! I decided to make each of our family members a monogram mat for their homes. It's so simple, yet looks so fantastic!!!! I also made some for the ladies at work and they were a hit!!! Gift-making success???, I think so!!
I also wanted to make something for the Hubster, K and I, but it had to be something useful!! I decided on making tumbler cups for us (see previous post on Mr. D's gift!!). We bought K a really cool popcorn machine for Christmas (and some extra kernels and flavouring to put on it) so I thought that it would be awesome if we each had our own cup with a sleeve to go on it to match our personalities. I then filled them with candy, and Voila!!!..we have cool cups to go along with popcorn/movie night!
I'm excited this year...I think everyone will be thrilled with their gifts..bought and homemade!!! Does anyone else out there make some of their gifts??? I would love to hear your ideas...there's nothing quite like the feeling of giving, especially when it comes from the heart!
I decided that this Christmas I was going to make a couple of gifts...who doesn't love a nice homemade gift that comes from the heart?!?! I decided to make each of our family members a monogram mat for their homes. It's so simple, yet looks so fantastic!!!! I also made some for the ladies at work and they were a hit!!! Gift-making success???, I think so!!
I also wanted to make something for the Hubster, K and I, but it had to be something useful!! I decided on making tumbler cups for us (see previous post on Mr. D's gift!!). We bought K a really cool popcorn machine for Christmas (and some extra kernels and flavouring to put on it) so I thought that it would be awesome if we each had our own cup with a sleeve to go on it to match our personalities. I then filled them with candy, and Voila!!!..we have cool cups to go along with popcorn/movie night!
I'm excited this year...I think everyone will be thrilled with their gifts..bought and homemade!!! Does anyone else out there make some of their gifts??? I would love to hear your ideas...there's nothing quite like the feeling of giving, especially when it comes from the heart!
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
A gift for Mr D!!
Since the season of giving is upon us, I was trying to think of a gift that was fun, creative and of course, useful that our girlie could give to her teacher at school. I had seen a few different ideas on Pinterest, but I really wanted to be creative on my own, to add that little flare of Christmas to the gift. I finally made a decision on what I was going to make, consulted with K's mom to make sure that they didn't already have something in mind and got crafting!!
I was going to need a tumbler glass...you know, the ones that have the lids with the straws?!?!? They are so great for at home, at work and even in the car!!! I headed to the dollar store to take a look and low and behold they had EXACTLY what I was looking for!! I just wanted a clear one as I was going to be making a sleeve for it, so it didn't need to be fancy to begin with. I actually ended up grabbing a few tumblers because I'm going to make one for the Hubster, K and myself for Christmas (ya know....to use on our movie nights!!!) I was getting excited to get home and get started...(I still had one more stop before I could get there.. GRRRR!!)
I used my Silhouette machine to cut out the sleeve itself ( I had previously bought the cutout from my subscription..so that made it even easier!), then decided on a fun Christmas paper as the accent in the middle. Origionally I was going to just put "Mr. D" in the middle on the front, but I thought that that was kinda boring looking, so I opted for a cute reindeer and made a nice tag to put his name on and tie to the straw on top of the cup. Now...you can't just give someone an empty cup...that wouldn't be nice, so I filled the inside of the the cup with red and white peppermint candies..(who doesn't like those???)..it gives it a more festive look and Mr. D will have something to munch on while he's wrangling his Gr. 6 students...(not K though!! hehe!!). I think this project turned out great! It was so easy to make, very inexpensive and Mr. D will be able to reuse this gift over and over.....there's nothing better than a gift that keeps on giving, and I think I've found the perfect one!!
( top view with the tag..)
I was going to need a tumbler glass...you know, the ones that have the lids with the straws?!?!? They are so great for at home, at work and even in the car!!! I headed to the dollar store to take a look and low and behold they had EXACTLY what I was looking for!! I just wanted a clear one as I was going to be making a sleeve for it, so it didn't need to be fancy to begin with. I actually ended up grabbing a few tumblers because I'm going to make one for the Hubster, K and myself for Christmas (ya know....to use on our movie nights!!!) I was getting excited to get home and get started...(I still had one more stop before I could get there.. GRRRR!!)
I used my Silhouette machine to cut out the sleeve itself ( I had previously bought the cutout from my subscription..so that made it even easier!), then decided on a fun Christmas paper as the accent in the middle. Origionally I was going to just put "Mr. D" in the middle on the front, but I thought that that was kinda boring looking, so I opted for a cute reindeer and made a nice tag to put his name on and tie to the straw on top of the cup. Now...you can't just give someone an empty cup...that wouldn't be nice, so I filled the inside of the the cup with red and white peppermint candies..(who doesn't like those???)..it gives it a more festive look and Mr. D will have something to munch on while he's wrangling his Gr. 6 students...(not K though!! hehe!!). I think this project turned out great! It was so easy to make, very inexpensive and Mr. D will be able to reuse this gift over and over.....there's nothing better than a gift that keeps on giving, and I think I've found the perfect one!!
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Monogram Doormat
I have to admit that I get a little giddy over monogram crafts...like really, how many things can you have that have your monogram on it?? Is there a limit?? Whatevsss...I love it regardless and will probably keep on making things till I run outta room in our home.
We have quite a few doors in our home...oustside doors! We have a sunroom on the back of our house that has 2 doors..one that connects the sunroom to our kitchen and big sliding doors that go to the backyard. We have a door mat at the door that goes outside but not one at the door that connects to the kitchen...we really needed one. And hence....onto Pinterst I went!!
After looking for a bit, I came across one that looked pretty simple to make, and of course, I knew that I would do my own version with a Font that I loved!! All I needed was a plain mat...off to the Dollar store!! I found my mat (which cost $2.00 BTW), came back home a got straight to work!
I wanted something a little fancy but not over the top so I went on my Silhouette program and cruised through the fonts. After a few trial ones I found the one that I thought would be perfect and I even added a design underneath for a little flair. I cut it it on my Silhouette machine and decided where I was going to place it on the mat. I've seen some different variations, but decided upon putting ours in the bottom left hand corner. I figured this way there would be a little less traffic going across the actual monogram so maybe it would last just a bit longer.
I have TONS of paint left over from when we painted rooms in our house so I decided upon the turquoise paint from K's room as I thought that it would "pop" against the dark background of the mat. I carefully taped my cutout letter and design onto the corner of the mat and started dry brushing the paint onto the stencil. I had to go over it a couple of times to make it a bit bolder which is much easier that blobbing to much paint on and making a huge mess!! I took my blowdryer to it the help speed up the drying process (yes..I am impatient and just can't WAIT to see my finished product!!!)I then carefully peeled off the stencil and voila!!!!...Here is the finished product!!!
We have quite a few doors in our home...oustside doors! We have a sunroom on the back of our house that has 2 doors..one that connects the sunroom to our kitchen and big sliding doors that go to the backyard. We have a door mat at the door that goes outside but not one at the door that connects to the kitchen...we really needed one. And hence....onto Pinterst I went!!
After looking for a bit, I came across one that looked pretty simple to make, and of course, I knew that I would do my own version with a Font that I loved!! All I needed was a plain mat...off to the Dollar store!! I found my mat (which cost $2.00 BTW), came back home a got straight to work!
I wanted something a little fancy but not over the top so I went on my Silhouette program and cruised through the fonts. After a few trial ones I found the one that I thought would be perfect and I even added a design underneath for a little flair. I cut it it on my Silhouette machine and decided where I was going to place it on the mat. I've seen some different variations, but decided upon putting ours in the bottom left hand corner. I figured this way there would be a little less traffic going across the actual monogram so maybe it would last just a bit longer.
I have TONS of paint left over from when we painted rooms in our house so I decided upon the turquoise paint from K's room as I thought that it would "pop" against the dark background of the mat. I carefully taped my cutout letter and design onto the corner of the mat and started dry brushing the paint onto the stencil. I had to go over it a couple of times to make it a bit bolder which is much easier that blobbing to much paint on and making a huge mess!! I took my blowdryer to it the help speed up the drying process (yes..I am impatient and just can't WAIT to see my finished product!!!)I then carefully peeled off the stencil and voila!!!!...Here is the finished product!!!
Friday, 7 December 2012
I Love You Because.....(Board)
A while back I had started thinking about a way that my lil' fam. could show their appreciation for each other. It's not everyday that we take the time to say to one another how thankful we are for something that they do/have done, or what we love about them. This needed to change!!! As I was cruising on Pinterest (of course), I came across a few different variations of a fabulous idea...create an "I Love You Because....." board. Why did I not think of this????
Like I said, there are a few different ways of doing this....but I decided upon using a chalkboard. I found one that I loved at a grocery store that also carries items for household decor. I knew the minute that I saw it what it be used for. I grabbed it up, rushed off to the checkout and hurried home to get my board made and hung up.
At first the Hubster thought that it would look tacky hanging up on the wall, but I assured him that it would NOT and that we WOULD use it! I was the first one to write on it!!! I wanted it to be meaningful, to come from my heart and to make the hubster smile...so I wrote, " I Love You Because...... You make me feel beautiful each and everyday!! xo." I didn't tell him that I wrote it, I just waited for him to see it. Guess what....he smiled and gave me a hug!!! It worked!! This board was going to be used each and everyday to leave lil' messages to one another, and that included K as well!! On the weekends that K was going to be with us, I would write a message on the board for her and wait to see how long it would take before she noticed it!!! I always love the look on her face when she she's what we write!! Then she started writing on the board when we weren't looking!! I anticipate the messages that she leaves...I love that girl!!!
I'm so happy that we did this. It's such a simple and easy way to show your appreciation for one another, to say something that maybe you wouldn't just say out loud!! I still haven't found the "perfect" spot for our board in the new house....we will be creating an awesome mud room soon, so I think that there just may be a special little place in there for it!!
{Bad Picture!!}
* I cut the letters out on my Silhouette machine and used twine and mini clothespins to hang them on. I also used some ribbon that I already had and attached it to the back for hanging!!
Like I said, there are a few different ways of doing this....but I decided upon using a chalkboard. I found one that I loved at a grocery store that also carries items for household decor. I knew the minute that I saw it what it be used for. I grabbed it up, rushed off to the checkout and hurried home to get my board made and hung up.
At first the Hubster thought that it would look tacky hanging up on the wall, but I assured him that it would NOT and that we WOULD use it! I was the first one to write on it!!! I wanted it to be meaningful, to come from my heart and to make the hubster smile...so I wrote, " I Love You Because...... You make me feel beautiful each and everyday!! xo." I didn't tell him that I wrote it, I just waited for him to see it. Guess what....he smiled and gave me a hug!!! It worked!! This board was going to be used each and everyday to leave lil' messages to one another, and that included K as well!! On the weekends that K was going to be with us, I would write a message on the board for her and wait to see how long it would take before she noticed it!!! I always love the look on her face when she she's what we write!! Then she started writing on the board when we weren't looking!! I anticipate the messages that she leaves...I love that girl!!!
I'm so happy that we did this. It's such a simple and easy way to show your appreciation for one another, to say something that maybe you wouldn't just say out loud!! I still haven't found the "perfect" spot for our board in the new house....we will be creating an awesome mud room soon, so I think that there just may be a special little place in there for it!!
* I cut the letters out on my Silhouette machine and used twine and mini clothespins to hang them on. I also used some ribbon that I already had and attached it to the back for hanging!!
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Paying it Forward
As mentioned in my previous post, I feel as though I should be doing a little more giving this year to those in need, and maybe just to some random people as well. So today the Hubster and I will be hitting our local coffee joint for a coffee and paying for the persons order that is behind us!! It may only be $2.00 or it may be $20.00, either way they will be getting a little treat today!!
Now I know that this isn't a HUGE deal, but we had someone do this for us last year and it felt amazing to know that there are people out there that do these random acts of kindness. It is that one little gesture that can totally make your day, that can make you believe that there is still all kinds of good out there even with all the awful things that are going on each and everyday!! Not only will this make "that" persons day, but I surely know that it's going to make ours!!
We also have a wonderful lady that works in the little shop at the gas station...she is awesome!!! Everytime I go in there to pay she is always so cheerful, always asks how you're doing and wishes you a wonderful day when you leave. I'm always happy to see her working when I go in..she makes my day!!! I'm thinking that I may just have to bring a little something to her to show her just how much her "cheeriness" brightens my day each and every time I see her!!
Today we will also be dropping off the poinsettias (I mentioned one in the previous post as well) to the 2 elderly couple the we visit often. I'm excited!!! I wait for this every year...the huge smiles, the hugs and just knowing that we made their day, or quite possibly their month or year!! This may also seem small, but it makes my heart feel HUGE and I really love that feeling..it's better than any gift I could ever receive!!
So today will be a day of giving...making a little difference in someones life, if even for just one day! I hope that you can find a little time in your day to make that difference for someone....it really is rewarding and you never know, you just may be "that" person on the receiving end of someones giving!
Now I know that this isn't a HUGE deal, but we had someone do this for us last year and it felt amazing to know that there are people out there that do these random acts of kindness. It is that one little gesture that can totally make your day, that can make you believe that there is still all kinds of good out there even with all the awful things that are going on each and everyday!! Not only will this make "that" persons day, but I surely know that it's going to make ours!!
We also have a wonderful lady that works in the little shop at the gas station...she is awesome!!! Everytime I go in there to pay she is always so cheerful, always asks how you're doing and wishes you a wonderful day when you leave. I'm always happy to see her working when I go in..she makes my day!!! I'm thinking that I may just have to bring a little something to her to show her just how much her "cheeriness" brightens my day each and every time I see her!!
Today we will also be dropping off the poinsettias (I mentioned one in the previous post as well) to the 2 elderly couple the we visit often. I'm excited!!! I wait for this every year...the huge smiles, the hugs and just knowing that we made their day, or quite possibly their month or year!! This may also seem small, but it makes my heart feel HUGE and I really love that feeling..it's better than any gift I could ever receive!!
So today will be a day of giving...making a little difference in someones life, if even for just one day! I hope that you can find a little time in your day to make that difference for someone....it really is rewarding and you never know, you just may be "that" person on the receiving end of someones giving!
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
The Gift of Giving
I would be making a liar out of myself if I said that I LOVE Christmas. I do enjoy the decorating of the tree and house, the wrapping and giving of gifts, seeing the smile on our girlies face Christmas morning and making awesome memories with my lil' family!! However, there is always this part of me that feels sad around this time of year...like I should be doing something more. All I can think about is the people with no jobs, no home, no money to get the necessities let alone Christmas gifts for their family. It makes my heart hurt...literally. It just doesn't feel right for me to be receiving these beautiful gifts (which I am so thanful for) when I know that there are others out there who will be receiving nothing, who will be thankful just to have a little bit of food in their stomach. *sigh*.
Each year I vow that I'm going to volunteer my time on Christmas Day to help serve Christmas dinner to the homeless at our local homeless shelter, and each year it never happens. Why?? Well, thruthfully, I'm finding it hard to give up seeing our girlie Christmas day...opening her gifts, getting excited, taking pictures...these moments are so precious to me (we only have K every other weekend and only for a few hours Christmas Day, so I hate to miss any time with her!!). So I tell myself that when she gets a bit older and can understand why I may not be there Christmas morning, then that will be the right time! Who knows....maybe there will come a time when she will want to come with me..she has such a huge heart that I know she would love to come and help, to give back and to know that she can make such a huge difference in someones life!!
Before we moved, we used to always walk over to friends of ours..an elderly couple.(well let me just say that they could probably out-do us any day with anything!!! They are spunky and full of Zest!!) They are so kind and caring and have been through so much heartache..I can't even imagine. You see....they had 3 boys...and now they have 1. Two of their children have passed away in very horrible circumstances and their 3rd son is not well. He is recovering from treatment for cancer. They are always helping him, always working hard to make sure he gets to appointments, he eats and that he is taken care of. I know as a "parent" that I to would do all of these things, even if it meant pure exhaustion and putting myself last...that's what parenting is all about. But you see...they N-E-V-E-R complain, not ever!! They are always happy, always welcoming you into their home. I love these people...I can only hope that I will be like them, caring, compassionate and giving. Christmas is a bit hard for them as you can imagine, so each year I make sure to buy a big, beautiful poinsettia to bring to them. To some....it's just a plant, but let me tell you, the look on her face when she opens that door and sees me standing there with that huge plant?!?!? It's priceless!!! My heart sings!!! So this year I bought one from our girlies school..not for us, but to take to them!! I am looking so forward to dropping it off (along with our family Christmas card..which they love!!). I'm sure they won't be expecting it this year since we have moved a little ways away, but little do they know....hehe!!!
I really hope to be doing more giving this year. My mom and I both pitch in $50 every Christmas and buy food, toys and beds for our local animal shelter...I never forget our furry friends...they need help to!! I buy more poinsettias from my work which helps toward the horticulture program, we donate food to the food bank and always give clothing to those in need. It may sound like alot, but really it isn't. I feel that we could be doing so-much-more. I'd love to hear some of the things that your family does to give back!! It inspires me and motivates me to do more..so feel free to fill me in, I'm always looking for more ideas!!
Each year I vow that I'm going to volunteer my time on Christmas Day to help serve Christmas dinner to the homeless at our local homeless shelter, and each year it never happens. Why?? Well, thruthfully, I'm finding it hard to give up seeing our girlie Christmas day...opening her gifts, getting excited, taking pictures...these moments are so precious to me (we only have K every other weekend and only for a few hours Christmas Day, so I hate to miss any time with her!!). So I tell myself that when she gets a bit older and can understand why I may not be there Christmas morning, then that will be the right time! Who knows....maybe there will come a time when she will want to come with me..she has such a huge heart that I know she would love to come and help, to give back and to know that she can make such a huge difference in someones life!!
Before we moved, we used to always walk over to friends of ours..an elderly couple.(well let me just say that they could probably out-do us any day with anything!!! They are spunky and full of Zest!!) They are so kind and caring and have been through so much heartache..I can't even imagine. You see....they had 3 boys...and now they have 1. Two of their children have passed away in very horrible circumstances and their 3rd son is not well. He is recovering from treatment for cancer. They are always helping him, always working hard to make sure he gets to appointments, he eats and that he is taken care of. I know as a "parent" that I to would do all of these things, even if it meant pure exhaustion and putting myself last...that's what parenting is all about. But you see...they N-E-V-E-R complain, not ever!! They are always happy, always welcoming you into their home. I love these people...I can only hope that I will be like them, caring, compassionate and giving. Christmas is a bit hard for them as you can imagine, so each year I make sure to buy a big, beautiful poinsettia to bring to them. To some....it's just a plant, but let me tell you, the look on her face when she opens that door and sees me standing there with that huge plant?!?!? It's priceless!!! My heart sings!!! So this year I bought one from our girlies school..not for us, but to take to them!! I am looking so forward to dropping it off (along with our family Christmas card..which they love!!). I'm sure they won't be expecting it this year since we have moved a little ways away, but little do they know....hehe!!!
I really hope to be doing more giving this year. My mom and I both pitch in $50 every Christmas and buy food, toys and beds for our local animal shelter...I never forget our furry friends...they need help to!! I buy more poinsettias from my work which helps toward the horticulture program, we donate food to the food bank and always give clothing to those in need. It may sound like alot, but really it isn't. I feel that we could be doing so-much-more. I'd love to hear some of the things that your family does to give back!! It inspires me and motivates me to do more..so feel free to fill me in, I'm always looking for more ideas!!
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Just a little bit about Moi!!
So....you wanna know who I am???!! Are you sure?? I'm pretty boring ya know!! Hmm...where should I start??? Well, I've been married to the hubster for 2.5 years, we were married on the beach on May 6th, 2010 in the Bahamas on a gorgeous, hot, sunny morning. We were there alone, no family...I may or may not have shed a tear...it was perfect and it was totally us!!
We have a beautful girlie (a.k.a- K)..she is actually my step-daughter but I will always think of her as my own. She is the greatest joy in my life. She is so smart, beautiful and fearless..and so many more things that I could just go on and on. I would give my life for her and I truly hope that we will always remain close, or maybe even closer as she gets older.
Children???? Umm..well, this is a post that I'm not sure I'll write about. It can get depressing to write and talk about it and it's truly something that I try not to dwell on. To make a long story short and sweet, I'm unable to have children. Did I want them??? HECK YES!!! I always wanted 3!!! Does it make my heart hurt daily that I can't have any??? OH YEAH....but I've been truly blessed having K in my life. She has lessened that heartache tenfold..she has allowed me to be a "mom" in so many ways and I'm so thankful each and everyday that I have her in my life!
Hi, my name is Kristy and I'm a craftaholic!!! I L-O-V-E to craft, sew..etc. I love creating things and using my creativity to make people happy. If I could quit my FT job and be a SAHC (stay at home crafter) I would in a heartbeat. However...the bills must be paid and food put on the table, so until I win the lottery this will only be a dream!
The future?? Well, do any of us really know that the future holds?? All I can hope for is continued happiness, to remain healthy..maybe be brave enough to open an Etsy shop and well....what else is there??? I have an awesome fam....am madly in love...and really couldn't ask for more!!
We have a beautful girlie (a.k.a- K)..she is actually my step-daughter but I will always think of her as my own. She is the greatest joy in my life. She is so smart, beautiful and fearless..and so many more things that I could just go on and on. I would give my life for her and I truly hope that we will always remain close, or maybe even closer as she gets older.
Children???? Umm..well, this is a post that I'm not sure I'll write about. It can get depressing to write and talk about it and it's truly something that I try not to dwell on. To make a long story short and sweet, I'm unable to have children. Did I want them??? HECK YES!!! I always wanted 3!!! Does it make my heart hurt daily that I can't have any??? OH YEAH....but I've been truly blessed having K in my life. She has lessened that heartache tenfold..she has allowed me to be a "mom" in so many ways and I'm so thankful each and everyday that I have her in my life!
Hi, my name is Kristy and I'm a craftaholic!!! I L-O-V-E to craft, sew..etc. I love creating things and using my creativity to make people happy. If I could quit my FT job and be a SAHC (stay at home crafter) I would in a heartbeat. However...the bills must be paid and food put on the table, so until I win the lottery this will only be a dream!
The future?? Well, do any of us really know that the future holds?? All I can hope for is continued happiness, to remain healthy..maybe be brave enough to open an Etsy shop and well....what else is there??? I have an awesome fam....am madly in love...and really couldn't ask for more!!
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