Garlic scapes and picture frames.

With my girlies in tow Saturday morning, we headed to the farmers market. It's one of our favorite things to do on a Saturday. We also like to hit a few yard sales on the way. I found some real beauties in one stop, I love it when that happens.

 3 large vintage frames, a vintage ship watercolor, and an ugly brass lamp, don't worry I have plans for it.  I paid $10 instead of the $19 asked for all of it! Most of the time, stuff at flea markets and yard sales, is marked up. They expect people to haggle. So do it! The worst that can happen, is they say no.

Farmers market bounty. Aaaahhhhh, I love summer in southern Ontario.

Top to bottom; Apricots, Niagara Peaches, Golden Plums, Garden tomatoes, Black Cherries, wild blueberries, and Garlic Scapes. Wait, garlic scapes, you ask? yes. They are fantastic. We tried them last year, and added them to soups, stir fry. But we liked them most as pesto. Oh yes. In my book pesto is practically perfect. It's license to eat, an otherwise inappropriate amount of garlic! Mmmmm, garlic. The husband may, or may not have a different opinion ;) Recipe to follow soon!

I'm back, baby!

So, it's been a while. Haha, a long while. But I'm really looking forward blogging regularly again. I think before, blogging was starting to feel more like a chore. I had made a lot of parameters for myself, and those parameters excluded a few things that I really enjoy, like food, and fitness. I'm not really sure how it will all come together, but I think I will make less rules for my self this time. I like being free to be me.

 I wanted to share a photo today of #3, my baby. He is walking now, and climbing everything! The other day he pushed this little chair to the table, climbed up, and said with a squeal,'did it!' Oh my, my. That face says it all.

I'll have some exciting features in the days and weeks to come, so check back regularly Y'all :)
 
~Katrina

These are a few of my favorite things.....

When The Baby Bites,
When The Kids Scream,
When I'm Feeling Sad,
I Simply Remember My Favorite Things,
And Then I Don't Feel So Bad!

 Ahhhh, this is so appropriate, considering the morning I've had.  I was ready to throw in the towel 20 minutes after I got out of bed. So once I dropped the girls at school, I decided that a shower, make up and a cute outfit would help me feel better. And guess what? It did.

A little eye candy doesn't hurt either, so I rounded up 'A Few Of  My Favorite Things!' I think this will become a regular thing on here. On with the goodies!

Favorite Things Friday!

   MUSIC~ Mumford & Sons. I mentioned them on my post the other day. I can not stress to you how much this band rocks! Their lyrics are intelligent, heart felt, and moving. If you haven't listened yet, make it happen today by clicking on the video below! You will not be disappointed. Promise.

The Video


So, I couldn't get the video to upload. Blogger is acting a little like my children this morning.......petulant.  A link will have to do.

  Mi CASA   ~ I am drooling over these new rugs from DwellStudio!

Pretty sure this grouping of colors/pattern/print, need to be in my life. On a daily basis. I soooo wish they made fabric.

PHOTOGRAPHY~ I just stumbled upon this blog, The Dream Walking Society, during a random google search, and I am so pleased that I did. The imagery is breathtakingly beautiful and surreal.

HOLIDAY DECOR~ Wreaths! Fat ones, skinny ones, velvet, paper, and yarn covered ones. I've never been much of a wreath person, but this year the DIY world has brought their A game and I like it!

Felt Ball Wreath

                                                             Yarn Felt Flower Wreath

Nonna Wreath

FASHION~ Old school Military Style boots. I tried these on a while back, and can not stop thinking about them.

I am certain they would go with everything I own! Or at least that's what I'm telling myself, to justify yet another boot purchase ;)    Unfortunately I can not remember the maker. Here is a similar style at Aldo.

EATS~ Italian Puff Pastry, from a really sweet friend.

That does it for my favorite things.... for now at least! Happy Friday! ~ Katrina


                                                        

My Girls Surprise Birthday Party!

Finally, I get to share these with everyone! It really was a huge success. They were elated, and so was I!

 Unfortunately these were the best shots I could find....I'm sure you can understand why they are so blurry. I also need a DSLR. Kenz was so shocked, she got all teary... sweet girl. And Coeli, was a deer in the head lights. Once she comprehended what was happening, she was stoked!

Now for all the goodies!

 I really enjoyed making all these decorations. They were mostly done in the evenings, after all the kiddos were in bed, or at school. You can find the tutorials here and here.

Then there was the cake! Seriously sooooooo good. Maybe THE most adorable cake I've seen.

Made by my talented and generous friend Jo. Thanks so much lady. I'll say it again,'YOU ROCK!"

The favors!

I had every intention of making kettle corn for them.... but in the 11 hour, I got real, and bought some white cheddar smart pop. Here is the super super easy recipe that I found.

All the effort, time, planning, and money (what little we did put into it), was all worth it just for this.....

Priceless.
Her first pair of earrings.

Thank you to all our friends and family, for helping out with food and drinks. Even though it was a very small gathering, the atmosphere was vibrant an fun. What a great day! ~Katrina

P.S. I did make Coeli her Kitty sweater stuffie! Check back in the next few days and I'll have the how-to up. I'm still recovering from the party mayhem :)

Journaling....

Ahhhh, Journaling. I love it. It's probably been a year since I've done it. Yesterday, this incredible song by Mumford and Sons was on my heart all day. I just had to get it onto paper. Something about putting "it", whatever "it" may be at the time, onto paper.....just solidifies in my heart.

If you haven't listened to Mumford and Sons yet, I highly recommend that you GET ON IT! Their lyrics are truly inspiring.

Question: What are you guys listening to? I love finding new and inspiring music, so share :)

Check back later today, I'll have the full Surprise Birthday Party Post up! ~Katrina

Birthday Party Prep Part 2 Tissue Paper Pom Poms!

I soooooo wish I were one of those people who could regularly survive on 4 -5 hours of sleep a night. But, I'm not. I need a solid 7 hours, at least. Or I am no fun to be around for a good part of the day.

In realizing this, and my current 'lame' state of health. I have to adjust my expectations. So my previous ambitious list (last post) is being shaved down to a more realistic list. It's looking something like this...

1. Paper Bunting  (Check)
2. Pinwheels  Tissue Paper pom poms (today's post (check))
3. Party favors
4. Sweater Stuffies
5. Birthday Girl Skirts  :(

So that's it. I figure if I can get those few things done, everything else is a bonus!
On with the Pom Poms! I know this isn't a new idea but, I have been wanting to make these for years! My sister recently made some for a friends baby shower. Go check out her blog, its great and she has some really awesome tutorials up. The poms are so pretty, inexpensive, and customizable. I did a little google research and came across this super easy tutorial on Little Miss Crafts. Go check it out.

This is what you'll need:

• Tissue paper in various colors. I picked mine up at the dollar store.
• scissors
• kids hair elastics
• ribbon

Start with 8 -10 pieces of tissue paper. starting at one end begin to make accordion folds, until you fold the entire sheet. Next, secure in the middle with an elastic, and attach a length of ribbon to the elastic. It should look like this....

Next, trim the ends. You can round them, or cut them into points. Like this....

Then you'll want to start separating the layers one by one. Take your time with this step, after a few layers, you'll get the hang of it.

Once they are all separated you will end up with these!

So pretty! Also, you don't have to trim the edges at all. if you don't they will look like the pink one in the bottom of the above photo. If you don't trim the edges, I'd suggest adding a few more sheets of paper for fullness.

Happy Friday, and enjoy! ~ Katrina

***Question: can y'all see my links??? they show up on my phone but not on the desktop.... just curious.***

Hey Peeps.

Sorry no Birthday party prep post tonight. I have been sick all day, and to top it off I pulled a muscle in my neck, so I am pretty much useless. Check back tomorrow for the latest tutorial. ~ Katrina