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It's been awhile since I've shared some of my favourite things with you. Why not spread the word when you've come across something great? These things are just too awesome to keep secret! Lmk if you agree ;o)
Sophie Conran Dishes -
Omigosh, it took YEARS for us to find dishes that we liked! Either the colour, shape, size or feel was never right. When we moved to NS, we left behind all our old dishes so we had no choice but to find something new ;o)
One day DH and I were in a shop in Lunenburg and shezam...there they were! Sophie Conran's designs are beautiful for everyday use and also elegant enough for that special dinner party. The lines and shapes of her pieces are fluent. The dishes are light but heavy enough not to be too delicate and easily broken.
Her collection has expanded quite a bit over the past few years. All her pieces come in the white (that's what we finally decided on) but there are some (if not all but I don't think so) that also come in a Celadon green or Forget-Me-Not blue. She's expanded into glassware now. Maybe someday we'll add some of those pieces :o)
Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha -
The minute my lips hit this warm, delicious mix, I was hooked! The funny thing is, I was introduced to it in the most unlikely of places :o) When DH and I took the Digby ferry, I was looking for a white hot chocolate to warm me up. What I didn't know was that this little cafe sold drinks by Starbucks!
The other funny thing is I had NEVER had a beverage from Starbucks, let alone stepped foot into one of their stores. I 'can' tell you that that has definitely changed now ;o) OMG! Every time I taste that sweet chocolate taste mixed with mocha, I just want MORE...and MORE...and MORE!
Lampe Berger -
If you've never seen or heard of these before, I highly recommend that you look into one. DH saw them advertised in a magazine about a year ago and luckily enough, there was a dealer in the 'little city' and we immediately purchased one :o)
The Lampe Berger (I call it my Lampe Burger) originated in Paris, France in 1898. It's an oil lamp that cleans and purifies the air. Just fried some fish and have that fishy smell throughout the house? Light your Lampe Berger and within 20 minutes, the smell is gone! Originally the oil was not meant to contain perfume but now you can get different scents. Since I'm quite sensitive to strong smells, we purchased the non-scented oil plus one called Linen. We combine the two so it's diluted. The scent doesn't stay around like those sprays that you get in the grocery store.
How does it work? Here is what they say "Thanks to a unique process, high temperature catalytic combustion, the Lampe Berger is able to destroy the molecules behind unpleasant odors, halt the proliferation of bacteria (scientifically proven effective), and pleasantly perfumes the air." You didn't think they'd reveal the true secret of how it works did you? ;o) 
I have no idea what is up with me today but it's definitely not normal! To begin with, I was up at 6:30am with DH. For those who don't know me very well, I am NOT a morning person ;o) So what's up with that? I have no idea... DH wasn't the only one to question this odd behaviour because when he was talking to his dad on the phone this morning, he was surprised at my early appearance too. LOL!
I was hardly done breakfast when I dug out my Charmed Flake by Hinzeit. I know I said I knew how I was going to finish it but that has changed ;o) After looking and measuring I realized that this piece was perfect for a cube! I'm quite thrilled with the result -
What do you think?
We had one fabric shop in town and it's closing its doors :o( I went in the other day and found the perfect backing fabric for this project -
I'm not 100% happy with my bow but I will 'let sleeping dogs lie' -
I've decided to keep this for myself but would love to make another for the Pumpkin Patch Breast Cancer Fund. The only problem is...how do I get the embellishments? They came with the pattern so does that mean I have to buy the pattern again? :o( I wonder if Hinzeit can help.
When I was finished with my cube, I had beads on my mind :o) I dug out my tote and was inspired to make a scissor fob/cell phone charm -
This WILL be a donation for the Pumpkin Patch Breast Cancer Fund! I'm not sure what scissors I will put with it but they're on my DMC ones for the picture. The fob is made with Swarovski crystal beads, sterling silver findings and ribbon charm.
The morning disappeared before I knew it. I did some more work on cataloguing my DMC threads and finally I settled myself down and took out Sabrina. She's had a lot of attention lately so expect a progress picture soon ;o)
Back in February, there was an online event called One World One Heart. If you're not familiar with it, the basic concept is that artisans from all over the world hold giveaways on their Blogs. This year there were 871 people participating! It's a great way to see new Blogs and meet other talented craftspeople :o)
Unfortunately the event happened during our last funeral so I wasn't able to visit all the Blogs that were listed. But somehow and for some reason I will never know, I stumbled across one that truly gave me the greatest gift...
Jobi is the owner of WaterColor Your World and she specializes in watercolor portraits of animals :o) When I looked at her Blog, I loved what I saw. People's pets just came alive. When Jobi emailed me and told me that I was the Grand Prize winner, I just couldn't believe it!
When I emailed her pictures and told her the story of Brie, Brie gained another fan :o) I sent a handful of my favourite shots but I let Jobi surprise me as to which one she would use. Yesterday I picked up my winnings at the post office and I was just blown away! Here is Brie's watercolor portrait -
It's just outstanding and my eyes welled up with tears because I can remember that day at the ocean just like it was yesterday :o) She also made up some note cards with the same portrait and included them in my package.
I can't thank Jobi enough for what she gave me because it's more than just a picture and it's more than what I can put into words. I haven't checked with DH yet but I think we'll put our little girl in the television room with us so that we can see her every day.
If you have ever thought or would like to have a portrait done of your pet, I highly recommend Jobi. She's such a sweetie, with a heart of gold :o) Thank you again Jobi. You did a wonderful job of capturing our memory of Brie.
Despite feeling like crap, I managed to complete another project. Here is Charmed Flake: Survivor/Hope by Hinzeit -
I just love her, even with the pink nose ;o) LOL! She's so cute! The colours are rich and warm and the charms just add a touch of sparkle -
The only thing I worry about is that the word 'Hope' doesn't show up that well. Maybe it's not supposed to?
I do have one idea on how I'm going to finish her but I'm not going to do anything until I can find another item first. How's that for suspense ;o)
At least I still have my sense of humour even though I feel like s-h-i-t :o( Actually, I think shit would probably feel better! It started about a week and a half ago with slight body pain. Then last week it gradually got worse but I was doing some cleaning so I attributed the pain to that.
But then on Thursday a migraine came on so suddenly and my body pain sky rocketed. It got so bad that I dug out an old prescription of Tylenol 3 with Codeine and called the doctor. I don't see him until Friday though :o( I was popping the Tylenol like candy and it was barely touching my agony. Thankfully the body pain has let up but the migraine has not.
I've been limiting my time on the computer and therefore I am behind on my Blog reading and emails. Please bear with me! Hopefully I'll be back to being a regular pumpkin soon ;o)
Tis the day of the Irish :o) Are you wearing green?
My own shamrock plant is looking great and full of blooms. Mine is a descendent from DH's grandmother's plant so it has special meaning :o)
I 'should' be in a green mood but my life has still been consumed with white. Well...dirty white that is. LOL! Here's a picture of my newest WIP -
This is Charmed Flake: Survivor/Hope by Hinzeit. Yes, 'another' snowman ;o) You would think that I'd be sick of snowmen by now but that's not the case as you can see. LOL!
I love this design. It's so cute and fun to stitch. The colours are just gorgeous although I've never seen a snowman with a pink nose before... What's that about? I think the Bay Leaf fabric is now a favourite colour of mine.
So what have I been up to? Cataloguing my DMC thread. It seems that my records are a bit off. Hmmm...don't know what happened there. It feels so good to be organized though. I just need more room ;o)
Graduated Q-Snaps that is ;o) LOL! My girl is now framed in 11 x 17 inch Q-Snaps. She's heavy but it beats crushing any stitches or beads.
I'm SO excited because I 'finally' finished all the white in the section I've been working on! I even got to stitch part of the hem of her skirt so now she is being shown in full length -
What do you think? I'm still completely in love with her :o)
Once this middle section is done, there won't be much left but the last two small folds of the back of her dress. I can see the ending in sight and I couldn't be happier. Just knowing that there is a great possibility that she will be done this year is such a relief. I think this is the longest time I've ever spent on a project before.
I've started something new but I'm waiting until I get a little more done before I show you anything ;o) It's been a rough week health wise. With the sudden changes in temperature and weather, my body has taken an awful beating :o( I haven't had much sleep because of the pain and being on so many pain medications has screwed up my appetite. A vicious circle; one that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy let me tell you.
Tonight we 'spring' our clocks one hour ahead and therefore lose one hour of sleep but hey, we gain more daylight and that's good enough for me :o) Spring IS right around the corner and I can't wait to dust off the old camera and get back out there!
Have a great weekend everyone and thank you so much for all the wonderful comments on Chilly :o)
Needles were flying and scissors were snipping! There was smoke coming out the ends of my fingers I tell you! It was crazy! In the end, this was the result -
LOL! Yes, Chilly by Stitchy Kitty is finally done :o) DH asked me last night why I was still working on him. He thought that maybe it was a hard design. Nope...just plain ol' procrastination.
Chilly's now holding snowflakes ;o)
I had a little fun and added a fringe to the bottom of his scarf. I thought that it needed something. I like it :o)
This was a fun SAL and if it weren't for Jenn, Chilly probably would have never gotten stitched this year. I'm really enjoying doing SALs with other stitchers because it motivates me. To see Jenn's finish, head on over to her Blog. Thanks for the fun Jenn :o)
No, you're not missing anything ;o) There wasn't a progress picture for Week Three because I didn't have anything to show. Bad, I know! But today I'm happy to show you what's been done since last time -
Chilly is complete! Well, Chilly himself that is. LOL! I just have the border and snowflakes left to stitch. Woohoo! I'm almost done :o)
My dad saw me working on Chilly last month when we met up in Moncton and he commented that his hat seemed to be quite long for such a little snowman -
He's right in a sense but that was probably the best part to stitch. Of course, looking at Chilly right now without any snowflakes buttons to hold, it looks like he should be cupping some snowboobs. ROFL! Good thing Chilly is a guy ;o)
Since Saint Patrick's Day is not far off, I thought I would stitch something to celebrate the day. I've never stitched anything for it before but since I already had this kit, I figured I might as well make use of it and decrease my stash :o) This is Irish Luck by Just Another Button Company -
The pattern originally called for 32 count Sienna Natural linen but my kit already contained this 28 count green moulted linen. I have no idea what color it is and I've never seen it before so unfortunately I can't answer that question if you ask it. LOL!
I plan on making this into either a tuck pillow or pinkeep but I have no Saint Patrick's Day fabric in my stash! Hard to believe ;o) LOL! Knowing me, it will just go into my tote that holds all my finishes. Sigh!
Is there anyone else stitching something for Saint Patrick's Day?
DH just came home with the most wonderful package! I received my pin cushion from Patty, among other goodies -
I couldn't believe the weight of it! Is it stuffed with walnut shells? The rose pins and zipper pull are adorable :o) I love the little metal tags and the skein of floss (Valentine) by Nina is incredible! Thank you so much Patty! You put a smile in an otherwise dreary weekend ;o)
Oh Nia!!!! Guess what I got done today? ;o) Here is Block Three completed and just hot off my needle -
No, I didn't cheat ;o) LOL! This was such a quick stitch and a fun one at that. I had the time so I just sat my butt down and got to work. Here is my progress so far -
I actually took it out of my Q-Snaps and ironed it. I'm still not pleased with the colour when photographed though >:o(
I know Nia will call me a show off since I accused her of being one when she told me she'd have her block done by tomorrow :oP I guess I shouldn't have wagged my tongue. LOL! No doubt she will be close behind me though.
I've got a cute project picked out for this month and now I can return my focus to Chilly and Sabrina. Updates to come in another post.
One day left of this rotten month! Woohoo! Can I make it? I'm ready to hunker down in my warm house and stitch so hopefully I can. Maybe I should put a bottle of wine beside me just in case ;o)
I'm sorry I'm late in posting this so I will accept the ten lashes with wet noodles. LOL! Here are some goodies that arrived in the mail last week -
I 'finally' received my Nordic Needle catalogue! I love paging through that thing. I have a magazine holder full of them and have kept every one throughout the years. Okay, so call me a hoarder. I know DH will after he reads this ;oP
The other items came from Mary Kathryn at eHandcrafts :o) She is so sweet to deal with. I had received my annual GC from my Secret Santa again this year so I was able to splurge and buy the two new patterns that I dearly wanted! When will I fit them in? I have no idea but I will, I promise!
Speaking of Secret Santas...she 'finally' revealed herself this year and I was completely surprised to find out that it was my good friend Judy! Well, not surprised that she would do something like this because she's such a generous person but because she kept her secret so well hidden ;o) I have her to thank for years of scrumptious stash and she is the reason Sabrina is in the making as we speak. Every time I work on Sabrina I think of Judy. Thank you my dear, dear friend!
I've noticed that I've gained even more Stalkers over the past few weeks. Where are you guys coming from???? LOL! I welcome you all and am very glad to see you here. Make yourselves at home :o)
We interrupt this Blog to bring you the following news...
Today I stopped by the grocery store on the way home from my acupuncture class to pick up some paper towel. It seems that it's a little difficult to clean a house without it ;o) As I was wandering the isles, my eyes fell upon this -
Can you imagine the tiny squeal of joy that slipped out of my mouth when I spotted these? Intrigued by the new concept (plus the fact that there was a 0.50 off coupon), the box just leaped into my cart and off I went with a huge smile on my face :o)
There have been quite a few comments regarding the fact that I have not posted my annual Cadbury ECE entry. And why not since I'm an ECE fanatic and they've been out since January ;o) Hello! But as I have been saying, I've been 'trying' to be good this year. Joining an exercise class has changed me. Well, not completely. I mean, I 'am' human after all. I can't just go cold turkey!
When I told DH this his first reaction was "You're not eating 54 of those things again this year!" LOL! I know he reads my Blog ;o) But really, I am being good. If that darn fat would only settle on my ass instead of my waist, I would scarf down 54 ECEs in a minute! Alas that fat feels it's more comfortable around my mid-section >:o( Our aerobics instructor has been getting us to work on our abs and obliques and if I'm going to suffer that torture, I want a flat tummy by George!
But I did succumb to this new temptation...and it was all I could do to eat a proper lunch before diving into one ;o) Who else is going to give you a revue of them though? To be honest, they are more like a glorified filled cupcake. The Goo is more like icing than the Goo found in the actual ECEs. They're not bad though and I'd give them three and a half stars out of five.
Anyway, it's a good thing my instructor doesn't read my Blog because then the cat would be out of the bag. I wonder if McDonald's will be doing an ECE McFlurry this year...
Sabrina!
I'm sorry it took me this long to get a progress picture up but I wanted to make sure it looked like I did something ;o) LOL! As you can see, I've been working with white. White, white, white! Ugh! Might as well get it over and done with. Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for all of you with lots of snow and so I figure I'll surround myself in the white stuff too!
I haven't gotten to a point where I can bead yet but here's a close up picture of what has already been done -
I took the pictures too late in the day so they are a bit drab :o(
I was hoping I would have some stash to share with you but there was nothing in the mailbox today. Drat! Maybe tomorrow...
As promised, here is a picture of my progress on Chilly -
I was able to get him in better light today and this will give you a better idea of his true colours :o) He still seems a bit bland to me though. Maybe it's been all the white that I've been stitching lately. Ugh! White, white, white. Boring, boring, boring! Chilly's white. Sabrina's white.
I haven't heard from Jenn lately so I'm not sure how she's making out. I hope she's had the heart to start over. I'm doing really well sticking to a schedule. Chilly takes up my Tuesday to Thursday slots ;o) The rest will be for Sabrina until the end of the month. Don't worry; I'll post a picture of her very soon!
I want to thank everyone for their kind words. D was a very special person, not only within the family but in his community as well. He is definitely going to be missed by a lot of people.
I'm still trying to catch up on emails and my Blog reading so just hang in there, I'll be around soon ;o)
I'm so happy to share another completed project with you and this one is even finished-finished ;o) As you know, February is not my favourite month so in light of this, I decided I would 'try' and have a more positive attitude. Since we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day at our house (because every day is Valentine's Day here!), I could never recall ever stitching something for this so-called holiday
So last week I dug around in my stash and came up with a kit by Pine Mountain Designs. This is February Is Sweet -
Really, quite cute :o) Yes, I'm three days late (I have a good excuse) and yes, I did cheat because it came with the pre-finished pillow sham. LOL! But...I did make my own pillow insert! This in turn will work with any other similar sized Pine Mountain Designs kit I acquire down the road.
I did change one thing; instead of using three strands of floss, I used four. I find it covers better on 10 count fabric. I only ran out of one colour (DMC 963) but that was an easy fix. There are two things that I detest about these kits though...one, it's almost impossible to use Q-Snaps so I have to stitch in-hand. My joints 'do not' like this :o( Two, the 10 count Tula that they use; it seems to be too soft and stretchy and because I can't use my Q-Snaps, it takes extra effort to get my tension just right.
I officially had this project done on February 15 but due to an unexpected death in the family (my side this time), DH and I had to take off to NB again :o( D was one of Dad's cousins but I had known him since I was a little girl. I would visit their farm with my grandparents and play with the cows. I remember one time I was in the barn and stuck my head through a feed window. The cow on the other side decided that was a good time to do the same thing! The next thing I know, the head of the cow comes up, hitting me under the chin and sending my head up, cracking on the top of the window. There were stars in the sky and tears in my eyes let me tell you! LOL!
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, it was nice to see most of my relatives from that line of the family. But two funerals in two months are enough for me :o( See, February was half over and it all went splat! Like most of you said, at least it's a short month. Unfortunately not short enough for me! At least I wasn't the gentleman that had been to four funerals in two weeks and still had one left to go to. Oye!
Well, DH and I just got home from the Antarctic so I have a lot of catching up to do! It's SO nice to be back in God's country again ;o) Stayed tuned because I'll have updated pictures of Chilly and Sabrina coming up soon.
I was really excited to do another SAL; this time with Jenn :o) We decided to stitch one of the snowmen from Stitchy Kitty's Snowman Trio chart. I picked Chilly.
I was 'supposed' to start on February 1 but I just couldn't put Sabrina down so Chilly never began until a few days ago. I'm very pleased with my progress though and thought I had better post a picture before Jenn thinks I've backed out! LOL!
I'm stitching Chilly on 28 count Bluebell Jobelan with the recommended threads. For some reason I thought he'd be more vibrant than he is but then again, the photography of the models are usually off. I hope I'll still like him when he's complete.
I know Jenn ended up having to start over and I can only imagine the frustration after seeing the amount of stitching she had already done :o( I hope you'll get that determination back Jenn!
Oh vey! Since the first of the month, my stitching has been all over the place. I have been very bad ;o) First it was Sabrina and then I started a new small project (pictures to come later on). I was 'supposed' to start my SAL with Jenn but couldn't resist catching up with Nia on our Christmas Rules SAL. LOL!
Here is Block Two -
And here is the whole piece to date -
Sorry about the terrible pictures but it's been pouring rain this morning and now I see that it's turned to snow :oS Oh goody! I'm still not capturing the colour of the fabric. Maybe next month...
I also want to share with you a new friend of mine who arrived by mail yesterday :o) This is Pumpernickel -
Isn't she adorable???? This was the bunny that Julie made for me after I won her Blogaversary giveaway :o) Pumpernickel took a liking to my ivy so you can't see the lovely dark green petticoat that's underneath her orange dress. I just LOVE her! Thank you SO much Julie! I'm sure that Pumpernickel and I will have many adventures together ;o)
Btw, my mailing address (not physical address) has changed. I sent out an email to all of you who I thought had my address already. If you did not get that email, plmk and I'll send you my new address :o)
