Urban Stylist in the Country

Vintage Blue Metallic Tree gives way to Vintage Blue Art Glass

2012-02-11T08:38:00.004-08:00

Vintage tree Love! Last Christmas(2010) we went away for the Holidays to a country lodge. I wanted to bring some Christmas with us,I had found this vintage blue tinsel tree at a favorite resale store for a whopping $3! I brought it home and Hubby was strangely excited..that tree reminds me of Christmas at my Grandmas! Perfect! Into the truck it went! I also brought lighted garland and wreaths but that is a tale for another time!
Christmas 2012 found us at home and decorations abound! I found a special place for the Blue Tree in our Master Bedroom, atop an antique buffet that was in my parents dining room for 30 years after they rescued it from a storage garage. As the season wound down we did not want to put the tree away,loving the way the blue works with the paint color and light in the room.
Blue Art Glass Love!
Off to my resale store I went, just to browse and found the perfect piece to replace the blue tree! I love art glass and have recently started collecting pieces. This fit our master and will be our 'blue tree' for the other 3 seasons! Can you take a guess at what I paid? ;)
The New Year is fully upon us! Valentine's Day is almost here! Please comment,it makes my day!

Bean Dip Rolls Appitizer Recipe & Happy New Year!

2012-01-22T06:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
Trusting everyone had a relaxing and joyous holiday! Now it is time to re-new and organize and plan(wait) for spring! First up though many fun celebrations and I hope to share my ideas for all of them! I have been thinking about Super-Bowl..mostly because our partners in this day have moved to California and it just won't be the same! Secondly I love to cook and feed people and this is a perfect game day appy! Bean Dip Rolls!

Easy to prepare,I usually make ahead and freeze! 10 minutes in a 350 oven and yum!

You need a pkg of 10-12 tortillas, a can of re-fried beans,plus whatever spice you would use in a bean dip,I am using taco seasoning,and a brick of cream cheese,softened,shredded cheese, about 2 cups.
Cube the cream cheese into portions according to how many tortillas you have, this recipe has wiggle room!
Butter the tortilla with an even layer of cream cheese.
Cream Cheese does not have to spread totally,all ingredients will melt and mix together.
Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese overtop,I used tex-mex.
Firmly roll up your tortilla into a long tube.
Slice even sections about 1/2 inch wide. I always cook the little ends with not a lot of filling,they get crispy and some people favour theses!
Ready to cook or freeze! Cook on the edge,if you lay flat all the gooey goodness will stick to the parchment paper you line your pan with! Flash freezing on a tray and then bagging works or transferring to a container right from the cutting board is what I do.
Serve on there own or with sour cream,ranch or our favorite 3 cheese ranch to dip!
Hope you enjoy this little tempting treat! Join me for the usual thrifty finds,freezer recipes,decorating,child-rearing, and more! Can't wait for all the fun of 2012!

Yule Love'em logs aka Cathedral Windows Bake Exchange recipe

2011-11-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

As kids we loved these logs! A refrigerated slice that is ready for company! I do not have a lot of pics as I found this messy to make and was not planning to do it again..however my kids love them and they were well accepted at the bake exchange so here goes!

More of a candy than a cookie, slices of colored marshmallows create the "stained glass" in a chocolaty window surrounded by flaked coconut.

Makes about 60

1/4 pound butter or margarine
1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (I left these out as we did a nut-free exchange)
1 (12-ounce) package colored mini marshmallows (about 9 cups)
7 ounces sweetened grated coconut (about 2 cups)

Heat butter and chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth.( I used my microwave,just under 2 minutes,find that much friendlier then dealing with a double boiler!) Cool slightly. Toss marshmallows and nuts in a large bowl; stir in chocolate. Tear five 9-inch sheets of waxed paper and sprinkle each generously with coconut.(I used a mix of dessicated and shredded) Divide dough into fifths and place each fifth on a sheet of waxed paper. Roll tightly into 2-inch diameter logs(I had a bit of a struggle with this and used scotch tape to keep everything rolled up tight!) and refrigerate overnight(I cooled in the fridge and then transferred to freezer) or until firm. Before serving, unwrap from waxed paper and cut into 1/2" slices.

Lovely wax-paper wrapped logs! Any one who has made these before and has any tips let me know! They are messy but worth it when you have neat slices of 'Cathedral Windows' lined up on your baking tray! They make me smile!
Also pictured are my 'famous'chocolate dipped marshmallows. The big boys named these Snowman Hats and the are a kids favorite! How too's coming soon!

VINTAGE TREASURES Santa Hot Chocolate set made in Japan

2011-11-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

Treasure hunting is one of my favorite pastimes..Love vintage and kitsch..was very excited to find this set to dress up my Christmas themed china cabinet!
Vintage Santa Hot Chocolate pitcher and six matching mugs.
Original box..Original price?
$1.25!!!!!!!!!!!!! This one really set me back! LOL!
Santa is a little sneaky looking...has to be to keep all those secrets I guess!
Matching mugs are tooo sweet!

Thanks for peeking! Comments are loved shared stories are loved even more! What is your favorite vintage score?

CANDY'S CANDY CHRISTMAS BAKE EXCHANGE! YUM!

2011-11-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

Sweet Candy's,so easy to make,a favorite on my baking platter! Peanuts are involved!

Recipe
1.5 cups each
peanuts
chocolate chips
butterscotch chips

1 bag of chips easily crushed.
I melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips in a large bowl in microwave,about 2 minutes
Stir in the peanuts and crushed potato chips
Keep mixing until all you see is the color Chocolate!
Scoop a heaping teaspoon full
Drop into cups layed out on baking sheet
Makes about 60, 90 or more if you use a smaller cup
I sprinkle half in candy balls in Christmas colors,you can do them all or none,personal preference!
Cool in the fridge until hard,and serve or freeze and serve later!

Pizagna! Big Cook With Friends Pizza-Lasagna Monthly Cook

2011-10-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Invention can be interesting! I decided to try mixing the fun casualness of pizza with the yum and heartyness of lasagna into the practicality of a bake from frozen cassarole! Some of the 'Big Cook kids' tried a crockpot pizza recipe and were disapointed there was no pepperoni, my kids love Tim Horton's lazy lasagna...sooo Pizagna was born!
A friend had just given me an electric turkey roaster,had used it for our Thanksgiving 2 turkey extravaganza and it had not yet found a permanent home in my house . While watching Extreme Couponing (you all sneak a peek,admit it! LOL! ) I noticed a gal cooking a huge batch of chili in her eelctric roaster so I plugged mine in and went to town!

8 cups pepperoni (reserve 1 cup for topping)
8 cups onions diced
8 cups of cheese(put 2 cups aside for topping)
8 cups Italian sausage pizza topping
4 cups chopped green pepper
8 cups or 6 jars spag.sauce
4 cups pizza sauce

Simmer all ingredients together season to taste I used salt,pepper,garlic,onion and pasta seasonings. Toss with 8 cups curly noodles(cooked)
I portioned in to 8 containers, then garnished with pepperoni and cheese
Reviews so far have been great! If you are monthly cooking for yourself or doing a Big Cook with friends, give it a try! :)

Halloween Happy Pumpkin

2011-10-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

How sweet is this Happy Pumpkin? He goes together easily and quickly!
Supplies may vary,I spent $6 at the dollar store.
Leftover stuffing fills the cauldron and stuffs the pumpkins pointed hat. I used my hot glue gun to loosely affix the stuffing to the bottom of the cauldren.
Nestle the Pumpkin in the cauldron adjusting stuffing for a comfy fit,using your hot glue gun secure the Pumpkin on the stuffing. Loop black tinsel twice around his neck so no stuffing peaks thru. Place the pointed hat on his head and hot glue in place
I attached a cheeky spider to the rim of Pumpkins hat. Affix a large bowtie to the cauldren under Pumpkin's chin if desired.
I could not resist making a whole crew! One will find it's way to the receptionist at our office, one the front desk at DD's school and BOO knows where the others will find a home!!

Thankful for...the end of the week and more! Friends.

2011-10-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

Thankful for a little quiet time Saturday morning so I can write my Friday Thankful for piece!
I shared a dinner last night for a friends Birthday just us Mom's and our kids. My favorite place to share is in the kitchen making and tasting good things. We had a simple cake,she blew the candles, the kids laughed and played the evening away. Good times.
Friends are the family we choose, and like family,
the ties that bind ebb and flow. People move, children grow and friendships fade and new ones begin. Several close friends moved far away in the past two years (Alberta,England and California), and countless new ones enter, as I begin a new season of life with my little man.
My Daughter's school shares a verse I've come to value:

'Make New Friends and Keep the Old, One is Silver and the Other Gold.'

A new cooking group has formed and we enjoy fellowship as we assemble meals for our families , finding a comfort in an activity that past generations experienced, trying to put a little of the village back into our busy lives. I am thankful for these ladies.
A new practitioner of Yoga shared with our Thursday Mom's group and opened the door for Mom's who had never experienced the tranquility of movement and those of us who long to make it part of our lives again. I am thankful for her.
Three generations of females in my family experienced an amazing fashion show of talented young designers and a night out we all craved, I am thankful for that.
As I dwell more on events of the past week or so I could go on and on, some have meaning only to me, and I will hold them in my heart. I am thankful others started this practice so I could join in on being thoughtful and thankful.
Thank-you for taking the time to read my words of Thankful!

Hamburger Muffins Meal or Man-appetizers! Tailgaters too!

2011-09-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hamburger Muffins were a neighborhood favorite growing up! My Mom liked to bring them to parties, knowing men didn't want fussy little appy's, this was something to eat!

Makes 8 doz

8 loaves of brown bread-day old works best

4lbs hamburger(I used 3 pounds subbing 4 cups finely chopped mushrooms)

4 cup bread crumbs

4eggs

4 cans mushroom soup(I use cambell's,we like the taste)

2 cups diced onion

4 cups diced green pepper

4 dashes Worcestershire sauce

4 cups your favorite shredded cheese mixture-optional

Trim the bread crusts off(I save for breadcrumbs and stuffing)

Butter bread on one side.

Place butter side down in muffin tins,making a little 'nest'

Mix all ingredients together

Spoon into bread already place in muffin tins .

sprinkle top with shredded cheese mixture(optional)

Bake in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. Enjoy! Hamburger muffins freeze well and can be warmed in oven or microwave. If someone tries making these with ground round I would love to know how they turn out!

Extreme Couponing in Canada Tuesday's Deals are Everywhere Coffee deals!

2011-09-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

This weeks post is a good reminder that great deals are everywhere! We just need to keep our eyes open! While running into a local store to pick-up a great deal on TP,on sale and I had a coupon,I spotted a bunch of coffee in a clearence bin. $1.99 for cans and k-cups. I'll take those! I loaded them in my cart,I was thinking I know I have coupons for this brand,when I spotted a pad instore for $1.50 off any. Each of these coffees cost .50 CENTS! This is savings of over $100! :)

When I am in a hurry I do not take the time to scout around for deals so I was lucky this one caught my eye! The k-cups will be put to good use and the cans will be tucked into the Christmas Hamper Stash!

Extreme Couponing in Canada Tuesdays Christmas Shopping and Dollar Store deals

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I got a great start on Christmas Shopping at Walmart yesterday-using overages! I cannot post the pictures as there are two foot spies everywhere. However I can tell you that 2011 Magical Barbie, 2 dozen Dinky toys,two very large noisy trucks and various stocking stuffers are hidden away for that magical day. Out of pocket $8 saved,$135! I also picked up a few Autumn decorating items for myself. I like to get my personal holiday shopping taken care of early and then I can focus on Christmas Hamper shopping and deal hunting, It also helps me not to buy more of those great deals for my kids when I know there surprises are plentiful and ready to go!
How many shopping days left? :)

Couponing at the dollar store? OH! Yeah!! The $ store already has great deals on things we use and love! I would have paid the $2 for these Nivea pumps and re-fills. Being that there is a $2 Nivea coupon out(actually there are two different ones) Free is fine by me! I chose to buy more re-fill pouches then dispensers because thet hold more soap,better deal! 21 refills are off to the foodbank the rest to the Christmas Hamper stash!
When our $ stores started accepting coupons we did a walk thru to see what they had and started to look for and trade applicable coupons. Bring your binder with you when you shop as a lot of name brand beauty,food,and cosmetics shows up on their shelves!

Parmesan Hamburger Cassarole Cook with Friends!

2011-09-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what 24 cups of cooked curly noodles looked like? :) I recently attended a cook with friends night, What a great time! 8 ladies got together bringing ingredients prepped(diced,sliced,browned)for 2 recipes. ingredients for 8 meals of each recipe. We all shared in assembly, had a lots of laughs and a little wine and left with 16 DIFFERENT MEALS EACH! Full freezers! Meals are crockpot, oven or stirfry ready! One of the meals I shared was Parmesan Hamburger Cassarole.

16 lbs cooked ground beef
8 cups onions sauted
24cups cooked curly pasta
4 cups parm cheese
8 cups of corn
8 cups shredded cheese mix
8 cans of mushrooms soup

That is a lot of meat,I got out 3 electric fry pans and got'er done! LOL! Combine all ingredient I did this in 8 bowls to ensure a good mixture.Package and freeze. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 minutes.
Meals could be in freezer bags or containers,I used these containers with lids I could write instructions on,love them! I also contributed 8 family size calzones. Coming soon.

Sewing for Kids..upcycled Denim,Pillowcase dresses+more

2011-09-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

Girlie's love to twirl! Twirl skirt and butterfly appliques top. I have recentley had some questions on learning to sew for kids. This post is to explain what I have designed and sold in the past. A picture is worth a thousand words!
I love using vintage linens of all types! Up cycling at it's best!
Does She not look just like a cream puff!
Vintage Table cloth halter dress
Wiggles were very popular. For boys I added a cuff instead of a ruffle!
UPCYCLED jeans & Jacket. Vintage trim
Won a contest with this design and was in Parent Magazine Ad
A little bit about one of my favorite things to do,hope I can share with some Mama's and get them sewing too!

Pantry - A Room In My View Mondays

2011-09-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

The Pantry counts as a room,right? I figure if I can go in and shut the door it is a room! My door has upcycled panels. The panels are pressed tin from a farmhouse ceiling! It is one of my favorite things in the Kitchen!
View from the open door. I tore out all the contractor wire shelving-yuck! We used wide pine boards,I wanted it to have a farm kitchen feel. We love the space,storage and convenience of our new home but are always trying to make it a little rustic!
I HEART glass jars and use them for everything,baking supplies,treats,cereal,hate boxes! In my studio I use them for,oh!Wait! That is another room for another day!
Some Jars are vintage ,some dollar store,and some are pickle! Straws,pasta,popcorn,it all works!
Canning Jars with canning in them are the best! Next row is cereal.
The bottom is my rice cooker (thanks old Neighbor!) with a jar of rice,and an extra crockpot..I have a few..Baskets on the floor are great for empty jars waiting to be filled,extra staples,and more.

Pantry staples and quick meals sides,and snacks are all in rows and baskets. So easy to find everything!Little side shelf holds extra vitamins,spices and treats. Did you spot Roxy my 80's Bear? Every Country Pantry needs a Bear!

I love my huge pancake griddle,did not love having to wrestle it out of the cupboard so it has it's own space,sharing only with a basket of jello and pudding mixes. Floor baskets have lunch bags ready to fill and extra pasta for those big cook days!
Thank-you for visiting my pantry! I would love to see yours! Please link in the commnet section below!

Extreme Couponing Tuesday $store deal FPC's and More!

2011-09-20T04:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Extreme Couponing in Canada Tuesdays!
We all love a deal! I love a deal that I can also give to others while providing for my family and saving! Overages are a magical way to get a deal. If a company sells something for $4 and you have a coupon for $4.50,you receive the .50 cents towards your purchases or back in cash in some instances. In Canada at this time to my knowledge this only occurs at Walmart. I usually donate the overages product,in this case I am donating the hot chocolate to a youth shelter as well. In this shop I also got some soy milk and bananas which have already been consumed. I paid the tax,overages paid the rest. The hot chocolate boxes contained FPC's or Free Product Coupons for Stouffers Sliders and Aero Bubbles,so those items were free! I was out of pocket around $5 for this shop!

In Canada Dollarama is accepting coupons, Nivea has a $2 coupon good on many things including their hand soap. The pumps and the refills are both stocked at Dollarama,the cost was only th tax! 21 of the refill will go to our town's foodbank,the rest into my stash for Christmas Hampers.

Iam often asked:where do you get all the coupons..the answer is instore,online,and thru coupon trains and trading at smart canucks..so much info at that site check it out!

We go to several stores and stock up on items we know we can get for free or close to it. We always leave some for the next person! Enjoy your day and share your coupon stories in the comment section below!

A Room in my View Mondays Little Dude's Room

2011-09-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to A Room in My View Mondays! First up Little Dude's Room!
The doorway view. The curtains and wall art were all made from Duvet covers. I bought 5 saving two for future bunkbed bedding! We used two tones of 'denim' blue paint and a bright orange chair rail to split the colours.
To make great use of the closet space we had the closet closed off to only the space that is reachable/usable from the doorway. The side parts of the closet that were unusable before now have built in shelves for books toys and more. They are super deep so I stash rotation toys and things I don't want little hands to reach in the back of each shelve.
Closet shelf right side,note the bottom is a super garage-two graters deep!
Closet shelf right side home for so many cuddly friends! Bean bag chair is a favorite spot for a book and a stuffy!
Crib is tucked into a corner cozy and safe! All animal pictures were cut form an extra duvet cover and stapled to inexpensive blank canvases. Leather stool has wheels to zoom around and toy storage.
Change area has all the essentials plus MORE toy storage! Change pad cover is made form Pillow shams. Big Sissie taught Little Bro that the green frog above his change table ROARS!
ROAR!!!!
Rocking Chair in the corner is put to good use before bed time and nap time and for reading books! Love the circle rugs,they get new homes every day!
Please join me Mondays where I will show a different Room in My View!

Thankful for...the end of the week and more!

2011-09-16T23:11:00.000-07:00

Reaching Friday always brings me a sigh of relief and accomplishment..another week conquered! A week-end ahead to slow down and spend time with family and friends..
This week I am grateful for so many things.
The traveler at the stoplight making his way west for a job,the opportunity to share a small gift and a teachable moment with my girl. Wherever that Man is headed it is probably not to a warm home and family and if we can ease his journey in a small way,we are grateful for the opportunity.
The Geese that honk and swoop overhead as they prepare to journey south,I enjoy their beauty and sign of seasons changing,Little Man loves their evening fly-by's!
To be involved with a school that teaches girls to be strong independent women,I am so thankful and I remind myself of the privilege during that drive everyday!
My little family tucked safe in their beds, bellies full, toes cozy, and a sweet fall breeze flowing thru our home.
The Yellow Dog and the Black Dog each special in their doggy ways making me feel protected and safe.
The Man who holds us all together. He knows who he is!
My coupon buddy who helps me get such great finds and shares my passion of giving,her lists and insomnia make it all possible!
Soon will begin another week and unknown opportunities for gratitude lay ahead..

On Bathing..Candles,Bubbles..the Works!

2011-09-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

20 minutes or more to myself and I will be found in a hot bath ..Candles going,battery operated lovely candles,I am done with cleaning black soot,and leaky wax..A generous scope of relaxing salts,I buy huge jugs of epson salts at costco..I lay out my fuzzy bath matt,cozy towels I love that are mine alone,plush cloths for scrubbing, Body Shop satsuma flavored bubbles and bodywash.. AHHH!
I try to plan my soaking time,I ready the bathroom,spritz,wipe and spray out the tub,lay out my towels and bath goodies. This way after I have helped Little Man go down for his nap or bedtime,which is pretty much the only times I have to myself,I walk into my spa worthy bath,set to go! Turn on the water,hot mmmm hot,slide in and I am in my own world..
This soaking time eases my muscle,including the big gray one inside my head that seems to have such am impact on the rest of the muscles and how they are doing that day! Mama's need to take care of themselves so they can care for those who need them,a bath is a small thing or a huge thing depending on the day,but it is all for me!
Care to share your bathtime rituals? Comment below!

BBBRRRR bring back FAll!

2011-09-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Freezing temps last night..I hope all the blossoms flowering around town and in the city are still beautiful and not all withered and brown! The wind is howling and it feels like it could snow any minute! What's a Momma and little dude at home for the day to do?

Bake of course!Well at least get ready to bake. Mixed up a batch of sugar cookie to dough to bake this afternoon or maybe tomorrow afternoon after Y-Neighbors.. And do laundry always a bit of laundry to do isn't there?

Little dude loves to make and eat sugar cookies! One of his first words was COOKO! His stash in the freezer is gone and every time he asks for a cookie and I open the pantry door he howls NOOOO! Mama! He then pats the freezer door,cookie! Therefore cookies shall be made!

Warm grilled cheese for Lunch a little Clifford on the telly and off for a nap..I am not big on TV day or night but on a cozy day inside when we are used to playing in the warm sun a little is okay!

Tonight is the Annual Fall Carnival at Sister's school,the first on Little Bro will participate in an evening ofTtreats and Fun!

Extreme Coupouning in Canada..

2011-09-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

I took the summer off from couponing. The time spent can be equivalent to a full time job..and it is not always toddler friendly waiting in line loading large carts etc. I have a coupon buddy and we are heading out today after our 10 week hiatus,so I will make Tuesday's extreme coupon days and share our hauls and tell you who we are donating to. I am focusing on the good we are trying to do by helping others and not pictures of my garage looking like a grocery store..In my life I will not use 300 deodorants,shave gels or tooth brushes..so we pass it on!
In the above photo I was able to donate a 'tide' to every family that uses our small town food bank.
Extreme Couponing in Canada can be a little more of a challenge but it can be done..This pic is of the 21 gift baskets We gave to our town's foodbank to distribute on Mother's Day 2011.
I wrapped up each gift and used a re-usable zip lock container as a basket-cause we all love containers!
These items were all bought with coupons ,most were free some we paid the tax on. Some coupons include tax others do not,read the fine print!
A family in need was brought to my attention and I quickly and easily put together a package for them from my 'stash' .Between January and June 2011 I was able to stock up on about $5000 worth of products for free or just paying the tax. I wish I would have kept all my receipts,but they were getting out of hand!
Diapers+wipes for a Catholic Women's League shower for Mother's in need.
My wall of ziploc..mostly donated..Could've kept it all,but like my husband said;there is a reason the hoarding show comes on right after the extreme couponing show!!
This haul was from stacking coupons,using more then one coupon with different UPC's on one product. Only one store in Canada offers this as far as I am aware.
I have donated more then 40 dozen cans of soup..
Small hall donated to a youth shelter,candy was .50cents a bag after Christmas.. to teens sugar is sugar!
So join us on Extreme Coupon Tuesday's and share your stories of deals,hauls,and helping others!

Autumn Designs What a Woman Wants!

2011-09-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

Harvest Moon Bracelet with two Pandora logo beads. What A Woman Wants is my new business I hope to bring you all the things you love! Bracelet $49
Autumn Pumpkin Bracelt. Includes 2 Pandora logo beads $49. Can be done without Pandora beads for $29
Halloween Moon! Love this one it has an owl,a star,dangling moon,big harvest moon beads...$29
What A woman Wants is constructing a website..we are available on facebook,etsy and right here!
LIKE our page and be entered to win a Bracelet!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/WHAT-A-Woman-Wants/260766693940728?sk=info

Screeching into Autumn!

2011-09-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

Fall vases to replace the ocean blue collection. This is what I have so far..
Large orange vases have hanging metal votive holders..
34 degrees on Sept 10..not exactly a light col stroll into Autumn! I have slowly been swapping out my summer time ocean blue decor..
Love sea glass use it everywhere!

Waiting on My farmer to deliver my fall bales so I can decorate the front yard and fireplace area..although if I take have them too early and we have a warm rainy fall they do tend to sprout so I have a yard full of chia pets!
Please link up your fall.autumn ,harvest,decorating favorites! Love to see them!

DENIM PURSE'S UPCYCLED JEANS SEQUINS RAINBOWS!

2010-03-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

The project; 3 purses for two big girls and a little sister all on spring break!

The designers modeling their purses!!

A quick trip to a local thrift store netted us 5 pairs of jeans,2 jackets and a hot pink suede skirt for a future purse project all for $2.25!!

I washed up the jeans and using my rotary cutter (whom I love!) I trimmed the jeans at the top of the legs. Not an exact science..Just cut where it lies smooth,different for each pair! This is a funky craft-lots of room for ooops!

The girls picked several fabrics they liked from my stash. I ironed squares of wonder under on them and let them trace designs.

We cut and ironed on the designs the girls had a blast placing them!

I sequined the edges using a wide zig-zag stitch..If you have never done this it is easy,the needle punches right thru the sequins.
For the belts we tore strips of fabric and threaded thru the loops of the jeans.

For the straps we cut up peices of the leftover legs,joining two or three peices depending on if we wanted carry straps or cross body. We sewed more sequins on some of the straps.
I left the legs a little longer on this pair to make it look like a pair of shorts! TOO CUTE!!

Don't we all want to win this?? All the things are so amazing!

2010-03-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

Jen at 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven, life in mexico {and other places} a picture a day, http://tvfreetoddlertime.blogspot.com/">365 Days of TV-Free Toddler Time, and http://megafamilies.blogspot.com/">Mega-Family Blogs is giving away nearly $100 worth of Hot Tamale Dinner Ware...
This, to be exact...

...and this...

To enter, go

Pressed Tin Tile Projects Pantry Door + Wall Art

2010-03-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

Reno+repair is the name of the games we are playing these days..My pantry door needed to have the glass replaced or be gone all together..I showed my contracter/slash handyman Dane some photos of pie safes telling him how much I love pressed tin and perhaps we can replace the glass with reproduction tin tiles or something similair...The super-man of reno's made a phone call and came up with 25 tiles from a 100 year old farmhouse!!! I was astounded!!

Dane spent a saturday crafting my new pantry door using the old door and some of the pressed tin! I am in LOVE with it! I added a repo glass nob although I am on the hunt for an original..It really stands out in the kitchen and when we get the counter tops done I will post more photos! I am hoping to have some sort of pressed tin for the backsplash as well.

The following Monday as a huge surpise Dane framed up the best of the tiles for me! It brought tears to my eyes! He is such a kind man and talented handyman! We hace 21 more tiles for projects who knows what we may come up with next!!!!

Easter Tree My Tree For All Seasons!

2010-03-18T21:25:00.001-07:00

Pretty sparkling eggs

Sweet Easter Bunnies

I LOVE the glow of a tree any season!

Pretty and pastel decorated with mostly

dollar store treasures!I leave this tree up from

Nov 12 to a week or so after Easter.

It celebrates Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter!

Yummy Easter Egg No Bake Chocolate Nests

2010-03-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Could these be any cuter?? I saw these over at Maken the World Cuter and had to make some right away!! They take about 5 minutes to mix up!

Mackenna's class is in for a Hoppy Easter surprise for the last day of classes tomorrow,bring on Easter Break!!

Maken the World Cuter posted this recipe;
3 c. oatmeal
1 t. vanilla
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk (I used chocolate soy milk)
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. butter
In seperate bowl combine oatmeal and vanilla
In heavy saucepan combine the remaining ingredients, stirring until just melted (I did one minute in the microwave)
Stir hot mixture into oats and vanilla mixture
Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper
Refrigerate until cool

To make nests, just stick the eggs in the cookies, you can do this before putting them in the fridge or after they've cooled.

Sew Can Do: Hairdo Hat Giveaway!

2010-03-12T02:57:00.000-08:00

Sew Can Do: Hairdo Hat Giveaway!

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TRIFLE

2010-03-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

Death by chocolate can be made with tons of variations I am doing this version with raspberries and chocolate mint cookies..

This recipe fills a large punch bowl however I choose a large bowl and a medium size one to use for two celebrations on different nights. I baked two devils food cake boxed cake mixes, combined in one large pan that makes a nice high cake and tall slices. I mixed 2 packages of instant pudding, I used white soy milk just a personal choice..

Slice up the cake and layer the bottom of the bowl, filling the small places with smaller peices of cake.

Add a layer of chocolate pudding, and then I used thawed frozen rasberries as those are the birthday girls favorite berries, scoop them on juice and all..

Next a nice layer of dream whip which I allowed to soften in the fridge..

I crushed up some chocolate mint cookies adding a layer over the dream whip and then more cake..Followed by a nicely iced layer of cool whip.

I added fresh rasberries in a happy face, and all around the edge of the bowl.

The Birthday Girl Loved It!

To make this trifle you need two cakes mixes, two boxes of pudding following the directions on each. 2 tubs of cool whip, a container of frozen fruit some crushed up cookies or chocolate bar. The possiblities are endless!

Cinnamon Bun Rescue

2010-03-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome! We are back from our relaxing trip to the cottage. Turns out I did more Olympic watching,spa time and swimming with the kids then blogging...So on with the cinnamon bun story!

DH bought some bake at home buns from a lovely little cottage in Kleefeild MB and I froze them and brought them out to the cottage for a treat. I took the buns out ot thaw and reading the instructions I realised I had no brown sugar to melt with butter and pour in the pan!

Enter Tim Horton's hot chocolate!

Mixed it up like it was brown sugar...

Put the buns to bed to rise for the night..

Looks good...

Yummy it was a hit!!! I will actually do this again the hot

chocolate only added to the yummy goodness!

At The Cottage for the rest of the week...

2010-02-24T20:11:00.000-08:00

Hello! We arrived at Elkorn Resort tuesday evening. Thanks to my fabulous inlaws we have a lovely cottage to use from time to time. DH and I have already each had a hot rock massage at the Soltice Spa with more to come...tomorrow I am attempting to rescue some cinnamom buns as I forgot the brown sugar,I'll share the outcome with some pics!
Be Peaceful!

A SAMPLER TREASURE!

2010-02-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

Mackenna Found A Sampler !!

On Saturday Mackenna and I where at out favorite treasure store looking for books to take to the cabin with us this week when she came across this She was very excited as She is reading a lot of historical fiction and had read about little girls making samplers in the 'olden days' but had never seen one! For the priceof .45 cents!She now owns one!

We plan to frame it or have it framed and hang it in her room, It will compliment the groovey pink peace princess theme I am sure! :)

Urban Stylist in the Country

2010-02-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome! Stay for a visit! I walk the line between Urban convenience and Country Comfort. Life is a whirlwind with a new baby an 8 year old darling daughter,and 2 big boys with their ever changing busy lives! We work from home , entertain as often as we can get a group together..LIVE! LOVE! LAUGH!
Designing is my passion from Boutique Children's clothing to items for the home..come treasure hunting with me while I share my ideas,designs,photos,and eventually giveaways! Junking,Lunching,Baby and Me yoga,never know where we will end up!
We live in a small community 20 minutes from large city. We are involved in ringette,snowmobiling and all the fun things that happen in small towns! See the group around a front yard fireplace? That could be us.
It's a Good Life we Thank the Lord and Take the Dirt Road!