So Sad :(

It seems as though my PC has contracted some sort of virus :( I am doing my best to get it repaired and am hoping all will be well after the weekend...I am REALLY hoping!!

Good computer vibes please...LOL!

Linky Doos; Etsy Love

Homemade, eco-friendly, beautiful, crunchy, artistic, useful...I WANT!! Maybe you will WANT too...Or be inspired :)

Crunchy Couture - Tie dyes goodness!
Rhythm Threads - Gorgeous earth friendly apparel!
Aura Gaia - Beautiful and inspiring!
Lilah Bloom Creations - Handmade, eco-friendly wares!
Barefoot Stitches - More fantastic designs!
A Green Banana - I just found this one tonight!
Harm None Kynd Creations - Another new to me Etsy...Oooohhhs and Aaaaaas all around!
Green Mountain Threads - Some tasty looking soaps...and threads!
Threads of the Earth - Fantasmo!!

Silent Sunday: Back in the Day

First Tutorial Update

Well, no tutorial to be posted yet, but it is coming right along. I had to stop in the midst of making this dress, to sew another project but things are right back on track.

I always seem to underestimate the time it takes to do anything. Projects I think will take a day or two seem to take a month! I don't think this tutorial will take that long though. I really hope it turns out okay and someone out there finds it useful...We'll see :)

I am Feeling Sew Sew!

Okay, tonight is the night that I will finally get this sewing on the go. I have so much to get done and here I am, lounging about and getting nothing done.

The weather has been great and it is high time I get Miss Z's summer wardrobe started. She is really in need of some clothing and I WILL not buy anything this year. I WILL make it all myself!! I can and will get my head out of my hind regions and quit procrastinating!

First item on the list, the polka dot dress recon. I thought I made a post a while ago, showing this dress but I can't seem to locate it now. Anywho, I will post before and after pictures when I am done. I have a very simple idea to make this dress work. In fact, I think I may use this plan to make my very first tutorial!!

Wish me luck and I will be back in a day or two to show off some pictures and maybe a tutorial :P

Silent Sunday: Tiny Tie Dye

Tie dye shirt by Crunchy Couture

Rainy Days...

Can be fun too :)

Today was a ladies day for Miss Z and myself and it was a nice one. We went to a second hand store that Miss Z loved and played the whole time, with a small basket of toys. Mommy spent a whopping $1!! I got a shirt which will become a dress for Miss Z, shorts and 2 books.

Next, we went to a local hardware store (right next door to the second hand shop) to pick up some tomato seeds which I forgot to pick up when I did the garden. Miss Z decided she had to have pumpkin seeds so she could grow some lovely pumpkins to eat!

On the way home, we stopped at a small farm and roadside market where we found some very cheap seed potatoes and we each got an apple to snack on. On the way in to the market, Miss Z said, "Mommy, this is girls only stuff today, no Daddy right?"...Tee hee hee!

Last but not least, there was movie watching, cooking supper, baking biscuits and lots of laughs and snuggles :) All in all, it was a lovely day, just my little girl and I!!

Tales from the Garden: Update

Well, the garden is a garden but I am not so sure it is a happy garden :( Things are looking a little droopy and a wee bit discoloured. I am still hopeful that things will perk up though. After all, it has only been a short time since I transplanted everything and we have had some seriously windy days, causing some of the plants to bend and fall over.

I went out in the garden today and added some soil mixed with sheep manure, in hope of giving the plants a little boost as well as the soil. I am also wondering if the plants are unhappy with the quality of the soil in my garden. It seems to be just a bit...okay, a fair bit sandy out there. I don't know, I am just hoping that adding the soil an manure will due the trick. Oh, and I am going to add some compost as well, a bit later. My brother offered me some of his compost but I really need to get myself, or build a compost bin.

I planted the seedlings I had but the garden is still pretty empty looking. I suppose that may be because there is still a big open space with nothing planted in it yet. Yes, there are still things left to plant *blush* I am the "Queen of Procrastination" but at least I have sprouted a few different things that are just about ready to be planted in that bare spot :)

I will also be doing a small amount of container gardening. I think I will be doing some tomatoes, peas, beans and herbs in container, on my patio. I would love to build a box to put on the rail of my patio so I can have my herbs just outside my kitchen. That would be sweet, having fresh herbs just outside...now that is fresh :)

Well, that is it for your garden update, I hope you enjoyed. This is Mama A, signing off :D

On The Menu: Baked Vegetable Sanwiches

In my most recent search for tasty vegetarian meals, I found a very interesting recipe called Baked Vegetable Sandwiches on a blog called Finding Joy in my Kitchen. The picture is what got me initially but after reading the recipe, I was sure this was going to be a tasty dish...Boy, was I right!! What a fantastic meal idea and the little one really loved it too. Macho Man even seemed to enjoy these sandwiches! I know I am hooked and would like to eat these everyday :)
I loved everything about the recipe though I did add tomatoes as they needed to be used up and a wee bit more garlic. I think this idea can have endless possibilities and next time,m I am planning to make a Greek version with feta, olives, onions, tomatoes and spinach...Yummy!

Thank you SnoWhite and Frog Prince for sharing this tasty dish :)

Gardening is Hard Work

Well, this was quite the day! I was not a well person :( I spent the majority of yesterday, digging, tilling, preparing and planting. I am very happy to say the garden is planted, well, there are a few more things to go in and the fencing needs to go up but it is a garden now.

Today, I am paying for it. By the time I was finished yesterday, my body was screaming in pain but I figured I would simply have a hot bath and a good night sleep to cure that. Boy was I wrong! I spent the entire day in bed, today. My body was aching, I had a pounding headache and I just couldn't stay awake. Thank goodness Macho Man doesn't work until late, I was really in need of his help. I am feeling much better after my day in bed, but I really need to learn to pace myself.

Who knew gardening would take so much out of me!

I would love to share pictures, but my camera has decided to retire :( Hopefully, I can get a new one REALLY soon.

Silent Sunday: Under My Chair A Creature Stirs :)

Tales from the Garden

Well, I have dirt from head to toe and enough under my nails, to fill a sandbox. My body aches, I have my fair share of bug bites, and I have had way too much sun but I think these are all signs of a productive day in the garden! Of course, there is still so much to be done.It was a lot of help having my sister in law over with her little ones for the first day because Miss Z was kept occupied but as soon as they were gone, she was all up in my business...LOL! It was too bad at some points, as she was trying to help out but I did have to track her down a few times. It wasn't so bad, once she found her new love...WORMS!! This is an amazing thing for Miss Z because she usually freaks out over bugs. This is the girl who is afraid of lady bugs. It was really fun to watch how in to the worms she was. She was playing with them, counting them and talking to them. I also took the opportunity to make it a little lesson on worms. She was asking what they do, what they eat and where they live.
Of course, that love only lasted the one day because on the second day, one of the worms she was playing with, pooped on her hand and she was most offended!

Back to the garden...I have been digging and pulling out grass chunks, for the last 2 days and it seems as though I am STILL not ready to plant. I keep looking at my garden thinking there isn't enough space for everything. The first day, was just getting started and my second day was making the garden a bit bigger. I think my biggest issue is that I have no idea where to plant everything, what goes with what and which plants are not compatible. I still have to go out there and add some manure and soil, before I start planting.
HELP!!!! If anyone reading this is willing to share some ideas on where to plant everything, I would be most appreciative! I am really new at all of this and am still researching some things but having an experienced gardener to give advice would be super sweet :)

Just in case, here is what I am planting:
Cucumber
Zucchini
Carrots
Corn
Tomatoes (2 kinds)
Broccoli
Lettuce
Peas (2 kinds)
Beans (2 different green and yellow)
Spinach

Big Storm

Bright flashes of lightning...Loud claps of thunder...Down pour of rain...Power flickered...Logging off!

Regular programming will return tomorrow with the tales of our garden :)

The Garden is Calling

I am so behind on getting my garden going. Well, I started a fair amount indoor but I just need to get these plants in the ground! Some of them are looking a wee bit sad and I fear they may not make it :(

Tomorrow IS the day they will be in their new homes! My sister-in-law has ever so kindly offered to come by and lend a hand. I am so grateful for that because I sometimes feel like I have no clue what I am doing. If left to my own devices, I am sure it would all be okay but having the help is very nice.

Tomorrow, there will be pictures to share of my new garden with all the little seedlings in their new home!

Monday, Monday

Well, today was supposed to be one of gardening, and earthiness. Instead, I was one with the grocery shopping! I suppose getting food was really needed and I did spend the first half of the day, lazying about my home, in my jammies :)

The long weekend is over now and we enjoyed it. Our little family spent the whole weekend together, going yard saleing, to the farmer's market, visiting family, to the local Riverfest and enjoying some entertainment. Though ending this long weekend with some sun filled gardening would have been divine, it was still a pretty good time had by all!

Silent Sunday: The Midway

I am Wiped!

We were out and about, ALL day today! We checked out a few yard sales (a few good deals), went to the Farmer's Market, did a bit of visiting, went to a local festival and Miss Z got to go on a few rides, watched some fireworks and now, all I want to do is crawl in to my bed and saw logs :P

That is where I am off to now! Just thought I would pop in here and say goodnight and I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Peace, love and save the planet ;)

Linky Doos

Today, I would like to share some interesting, fun, crafty and green blogs and sites!

Carbon Footprint Quiz - How many Earths would it take to keep up if everyone lived your lifestyle?

The Vegetarian Who Hates Tofu - shares with you some fantastic recipes and life as a vegetarian. Why not try a meal or two a week that doesn't contain meat? It is good for you and the planet!

Hip Mountain Mama - Filled with a lot of fantastic eco-friendly, fair trade, handmade, natural products, apparel and tips! I am sure I have linked this one before, but it is worth posting again.

Vegan Dad - He's a Dad and a vegan...LOL! He shares some REALLY tasty recipes!!! I just took a look and now I am hungry.

Crafting a Green World - I just found this one today and haven't had a chance to do more than browse a short time, but I saw quite a few great re-purposing crafty how to's.

Chasing Cheerios - some really great schooly activities being shared here, for the little ones.

One Pretty Thing - A great site, bringing tons of crafty tutorials to one convenient place :)

Hope you find something good!

The Garden is my Happy Place

Today was bad day among the other bad days I have been having but I found a little relief. Something to ease the stress and feel relaxed...in the garden. Okay, so it isn't a real garden yet, just my plants in containers, awaiting their permanent home, but still a good feeling from caring for the plants. I decided, well they really decided by getting so big, that it was time to upgrade the containers. I am sure it wasn't 100% necessary in some cases, as they will be going out in the big garden soon but I think some of the plants really needed more space.

The peas were starting to really reach for one another and becoming tangled. I know, you really don't need to plant them indoor first as they don't handle transplanting well, but I was given some bad info on this one. Although, I have read of other gardeners doing the same with no issue in transplanting. Their roots don't like to be messed with, but I have faith that these little guys will do fine!

My tomato plants are not really all that big but I was on a roll and thought they should have their own space :)

The bean plants are doing well in the egg cartons still but growing big, so I know they will be happy to be planted outdoors soon. I might even move them to bigger pots just in case.

The cucumber, zucchini and sunflowers all look very happy!

I believe this is the weekend that most people begin their garden outdoors, though I think I may wait another week or so. The last time I had a garden and planted the the long weekend of May 24th, there was another 2 frosts. Better safe than sorry this time! One thing I will be doing for sure, is taking apart the old pallets the neighbor offered and making the walls of my raised bed. Thank goodness it seems a lot of the planks have already been taken off, so it will be a lot less work for me...LOL!

Sharing

A little something, something or two...or more :) These are some items that I made for a craft swap that I did last month. I was pretty proud og hoe well these things turned out, as I spent the majority of this craft swap, wonder what the heck I should make. Anywho, here is what I made.

A robot pillow/stuffie
2 small canvas paintings (made with recycled materials)
2 owl mug rugs (almost kept them for myself...LOL)
1 meter of owl fabric and a bar of delicious, homemade smelly soap. Of course, I didn't make the last two things :)

Silent Sunday: Still

What I do When Most are Sleeping

Make late night/early morning perogies!!

I used this recipe for the dough and then winged the rest. Yeah, that's what I do, I wing it :)

I basically boiled about 8 small to medium potatoes and mashed them. Then, I sauteed some onions and a clove of garlic and mixed them in to the mashed potatoes. I let the mix cool for a while and while it was cooling, I rolled out the dough (really thin) and used a glass to cut out circles of dough. Next, I added a small spoonful to each circle, dabbed water around the border of each dough circle and sealed them by pinching. Last but not least, I boiled them in a slow boiling pot and then froze them! I kept some out for lunch tomorrow though.

Yay for homemade perogies!

Glass Dharma Drinking Straws

I am officially a member of the "I Love My Straw" group!! As I mentioned in a previous post, I joined an initiative to get restaurants to stop giving out plastic straws automatically, at My Plastic Free Life. Well, as an incentive, David Leonhardt of Glass Dharma Company gave free glass straws to those who wrote letters to restaurants, asking them to change their policies on plastic straws. We were given one free straw for each letter, up to 5 letters. I only ended up getting 2 out in time but it is still really exciting to get even just one.

The straws came in the mail on Thursday and today we finally got around to trying them out. It was macho Man and I that tried them and I like them far more than a plastic straw. I like the way they look, how thick the glass is, the rounded ends and of course that they are reusable and will last a lifetime. Macho Man was a bit of a skeptic when I first told him of these glass straws, but he too is in the "club".

I love these straws!! They are so interesting and by using them, we are saving the use of thousands of non-recyclable plastic straws. I believe I will have to buy more of these and maybe some as gifts...Wink wink. Everyone needs at least one of these straws, so be sure to check the site...and buy one or more :D

I CAN Make a Difference :)

It is always nice to see/hear the result of the changes you are trying to make in this world!

A few weeks ago, I joined an initiative to get restaurants to stop bringing plastic straws to our table, automatically. Actually, not having the non-recyclable straws at all would be the best thing, but baby steps :) I joined this initiative through My Plastic Free Life. What we did was wrote letters to local businesses that give you a straw in your drink, without asking whether you want one or not, asking them to either ask you if you want one or switch to using reusable straws.

I wrote to 2 of my favourite places to eat and I was wonderfully delighted to hear from my brother (his sister in law works there), that one of the places has put a new policy in to place. The servers will no longer bring you a plastic straw automatically, but instead ask you if you would like one. I am really happy about this! Though it may seem silly or so small to some people, it is a big thing for me. First, it shows that one person alone can make a difference and second, I believe that people will opt out of taking the plastic straws when asked. I believe that we don't really think about that straw when we get it and the fact that most people never use a straw at home. Some people don't think to say that they don't need a straw, but if asked, I have a feeling a lot more people will refuse them. I think it makes you think about the fact that it really isn't something needed and you won't miss it if it isn't something you have outside of a restaurant. I know that I never used to think of the straw that came in my drink. I never use straws at home but as soon as that straw showed up in my drink, I used it without a second thought. I have definitely seen the error of my ways :) I really hope that this change will spark more change...Change for the greater good of the planet!!

Homemade Pasta: Taste Test Part One

YUMMO!!!!

This is some seriously tasty stuff and the sauce I made to go with it was truly delicious. A great combo!

I used the homemade garlic linguine and made a vegetarian spaghetti sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, St. Yves Veggie Ground Round and a mixture of different spices. This was so tasty! I am super surprised at how much Macho Man really likes the St. Yves Veggie Ground Round, he will eat it in anything. This makes me happy...one less fight to have over vegetarian meals :)

I have to say that I don't ever want to eat store bought pasta ever again, not when I know how good fresh and homemade tastes and the texture is different. I really enjoyed the fact that Claudette (brother's mother in law) garlic to the pasta and I plan to ask for her recipe and try some different flavours. She did mention making more and trying out sun dried tomato and pesto. Now these would be super tasty! Maybe if I am sweet enough, she will let me try those as well ;)

Silent Sunday: Happy Mother's Day

g

Homemade Pasta

My brother's mother in law is wicked resourceful, crafty and makes some of the greatest things. I was at my brother's place for my nephew's birthday party and towards the end (after much conversation about gardening, growing up and such) we some how got on the topic of pasta and the fact that she makes her own pasta...GASP...A woman after my own heart :) I love the idea of making my own pasta and really want to try it. I just need a few tools. Okay, I don't actually need them, but it would make things a bit easier. Anywho, the Mother in law was telling me that she uses a very simple recipe of flour, water and egg. She also lays the pasta out on an old crib railing, to dry out. What's best, is the different kinds she has made. She made garlic, raspberry, banana and chocolate. YES, chocolate pasta! Apparently it is actually pretty good.

I think that making my own pasta is going to be a must for me. Just one more thing I can make myself and save on the packaging as well as the large amount of ingredients that I can't even pronounce. Of course, I got really lucky and won't have to make my own right now because I was sent home with several flavours of pasta to try out...Woo hoo! I will be sure to let you all know how they taste :)

In A Funk

Looking for my groove....have you seen it?

I am not sure what is going on with me these days, but I just can't seem to get anything done. I have so many plans and so many things I want to do but yet I do nothing! What is up with that? I have always been a crazy procrastinator but this is taking the cake.

Anyone have any organizational tips, motivating ideas, ways to light a fire under this one? I would love to hear some ideas!!

This is how our garden grows

It is time to show you what has sprouted, since planting on Earth Day. It is so great to watch these little plants grow and know that one day in the near future, they will (hopefully) supply nourishment to my family...Eeeeekk!

We have planted cucumbers, beans, peas, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes...I think that's it but I may have forgotten something...LOL! I am planning to start my broccoli tomorrow and Miss Z will be planting her own little garden of flowers. First on her agenda is sunflowers! She is most excited about her own little garden.
I intended to have more pictures that this, but my camera batteries just died :(
Now keep in mind, I have no real clue as to what I am doing. Well, I wouldn't really say no clue at all, but this is all a learning experience for me, as well as Miss Z. I have learned that I have already made several mistakes and the biggest one was with the spinach. I think I over heated it and it just wilted over and was flat to the soil. I am now going to plant some spinach outdoors, in a large container. I really hope I will actually have an in ground garden and not have to plant all in containers. I will plant in containers if I have to though!

Stay Tuned

Well, I think I have found yet another temporary fix for my computer issues. One that works out way better than my earlier fix.

Many things being done and things to be done, Miss Z and I are overjoyed at the progress of out little garden! We have several things started indoors and they are sprouting quite nicely. Once I dump the memory cards from my camera, I will share the loveliness that is growing food :)

There hasn't been much crafting being done. Tomorrow I will be cleaning this place from top to bottom! It has been a pretty big mess since losing power for three days. There will be much to share as I begin Miss Z's home/re-purposed Summer wardrobe.

Oh, and there will be some fun schooly type activities to share as well. PLease, stayed tuned for goodies to come :)

Power...At Last!

Well, those were some dark times...Okay, not so much, as I went and stayed with my mother :) We had a crazy windy storm, on Thursday and it did some serious damage to the . It also knocked out the hydro for many, many homes. We were one of those very unlucky places to not have hydro. I am still not really sure of what kind of damage was done, but it left us without hydro for 3 days!

I am back now but of course there has to be some other sort of issue...my computer isn't quite right. I had to do a factory reset a few weeks ago and when I did, I was given a count down of when I had to activate my Windows. Well, I was unable to do that because the key that I have is showing up as unauthorized and now I can't log in to Windows. I am not really sure what my options are, but I am trying to figure out a way to resolve this without having to buy a new computer or shell out a ton of money to buy new a Windows. Here's hoping I can't get this thing working properly!!

"I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better." — Maya Angelou

Seriously good words!! I lived one way for so long because I didn't know any different, but now that I am learning and growing, I live a whole new life!

I have been reading, researching and finding a lot of new info on living better, healthier, greener, more sustainable...
I have made many changes to live a better life for my family and to respect the Earth, but I know there are still so many changes I want to make. I look at my recycling and see so many things that really don't even need to be there. Not that they don't need to be recycled, just that I don't need to be bringing that amount of packaging home. There are so many ways to avoid having large amounts of waste and it seems I am just being lazy and procrastinating. I need to smarten up and get my act together! Time to make more of a difference! I need to make some reusable mesh produce bags, make muslin bread bags and bags for bulk foods (I still need to find a bulk place where I can use said bags), bake my own bread 100% of the time, look for recipes to make my own hygiene products...Such a long list of the things I have been putting off out of sheer laziness. No more excuses!!!

I have found a few really good sites and blogs that have tips on ways to reduce your waste, live sustainable, being more eco friendly and so on. A lot of great info to be read here.

Linkies to share, in case you too are interested:

The Clean Bin Project

Groovy Green Livin

My Plastic Free Life - The initiative on getting restaurants to stop giving out plastic straws automatically, is a great idea. Be sure to check it out and join in!

Mom Goes Green

The Sheets That Just Keep Giving

That's right, yet another item crated from the retro sheets. Miss Z now has an entire outfit and a matching kite...LOL!! Now that is a serious accessory :P

Here is the last item made from the retro sheets.

This is a very simple little apron top. No pattern used, just another winging it type of deal.

Front

Back. The bow is not actually wonky, as it appears in the picture.

The whole outfit, worn on Easter Sunday.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Retro Sheets...Again!

Keeping this "reuse, reduce, recycle, re-purpose" segment going, here is the latest!

This is a kite I made, using the sheets you saw turned in to a skirt. There is so much of it to go around, I am still trying to find different ways to use them up. I did make an apron top to go with the skirt, but it is in the wash, so I posted this project first.

I made this kite after doing a bit of research online, to figure out how to make a kite with fabric. Of course, I ended up just winging it. There has been no real wind for flying and now it is raining like crazy, so we'll have to wait to see if it can actually fly. I really hope it does but if not, this one will be hung in Miss Z's room as decor and it will be back to the drawing board for me. We'll see, I guess...please fly, please fly, please fly...

Silent Sunday

What A Day!!

Happy Earth Day all!!

I will have to wait until tomorrow to post all the fun things we did today, as I am sooooooooooo tired! I am on my way to dreamland.

Nighty night all!

Earthy Links

I know, I was supposed to post a crafty entry today, but I was out ALL day and there was no crafting :( We had a good day though, in spite of not crafting! Though, I did see a great recycled craft done by a friend's husband and their daughter, but I had no camera to take a picture of their creation. It was like a recycled snow globe/lava type thingy...Yeah, yeah, a lovely description...LOL! I believe my friend said it was made with a glass bottle (pop, beer, milk, juice bottle, whatever you have on hand), light corn syrup, a tiny bit of water and some beads and sparkles. It was really nice and a great craft for a parent and a little one. I will have to get a detailed instruction and post it another time.

I figured this would be a good time to share some links on Earth friendly crafts, activities, ideas and some info. If you are looking for some ideas, check these links out!

Magazine Paper Beads
Toothbrush Bracelets
5 Easter egg projects using recycled materials
Make your own paper

Earth Day Canada
Plastic Free Life
Hip Mountain Mama Blog (great products and info)

Here are few ideas of what you can do to celebrate and appreciate the Earth:

Park the car and walk or bike
Turn off the TV and get outside, get active
Clean up your neighbourhood or someone else's
Plant a tree
Start a vegetable and/or fruit garden
Make some crafty items with materials from your recycling bin
Go meat free
Build a bin
Attend an Earth Day event if available in your area

The Earth needs to be cared for, appreciated, celebrated and love every day, not just this one!! Take some or all of the ideas and info and apply it to every day life, not just for one single day.

On the Hunt

Well, there will be no recycled craft for today. We were out most of the day, running errands and such. I was also on a hunt for a bike. A bike for Macho Man! We have a few great ideas on how we will spend Earth Day, doing lovely things to respect and appreciate the Earth and a big part of it includes biking. The only problem is that we are having a heck of a time locating a bike that will be suitable for Macho Man. He is a rather large guy and needs a good sized, sturdy bike. Of course, we don't buy new (unless absolutely necessary) and finding a good bike for him second hand is proving a bit tricky. I will use what time I have tomorrow to continue my search and maybe will get lucky or a friend will have one to lend. Wish us luck :)

I will have another crafty item to share tomorrow and Friday, I will post info and pictures of how we spent Earth Day! How are you all showing your love for the Earth? Anything special planned?

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Retro Sheets

This is currently a WIP! I am actually taking a quick break from sewing, to type out this post...LOL!

In a previous post, I showed you a picture of a pair of retro sheets that I purchased at send hand stores. Well, they are now becoming a re-purposed/upcycled skirt for Miss Z. It is turning out very well and it is a super simple style of skirt. No pattern, I am simply winging it (yeah, it's just how I roll).

Anywho, I must get back at it, so that I may finish it up before bed time. Pictures to be posted before I end my evening :)

Okay, all finished and I LOVE this little skirt!! The two sheets together look fantastic.

First, here is a refresher of the sheets I posted previously:So cute and retro :)

Now, here is the simple but super sweet skirt:I love these fabrics (sheets) so much, that I am planning to make a little apron to to go with this skirt.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Egg Cartons

Ah yes, egg cartons and their many uses! There are so many great ideas of what you can do with egg cartons. Here is what we did with them today.

Caterpillars:This one was a lot of fun because it involved cutting, painting, pipe cleaners

Spring Flowers:Miss Z says that these flowers smell SOOOOOO good! Tee hee...So sweet!

Color Sorting and Counting:
This idea was something I came up with when Miss Z was about 2. She used to love sorting the colors and counting the pieces. She still takes it out sometimes and plays with it on her own. This is actually a double re-purposing, as the circle pieces are made from a cereal box!

We have one more thing to do with the egg cartons, and that is to start a few plants in them. From what I gather, you can transplant them in to your garden, still in the individual cups...Cool :)

Silent Sunday

So.Very.TIRED!!!

This weekend has been a whirlwind!! I am now just getting a chance to take a slow moment, before I have to get back at it. I feel like I have not sat down this long in months. There's been sewing, laundry, swimming, a dinner date, driving, homemade pizza being made, more sewing, stressing, groceries...Aaaaaaaahhhhh!! I just really need a sleep. I have been so crazy that I completely missed blogging yester day. Can you believe that?!?! GASP

Well, I think this sit down has come to an end as my pizza is about to burn...Eeeeeek!

Until next time. Peace, love and save the planet :X

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Great Link

I found that a blog I follow is also going with a recycled theme, in honour of Earth Day and they have posted a great tutorial that I have to share! Cereal Box Crafts: Notepads. Oh my, I am such a sucker for notepads and when you are trying to be friendlier to the Earth, notepads are a total waist (unless made of recycled material and you pay the price) but now, I can make some great recycled ones of my own. I am planning to make a few of these for Miss Z and myself. I think I will make some paper from old flyers and scraps, to make it even more Earth friendly...I have always wanted to try making my own paper ;)

I hope you guys find this as interesting and useful as I do and make one or a ton for yourself!

Toilet Paper Bunny Tutorial

First, let me just say that I am very sorry for the wonky pictures turned on their sides. I didn't realize they were like that when I uploaded them and now will have to wait until I go to my Mom's again to fix them...My connection is super poopy!
Okay, let us begin!Supplies:
Cardboard toilet paper rolls (without the toilet paper...LOL)
Paint brushes
Paints
Cotton Balls
Bunny ear pieces (made from recycled bits of paper - I made these myself)
Paper bunny faces (also recycled paper - Made by me)
Googly eyes
Glue

We also used a little Styrofoam container that I sometimes use to put Miss Z's paints on when she is painting.

1. Paint the tubes, which ever color you like. Once we painted all the rolls we were using, we waited a few minutes for them to dry, it doesn't take long.

2.Glue ears on to the roll.

3.Now to glue on some googly eyes...jiggle, jiggle!!

4. Don't forget to add a bunny face with nose, mouth and cute little whiskers ;)

5. Last but not least, where would Peter Cotton Tail be with out his cotton ball tail...LOL! I put a small amount of glue on the back of the roll, put on the cotton ball and then pinched it firmly to the roll to ensure is was secured.VOILA...Wonderful bunny creations :)

Some Rescue Animals, I Rescue Pants

Yes, you read that right! I rescued a pair of pants today, from an unnecessary trip to a landfill. A lady in my building offered a pair of pants to Macho Man and unfortunately, they were not a fit for him so I told her she should donate them and someone else would make use of them (they were practically brand new). It seemed as though donating would be too big of a chore because she looked at me a bit odd and said that they would simply be put in the trash...GASP! How could I let those perfectly good jeans end up in the garbage, when someone could get good use of them? Why would I let them go to the landfill to lay for who knows how long? Just crazy talk I tells ya...LOL :) I put my hand out said that we would gladly take them and find someone who would fit in to them or donate them if not.

I know that maybe donating items can be a chore, as the items sometimes sit for a long time before you can make it to the drop off, but it really isn't that big of a chore. I am a serious procrastinator and I know very well how long things can sit, waiting to be donated and how much space things can take up. It may seem like a lot of hassle, but it is really worth it! Someone will get use of the items you no longer need and you can save things from ending up in our landfills. Sometimes, you don't even have to make it to a drop off, there are places that will come and pick up your unwanted items for free...FREE! It doesn't get easier than that. I mean, if you are going to bag it all up and toss it to the curb on garbage day, then why not bag it up and have someone come pick it up to make use of these items that still have a lot of life left in them?

Come on guys, let's help the Earth out by passing on good clothing and other gently used items and not throw them in the trash. You won't just be helping the planet, but maybe someone else who really needs it ;)

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-purpose: Toilet Paper Rolls

Time to stop procrastinating and get things kicked off! Here they are, the toilet paper roll bunnies!
These were so much fun to make and Miss Z had a blast with this craft. We are planning to make them again.These are super simple to do and can be winged, but I will be posting a tutorial Wednesday evening. Stay tuned...

Silent Sunday

A Lovely Spring Day

We were out and about today, exploring and enjoying this lovely Spring weather! We collected some items for one of our "Reduce, reuse, recycle, re-purpose" segments and I think it is going to be a lot of fun to create with Miss Z (you'll see). We also got to squeeze in a bit of secondhand shopping/browsing.

How about you, what was the weather like in your area? Did you get out and enjoy some fresh air?

It's All About the Earth

Earth Day is rapidly approaching and though it should be Earth Day every day, I thought it would be a fun thing to do and share with you some recycled/eco-friendly crafts and activities. Of course, this is something I will continue beyond Earth Day as well.

I already have some fantastic ideas and tutorials I have found online. There are just endless possibilities when recycling/re-purposing old items. I will use materials from our recycling bin, items found in the yard, second hand clothing and whatever else I can get my hands on, that needs a new life :)

Keep your eyes peeled for the segments titled, "Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Re-Purpose" and "Earth Loving Activities". Hopefully you will be inspired to join in and try some earth friendly crafts too!!

Do you have anything planned for this Earth Day, or just everyday activities/crafts that are Earth friendly, you may like to share?

Give A Hoot!

A little something crafty to share with you, today :)



This is a set of "owly" mug rugs I have made for a fellow Craftster. It has been a while since I posted something crafty because most of the crafty goods I have made lately, are items that are surprises for some who may see my blog. This is okay to share because this will be a secret to the person recieving! She has no idea I am the person sending her crafted goodies ;) Such a fun craft swap idea!

Green Read

I am always on the prowl for some good ole green reading, and today I found a few interesting sites. There was a post by Adventures of a Thrifty Mama in a Trailer Park on FB about a contest she is in, on a site called Circle of Moms and the link was loaded with eco-friendly Mom blogs. This is a contest to find the Top 25 Eco-friendly Moms and can generate a lot of new readers to the winner and to all the other blogs really.

I have taken a peek at a few of the blogs and have like what I see. A lot of interesting things to read. I am now off to take a deeper look and get my read on...LOL!

Be sure to check things out and possibly vote. Hope you find some good reading like I did :)

Oh, and if anyone has a good eco-friendly/green/crunchy/homemade/gardening/natural...(you get it, LOL) blog, I would love it if you would share a link, so I may take a read!

What Will They Be?

I have been collecting materials and used clothing, in preparation to make a summer wardrobe for Miss Z and this is what I have purchased thus far:

Some shirts and a jean jacket that will remain a jacket but with a few touch ups. It needs to be taken in and I want to add some crazy color and patches.These skirts were a great buy at only a dollar a piece. The two sheets are super sweet and it is funny how I found a matching set.. The yellow sheet was purchased at a local secondhand shop but the pink sheet was found quite a ways from home. My family went on a mini-vacation and when we arrived to this tiny town, I saw something that caught my eye...A SECONDHAND SHOP!! Of course I can spot the only tiny secondhand shop in this town...LOL!! I had to stop in and take a look. I looked over just about everything and when I decided I was finished, I headed to the cash when I walked by this pink sheet that looked super familiar. I picked it up and hmmmed and haaaaaed over it when I realized, it was the same as the yellow sheet I had purchased at home! I had to get it, it was just meant to be :P I mean, Macho Man couldn't possibly argue this purchase. I have a pretty good idea of what will come of these sweet old sheets!

It is just a matter of time before these items become lovely (I hope) pieces of clothing. I plan to use the tutorials I posted in a previous post as well as winging it with a few things. I am thinking of making a few of my own patterns. We shall see how this all plays out.