Yes, I’m still here!

Ok, so that was a HUGE absence and I apologize (again!) for that. A lot has gone on, especially the last year, including a devistating house fire. Another thing I apologize for, right now, is my spelling and grammar mistskes! i'm not sure why auto correct is not on, but it's not! i will figure that out later, but for now, I am back and will start posting more regular (I know! I say it every time, but this time will be different, I promise).

My vintage ornament wreath

A couple years ago, I saw a GORGEOUS vintage Christmas ornament wreath on Pinterest. I wanted it, rather I wanted to make my own.

I started off by posting an ad on local yard sale sites looking for old vintage ornaments, that was a bust! I didn’t get any replies! I posted on my own Facebook page asking friends if they had any, I received one reply from my boyfriends mom, and a picture of some vintage ornaments. YUS!!!!!! 🙏 there were only a couple I was interested in, but it’s a start! 

After that I found an ad on a Facebook yard sale group for 9 vintage Santa ornaments for $50. I didn’t need 9 and I certainly didn’t want to spend $50, so I messaged the woman and asked if she would part with just one, she replied and said they were already spoken for but if the sale fell through, she’d let me know. Days went by, then I received a message! The sale fell through! Woot! I asked how much for one and she replied “0”, I thought

it was a typo but it wasn’t! She said she’d be happy to give it to me for free! Double Woot!!! The only thing was, I had to drive one hour each way to pick Santa up! I was fine with this because it meant I could visit thrift stores I don’t normally get to! 

The thrift store wasn’t as great as I had anticipated, but I did manage to score a few vintage glass balls that I needed. Finally picked Santa up, I was so grateful that I was gifted him, that I left the woman a little truck ornament that I had made, as a thank you. 

The road trip had ended and I was happy with the days findings, but I still needed a lot more. A few days later we went to a local antique flea market. As soon as I walked in the door I zeroed in on another vintage Santa ornament! I had to get him, it was $6 but they are scarce. I also found an old angel with drum and another Santa ornament, they had to come home with me, I couldn’t leave them. 

Getting excited that my collection was growing, but I still needed more more more! I went to a few local thrift stores and found some more vintage glass balls and also this amazing bag of elf heads for $0.50! I wonder what happened to their bodies 🤷‍♀️ 

Christmas was nearing, I hadn’t even started my wreath yet, I had to get some silver tinsel garland but I didn’t want it to be new, it had to be vintage, so off to my local Salvation Army thrift shop! To my surprise they had some! Still in its original vintage packaging AND it was 50% off day! Wooot! I was getting closer to almost being able to start my creation! 

Late one evening I was scrolling through Facebook and came across a post on a free stuff group. The woman was giving items away that belonged to her late cousin who recently passed. RIP DAWN. I looked through the photos and there were 2 lots of vintage ornaments! I messaged her and arranged for pickup. Turns out, I went to school with Dawn, I remember her as always being very happy and doing anything she can to help people. 

I had a different design in mind for my wreath, but when I received Dawns ornaments, my vision changed. These ornaments were exactly what I was missing and tied the whole thing together. This is why I only used one of my vintage Santas, but don’t worry, I have big plans for the ones left over!

The first step of making the wreath was to secure the vintage garland. I did that. I was so scared to start gluing on the glass balls! I was afraid of breaking them or not liking the way it looked. Finally one day I picked up my Ryobi cordless glue gun and started attaching the balls to the wire wreath frame I bought at Dollar Tree (the only item that isn’t vintage!) it took me months to collect all of the ornaments, 2 evenings to put it all together, and I will cherish it for a lifetime. I hope you like it!

It’s been a year!

 If you’re still following my posts, THANK YOU! I can’t believe I haven’t posted in over a year! Gahh! It’s been quite the year though. Who ever thought anything like this would happen in our lifetime.

As I reflect over the past year, there have been a lot of changes in my life; I was laid off from my cushy office job thanks to stupid Covid, and now I’m a roofer! Yep, 40’ ladders, harnesses, rope grabs, the whole bit! I’m completely certified for working at heights and I actually enjoy it! We own our own business and it’s doing pretty good!

I’ve accomplished a lot this past year, some big, some small, but things I’ve never done before including assisting in birthing kittens, learning how to pull both an enclosed and a flat bed trailer behind a pickup truck (no, not at the same time!!!), I learned how to shingle (and I’m actually pretty good at it!) I watched the whole Tiger King series (I don’t know if that’s something to “brag” about though! The other day I tried out a hoverboard! That reminds me, I need to order some new trim for in the kitchen (oops!). I’ve supported local like never before, we put in a vegetable garden (it didn’t do very well, however the pot did extremely well!!!), we put in a pool, we tried delivering for Door Dash before it went all to shit (Door Dash, not us!), I took my 15yo son and his friend downtown and to a homeless shelter to hand out care packages, I biked 13km on a local trail (man, I was sore for like 3 days after that!). I baked bread from scratch, I delivered Christmas hampers for a local restaurant for those in need, and to finish off the year my house was nominated as one of the best decorated! The local news came and did their weather segments on my front lawn!

This past year, although being in quarantine and lockdown, I really enjoyed my time with my boys, it gave me time to do things I love, like crafting and home improvement, as well as self improvement (mind you since this whole shit show started, I’ve been living in sweatpants and hoodies, but you know what, I’m comfortable, I’m cozy, and hell everyone else is wearing the same thing!) 

So it’s been a bitter sweet year. I am thankful that my family and friends are all safe and healthy, I miss them, we talk all the time but it’s not the same without the whole family together at Christmas and Thanksgiving, but it had to be that way so we can all be together next year.

I hope you are all doing well and have found some positive in such a negative, unknown, scary situation.

I will try to post more regularly (ya, I know, I say that all the time!) but there are so many things I want to show you, like my new tea towel designs and my gorgeous vintage Christmas ornament wreath, and my roofing skills!

Have a safe and Happy New Year! 

Check out my newest creations!

Leave it to me to not post in forever, but I've been extremely busy lately! I was gifted a Cricut machine last year for my birthday and decided to try and make these hilarious tea towels, and they're  huge hit! They are currently being sold at Fishtale Shop on Wolfe Island (ON, Canada) and I also have an Etsy store that I am constantly adding to check it out HERE.

These are completely customizable, I have done personalized ones for weddings. Send me an email if you have something in mind, I would  love to create some for you!

Found and fancied up

There's something about finding a quality piece of furniture on the side of the road, free for the taking, it gives me a rush,and I cannot wait for "giveaway day"; one day every so often dedicated to people putting their unwanted furniture on the curb in hopes that someone will pick them up, and this time, I feel like I hit the wooden chair jackpot!

These beauts were found a little over a year ago, they have been in my basement along with all of my other pending projects, collecting dust.

It was a slow giveaway day; my 12 year old son and I were out bright and early hoping to find some treasure. We found a few small odds and ends but nothing too spectacular, until...our way home!  I spotted these chairs a mile away and couldn't get to them fast enough!  My son jumped out and immediately started loading them into the car, it was like a furniture game of tetris, but we managed.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them but I knew they couldn't stay the way they were, they had way too much potential.  It wasn't until recently that I finally decided I was going to paint them my favorite color; a shade of Tiffany Blue.



With a soapy damp cloth, I wiped away the dust and cob webs (don't judge me, everyone has cobwebs in their basement...don't they?) gave them a quick sand, then I began painting them with a can of discontinued, Lowes "robin's egg blue" paint that I scored for just $6.00!

After 2 coats of this beautiful bluish green, I brought out my sandpaper again and gave them a rustic look.  Another quick dusting with a dry cloth then I hit them with 2 coats of clear coat.  I supposed I could have waxed them, but honestly, I've never done it and it seems like a lot of work!

I am so happy with the results! I have 2 completed so far.  I swear we found 4 chairs that day, but after several attempts of rummaging through my basement and shed, I am convinced I only have 3, which makes me really sad, but at the same time allows me to find 2 more similar press backs and paint them the same color. In fact...I do have 2 more that I found on a yard sale site for $20 (I know, they weren't free but I HAD to have them to go with these ones! See photo below)

Hope you love them as much as I do!

DIY "spell books"

I absolutely LOVE how these "spell" books turned out!

With some old books found at a thrift store, some plastic Halloween toys, paint, mod podge (you can also make your own mod podge by simply mixing water and white glue!) and paper towel, you can create your own spooky Halloween spell books!

Full tutorial found HERE.

Make your own topsy turvey pumpkin ornament

I can't believe I haven't posted this yet! I came across this project on Pinterest last year, and of course I had to try it out! It is SO EASY!  

When I first put this up in my garden, my neighbor rushed over and asked where I bought it! I constantly see people slow down to check it out as they drive by, and just the other night, a knock at the door, it was an older lady who said she drives by my house every day and wanted to stop and ask where I bought my topsy turvey pumpkin ornament! 

I haven't even seen these available in stores...hmm...I may be on to something!

The whole project was less than $10, I even got the mini fall mums free by redeeming airmiles at Rona!

Here is a list of materials you will need for your project:

- Plastic pumpkin pails (I found mine at Wal Mart, $1.25 each) I used 5 but of course you can use more/less, it all depends on personal preference!

- Drill (mine came with a handsome helper!!!) (no just kidding, he was separate but I figured since it was his drill, he would like to use it!)

- Long piece of doweling to thread your pumpkins onto.  (I ended up using a piece of wooden trim, any material should work, the stronger the better since it will be outside)

- Small fall mums (or other plants of choice) to fit into the pumpkins

Directions:

1. Remove plastic handles from pumpkin pails and discard/recycle/do what you want with you don't need them!

2. Drill a hole in the bottom of each pail 

3. Drill a hole in one side of each pail, alternating sides (so on one pail drill on the left, then the next on the right, then the next pail on the left again, this will give it the topsy turvey effect once it's put together! 

4. Place your drilled pails onto your dowel starting at the bottom then through the side

5. Place plants of choice in each hole. I removed the pots that came with the plant just so it was easier to water and they filled the pails out nicer.

That's it! You're done!!!

This is such an inexpensive project that will get you a ton of compliments!

I would love to see how yours turned out! Feel free to comment with photos!

 

Can Dogs Eat Bananas? 10 Toxic Foods, 23 Safe Ones & A Few in the Middle

Are you planning to have a pet dog at home? Before you even say yes, make sure that you are responsible enough to take care of it. Dogs might be fun and playful, but they are also sensitive. This is true when it comes to the food they eat. They are not like humans that can eat almost anything. There are certain foods that dogs just can’t eat.

There are others that may even die of complications due to the content of certain dishes that they have eaten. This is why you need to understand the types of food that dogs can eat and what they can’t. It is extremely important that you pay attention to what you put on their bowl. Otherwise, they might get ill or worse, die.

For humans, eating fruits is totally recommended due to their nutritional value. The same can’t be said for dogs. There are certain types of fruits that are highly recommended such as bananas. Others fruits like apples are allowed, but only in moderation. However, grapes should be totally avoided. This could lead to poisoning.

This is just an example on the types of foods that dogs can eat and what are considered toxic for them. There are many other examples that you must be aware of. To make it easier for you, we have compiled an infographic below to help you out. This explains clearly the food groups.

My 14 day oil pulling experiment

I have recently heard a lot about the benefits of "oil pulling". What is oil pulling? Let's ask Wikipedia:

Oil pulling or oil swishing is a traditional folk remedy where oil is "swished" (kavala graha) or "held" (snigda gandoosha) in the mouth.

Practitioners of oil pulling claim it is capable of improving oral and systemic health, including a benefit in conditions such as headaches, migraines, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and acne, as well as whitening teeth. Its promoters claim it works by "pulling out" toxins, which are known as ama in Ayurvedic medicine, and thereby reducing inflammation.

Seeing how I have a humongous jar of pure, virgin coconut oil in the cupboard, I decided to give this a try! I've read it whitens teeth, boosts energy, improves skin and so much more! 

It's pretty easy, just take a tablespoon, put it in your mouth and swish it around for up to 20 minutes. I know, 20 minutes seems like forever. I do it first thing in the morning while I'm getting ready for work, and hope I don't have to yell at the kids!

If you can't do the 20 minutes, try starting with 5 and work your way up to 20.

Swish vigorously every few minutes, you really want to pull all the nasties from in between teeth and gums.

* Do not swallow this because it is pulling bacteria from your mouth, therefore it is very toxic. (Swallowing non-swished coconut oil is completely fine, in fact it has been said to help in weight loss, but that's a whole other experiment!)

When you're finished swishing, spit the oil out into a garbage can, not down the sink, it will solidify once cold and could cause clogs. Brush your teeth with warm water and toothpaste after.

I am going to document my 14 day oil pulling experience just to see what it really does. I will update daily. 

Day 1: Pulled for 20 minutes. Oil has a pleasant, almost nutty flavour. Teeth felt very smooth and my mouth felt clean.

Day 2: 20 minutes. In the evening I noticed my hands were softer than they usually are, teeth smooth and look shinier than usual, overall mouth feels clean.

Day 3: 22 minutes. Woke up and immediately noticed a decrease in "morning breath"! After my coffee I didn't feel like I had nasty coffee breath as I usually do, all day my mouth felt clean.  Also my nose isn't stuffed up anymore like it has been for the past two weeks.

Day 4: 15 minutes. Not much different today from yesterday, teeth feel smooth and look shiny.

Day 5: 20 minutes. Teeth and mouth still feel really clean, and I can feel a difference in my gums, kinda hard to explain, but it's a good difference. My skin feels good and the couple of blemishes I have had on my face for what seems like a lifetime, are starting to disappear! Saweeet!

Day 6: 20 minutes.  Pretty much exactly the same as day 5!

Day 7: (One Week) This morning I thought I'd switch it up a bit and not pull until later in the day...bad idea!  I have coffee breath!  I should have not switched it up and kept my morning routine! Gahh!!!

Day 8: So I didn't end up pulling yesterday at all...BAD idea! this morning I woke up with "death breath" that everybody does in the morning, so I pulled for 25 minutes while I was getting ready this morning.  After my morning coffee, I had coffee breath,
blechhh...uggg...has all my hard, oil pulling efforts this past week gone to waste?  Let this be a lesson to me, to us...you are either committed to a cleaner, healthier mouth, or not...there is clearly no in between.

Day 9: 20 minutes. Mouth starting to feel a lot cleaner after skipping the other day...gahhh...why did I do that?! Teeth look shiny and feel very smooth. Will not skip again!!!

Days 10 - 14: approx. 20 minutes each day. No huge changes from the beginning of the second week; teeth are at least 2 shades whiter, feel clean, smooth and no more disgusting coffee breath!

In conclusion, yes, this is a pain in the butt, but it could easily be incorporated into your daily routine, preferably in the mornings. I am certain after longer use, teeth will become increasingly whiter.

Need helping finding a good coconut oil? Reviews.com tested 6 different kinds of coconut oil and found 2 that taste and feel great.  Click here to discover the best coconut oil! 



I would love to hear your experience with oil pulling, please feel free to comment or send an email!

Money for nothing (well almost nothing....)

I have decided, since it's almost the beginning of a new year, I am going to keep track of how much "free" money I can accumulate in a year, see how much Christmas shopping I can do for "free" next year.

I belong to several cash back offer and survey programs (don't be fooled, some are crappy but the ones I belong to are legit and awesome!) including Checkout 51, Pinecone research, and survey lion and a few others, as well as store loyalty programs such as PC points, which gives me personalized offers every week and cash back on stuff I buy anyways!

The hardest part is cashing out and not spending it, so I will have to figure out how that is going to work!

Beginning next year (which really is only like a week and a half away!) I will post my accomplishments and see how much I can do!

If you haven't already, you should get the Checkout 51 app, it's available in Canada and the US and gives you  cash back for stuff you buy anyways, all you do is upload your grocery receipt!  Easy peasy!

iPhoneography

 I have always loved photography, ever since my high school photography class with Mrs. Forrester! I don't have the time (or patience!) to carry around a traditional camera, so I use the next best thing, my iPhone!  I am a bit behind in the times as some would say, as I only have an IPhone 5s!, before that I was using a 4, what are they up to now, 7? 8? Who knows! The photos I am posting have ALL been taken with my iPhone, and a little help from Instagram filters. That's it! I am not an expert, I am not a professional, I don't consider myself to be a photographer by any stretch, but I have taken some pretty great photos with my iPhone and I get a lot of comments on them, I was even a finalist in a local photo contest and nobody could believe it was taken with an iPhone, that one in particular, my 4s. There are way too many awesome photos to post at once, so I will post some for now, and many more another time!

There are way too many awesome photos to post at once, so I will post some for now, and many more another time!

 

 

12 Fun Ways to Burn 100 Calories

I found this great infographic created by Chobani with 12 fun ways to burn 100 calories!


Who'd have though SHOPPING could burn calories? (OK it makes sense now that I think about it; the running around the store, the burn in your arms as you insist on carrying everything rather than use a cart!)

Don't underestimate these everyday routine activities that burn calories; they count, and you've earned it!  Be sure to log these babies in your calorie counter/fitness app if you have one!

Eating right also contributes to a healthy lifestyle, my biggest weakness is snacking, and boy do I have a sweet tooth!

Chobani wants inspire all of us to make healthier choices, and have created a whole range of delicious, naturally sweetened Greek Yogurt products, full flavor and satisfaction for just 100 calories.

This is awesome for me; my sweet tooth is satisfied thanks to flavors like "Strawberry Chocolate Truffle (Right!!!) and much healthier than my "just grabbing a chocolate bar for lunch" habit (I know, it's terrible, don't judge me!)

Chobani has some great info on their website including healthy recipes, nutrition information, and so much more. Check it all out HERE.

Now, to clean the house, or go shopping....the more shopping I do, the more calories  I burn! :)

I'd love to hear your healthy tips!

Standing up for what you believe in - A guest blog post by Denny

Standing up for what you believe in even if it means standing alone

Standing up for what you believe in is not always the easiest thing but it is very beneficial. Make sure you know what you believe in and make sure it is a good cause, standing up for good cause can make a world of difference for you and for anybody else involved. Believe you can make a difference despite how others may try and put you down.

The benefits of standing up for what you believe in are:
1. This build your confidence.
2.It gives you a sense of self.
3. It makes you develop self respect. 
4. This builds your integrity.
5. Helps you be more independent

From now on make your stand and believe you can make a difference despite the odds.

For more inspirational and motivational posts, visit Denny's blog HERE

Would you like to be a guest blogger?

I am currently accepting guest blogger posts! You choose the subject! If you are interested, send me a message chalene8@yahoo.ca 

Bring back the bees - FREE pack of wildflower seeds

Bees are quickly disappearing from all over the world, and it's time to do something about it! Honey Nut Cheerios is offering a free pack of wildflower seeds to Canadians to help with this serious problem. Bees need wildflower pollen and nectar to stay happy and healthy, so planting wildflowers is a fun, easy way to help the bees.  Click HERE to order your FREE pack of wildflower seeds and help #bringbackthebees