Day 28

December Photo Challenge

Day 28: Words

This is part of a shelf that I have on my craft desk. My 2015 Inspirational Calendar, a heart rock found by my daughter, my 'balance' stone from Soul Inspired Ceramics, my mini village from The Little Red Door, a bottle full of beach treasures from Pender and a few of my wedding word stones; faith, wish, joy. A little shelf of happiness! 

Day 27

December Photo Challenge

Day 27: Night Time

Finally working on a new cowl for myself. Enjoying the quiet

Day 26

December Photo Challenge 

Day 26: Grateful

So lucky this view is only a 2 minute drive from my house. Feels like you are on the top of the world here! -Pender Island, BC

Day 25

December Photo Challenge

Day 25: Morning

Loved seeing the look on our girls faces when they found the dolls Santa brought them for Xmas!

Day 24

December Photo Challenge

Day 24: Favorite Part of Christmas Eve

Bonfire with friends, hot drinks and treats! Awesome way to spend the afternoon!

Day 23

December Photo Challenge

Day 23: Scarf

Wearing my new scarf made by Lisa from Ever After Designs (and drinking my morning coffee!).  I love the bird print on the fabric and it's very soft and well made. I will definitely be ordering more! Lisa always has a nice selection of fabric choices!

Day 22

December Photo Challenge

Day 22: Tradition

Decorating sugar cookies with the girls. We do this every year and on a lot of holidays like Valentine's Day and Hallowe'en too.

Day 21

December Photo Challenge

Day 21: Peace

Kids were in bed and all was quiet in the house. So I put my sewing machine to work and finished my daughters quilt in peace! Tried to most of it during the evenings as they are each getting a new quilt for Xmas

Day 20

December Photo Challenge

Day 20: Tree Topper

This little angel sits atop our daughters mini Xmas tree

Day 19

December Photo Challenge

Day 19: Candy Cane

Day 18

December Photo Challenge

Day 18: Stockings

And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care....

Day 17

December Photo Challenge

Day 17: Presents

Yummy white chocolate candy cane biscotti all wrapped up as a special gift! (The girls and I gifted some as our #raok today!)

Day 16

December Photo Challenge

Day 16: Outdoor Christmas Lights

Simple string of white lights. So pretty! 

Day 15

December Photo Challenge

Day 15: Favorite Holiday Song

I don't have a favorite song, but I love this album! 

Day 14

December Photo Challenge

Day 14: Christmas Tree

Our beautiful green and gold tree. I like to buy a special ornament every year for it. This years is a glass blown snowflake from a talented Victoria artist 

Day 13

December Photo Challenge

Day 13: Family

Love my girls so much! They mean the world to me ❤️

Day 12

December Photo Challenge

Day 12: A Beautiful Sight

I don't drink much pop but I was excited when I saw this one for sale at our grocery store. Tastes good with a splash of Vodka too!

Day 11

December Photo Challenge

Day 11: Green

Waiting for the school bus to drop off my daughter at our drive way. Even though snow is nice on Christmas Day, I still love that we have so much green this time of year. Lots of arbutus trees here that keep their leaves through the winter. We can see our grass! And so many plants haven't turned brown yet. My girls are excited for snow so hopefully we get a day or two to enjoy it like last winter.

 

Day 10

December Photo Challenge

Day 10: Wrapping paper

Started on some gifts for the kids. At least this way if they find them, they won't know what they are! 

Day 9

December Photo Challenge

Day 9: Something you're reading

I'm excited to dive into these books! Both by Sandra Steiner. Cherish The Past and Live For Today.

Day 8

December Photo Challenge

Day 8: Ornaments

The girls love ringing this little bell ornament every year! It has a special place on our tree ❤️

Day 7

December Photo Challenge

Day 7: Bright

Was so beautiful out today, could have even used some sunglasses! Perfect weather for some family Xmas card photos (west coast style on the beach of course!)  After we had an amazing brunch at The Cafe at Hope Bay. They have a huge menu full of yummy choices, it always takes me so long to decide!!

Day 6

December Photo Challenge

Day 6: Shopping

Bought this cute snowman platter today. Perfect for Xmas treats (plus it was only $1 and it's Mikasa, good score from the 2nd hand store)

Day 5

December Photo Challenge

Day 5: Today's Temperature

It was cold and rainy out today, but it sure made the ornaments on the tree outside of the library look pretty!

Day 4

December Photo-A-Day Challenge

Day 4:  Joyous

Hazelnut latte, pumpkin cranberry muffin and the cutest coffee date ever! Perfect joyous start to my morning!

Day 3

December Photo-A-Day Challenge

Day 3:  Red

Canada Post red mailbox, the ladies at the post office loved me today! Sending lots of packages from my Love and Farkles sale!

Day 2

December Photo-A-Day Challenge 

Day 2:  Your favorite holiday movie

I always loved this one! The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Day 1

Posting a photo a day for this 'Capturing December' challenge!

Day 1: My view today.

Making a new Xmas wreath for our door, enjoying our decorated tree and the warm fire

Time for a Change

I am a starter.  I like to start things.  I get excited to start something new.  I start all kinds of projects and jobs every day.  But I seem to have a hard time finishing them.  Party because I get distracted by my kids or other things that NEED to be done (like making coffee or a meal) and partly because I crave that feeling of starting fresh. 

  But as I walked around my house tonight, I realized this has to change.  I saw so many starts, things that were almost complete, tasks or chores left unfinished.  From laundry that needs to be put away, a half compete sewing project on the kitchen table and an almost finished application that needs to be mailed off.  Why can't I just get this stuff done?  I make lists all the time, I love crossing things off my list when they are done.  But the funny thing is that I make a new 'to do' list every day or so because only 1 or 2 things are crossed off (I am a chronic list maker!) and sometimes I even add a completed item to my list just to have something to cross off! (I see a pattern here haha)

  So I'm making a change.  Starting today, September 1, 2014, I plan on becoming a finisher!  I think this will just help me feel less stressed about every day little things around the house and feel more in control.  I like my lists but I think I will simplify them.  Make one each day but not make it a mile long, have it be more realistic.  And then I can have a list of long term goals and projects to do, things that have no time limit and are not urgent.  That way I have them written down so I don't forget about them, and can work on one at a time when I have the time!

  I am also going to stop making excuses and finally add 'workout' to my every day 'to do' list.  I will add it into my day and make it a priority. (And I completed a short weight circuit tonight for day 1!)

  I think these are great changes to make in my life.  Small changes but they will have a great impact!  And I feel writing this down will make me more accountable too :)

  What changes have you made recently to better your life?

Customizing My Business, Love and Farkles

  I recently designed a new logo for my business and really wanted something personalized with it for my outgoing packages.

New Logo

  I decided I wanted a stamp and I knew just the business to ask: Brickbubble!  I have been a fan of Brickbubble for quite some time as they (husband and wife team) create the most beautiful custom designs using laser engraving and mediums such as wood, metal, leather, fabric and so much more.  Diane also designs beautiful jewelry and wall hangings that I LOVE, there really isn't anything they can't create!

  So I decided to get my new logo on a stamp, but I wasn't sure if it would work or turn out like I envisioned it. I was worried the flowers were a bit complicated.  But Diane assured me that it was no problem and took my order.  A few days later she emailed me a photo with the sample.  It looked awesome!  I was very impressed and so excited to receive it in the mail.

  Once it arrived I stamped it on everything!  It is the perfect size for my outgoing envelopes for my orders. I can also use it for cards, tags and anything else I want to personalize with my business.  I love having a custom stamp! I would highly recommend them!

If you would like to check out Brickbubble, follow these links:
Webpage:  www.brickbubble.ca
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Brickbubble
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Brickbubble

Love my custom stamp from www.brickbubble.ca

  I was also getting low on my business cards so I decided to update them with my new logo on my next order.  I now have my logo on the back of my mini cards to match my stamp! (I order from MOO)

Mini cards from MOO

  Now everything is matching which makes me feel like I'll look more professional and polished with my orders!
  Do you have personalized items with your business? What types of products do you use and what makes them unique? 

**This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here are solely my own and I am not paid to promote these businesses**

 

My Love of Coffee

Dear Coffee,

  I just wanted to take a few moments to tell you how much I adore you.  I love the smell when I open the bag of beans first thing in the morning.  And then the soothing sound of grinding you up!  Some mornings I don't take the time to appreciate you, Coffee, as you just needs to be flowing in my veins ASAP!

  It's a comforting sound hearing the the coffee pot go drip, drip, drip as you brew all your goodness into the pot.  And then the best part of the morning is hearing those lovely 3 beeps of the machine letting me know you are ready.

  Nothing makes me more happy then the first taste of hot yummy goodness in my belly.  Now if I could only finish a whole cup of joe that was still hot at the last sip, I would be in heaven.  But Coffee, you must wait if the kids want their breakfast!
  (Although, I am working on that with my ever growing collection of coffee mug warmers. Because who doesn't love a little sweater for their coffee cup!)

 Thank you, Coffee, for all that you do. For keeping me sane and happy, each and every morning.

 Love Me

My FAV tank!

** 'Runs on Caffeine' tank from DickTees. Hoop from Meg at HooperFit**

**This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here are solely my own and I am not paid to promote these businesses**

My First Half Marathon Experience

Well, I did it!  I can finally cross this off my bucket list!

21km Half Marathon.......CHECK!

  I have always enjoyed running, although I don't do it as often as I would like.  It's a great escape from every day life and a perfect stress reliever.  Just throw on your running shoes, some good tunes and just go!

  So a few months ago my sister, Kim, asked me if I wanted to run a half marathon with her.  I of course said yes, as it is something that I've always wanted to do.  I told her she needed to sign me up so I didn't chicken out!  She also said she would run the whole thing with me (which I am so grateful for as I didn't think I'd be able to finish on my own) So she signed us both up for the Victoria Goddess Half Marathon Run.  And she gave me some pointers on training.  (My sister is amazing...she has ran in lots of difference races and events, even completing a 24 hour race!!)

  A few days go by and I do one 6km run (my usual route).  And then denial sets in. "Im not really going to run 21kms, am I?"  I kept telling myself I had lots of time to train, that I would run 'tomorrow'.  Well, needless to say, the race day approached a lot faster then I planned!  I did manage to get a few runs in, including a 13km (my longest ever!) but that was it. I think I fooled myself into thinking that it wouldn't be too hard plus I knew my sister was going to push me and keep me going. 

  The day before the race, Kim and I head out to pick up our registration packages which included our race numbers and pretty purple event shirts.  Then we went for drinks, appys and a huge steak dinner. Isn't that what you're supposed to do the night before a half marathon? Ha ha....ummm no!

Race Day: 

  We wake up super early (I don't think I slept much anyways between excitement and my youngest daughter waking with a nightmare. Her words: 'I fell on my head then a giant bird came to eat me' -where do kids get this stuff?)  We sneak out of the house and head to the nearest Starbucks to pick up coffees and head to the start line.

  Adrenaline is flowing at this time, or the caffeine has kicked in, not too sure.  We lace up our shoes and pin our numbers on the front of our tanks.  My mom meets us at the starting line and gives us a quick hug for good luck.  Was so nice to see her as she had been gone on a 5 week holiday in Spain!

  Countdown starts.  Heart was beating fast.  Thousands of women standing together, ready to go. The energy was incredible. 

  And we're off! Now I won't go through all the emotions I felt during all 21kms as much of it was a blur!  But I do want to talk about the ending.  My sister had told me that the last few kms could be the most hard. Just knowing you are so close and trying to push through and finish strong.  And I totally agree now that it does happen. 

But something pretty magical happened to me near the end. 

(mini back story)

~A few days before the race, my daughters and I put nail stickers on.  They were 'good luck charms' for my race.  I had a bird, Shayla had a butterfly and Kelsie had a ladybug.  They were to help me fly faster for the run.~

  So during the last 2kms I look up and see an eagle soaring overhead.  Eagles have been present many times in my life, especially when I need extra strength (my sister and I saw one right after we were close to having a car accident) They are always there when I need them.

  Not long after a black and yellow butterfly flew right in front of Kim and me.  I almost lose it as I tell her about Shayla's sticker and why we all had them. This was my sign from Shayla to keep going.

  And then as I round the last corner, I look down and see a ladybug on the ground.  I can hardly hold back the sobs.  There was my sign from Kelsie.

  I run to the end on wobbly legs and the tears are streaming down my face as I see my girls at the finish line cheering for me.

My biggest fans cheering me on!

  We high five them as we pass and from somewhere deep down, I get one last burst of energy so I can beat my sister across the finish line (sorry Kim!  Might have been the only time I would ever win against you!)

I win!!

  My mom, sister-in-law and daughters congratulate us with big hugs.  What an awesome accomplishment and I'm so proud of myself!  My time was 2:40, which I'm happy with. I'm glad I completed it and didn't give up!

  I don't know if I will run another half marathon, but a 5 and 10km are on my bucket list now.  It is amazing what your body can do if you set your mind to something.

  But I wouldn't have been able to do it without my sister.  She pushed me through and kept me going the whole time (with a few walking breaks)  I'm so happy to have ran my first race with her.  She inspires me!  Love you Kim!!

Love my sister!

 "The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul" Proverbs 13:19

Victoria Day Tea Party

  Since Canada is the only country to have a national holiday to celebrate the late Queen Victoria's birthday, it only seemed right to celebrate with a tea party with my 2 daughters. So that is what we decided to do! I had told them the night before that we were going to have a tea party luncheon for Victoria Day. Do you think my youngest daughter was just a little excited?!?! She woke up a few times in the night and would only say 'is it time for the tea party yet?' 

  So on the day of our tea party, we got up as usual, had our breakfast and then I answered the question 'is it lunch time yet?' many times throughout the morning! They were just a tad excited! The girls have played tea party in their room with their dolls before, but this was going to be the first time they had a 'real' one with mommy. 

  I decided to bake some mini cupcakes for dessert but didn't have a recipe. So I thought I would try my white cake recipe and cut it in half. It worked!

  They turned out great and it worked out to exactly 24 for my mini muffin tin. (Recipe at the end of this post)

  We also had little sandwiches, ham and cheese bites and apples with cinnamon sugar sprinkles. I set their little table up with our fancy tea cups and a cute polka dot 'tablecloth' (which was a piece of fabric leftover from a project) 

  The girls both got dressed up (as Rapunzel and Tinkerbell, of course!) and we had tea (pomegranate green tea, which Kelsie loved!, Shayla not so much)  We had a wonderful time eating and drinking tea with our pinkies up. We tried out our best English accents and had lots of giggles. It's days like those that I will cherish. The girls both had so much fun and told me it was the best tea party ever! 

~Kari

Mini White Cupcake Recipe

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
1/2 sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 24-mini muffin tin.

2. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add in the flour and baking powder and mix well. Finally stir in milk until batter is smooth.

3. Divide evenly into prepared mini muffin tin. Bake 10-12 mins. Remove from pan and let cool on a rack before you ice them.

*Icing: I just used a little bit of icing sugar and milk with a drop of pink food coloring to make a simple icing. Top with fun sprinkles!

Happy Mother's Day!

  Happy Mother's Day to my mom, my mother-in-law and all of the other awesome moms I know out there! 

Tomato Basil Summer Side Salad

Tomato Basil Summer Side Salad

  This is the perfect summer side salad for your outdoor BBQ and easy to whip together for when you have company coming over. I love this salad (and could probably eat the whole thing in one sitting!)

Ingredients:

• 1 pint grape tomatoes, quartered (I always put them in a strainer as I cut them, so I won't have as much juice in the salad)

• 3-4 fresh basil leaves, chopped (must be fresh, dried won't taste the same!)

• 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or more if you like....can never have enough cheese!)

Dressing:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp packed brown sugar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp minced garlic
dash of sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Directions:

1. Mix tomatoes, basil and feta in a bowl and set aside

2. Whisk the remaining of the ingredients for the dressing

3. Pour over tomatoes and mix well. I let mine sit in the fridge for an hour or so to soak up all the flavor

4. Transfer to a pretty bowl and top with a sprinkle of feta before serving

5. Enjoy! (It can keep in a air tight container for a few days, but there usually isn't any leftovers!)

Serves 4