perfect balm

I just got this lip balm and it's totally amazing. I always fall in love with new lip balms, I admit it. For example, recently I fell in love with this one because it has the added bonus of some SPF. However, the skinny skinny bare & naked 100% organic balm is phenomenal. It feels creamy and wholesome and good for your lips. In fact, as I type, I can't seem to stop rubbing my lips together. Anyways... here are the ingredients (as in ALL of the ingredients): cocoa butter, beeswax, virgin coconut oil, calendula-infused extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil and honey. Yum! I also love the philosophy of skinny skinny, which I first discovered at Chapters, actually. They make amazing handmade, organic soaps that they wrap in pages of vintage books. They use wind energy to power their factory, and use soy inks on their packaging. All in all, a very forward thinking company. Props to skinny skinny!

before & after: compact mirror

Just a quick little project I did today. I always use this compact to check the back of my hair in the mirror in the morning. I admit, I occasionally have bed head that's only in the back! Today I finally got sick of looking at the Clinique logo. A quick search of my stash of cut out images from books/magazines and some modge podge later... voila! Something much cuter to look at every morning!

yummy things

Just a few things I'm totally loving right now...

Barefoot Contessa's chocolate chunk blondie mix. Oh. My. God. I found it at Sobey's Urban Fresh a few months ago and took the finished yummies to a bbq. Everyone was devouring them and I didn't have it in me to say it was a boxed mix! No one asked, honestly, or I would have divulged my secret. Here's why they're so good-- all of the ingredients in the mix are real things you can actually pronounce and basically have in your pantry:

malted wheat flour

sugar

molasses

vital wheat gluten

salt

natural flavour

baking soda

semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Then, you just add 1 stick of unsalted butter and an egg. I'm telling you, this is such a good treat. I won't tell you how many calories though! This is obviously not as good as baking from scratch. But if you're in a pinch, I think this is a great thing to have on hand.

.....

I'm also somewhat addicted to smoothies right now. In particular, a variation of one from the November/December issue of Clean Eating.

Here's what's in it:

3/4 cup almond milk (I just discovered this but skim milk works too)

1/4 cup coconut milk

1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (I'm sure it would be ok without, maybe with a splash of vanilla extract instead)

1/4 cup frozen strawberries (about 3 medium or 2 large)

1/4 cup frozen pineapple (about 5 large chunks)

I've been buying canned pineapple and freezing it and also freezing 1/4 cup portions of the coconut milk to make it easy. I've also tried adding a tablespoon of ground flax which doesn't change the flavour too much and gives that added boost of Omega-3. You just blend it all in the blender and voila! Delicious! It's sort of like a pina colada actually, but the strawberry and pineapple flavours aren't too strong, which makes it refreshing without being over the top fruity.

stunning sand art

Can't even begin to describe this. You just have to watch it for yourself. Simply mesmerizing.

reusable plaid

So, I'm all about upcycling. You may have noticed this recent (mild) obsession. I love to go to the thrift shop near my place, find some clothes I can repurpose, and go to town. Awhile ago I bought two men's plaid shirts. First, I made a little tote bag. This is a basic bag pattern that I've made several times now. I put some cute details on one side-- a cluster of buttons from my jar of buttons. Yes, of course I have a jar of buttons! What else do you do with those extra buttons that come with nearly every garment? The red button was from one of the shirts, actually.

I also put a fun little heart applique on the back. Cute, right?

So, the latest projects I made with these same two shirts are these little Christmas gift bags. I'm hoping to make a bunch more before the gift-giving begins, but these have used up the majority of these shirts. My goal is to use as much of the shirts as possible so that the shirts, in their entireties, have taken on completely new lives. I've also used the cuffs to make those little reusable coffee cup sleeves. The collars were made into the handles on the tote bag. Seams (with double stitching) have become little "ribbons" for small gifts. You get the idea.

Actually, here's what remains of both shirts at this point. Not bad! But still tons of fabric left to make stuff with. Kind of amazing to think of all the possibilities with just two shirts!

just for me

{via frolic}

I just thought it was so neat that Chelsea from frolic made this sample wedding place card just for me! How funny is that?!? Have a peek at the full post here.

January 31 - February 5, 1990 :: diary of a silly girl

:: 12 years old ::

January 31, 1991 1990 (what am I thinking?!)

Dear Diary,

I stayed home to study and I got alot done. I know erosion (rivers, glaciers) and a bit of Astronomie but barely any about planets & the moon! Oh well! That's life! Tomorrow I can leave at lunch to go home & study (yay!!) I missed Carlos today! I called him but he wasn't home! I {heart} Carlos! I'm nervous about the science test and about the social test! I have from 1:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. to study! 9 hours! Realisticaly, about 6 or 5 1/2! But still that's alot! Plus, oh no, I have to present my gym routine which I haven't finished and I can't find the paper! OOPS! I {heart} {Carlos' initials} 4 ever.

Sarah

P.S. I'm sick!

**********

Feb. 4th 1990

Dear Diary,

if my memory serves me correctly, this is the 2 month anniversary of me & Justin breaking up! Cool-o! I {heart} Carlos! Carlos {heart}'s Tracey! Tracey probably {heart}'s Carlos! Yay for me! I cleaned my room sort of -- amazing-- and I studied my L.A. I hope I don't fail that mid term! It should be easy (I hope!)

Sarah

**********

February 5th 1990

Dear Diary,

I did REAL bad on my Social mid-term! 55%! Mom wasn't too upset though! She didn't change the phone schedule any more! The L.A. test was really easy! I said that about math so I'm probably in for it! FLA tomorrow and then my mid terms are over and done with! Right now my average for all my mid terms is 63%! Wooh! The Valentine's dance is on the 16th and it's called "Lover's Limbo" Ooh, nice name! I hope I can dance with Carlos!!!! I {heart} HIM SO MUCH!!!

Sarah

SJ {heart}'s {Carlos' initials} TL4Ever

P.S. Oh yeah! Carlos said he's not gonna ask Tracey out! He said it wasn't meant to be!

! YAY 4 ME !

things found

In my never-ending quest to have a clean office/craft room, I often stumble upon strange things I've kept. Not to worry my friends, this isn't a prelude to the makings of an episode of Hoarders. However, I do wonder why I keep some of the things I do. Here, in random order (because that's how I found them!) are some things I came across ON MY DESK today. As in, in an easy-to-access-place-because-one-never-knows-when-one-might-need-quickly-grab-or-refer-to-these-oh-so-important-things...

1. An article ripped from the March 3, 2008 issue of Time called Guess Who Came to Dinner? A visit from George Clooney, home handyman and the last movie star. Wait... no wondering why I kept this, obviously. Never read it though, so maybe my heart has finally accepted it will not belong to George. Ever. It's in the recycle pile.
2. Tax receipts from CNIB (from 2008- whoops!), WWF and the MS Society.
3. My car's service inspection list. You know, to remind me when to service it for all those important servicy things. Not sure I've ever used it. Good thing I had it handy on my desk though!
4. Record of Cooper's last shots. Need this for doggy daycare this week, very good thing I had it so handy... buried under items 1 & 2, naturally.
5. A 20% off coupon for any Citadel mainstage show. Luckily, this has no expiry.
6. Write-up from our 3rd and final Lazy-Boy service call, for the cursed couch. The last in a series of nightmarish dealings with Lazy-Boy. But don't get me started.
7. An article from the February 2009 issue of Real Simple about a cool showerhead adapter called the Evolve Lady Bug. When the water gets hot, it slows the water flow to a trickle. You just pull the cord when you want to get in, saving tons 'o water when you're warming up the shower. As I'm typing this, I finally checked out Evolve Showerheads and this is something I totally need. Want. No, need!
8. A bunch of articles with websites I wanted to check out, including You Grow Girl, Zen Habits, Unclutterer and Rare Device. All very cool (as I've just realized by finally checking them out!)
9. The fitness guide for my Bally Total Fitness Pearlized Weighted Ball. Hmmm... where is that thing, come to think of it??
10. A list of all of the emails I wanted to keep when I left Facebook. Yes, you are on that list, not to worry. Along with the boy from elementary school that I spit pudding on in grade six and have felt terrible about ever since. I did get the opportunity to apologize to him in person a few years ago. Hadn't seen him since grade six. He was shocked I was still agonizing over the incident and graciously accepted my apology. However, he did have some grisly details to add to the story that I'd conveniently forgotten. Like that his white Boston Bruins jersey forever had chocolate pudding stains on it. Ouch.

a saturday in pictures

tracy's tiny tomatoes

foliage

best brownies

dog that won't sit still

sunday night dinner with strangers

{image via so sticky}

I learned about this incredible story from the brilliant blog, So Sticky. There is an amazing man named Jim who lives in Paris and hosts Sunday night dinners for strangers. Up to 60 people from all over the world join him at his home every Sunday for what sounds like a life-changing night of food, friendship and connections. You simply email or call him, and he'll add you to his guest list. The best part? He makes a point of learning everyone's names, where they're from and what they do, so that he can introduce everyone himself. Unreal. Read more about him and his incredible generosity and love for life here. Or, see him discuss it in his own words in the documentary, Paris Visite. How unbelievable would this be to attend?? If I'm ever in Paris...

nature will find a way

The Creative License by Danny Gregory continues to be an inspiring read. Here's a great quote that really resonated with me:

"In the end, you see, you can't really suppress your creative urge. As Jeff Goldblum says in Jurassic Park, nature will find a way.

Don't take it lying down, Our goal must be to channel that energy in a positive direction, to create happiness, appreciation, celebration, and joy instead.

How? By living in the now--by seeing the beauty of what is-- by choosing to make something special out of the way you fold your laundry, letter a shopping list, clean your plate. Celebrate your life now, as it unfolds. Turn away from judgment and negative theories about your worth, your potential, and your destiny. See what you already have. Create connections and conversations--make friends. Put a frame around your lunch. Put a spotlight in your toothbrush. Put a memory on a pedestal. Seize each day as it dawns. And make more of it. Soon, like the trees out my window, you'll find you can't help it."

Have a happy, creative day, my friends!

moments

You guys, I just watched this video and nearly lost it. I can't get over how simple and pure and beautiful and touching and brilliant it is. I think I want to watch it every day for the rest of my life. Tell me if you feel the same after watching it.

picking fruit & pie baking, oh my!

This post is a long time coming. A few weeks ago, I went fruit picking with OFRE (Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton.) Simple premise: volunteers pick fruit at the homes of folks who have fruit they want picked. Then, the rule of thirds: 1/3 to the home owner, 1/3 to the food bank and 1/3 to the volunteers. The night I went out was gorgeous. Perfect fruit picking weather. Also perfect ice cream eating weather. And maybe water sliding weather. But I digress. First we picked every apple from a tree in Mill Woods. Very odd notion to go into a stranger's backyard when they're not home, and within an hour have their tree picked clean!

Next we moved on to an area I don't really know, Silver Berry, to pick cherries. And I thought Summerside had no trees... wow, this place looked freaky. In fact, we thought we were at the wrong house. How could there be a mature Evans Cherry tree in this neighbourhood, anywhere? Well, we were gladly wrong. This tree was gorgeous, and in about 15 mins I had this amazing load of glorious bright red cherries. I've decided I need one of these trees. Even if I didn't eat a single cherry, the tree itself with all the fruit is beautiful! I did a little reading up on the Evans Cherry tree after another picker told me she used to live next to Dr. Evans, the "inventor." She told me he had a whole orchard of these in his backyard in Mill Woods. Before he moved, he planted them all along the back alley. She said her alley is now full of the trees. I'm thinking this is probably the best looking alley in the city!

So, picked fruit in hand, I enlisted the help of my dear mamma. Crafty in every way, she of course had baked a pie or two in her day. But not in several years, apparently, so we had fun muddling through parts of the project together! As expected, I also had to purchase some cute supplies for this endeavor. Completely un-needed and yet needed in every way. I got two of these. One in this great green, the other a mayflower blue. Come on! Now tell me, how you could resist the possibility of baking a pie in one of these? I rest my case. We peeled and sliced those little bitty apples for what seemed like an eternity, but was probably two hours. I swear I had a peeling injury; I couldn't believe how tedious that work was! The cherry pitting was much more fun and productive. Got a great tip to use a straw to poke them out. Genius! Although this would have been fun too!

I'd never eaten a homemade sour cherry pie before, let alone made one myself. We got three 6" pies out of my cherry haul and, dare I say, the pie was the best I've ever had. I've never experienced the whole process... picking, prepping and eating. I know that is what made it all the sweeter. We also made six small apple pies. Also super delicious, but somehow not as exciting or gorgeous enough to take pictures of! I highly recommend going picking if you've not done it. I will definitely get on it earlier next year and maybe go do some blueberries and saskatoons on a berry farm. How yummy and satisfying that would be!

books of creative inspiration

I think Creative Grab Bag by Ethan Bodnar looks like the most fun book ever. I'm feeling very creative lately and I think this would be an amazing book to fan those creative flames! Right now, I'm reading The Creative License by Danny Gregory. Loving it so much. I think it's going to get me drawing again, something I haven't done since high school art class probably.

thrifty find

Found these yesterday at my local neighbourhood thrift shop. First purchase that wasn't fabric-related. Very very excited about them. I love their retro gorgeousness. Plus, the buttery yellow colour (my mom called it harvest gold) is really luxurious to me. And somehow my tea just tasted better today!

fonts come to life

Maybe the funniest thing I've seen in a long time. Especially great for those of us a bit font-obsessed. I laughed out loud. The kind of laugh that is really ugly and unattractive. That's how funny this is my friends. Snort away!

random paper things

{image via d*s}

Incredible paper art. Wow.

Love this freaking never ending to do list. So appropriate and so handy!

Cardboard taxidermy. The only taxidermy worth posting about!

Willie in full regalia. Just another awesome piece of paper found and shared at foundmagazine.com.

The beautiful photographic definition of paper.

calendars

{image via it architecture via a cup of jo}

I have a weird "quirk" when it comes to calendars. I can't flip the page to the next month until it really is the next month. None of this flipping the page early because it's Friday and the new month starts on the weekend. No way Jose. It's like I've determined that if I flip it early, well the next month just won't come. Like space and time will have been thrown off and the cosmos will come crashing down on me. Or something. Anyways, this calendar by Oscar Diaz would really be cool. Although I'd still need to flip the page myself. So the future of the world as we know it would still be in my hands each month. Oh well. We all have our burdens to bear.

falling in love

{image via trish grantham}

I'm newly in love. Her name is Tracy and she is perfection. Oh, you might of heard of her. Tracy Chapman? Yeah, I can't get enough. Having seen her live at the Folk Fest last week has led me to acquire two more albums-- her first and her most recent. I've already played Our Bright Future three times all the way through and cannot get enough. If this woman can do wrong... well, I just don't believe she can. Her website is also super cool. You can actually colour it yourself. Brilliant.

chris martin gets whimsical

{image via amberalexander}

Just came across this amazing video. Love. Love. Love.

(Sorry, the site wouldn't let me embed it so you'll have to click through.)

golden rules of the tarp

It's almost time for the Edmonton Folk Fest my friends. I can already taste the green onion cakes and pad thai. Yes, I'm known to plan and plan some more for our yearly time on the tarp at the Folk Fest. This year may be different. Instead of making list of things to bring, I thought I'd prepare the golden rules of the tarp. Just a few things we've learned over the years on the hill. We're getting good at this now!

1. Any food item with chocolate and/or peanut butter is automatically a favourite and should be brought in multiple tupperware containers for ultimate freshness.
2. No coolers on the tarp. It's not really having them on the tarp that's the issue, as much as actually realizing you need to carry it UP the hill at the end of each night. Bad, bad times.
3. Big, ratty, hard-to-carry blankets and/or sleeping bags are a huge hit. But don't fool yourself into thinking that if you take your shorts off inside said sleeping bag, you'll ever be able to figure out how to get your pants back on again.
4. No changing your shorts and/or pants on the tarp. Ever. Period. 
5. Sometimes it's just worth it to give your plates to the savvy kids running multi-million dollar businesses collecting plates on the hill. Like, say, when David Gray is about to take the stage.
6. Even if you think it is going to be a warm night, it's never a bad idea to have some hot tea on hand, just in case. And mittens. And a scarf. And maybe mucklucks.
7. If you sit on our tarp, we better know you or you better know our friends. No more friends of friends' friends' parents. Or whatever it was. If this rule is broken, we reserve the right to change the tarp marker so you won't recognize it the next day. Or ever again.
8. No dissing of sitting near the walkway. It has its benefits. Like, say, when Chris Isaak decides to walk right past you and give the guy in front of you a high five. Ok, maybe it has more benefits for that guy, but still.
9. Never, ever, EVER leave your digital camera in your purse BESIDE your chair. It goes underneath your chair at all times. Crazy, insane, deranged people are known to cut right through tarps, making their own path up as they go along, oblivious of the most obvious path choices.
10. Break dancing on the tarp is always a fine addition.

crafty crazy videos

I've been really into creative/crafty videos lately, mostly music videos. I've come across so many good ones, I thought I'd share some of my faves.

This is crazy cool stop motion... made of over 700 knit drawings... amazing!

Tricot Machine || Les peaux de lièvres from Dare To Care Records on Vimeo.

This is another incredible use of technology, this time with a bunch of people with webcams being directed so that all their pieces come together... to create this perfect wonderfulness!!

You've probably seen this one. I think it was on "the best of YouTube." For good reason! It is so awesome.

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

miracle

I've never known Cooper to be this quiet for so long, unless he was sleeping or on someone's lap. I just had to savour the moment while it lasted. He had seen a fly and was on the hunt...

back in the game

I realize I haven't quite gotten the hang of blogging everyday. I've been too busy sewing! And Tweeting! And weed pulling! And iPhoning! And just relaxing, which is by far my favourite activity these days. We all know this means me lying on the couch watching SYTYCD and The Bachelorette (oh Ed!!!), but I think "relaxing" sounds much more acceptable. So, back to my newfound sewing habit. I know, it is waaay Little House on the Prairie! I actually can't believe how much fun I'm having with this new/old hobby of mine. Problem is my sewing room is a complete disaster in general. Because it is also my card making/web surfing/book hoarding/bill paying/scrapbook building room. I should make a sign for the door that says that. Don't laugh, you know I might actually do it.

Ok, since I'm easing back into this blog again, here are a few cool things that I am happy to share! Happy Canada Day lovely friends!!

Just found this and am so amazed with the power of these voices and their story. You'll be blown away. Check out more P22 Chorus videos. 

Animal alphabet. Read the rationales, it's very interesting.  

Funny or Die has some of the, well, funniest stuff on the web. This Brooke Shields video is classic.

Does it get any cuter than this? Come on people!

My momsie finally has her Etsy shop set up... take a gander!

Pretty Good is a FABULOUS blog I found recently... she has such a cool way of telling her story. Love. Love. LOVE.

The Story of Stuff. If you haven't watched this, take the time to do it. Do it now! Really, really makes you think. It's 20 mins long, but worth every minute.

I want to make this and this. The first, because it rocks. The second, because it is beyond ridiculous. 

I think it would be amazing to get involved with Slow Food Edmonton. I'm not pretending that I could commit to really diving in like one probably should. But I love the concept and will do my best to learn more about it. First step, start reading the blog... 

warm and wooly breakfast

{image via wooly boulevard}

I had great intentions of writing a nice long post today... but then got distracted by who knows what. So, for now, I leave you with this image. My mom made an awesome needle felted breakfast today. I love this so much. And her too. Now I must scadaddle. How do you spell that anyways? Probably not like that.

January 7th, 1990 :: diary of a silly girl

[This is the first in what is sure to be a ridiculously pathetic, yet laugh your guts out, series of my actual diary entries as a kid/teen. God love my boy-crazy, silly young self... I'll do my best to keep things as word for word as possible. And I'll add in my age with each entry so you have the proper context for my brilliant musings! Keep in mind that some of the boys and girls of my youth are now the men and women I still call my friends. To avoid their embarrassment, and particularly my own, I'll use secret code names for each of them. Oh, and a little warning: I have clearly loved exclamation points for my entire life! Ok, here we go...]

::12 yrs old::

January 7, 1990

Dear Diary,

A new year! God, it's so strange writing 1990! So futuristic! Well, lately I've become really good friends with Carlos. I've liked him for a while more than a friend. Catarina talked to him and told him he should go out with one of his good friends. She suggested Moi! He said he'd ask me to a movie when school starts. She said a "friendly" date. He doesn't really know that I like him but kind of. We were talking on the phone and he was acting normal. See, I'm not supposed to know about this whole thing. Also, Trixie talked to him an he told her I was at the top of the list for friends and that we were really close. Carlos is SO sweet and perfect. I was doing these magazine quizzes and found out 1) he's a "real man" 2) yes, we're compatible YaY! Good news for me. I hope all this stuff won't ruin our great friendship. I really feel I can tell him anything! See what happens at school tomorrow! I miss all my friends SO much! I've only seen Trixie, Catarina and Audrey (for 5 minutes) these holidays! I can't wait too see them all, especially Carlos! [Editor's note: I have no way of inserting an exclamation mark with a heart instead of a period.] The first day back should be great!

Sarah [heart]'s Carlos

[true love always doodle]

suzie sewer

I got a second hand sewing machine from my parents and now my life is changed. I'm completely *in love* with it! And I'm in full on grade 7 home ec sewing mode. In the last 6 years, I've sewn three things: our Christmas stockings and a curtain for our first condo. Actually, that was all about 4 years ago. So it was about time. I have this great Lexie Barnes book, Sew What! Bags,and it has totally inspired me. It doesn't involve any patterns, which is right up my alley. Patterns confuse and scare me. After finally getting the proper bobbins for this machine (who knew there were different kinds??), I made a sunglasses case from the book.  Although cute, nothing to write home about. But you just know that if you are in my car and I have to put my sunglasses on, I’ll be annoyingly excited about pulling them out of the case.

So, my friends, I stepped it up a notch this morning when I forged ahead in my sewing endeavors. Thanks to this awesome site, I created my first reusable shopping bag! I am much too excited about this.

The fabric is thrift store. I bought two fabulous queen size sheets for $15 and voila! Upcycled into an adorable bag. I also picked up a bunch of other fun stuff that I can cut apart and make into cute new things. Considering I live in suburbia/farmers' fields, I am happily surprised we have a Hope Mission Thrift Store out here. I’ve been meaning to stop in since it opened and finally did yesterday. It is my new favourite place to shop. Next time I go, I’m going to check out the housewares section to see if I can find some funky mugs and other things to hold things. I’m all about containers and organization. Not that I actually put this into effect. The 17 piles on the floor of my craft room/office are a testament to this fact.

Happy weekend friendlies!

sj

living local

I think this whole eating/shopping local thing makes a ton of sense. It would be CRAZY hard to do 100% of the time (especially in Edmonton), but I have respect for those who are trying to do it. I've been caught up watching the 100 mile challenge on the Food Network and it really makes me think. Just being aware of what we're buying and where it comes from is a huge step. I wonder why there isn't more local produce available in Edmonton (other than at our fabulous Strathcona Farmer's Market). I don't get the ins and outs of produce distribution, but it seems like it would be a draw for customers. Trying to do my part, I got some incredible Happy Camel organic whole wheat pita, along with some super yummy spinach hummus (made in-store) at Planet Organic yesterday. Apparently, the garlic is a bit strong in the hummus (sorry babe!) so maybe don't pack it in your lunch for the office!!

Speaking of local:

Eat local first!

My fave local bakery/cafe is Wild Earth. Try their cinnamon bread (I adore the version without raisins) on a Saturday... I could eat a whole loaf with my bare hands. To die for I tell you! 

Also, check out their grocery store, Wild Earth Foods on the next block. They stock awesome produce and meat, and have a decent organic selection too. Plus, they're the first local grocery store to use signage to identify local fare... yay!!

Check out the Edmonton sellers on Etsy. Handmade AND local... many local sellers will arrange to meet you to save shipping costs too.

Support these independent businesses and others who promote shopping local.