Hanging onto Summer

As we try to ward-off the inevitable season change, there is a way to keep a little summer with us all year round...preserving!

Join the vast growing preserving community. It's fun, easy and healthy and, you always have something delicious on hand. While you do have to set aside a bit of time to do the actual preserving, why not get a friend or two together and do it as a group thing? Host a "make and share" party!

Here's an easy recipe to make your own peach jam from pickyourown.org, a website that provides local listings of pick your own farms in numerous countries including Canada, United States, Australia and South Africa. They have great tips and you can always check to see what is growing seasonally in your area.

Of course while you are making your own preserves for yourself or as lovely gifts for all your friends and family, you have to look good doing it. We have a stunning apron called "Jars of Love" designed for the canner in you. It also has the cheeky message "well preserved" to be taken any which way you like :)

Enjoy!

 

Summer Countdown

The last day of school is coming soon! I'm sure there are countdowns happening in high schools everywhere. The anticipation of summer, especially for those who are graduating and moving on is extremely exciting. A new chapter in their life is about to begin.

Photo from Skip to My Lou

All the hard work and studying to reach your goal, whatever that may be, will all be well worth it.

So let's celebrate!

I came across these adorable candy graduation cap pops on Skip to My Lou. I love this website as it has great DIY ideas for every occasion and even projects for kids.

These candy pops are easy and would be great if you are having a little graduation get together.

Enjoy and congratulations!

We Made Our Own Christmas Tree!

About a month back my sweetie and I decided we wanted to host his family for Christmas Day dinner. It's a great way for us to plan and try out new recipes... together. We have been notorious for not working well on projects together. The differences in our personalities become glaringly apparent as we power struggle our way through. So because we are very aware of this, we try to work on small projects like throwing dinner parties to figure it out.

Our Lovely LED Lamp/Tree

 But before the meal planning started he announced he wanted a Christmas tree.  In my mind, we had a Christmas tree. Yes, it is an LED lamp in the shape of a tree made of wire and is barely 12 inches tall...but I love that tree! It was the first tree we bought when we moved in together almost 10 years ago.

So the debate began: Real or Fake? They both have their pros and cons. But, in the end I knew I didn't want to do either. So, I thought making our own would be a stellar project to work on together! But, when I presented my idea, there was a lot of eye rolling on his part. Yes, while it's true I love coming up with lots of fantastic, grandiose ideas, they don't always work out in real life (so he likes to tell me).

Finished Tree

But I was insistent, so I googled "How to Make a Modern Wood Christmas Tree" and voila: there were tons of entries. I ended up finding 3 that I liked and melded them into the one we ended up making. The basis of our tree is on this version with full instructions.

Decorated Tree

I think our collaboration worked out well and we are both so happy and excited about our new tree. Now the dinner planning....Yikes!

Birthday Candles D.I.Y.

Birthday stuff is popping up everywhere! Now that I have my birthday cake picked out it needs to be tricked out properly. I just found this adorable tutorial for making your own long tapered candles, perfect for decking out a chocolate cake with all the trimmings.


(photo Oh Happy Day)

Aluminum Can Flowers

( photo The House That Lars Built)

I just saw this D.I.Y for aluminum can flowers to trick out a bike basket. How perfect with Earth Day just around the corner! What a way to recycle, create something beautiful and snazzy up your bike all at the same time. I love it. My bike basket is presently decorated with a lovely bouquet of dollar store flowers but I may have to take it up a notch and get my crafting gears in order. Green and gorgeous.

Hearts Abound!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and there are hearts everywhere. Luckily I am a fan. I am particularly smitten with the delightful heart projects I have been seeing on various blogs. Love love love this heart sweater DIY project! I can't wait to transform an old ratty shirt, and then maybe if I want to overdo it I will felt some heart elbow patches as well. You can't really have too many hearts on Valentine's Day.

Take Along Caramel Apple Kit

Caramel and apple is one of life's great combos. Like peanut butter and chocolate, macaroni and cheese, and pie and ice cream, some pairings are just magic. I love this idea for a DIY caramel apple kit that I saw on Oh Happy Day. If it ever stops raining I would love to plan a fall picnic, bundle up in a cozy sweater, pack a basket with tasty snacks and a thermos of hot soup and gather a group of friends for a final salute to al fresco dining. What could be a more appropriate addition to a fall picnic than caramel apples? While I'm waiting for a dry day I will experiment with some tasty apple combos on my own, all for research purposes of course.

Suede Elbow Patches

I spotted a couple of sweaters with elbow patches and now I am obsessed. I can't think of a better way to feel autumnal, cozy and collegiate. I plan to follow Martha Stewart's tutorial and transform an old cardigan into an elbow patched new favourite.

Pimping My Ride

I love my bike. I love gliding with the breeze in my face. I am not happy about our mayor declaring war on bikes in Toronto. I am trying not to think about it as I cruise along on two wheels, relishing the freedom.

I am thinking that it is time to reward my dear trusty bike with a little extra pimping. I love these crochet lovelies by Simeli that I saw here. So adorable and a wonderful way to protect my frocks.

I then discovered a pattern for a crochet bike seat cover. I think I am in love. This may be the incentive I need to finally learn to crochet. Perhaps the world doesn't need another granny square afgan, but it could use a few more crocheted bike seat covers.

Pom Pom Puffs of Love

One of my besties married her soul mate last month. They have been together forever and decided to forgo a big splashy wedding and instead do a civil service with their immediate families. They managed to shock all of their friends with their announcement and I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. They are throwing a party for their friends at the beautiful Berkeley Church where the girls can put on pretty dresses (the groom and his buddies are wearing jeans) dance and celebrate. I can't think of a better reason to put on some high heels, paint my nails and wear bright red lipstick.

The other night some girlfriends gathered to make tissue paper pom poms to decorate the venue. The bride found the instructions on the Martha Stewart website, and after fortifying ourselves with Thai take out, we got to work, folding and fluffing. They turned out beautifully and we all felt like crafty superstars. The bride was happy, the girlies were thrilled to have a chance to contribute and we had an opportunity to discuss our shoe and dress choices. It was a lovely evening of crafting and love. Can't wait to see our creations at the venue!