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)

Egg-squisite Eggs

(Embroidered eggs?! Are you kidding me? Design Sponge)

(I may have more of a chance with a sharpie over embroidery floss, but they still wouldn't be as fantastic as these eggs by Alisa Burke)

Wow. I thought I'd feel really accomplished if I managed to colour some Easter eggs using my rapidly rotting cabbage but then I stumbled across a line up of truly egg-straodinary eggs here. How on earth do people manage to create something so beautiful on a common delicate egg? I am amazed.

Naturally Dyed Eggs

(photo courtesy of The Kitchn)

I am dying to try this!

I saw this post about dying eggs naturally on The Kitchn and I was instantly inspired. They look so beautiful. I happen to have an excessive amount of tumeric and this would be a marvelous way to use my stash. For a while I kept thinking I was in need of tumeric and would buy more every time I was at the spice store in Kensington Market. Eventually I discovered baggies of tumeric littered around various cupboards. I had no idea I was a tumeric hoarder (I really need to reorganize my kitchen shelves). I also have a head of purple cabbage that has been giving me the stink-eye because the leaves are starting to wither and I have yet to do anything with it. What a great, guilt-free way to use up excessive stuff in the kitchen and make something beautiful at the same time.

I Need to Learn How to Crochet

I am already a part of a knitting group where instead of actually knitting we eat, chat and watch movies. I love my fake knitting nights but maybe I need to start a real group for some serious crocheting. I saw this gorgeous garland on Etsy and I almost passed out. So sweet and dreamy and perfect! I would love to have these lovely garlands strung from every room in my house. I had better suggest doing some crocheting to the fake knitting group - stat!

Or we can just eat a lot of snacks and order some garlands on Etsy...

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.

Easy Valentine's Day Craft

Valentine's day is exactly a week away and even if it is a Hallmark holiday/florist shop conspiracy, I can't help but get in the mood for some hearts, flowers and of course, chocolate. I saw this super easy idea on Martha Stewart for personalizing a teabag with a homemade heart bearing a romantic message. She recommends using a heart shaped punch but I think going freestyle and just cutting out a heart by hand is sufficient. So cute!

Back To School Pencil Project

I can't believe it is Labour Day. No matter how many years I have been out of school, I still get that back to school feeling in September when I want to get a new fall outfit and shiny new school supplies. It is always a little exciting, like a second new year's eve with fresh beginnings and resolutions.

In honour of the new school year I think I will do this project and make myself some adorable new pencils. You're never too old to enjoy fun school supplies!

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.

Puff Success!

Our puffs were a smashing success at the wedding party celebration last weekend. my girlfriends and I were chuffed and spent a lot of time pointing out our handiwork to the other guests. Our efforts were met with oohs and aahs and I believe it was genuine and not just because people felt bullied by a posse of girls in high heels.

It was a wonderful night. The bride had a perma-grin all night, I experienced a lot of shoe envy, sampled way too many goodies from the dessert table and the staff at the venue all wore Domistyle aprons, bless 'em.

We danced the night away and later had midnight snacks of grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken wings and poutine. It was a perfect night filled with good vibes an overflowing love!

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!