Playing in the Kitchen

Good Morning,

I took a little break today from stitching and am playing in my kitchen. You may remember my soap making adventures in the past. In the last 6 months or so I started making salves and lotions. I came across one that I really like. In fact, both my husband and my 89 year old dad love it and use it daily. So I thought I’d show you a few photos. 

A few of the supplies I needed  to make this salve. 

Here we have my mix of natural oils with some beeswax melting on the stove.

Birds Eye view. Lol

The beeswax has melted and the essential oils have been prepared to go into the oils as soon as they’ve cooled down a bit. Some essential oils will cause the natural oils to harden quickly. 

Here they’ve just been poured into tins…..

And this is how they look almost hardened.

Just a little disclaimer, I am not a doctor or pharmacist. In no way am I giving you any kind of medical advice. I’m just a gal playing with the natural things God has provided. I have to say though…my joints and muscles thank me for it! So does my family and it’s 100% natural. 

Soon I’ll have to infuse some more oils. I make them from dandelions, cayenne, chamomile and other herbs and flowers.  It has honestly been kind of fun and I’m always looking for new recipes.

So what have you been up to? Anything interesting?

Blessings,

C~ 

Somewhere In The Middle

Hello Kamloops and beyond,

I’ve been thinking- - - Lol, lucky you!😜

The truth about the creative process is that it can be all over the place. My personal artistic journey is affected by so many other processes. Whether it’s mood, circumstances, supply limits, health, or unexpected surprises, whether good or bad - - any creative process is affected by our outside or inner worlds. I wonder if it has to be this way because art is an extension of our selves and our experiences.

This is also the reason I sometimes have several things on the go, although I prefer to go one by one. The truth is, sometimes I need a break from one project, and sometimes things come up that are a priority. I’m learning to go with the flow. 

Which brings me to somewhere in the middle — The title of this post. Today I’m going to post what’s  on my ‘desk.’ 

I’m looking forward to finishing this little pouch, but the zipper gave me some trouble, so after ripping it out twice, I put it aside for a while. I drew up the pattern myself and hope to complete it soon. 

I’ve been organizing my pearl cotton strands for thread painting. I’m practicing clouds, so the next piece is on hold until I get those down. I’m not sure what I want to use, so I picked up some yarn balls to see if they’re the right texture. 

Now these look like fun. These were sent to me by my good friend and artist, Diane Etcheverry from The Beaded Lime. You can find her on Instagram HERE. I compel you to check out her artistic works. Her needle felting is just amazing and she paints too. These were in a surprise package, just because!

I hadn’t considered using silk in my thread painting, but I’m actually really psyched to play with it. Should be fun! 

This is just a little peek of the kids painting I’m working on. I’ve just started it and am nowhere near done. The painting is in various stages. I have kind of a quirky whymsical side that pops up once in a while. This one will take some time to complete. 

I have lots on the go, and I’m dreaming of other projects as well. Life is just funny these days. I’m sure you all relate. I refuse to say the word since we are overwhelmingly inundated by it daily. Let’s just say we are blessed, life is still good, and the human spirit will never be stomped out!

So, what’s on your desk? 

Have a great weekend! 

Shenanigans with Chestnut and Hazelnut

Well it’s Christmas Eve’s eve and I thought I would fit in one more post before Christmas. Now I realize this may be a cantankerous post for some of you, but Elf on the Shelf is here to stay and I’m actually quite surprised at what an integral part he’s become in some of my grandkids lives. I’ve been enjoying watching the fun ideas my daughter in law comes up with for Elf over the past few years, and this year we got a few surprises.

Like it or not, Chestnut the Elf had to quarantine, mask and all, but my DIL had Chestnut come early so the shenanigans could start on Dec 1st as usual. Now I don’t know what the normal rules for Elf are, but in this house they can not touch him or else he loses his magic, and I’m told that isn’t good.

Sure does look a little cramped in there! 

The kids were so excited waiting for December 1st to arrive! 10 days is a long time!

Once he was out Chestnut climbed down the cupboards with a rope to see what Mrs. Claus left for the kids. 

Naughty Chestnut! 

I knew that quarantine would bring out the troublemaker in him! 

December 3rd was a most memorable day. The kids woke up to a note stating that there was a surprise! 

Wait, what?

BUT, they had to find it. So off they went hunting around in their pj’s all over the house.

And there he was, watching them from the Christmas tree the whole time! Sneaky little Hazelnut!

I can already tell this one is going to be a handful! So now we have two elves, and the month has only just begun! 

Well, I may have worried over nothing. Chestnut and Hazelnut spent some time getting to know each other while camping. They did it on the kitchen counter, but they didn’t light the fire so we can let it go. As long as they continue to behave...

OH NO!  I spoke too soon! 

Looks like they got into a box of Timmys donuts and just look at those faces! Oh dear!

And just look at this mess!! It’s going to be a long month! 

I think it’s safe to say Chestnut and Hazelnut are enjoying each other’s company, I guess. The kids are loving it so far. 

I wonder what we can expect next with these two? 

I had to ask! 

Get down from there you two! Before someone gets hurt! My goodness these two are a handful!

Ok, well I suppose that’s a little better- - -count your blessings, I always say. Phew- - -

So the kids were super excited one day when they woke up to some MAGIC gloves! 

What was so special about these gloves you ask? 

Well, with these gloves they could TOUCH the Elves for a whole day!!! A WHOLE DAY! 

What a special day that was! At the end of the day the gloves disappeared, but just maybe they’ll be back next year!

OH, here we go. I knew Hazelnut would be a cheeky little Elf! I’m not sure if this is helping with wrapping or not. Chestnut looks like he’s enjoying it though. Oh these naughty little elves! 

I guess that’s one way to stay warm....Elf style! These two are peculiar, aren’t they?

Ok, NOW we’re talking! I wonder how many they ate first, but at least they’re sharing with the kids. Seems like an improvement to me! Count your blessings! And your candy canes!

Good Lord! 

What. Is. Happening. 

They’re up to their acrobatics again! Stay safe guys! Stay safe! 

Okay, So now this is something I could get into. Pancakes with syrup and coffee? Yum! 

The kids have special school days and soon it will be pyjama day. Isn’t this just the sweetest? They brought them new pajamas to wear. Good Elves!

 

But, it looks like Chestnut got into trouble somehow and had to take a day off. I’m not sure what he did, but Hazelnut is having fun! What is it with elves and their acrobatics? Is this normal?

It looks like the elves have been very busy! They’ve made their own tree house and if you look closely, you’ll even see a Christmas tree and a fireplace. I guess they were hoping to have a front seat view of Santa.

So far I’d say these two are definitely a handful, but they have a really sweet side too. No wonder the kids love them so.  There’s only one day till Christmas and the elves will soon be on their way. I hope you enjoyed their adventures, and maybe you got some tips for your own Elf.

Merry Christmas everyone! 

Carmen

Victoria to Sooke, BC

Recently I added a segment called "Livin' in the 'Loops" to this blog. I think it's important to feature your hometown and the areas you live in. Since I live in Beautiful British Columbia, I will sometimes share something about living in BC for those of you that want to visit or are just curious about the North. This is the second piece for that segment. Enjoy. 

While it's true that I live in the 'Loops (Kamloops, BC), my husband and I met in Victoria and as such Vancouver Island has always held special meaning for us, plus it is one of the loveliest places in BC. There is always a bit of a breeze off the ocean and the heady smell of fresh clean ocean air. Victoria, the capital of BC, has an English influence with a bustling Inner Harbour graced by the Grand ol' Empress Hotel. The James Bay area borders the Inner Harbour on one side and the ocean on the other, which is where we go hunting for sea glass. We often 'stay' near the Inner Harbour and walk around enjoying the bustlers, artists, sellers and open air theatre that is a part of the harbour throughout the warm summer months.

SOOKE

Our last trip to Vancouver Island brought us to Sooke which is a small town bordering a bay near the southern tip of the Island. There's an interesting little story we heard from the locals about a Pirate ship that pulled into the bay many years ago and hid there from those pursuing them. The bay does seem like a perfect hiding spot for a fairly large ship and its entrance could easily be missed from the ocean. Sooke is surrounded by lush greenery and many beaches. You may have heard of the Sooke Potholes as well.

The Best Western Prestige is one of our favorite places to stay when we're there. We recently went to execute a will and unfortunately, to bury a family member. In the mornings we'd go to the restaurant at the hotel and enjoy our breakfast on the balcony overlooking the bay. It is a happy, relaxing way to start a busy day. The seals hang out under the sun on a pile of logs near the fish cleaning station by the docks. You could see various sealife when walking the pier. The sound of seagulls and the odd bark of a seal amidst breaths of fresh ocean air makes you ponder the possibility of staying forever. 

The courtyard

From the Pier looking back

Seals sunning on the logs near the cleaning station

The Marina

Another view of the Courtyard

Early morning fog hugging the waters

Due to the fact that this was such a busy trip, we took an hour out of one day to drive out to Shirley. It's about 20 minutes down a country road with not much traffic. It seems there's nothing much out there, but when you get to Shirley there is a little coffee shop on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere that is always busy. This time we were treated by a girl taking our order who seemed to be auditioning for a part in a play. She was entertaining, fun and quirky. Right up my alley! We enjoyed our food in a garden on one side of the building. It was a nice break.

We're back in the 'Loops now and resting up from our unexpected week long trip. In spite of the nature of it, we love the Island and often go and visit. If you're thinking of coming to Canada for a visit, don't miss Vancouver Island. It's totally worth the trip. If you're lucky, you may even see a pod of killer wales, some dolphins, or if you make it up to Coombs, some goats on a roof.

Thanks for stopping by and have a good week,

Blessings

Sunshine Box for the Grandkids

It's been a while since I've sent off a care package to my grandkids up north, so I've really been thinking about that a while. The other day I went on Pinterest and looked around for ideas, and then went to the store to see what I could find. I also started a new board called "It's From Gramma!", because I know that's what they'll say when they get it. 

I was able to buy some cookies from a local lady, ones that they can paint and then eat. I bought some for my other grandkids too...the ones from the Island. I have a photo of them 'painting' their cookies since they were in town recently. Cute idea, right? 

I usually pick up candies, a few little toys, some books, etc. This time I did find an idea that I thought was kind of cool. I usually always throw in a little letter to the kids. In the past I've written the letter with different color markers, added stickers, etc. This time I bought each of them a puzzle. I took them out of their boxes, turned them over and - - well, let me show you.

This was for a younger grandson, and it had only 24 pieces.

I turned it over and wrote the letter to him on the backside of it. 

This one is for my granddaughter and I did the same for her, but hers is a little longer because it was a 48 piece puzzle which meant there was more room to write on it.

Then I placed both of them back in their respective bags (taped) and boxes waiting to be mailed.

I'm going to call them Sunshine Boxes using a print I got off of Pinterest. 

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods! 

Blessings,

Carmen

Christmas for the Coffee Lover

Hi there, 

For the first time in a long time I've been watching Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music in November. I don't usually share, but since my mom died in 2015 right before Christmas, I'd lost my desire to celebrate. Now that I think my Christmas mojo is back, I want to share something that my son and his wife put together. I think this is a fabulous idea!

My son made this in about a day (except for drying time, etc.), and my daughter in law made it look even more amazing. 

Here is their full size -- Coffee Bar ! 

Here's some close ups.

Note the chalkboard (chalkboard paint) with the writing on it. Too cute! 

There's a single cup coffee maker, a full pot of coffee coffeemaker, a tray with marshmallows, candy canes and cocoa, and of course sugar. Adorable! 

There's lots of fancy little Christmas cups and snowflake espresso cups. Note the little stuffies watching over all the coffee goodies.

The door panels slide to expose shelves on both sides with more coffee supplies at hand. Also there are more cups in the center, a Starbucks travel mug (naturally) and look at that adorable little sled-like tray! The little plants on top add a nice little touch - - all of it is just too wonderful! 

She's got her tree all done up and a little village on her piano and today it snowed there. It's definitely Christmas where they're at - music, movies, hot drinks and all! 

As for me, I can't wait to go use the new Coffee Bar!

Christmas is coming soon - don't get too frantic and remember, it's not so much about the presents but about the loved ones you're with. If you're really lucky, you can make lasting memories! 

Love the ones you're with!

Blessings,

Carmen