Showing posts with label tutorial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tutorial. Show all posts
Monday, March 23, 2015
I took this quiz today to find out what career I am actually supposed to be doing. You know, in case I was in the wrong one. Or was looking for a new one. Or was looking for life directions in a quiz.
I did think the results were interesting though. I thought it would be something on a creative or artisitic level, or even a writer (something I love to do).
Therapist
You are a caring and selfless individual. Your compassion, warmth, and sensitivity can heal others in the most authentic way possible. You help and inspire others, and can really touch people's lives. You truly understand others and can make them happy by just being yourself.
take the test yourself here: what career are you actually meant for?
I wanted to be a Counselor when I was a teen. In fact, I would still love to be one. But having a family got "in the way". That is, I decided having children and staying home was more important. But it has been 13 years since I have been in the workfield, and I have to admit that sometimes I miss it. Ok, a lot of times I do. I love my kids so much and would not trade in these years for anything else (even though we'd have more money and more sleep) but I must admit that being a retail manager was so much easier than being a parent!!! (and at the time, I found being a manager challenging and I doubted my abilities. How silly of me! I am much more of a Mrs. Doubtful in my decision-making skills as a Mom!)
What made me the happiest was when friends posted on FB to this that they weren't surprised and could see me doing it. That made my heart happy.
The hardest thing about doing what you are doing is that you are going to have a bad day...or a lot of them...and you are going to question yourself and you are going to wonder if you are doing the right thing or if you should be better of doing something else. But sticking to it if it is something that you love.
I had seen this posted recently by a friend that got me wondering.
I'm not too sure what lies in the middle of that diagram for me as of yet, but for now I am doing an impotant job of raising children, and I am having fun designing and creating with Once Again designs. And hoping that things will all work out!
Saturday, January 3, 2015
This is a post that I have been working on a while now. I've had trouble putting thoughts into words, so I kept putting it off. How do I explain ideas, hopes, and fears over things that aren't even to pass yet?
If you remember, back in October I took a huge jump and booked a table at a local craft fair. Without a clue what I'd be offering as a vendor. But with a ton of ideas and excitement to carry me.
I met with my parents on the day I agreed to the craft fair, and my excitement was catching; my Dad wanted to join in and make projects too! I showed him some pictures of items I was going to make, and we talked about what we could do and what we'd work on, and it was just a quick meeting that made me feel energized and ready to start something new! It was amazing how stepping out and doing something completely new and unusal for me could make me feel so happy!
I decided to tackle making projects that I'd always wanted to try and had pinned to my Pinterest boards, which is what got me started in attempting to make my own chalkboard paint and my own chalkboard frame to greet my husband when he returned from his trip in October. That was quite the challenge! I have decided that even though making your own chalkboard paint at home is much more cost-saving than buying a small jar...it is also a lot more work, and a lot more frustrating!
I used this tutorial on making and colouring your own chalkboard paint found on A Beautiful Mess.
Just a FYI: unless you are doing a huge batch, don't be deceived into thinking that stirring a cupfull will be enough. I tried various methods and I used less or more amounts on the paint and on the grout mix, but each and every one ended up lumpy. It was seriously disheartening. I have no idea how these other DIYers were able to make theirs without any lumps just hand stirring. After a good six attempts, I had to give in and just accept the bottle of chalkboard spray paint from my Dad! If you do happen to make your own chalkboard paint up, please please tell me how you did it! I am obviously missing a step (or two)!
Now you know. Just a few tips because I care.
And because I remember how frustrated I was.
You're welcome.
I ended up distressing and painting frames for the chalkboard. I was pleased with how they turned out! I also hand painted some signs. My Hunny, the Mountain Man, had found some pallets at work that he was able to take home for me, so I tried my hand at that. I also painted some new pine wood signs, which I wasn't too sure about at first, but ended up liking the most. Go figure! My father made shelves and sconces and votive holders that turned out beautiful. (I grew up with him always building furniture. He has made almost all of the cabinets and shelves in my parent's home. I admit to wishing that I could build like him.)
When the day of the craft fair came up, I admit to having feelings of doubt (would we have enough stuff? would anyone buy our items? what if we didn't sell anything? what if we sold out too soon? what if I just sucked at this?) and to having thoughts that we'd do great (who wouldn't like our products? or us? we're fun and our hand made items are beautiful and priced well.)
The craft fair was a super short one. Just only four hours, and the first hour was spent walking around and seeing if we could barter with other vendors for items before the doors were opened. I had my eyes on some jewelry, some essential oils, some lotion and books, but not every one had items to trade or wanted to, which was disappointing, but I guess that's ok too. The more I traded, the less I had to sell.
Except it was so poorly attended that I really didn't have anything to worry about. It sure would've been nice to sell out early that afternoon! Instead, we spend our time chatting with the neighbouring vendor (check out Dirty Hippie Naturals on FB. She has some great lotions and soaps, plus she's nice!) and trying to keep warm in an old school gymnasium with open doors on a chilly October day. I made two sales. Just two. And one of them was an item that Abi had made. I guess technically I made three since I had traded one of my chalkboard frames with another vendor for some earrings and rings. If you include that, I ended up making just a measily $5. (taking into account the cost of the table at the fair) So it really wasn't worth our time and efforts at all.
A part of me blames the organizer. After all, it was up to her to promote the craft fair. (There were no signs at the school when we arrived and none to be seen as we left at the building or at any intersecting streets, or even a handmade one at the main street in town) I did see that she posted about it on a few FB groups though. But I really think that she was hoping that we'd all tell our friends and customers (for those with existing buisinesses. There were a lot of home-based companies there, like Mary Kay and Usborne Books and Jamberry Nails and Fifth Avenue Collections, plus a good 7 others!) I'm sure we all did our part. But it wasn't enough.
Despite the fact that there was such a poor turn out and so little sales going on, I was encouraged by a few things. First that it wasn't just us that didn't sell, but every vendor. It was a good thought that it wasn't our products or our prices. Second, we enjoyed ourselves despite it being disappointing. It wasn't boring or awkward. Thirdly, we met some great people (like Jen at Dirty Hippie Naturals!) and were introduced to the crafting business world. And for our first venture, it wasn't terrible.
We went away feeling hopeful for our next show.
But with the holiday season so soon upon us, and us being so busy with up coming events, and some fairs being too late to join in, we weren't able to attempt another show. Which was also disappointing. So much for recouping our costs somewhere. But we have to remain hopeful and confident that our items will sell, just not now. Instead, we spent our time checking out the other fairs that were happening. We looked at what other companies were selling, what was similar to ours and their prices, and what we could change. We checked out the bigger fairs too, the ones that have been around a while that had attracted a following (such as Crafty Affaire and Great Candian Craft's Fall fair we went to) And while I do have a healthy dose of inadequacy in comparison to the many other established companies out there, we are also willing to try this out! And that makes me excited!
Watch out for more crafty goodness and more challenges and more posts about this new venture!
If you remember, back in October I took a huge jump and booked a table at a local craft fair. Without a clue what I'd be offering as a vendor. But with a ton of ideas and excitement to carry me.
I met with my parents on the day I agreed to the craft fair, and my excitement was catching; my Dad wanted to join in and make projects too! I showed him some pictures of items I was going to make, and we talked about what we could do and what we'd work on, and it was just a quick meeting that made me feel energized and ready to start something new! It was amazing how stepping out and doing something completely new and unusal for me could make me feel so happy!
I decided to tackle making projects that I'd always wanted to try and had pinned to my Pinterest boards, which is what got me started in attempting to make my own chalkboard paint and my own chalkboard frame to greet my husband when he returned from his trip in October. That was quite the challenge! I have decided that even though making your own chalkboard paint at home is much more cost-saving than buying a small jar...it is also a lot more work, and a lot more frustrating!
I used this tutorial on making and colouring your own chalkboard paint found on A Beautiful Mess.
Just a FYI: unless you are doing a huge batch, don't be deceived into thinking that stirring a cupfull will be enough. I tried various methods and I used less or more amounts on the paint and on the grout mix, but each and every one ended up lumpy. It was seriously disheartening. I have no idea how these other DIYers were able to make theirs without any lumps just hand stirring. After a good six attempts, I had to give in and just accept the bottle of chalkboard spray paint from my Dad! If you do happen to make your own chalkboard paint up, please please tell me how you did it! I am obviously missing a step (or two)!
Now you know. Just a few tips because I care.
And because I remember how frustrated I was.
You're welcome.
I ended up distressing and painting frames for the chalkboard. I was pleased with how they turned out! I also hand painted some signs. My Hunny, the Mountain Man, had found some pallets at work that he was able to take home for me, so I tried my hand at that. I also painted some new pine wood signs, which I wasn't too sure about at first, but ended up liking the most. Go figure! My father made shelves and sconces and votive holders that turned out beautiful. (I grew up with him always building furniture. He has made almost all of the cabinets and shelves in my parent's home. I admit to wishing that I could build like him.)
{my favourite sign. I was torn on even wanting it to sell!}
{I made some chalkboard labels for these mason jars. it wasn't easy, but they turned out so good in the end....after four attempts. I also made some shabby lace rosettes, which I love!}
{I had to make a Canadian flag sign!}
{my dad's beautiful rustic wall candle holders}
When the day of the craft fair came up, I admit to having feelings of doubt (would we have enough stuff? would anyone buy our items? what if we didn't sell anything? what if we sold out too soon? what if I just sucked at this?) and to having thoughts that we'd do great (who wouldn't like our products? or us? we're fun and our hand made items are beautiful and priced well.)
The craft fair was a super short one. Just only four hours, and the first hour was spent walking around and seeing if we could barter with other vendors for items before the doors were opened. I had my eyes on some jewelry, some essential oils, some lotion and books, but not every one had items to trade or wanted to, which was disappointing, but I guess that's ok too. The more I traded, the less I had to sell.
{All ready to go! Abi helped out and even made a few items too! Craftiness runs in the family!}
Except it was so poorly attended that I really didn't have anything to worry about. It sure would've been nice to sell out early that afternoon! Instead, we spend our time chatting with the neighbouring vendor (check out Dirty Hippie Naturals on FB. She has some great lotions and soaps, plus she's nice!) and trying to keep warm in an old school gymnasium with open doors on a chilly October day. I made two sales. Just two. And one of them was an item that Abi had made. I guess technically I made three since I had traded one of my chalkboard frames with another vendor for some earrings and rings. If you include that, I ended up making just a measily $5. (taking into account the cost of the table at the fair) So it really wasn't worth our time and efforts at all.
A part of me blames the organizer. After all, it was up to her to promote the craft fair. (There were no signs at the school when we arrived and none to be seen as we left at the building or at any intersecting streets, or even a handmade one at the main street in town) I did see that she posted about it on a few FB groups though. But I really think that she was hoping that we'd all tell our friends and customers (for those with existing buisinesses. There were a lot of home-based companies there, like Mary Kay and Usborne Books and Jamberry Nails and Fifth Avenue Collections, plus a good 7 others!) I'm sure we all did our part. But it wasn't enough.
Despite the fact that there was such a poor turn out and so little sales going on, I was encouraged by a few things. First that it wasn't just us that didn't sell, but every vendor. It was a good thought that it wasn't our products or our prices. Second, we enjoyed ourselves despite it being disappointing. It wasn't boring or awkward. Thirdly, we met some great people (like Jen at Dirty Hippie Naturals!) and were introduced to the crafting business world. And for our first venture, it wasn't terrible.
We went away feeling hopeful for our next show.
But with the holiday season so soon upon us, and us being so busy with up coming events, and some fairs being too late to join in, we weren't able to attempt another show. Which was also disappointing. So much for recouping our costs somewhere. But we have to remain hopeful and confident that our items will sell, just not now. Instead, we spent our time checking out the other fairs that were happening. We looked at what other companies were selling, what was similar to ours and their prices, and what we could change. We checked out the bigger fairs too, the ones that have been around a while that had attracted a following (such as Crafty Affaire and Great Candian Craft's Fall fair we went to) And while I do have a healthy dose of inadequacy in comparison to the many other established companies out there, we are also willing to try this out! And that makes me excited!
Watch out for more crafty goodness and more challenges and more posts about this new venture!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
I pulled out all the ingredients for Olliebollen today. (Well, that is, after my Hunny picked up some of the ones that I needed.) That must mean only one thing: it's New Year's Eve!
For those who don't know, Olliebollen is a Dutch donut, traditionally made on December 31st. I grew up with my Mom always making it, and when I got engaged, she added it to a recipe book for me. After missing it our first NYE (I didn't make it and we didn't make it out to see my parents), I decided to make it myself. It's actually quite easy, but it does take some time. And concentration. (you need to be able to deep fry, and prepare the cooked ones, at the same time, while not burning anything or yourself. Hot oil can be dangerous to cook with.)
After mixing the ingredients, you let the dough sit for about 2 hours to rise.
Then you prep for all the steps.
Step one: you deep fry those little balls of dough. Yum!
Step two: let the balls dry out for a few seconds on some paper towels (just to catch some of the oil)
Step three: drop the donuts into icing sugar and coat them good.
Step four: eat and enjoy those yummy balls of goodness!
I had a family member suggest that Olliebollen was similar to Dutchies at Tim Hortons. I had to laugh when my brother responded that they were" similar in the same way that hamburgers were similar to steak!" Olliebollen contain raisins, pineapple and apple; they are also lighter. I think Dutchies also have cinnamon, where Olliebollen doesn't. My Hunny said that the old fashioned fritters that Timmys used to have were more similar, but I don't know. I never ate them. They never looked good to me!
Do you have any special traditions for tonight? I'm the late-night person in this house, but my husband isn't. After the Youngers are in bed, we may watch some tv shows or a movie together (he really wants to see the Duck Dynasty special where they are in Scotland, which is on tonight), then he'll be in bed by 10:30pm. Then the Olders and I will stay up and watch a movie. Last year, we watched The Hobbit pt 1 until 3am! (we had to watch all of the extra features, of course.)
Have fun tonight! May it be fun and full of memories over the blessings of the year, and may you be surrounded by those you love. Happy New Year!
For those who don't know, Olliebollen is a Dutch donut, traditionally made on December 31st. I grew up with my Mom always making it, and when I got engaged, she added it to a recipe book for me. After missing it our first NYE (I didn't make it and we didn't make it out to see my parents), I decided to make it myself. It's actually quite easy, but it does take some time. And concentration. (you need to be able to deep fry, and prepare the cooked ones, at the same time, while not burning anything or yourself. Hot oil can be dangerous to cook with.)
After mixing the ingredients, you let the dough sit for about 2 hours to rise.
Then you prep for all the steps.
Step one: you deep fry those little balls of dough. Yum!
Step two: let the balls dry out for a few seconds on some paper towels (just to catch some of the oil)
Step three: drop the donuts into icing sugar and coat them good.
Step four: eat and enjoy those yummy balls of goodness!
I had a family member suggest that Olliebollen was similar to Dutchies at Tim Hortons. I had to laugh when my brother responded that they were" similar in the same way that hamburgers were similar to steak!" Olliebollen contain raisins, pineapple and apple; they are also lighter. I think Dutchies also have cinnamon, where Olliebollen doesn't. My Hunny said that the old fashioned fritters that Timmys used to have were more similar, but I don't know. I never ate them. They never looked good to me!
Do you have any special traditions for tonight? I'm the late-night person in this house, but my husband isn't. After the Youngers are in bed, we may watch some tv shows or a movie together (he really wants to see the Duck Dynasty special where they are in Scotland, which is on tonight), then he'll be in bed by 10:30pm. Then the Olders and I will stay up and watch a movie. Last year, we watched The Hobbit pt 1 until 3am! (we had to watch all of the extra features, of course.)
Have fun tonight! May it be fun and full of memories over the blessings of the year, and may you be surrounded by those you love. Happy New Year!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
This week, I caught a nasty cold that stuffed my sinus', ached my muscles and gave me migraines, and even though I was handling things okay for the most part, I felt bad for my kids. I couldn't do anything for them and we couldn't go out and it was basically just a weekend of tv watching instead of fun trips like I had planned. Boo! The Olders could entertain themselves by playing with neighbours, but the Youngers still need someone to watch over them (being only 3 and a delayed-6) I had posted on FB on Saturday asking if someone wanted to take them since they were so restless, but I was prepared to deal with them myself.("Sure, you can watch fifteen more episodes of Dora and Diego!")
It's been said that you find out who your "true friends" are when you ask for help during a sickness, and it's true. Partially. My parents and mother-in-law wanted to help, but they were also just recovering from colds and didn't want to expose themselves to more sickness. (I was sick, as was Abi. The others were coughing and sneezing with allergies, but didn't get it like we did. Thankfully)
And I get that. I really do.
I did find out who my "true friends" were and it was a nice surprise. My neighbour, Jenny, offered to pick up stuff for me (like groceries or even just chocolate to keep me going!) and sent over some cold medication for me, which was so wonderful. We were close a few years ago, but then our kids hit a stage where they were hanging out with only their friends and it seemed as though they faught every time they were together, so we didn't see much of eachother either. But I am happy to say that things have settled and has been good again and I am so happy! My friend, Rebecca, also offered to pick up groceries or do anything else I needed, and even called to see if she could take the Youngers for me. (it ended up being at dinnertime and I had things sorted out, so it was too late, but she took the time to call and ask and it was genuine, instead of just pretending to call all the while knowing it was probably too late!)
As for my "other friends"...
I do not begrudge any of them for not responding. And maybe I am just too forgiving (if there is such a thing), but seriously...I understand Life and how it gets in the way of doing things for others sometimes. I know how sometimes you can't seem to figure out how you can help out when you already have so much on your plate. Suddenly your day goes by so fast and you realize you didn't get to do all on your own list; how could you possibly add someone else' tasks?
I understand not wanting to come into a germy house and face the chance of infection. Especially if you have young children at home still. I get the idea of not feeling comfortable taking on childcare too, if you don't know the children very well, or if it's not your gift. I know how you can feel unsure about even how to help.
These are legitimate worries and concerns. They can also be excuses. Are they real reasons or are you avoiding offering help? Sometimes I have to ask myself that honestly too.
I offer you a guilt-free list of ways to help friends who are sick and you just don't know what to do, or just can't help out since your own To Do List is too long, or you want to put a minimum effort but still make it look good:
1. call them to let them know you are thinking of them. tell them you will pray for them. (*this may not always work. praying doesn't get the kids' dinners made, but depending on the friend, it may make them feel better knowing that you do care about their illness.)
2. give flowers. pick them from the side of the road, or a neighbour's yard, or buy them, it doesn't matter. Flowers always look pretty and are a good pick-me-up. send them through someone else if you aren't able to drop them off.
3. drop off a dinner. even if it is something bought like McDonald's (kids love McD!), or oven-pizza, or those handy roast chickens from the grocery store already cooked. But maybe you don't find it difficult to make up an extra helping or two of dinner while you are making up your own, how wonderful!
4. send a get well card (even one from the dollar store will do...even if you think they may be better by the time it arrives). or email one. or even post on their FB a get well message. It doesn't take a lot of effort.
5. drop off a gift. nothing expensive. chocolate. small toy to keep kids occupied. even a movie of your own for them to watch (include popcorn!) or a book. or bubble bath. (baths are cozy when you are sick)
6. offer to pick up their laundry and wash it at your own home if you don't want to go inside their home. If you aren't worried, do their laundry for them while you visit! (feel free to clean up their laundry room too, and organize it!)
7. offer to clean for them. Maybe not deep clean (but wouldn't that be an extra blessing?) but everyone talks about having to clean the house during a sickness, and oddly enough, sick people don't seem to find the energy to do that, so maybe you could? (you could even offer to do this as they are starting to recover, then there is a chance that they will help you out and so you don't have to work as hard!)
8. send over a get-well pack: tissues, Halls or Ricola, hot water pack, chicken noodle soup, Neo Citron (love that stuff), vaporub... you get the idea. If you don't want to do all of it, or can't afford it, then even one is a sweet gesture.
9. offer to pick up/drop off any healthy children to and from school. Sick people don't like to leave their house, and school is usually outside of the home and requires driving. Sick people shouldn't drive. Sick people like to sleep instead. This would be such a great thing to do!
10. check in after a few days of their sickness and see how they are faring. Maybe they are better and you can rest easy in not having to do anything at all! But calling (because it is nicer than texting, c'mon!) will definitely lift someone's spirits!
Most of these items don't take a lot of time or effort, and most of them don't even require you to enter a germy sick home (you can leave things at the door), but all of them tell your friend that you care and want to help them out! Sick people appreciate that!
If you ask a friend how you can help, to be honest, most will say that they are okay or answer "nothing", but we all know what it's like to be sick! And we can all think of ways that we'd like to relieved when we're sick! We just need to start applying these when our friends come down with colds and flus.
Be a blessing! Be intentional!
**to my "other friends"...I really do get it. But next time, you have no excuse! ...and now neither do I! So we'll both have to try harder and put this into practice!
It's been said that you find out who your "true friends" are when you ask for help during a sickness, and it's true. Partially. My parents and mother-in-law wanted to help, but they were also just recovering from colds and didn't want to expose themselves to more sickness. (I was sick, as was Abi. The others were coughing and sneezing with allergies, but didn't get it like we did. Thankfully)
And I get that. I really do.
I did find out who my "true friends" were and it was a nice surprise. My neighbour, Jenny, offered to pick up stuff for me (like groceries or even just chocolate to keep me going!) and sent over some cold medication for me, which was so wonderful. We were close a few years ago, but then our kids hit a stage where they were hanging out with only their friends and it seemed as though they faught every time they were together, so we didn't see much of eachother either. But I am happy to say that things have settled and has been good again and I am so happy! My friend, Rebecca, also offered to pick up groceries or do anything else I needed, and even called to see if she could take the Youngers for me. (it ended up being at dinnertime and I had things sorted out, so it was too late, but she took the time to call and ask and it was genuine, instead of just pretending to call all the while knowing it was probably too late!)
As for my "other friends"...
I do not begrudge any of them for not responding. And maybe I am just too forgiving (if there is such a thing), but seriously...I understand Life and how it gets in the way of doing things for others sometimes. I know how sometimes you can't seem to figure out how you can help out when you already have so much on your plate. Suddenly your day goes by so fast and you realize you didn't get to do all on your own list; how could you possibly add someone else' tasks?
I understand not wanting to come into a germy house and face the chance of infection. Especially if you have young children at home still. I get the idea of not feeling comfortable taking on childcare too, if you don't know the children very well, or if it's not your gift. I know how you can feel unsure about even how to help.
These are legitimate worries and concerns. They can also be excuses. Are they real reasons or are you avoiding offering help? Sometimes I have to ask myself that honestly too.
I offer you a guilt-free list of ways to help friends who are sick and you just don't know what to do, or just can't help out since your own To Do List is too long, or you want to put a minimum effort but still make it look good:
1. call them to let them know you are thinking of them. tell them you will pray for them. (*this may not always work. praying doesn't get the kids' dinners made, but depending on the friend, it may make them feel better knowing that you do care about their illness.)
2. give flowers. pick them from the side of the road, or a neighbour's yard, or buy them, it doesn't matter. Flowers always look pretty and are a good pick-me-up. send them through someone else if you aren't able to drop them off.
3. drop off a dinner. even if it is something bought like McDonald's (kids love McD!), or oven-pizza, or those handy roast chickens from the grocery store already cooked. But maybe you don't find it difficult to make up an extra helping or two of dinner while you are making up your own, how wonderful!
4. send a get well card (even one from the dollar store will do...even if you think they may be better by the time it arrives). or email one. or even post on their FB a get well message. It doesn't take a lot of effort.
5. drop off a gift. nothing expensive. chocolate. small toy to keep kids occupied. even a movie of your own for them to watch (include popcorn!) or a book. or bubble bath. (baths are cozy when you are sick)
6. offer to pick up their laundry and wash it at your own home if you don't want to go inside their home. If you aren't worried, do their laundry for them while you visit! (feel free to clean up their laundry room too, and organize it!)
7. offer to clean for them. Maybe not deep clean (but wouldn't that be an extra blessing?) but everyone talks about having to clean the house during a sickness, and oddly enough, sick people don't seem to find the energy to do that, so maybe you could? (you could even offer to do this as they are starting to recover, then there is a chance that they will help you out and so you don't have to work as hard!)
8. send over a get-well pack: tissues, Halls or Ricola, hot water pack, chicken noodle soup, Neo Citron (love that stuff), vaporub... you get the idea. If you don't want to do all of it, or can't afford it, then even one is a sweet gesture.
9. offer to pick up/drop off any healthy children to and from school. Sick people don't like to leave their house, and school is usually outside of the home and requires driving. Sick people shouldn't drive. Sick people like to sleep instead. This would be such a great thing to do!
10. check in after a few days of their sickness and see how they are faring. Maybe they are better and you can rest easy in not having to do anything at all! But calling (because it is nicer than texting, c'mon!) will definitely lift someone's spirits!
Most of these items don't take a lot of time or effort, and most of them don't even require you to enter a germy sick home (you can leave things at the door), but all of them tell your friend that you care and want to help them out! Sick people appreciate that!
If you ask a friend how you can help, to be honest, most will say that they are okay or answer "nothing", but we all know what it's like to be sick! And we can all think of ways that we'd like to relieved when we're sick! We just need to start applying these when our friends come down with colds and flus.
Be a blessing! Be intentional!
**to my "other friends"...I really do get it. But next time, you have no excuse! ...and now neither do I! So we'll both have to try harder and put this into practice!
Friday, September 26, 2014
Another Public Service Announcement (PSA), just to let you know.
If you run out of eggs in your house, but you don't want to pack up all of the kids to run to the store just to pick up some since it will result in a full basket of extras and whiney children all asking for junk food snacks.... but you NEED eggs so that you can make some cupcakes for the other kids since they aren't exactly invited to their brother's pool party and you feel guilty and are trying to make things better....
If you happened to read online all these wonderful ideas on how to successfully substitute eggs from a recipe and thought that it sounded easy....
If you are wondering if you can possibly use something else instead of eggs in your box cake recipe, I am here to help you out!
You can not substitute eggs with water, oil and baking powder in a box cake. Although it will make your cupcakes super de-dooper fluffy, they will just make them all crumbly.
We were not able to take a cupcake out of the pan without it falling apart. It was disappointing. The Youngers didn't get to have cupcakes...or go to the pool party. Boos all around!
Now you know.
You are welcome.
***If you are wondering about making your own crayons in the oven, here is my other PSA
If you run out of eggs in your house, but you don't want to pack up all of the kids to run to the store just to pick up some since it will result in a full basket of extras and whiney children all asking for junk food snacks.... but you NEED eggs so that you can make some cupcakes for the other kids since they aren't exactly invited to their brother's pool party and you feel guilty and are trying to make things better....
If you happened to read online all these wonderful ideas on how to successfully substitute eggs from a recipe and thought that it sounded easy....
If you are wondering if you can possibly use something else instead of eggs in your box cake recipe, I am here to help you out!
You can not substitute eggs with water, oil and baking powder in a box cake. Although it will make your cupcakes super de-dooper fluffy, they will just make them all crumbly.
We were not able to take a cupcake out of the pan without it falling apart. It was disappointing. The Youngers didn't get to have cupcakes...or go to the pool party. Boos all around!
Now you know.
You are welcome.
***If you are wondering about making your own crayons in the oven, here is my other PSA
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Just to let you know...A public service announcement.
If you ever get the urge to make yourself some crayons by melting old existing crayons and you are thinking of just grabbing your ice cube tray, the new one that your sister just picked you up from Ikea so that you could use it specifically to prepare and plan for your son's upcoming birthday party, and thinking it will be great to melt them in the oven....
just in case you decided to check online first, to make sure that your silicone ice cube tray is safe in the oven, and you found sites that said it was just fine, it worked for them, and a few that said no, don't risk it, but you are thinking there are more people saying that it is good to do....
if you are wondering if you should try that one project you saw on Pinterest, I am here to help you out!
The PLASTIS ice cube tray from IKEA does not handle oven heat well.
It is synthetic rubber, not silicone. With a name like Plastis, it should've been more obvious. Oops.
Now you know.
You are welcome.
If you ever get the urge to make yourself some crayons by melting old existing crayons and you are thinking of just grabbing your ice cube tray, the new one that your sister just picked you up from Ikea so that you could use it specifically to prepare and plan for your son's upcoming birthday party, and thinking it will be great to melt them in the oven....
just in case you decided to check online first, to make sure that your silicone ice cube tray is safe in the oven, and you found sites that said it was just fine, it worked for them, and a few that said no, don't risk it, but you are thinking there are more people saying that it is good to do....
if you are wondering if you should try that one project you saw on Pinterest, I am here to help you out!
The PLASTIS ice cube tray from IKEA does not handle oven heat well.
It is synthetic rubber, not silicone. With a name like Plastis, it should've been more obvious. Oops.
Now you know.
You are welcome.
Monday, April 12, 2010
What a morning! We were all bundled up and ready to head to school, when I realized that I didn't have my van keys. Oh great! Now, I tend to have a *bit* of a reputation of losing things, especially my keys and my pocket calendar and cell phone, to be specific, so I felt pretty crummy. I was thankful that we didn't have to drive Kai's classmate today, as we drive him each day, to and from, as I just knew we would be late! Since it was my Hunny who used my van last night, and I didn't remember him ever returning the keys to me, I called him. Of course, he didn't answer his cell phone. (That drives me nuts; he has the ringer off, which I don't understand!) So I call his work, but it turns out he's not in yet, so I try his cell again, but since he's driving, he doesn't answer, which is good because it's against the law to use any hand-held devices here. *sigh*
In the end, he called me when he got to work, told me that he had my keys, and said that he was going to come back home to return them to me. (it was that option or the kids miss school today and he leaves work early to pick up Eric, the classmate of Kai's, and take him home. Hunny opted to return!) So to keep me busy (since I was starting to feel slightly sleepy again), I started another load of laundry, folded the laundry I did last night, and thought about cleaning up my Stamping Room! (notice how I said "thought". *smile*)
I got the kids off to school, and yes, of course, they were late, but it was all good. Everyone was in Chapel, so they hadn't missed any schoolwork yet. I helped them both into their classrooms, chatted with the teachers a bit (well, Abi's was going home as she was suddenly feeling really ill so I told her that Abi felt strange this weekend too, with a sore tummy, and headache, and generally 'off', to make her feel better! I don't know if it worked; I think she just wanted to go home!) Then they joined their respective classes in the gymnasium and I went back to the van.
What is it about Mondays that people have a hate for? It is because it's the beginning of a new week? The fact that the weekend is over and it's back to work? Or it is truely "cursed"? People have a tendancy to blame things on the day, or assume it's going to be a bad one just because it's Monday. It was interesting to see that we weren't the only ones late for school. As I was leaving the school, another one of Kai's classmates came in with his father! And our neighbours were late too; they slept in! Strange! Must be "Monday"! Poor day with such a bad reputation!
To thank Bryn for being so well behaved (Rhys was too, but that's because he was napping!), I took the boys to Tim Hortons for Timbits! We even went inside! I don't know if you're like me but I've chosen the lazy way out: I always use the Drive Thru instead of going in. Sometimes (ok, most of the time) taking 4 children out just to pick up some food quickly is a lot of effort and not really fast in the end! But I decided to be different. Of course, having just two children makes it easier! (gosh, that does sound lazy, doesn't it?) Inside, with our Timbits, Hot Chocolate (for me) and Apple Juice (for the boys), we chatted and Bryn told me his grand plans in life. (this was a continuation from the conversation in the van with Kai and Abi) He has let me know that when he's six, he's going to be a policeman and ride a motorcycle and fly a helicopter! When he's six! I guess when you're three and a half, six seems awfully old! (I don't want to offer my own age to him, what'll he think? 30-ish is so ancient and inconceivable!) Then we talked about what we'd do today. Bryn decided that we should make some playdoh!
So we did!
Okay, so *I* did. Bryn helped as much as he did. When Abi was in preschool, I got a recipe from her Teacher Michelle, since she would get a parent to make a new batch each month for the kids. It was colour-coordinated to the theme. (ie: red for February and Valentines, green for March and St. Patty's Day, etc.) I love this recipe! Have you ever made Playdoh at home? It's a gooey mess and very salty and you just dry your hands out and it's creepy and you spend the rest of the day applying hand cream because you just can't get the moisture back. Just sayin'. Maybe that's just me. This new recipe requires an ingredient I've never heard of and you cook it on the stove! Wow! I've included a handy-dandy tutorial for you!
Homemade Playdoh
2 tsp cooking oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
food colouring
Mix the first four ingredients in a sauce pan. (the dry ones ....oops, I guess the oil isn't considered "dry", is it?)
Add water and food colouring together, then add to the sauce pan.
Stir constantly over medium heat. It will start out all gooey, but that won't last long!
When it becomes thicker (it'll happen suddenly) and dough-like, remove from heat.
I place it ontop a sheet of wax paper to cool. It doesn't take too long, maybe about 5-10 minutes. (When cool, store in an airtight container or ziploc bag at room temp.)
I told Bryn to pick out a video to watch while we waited for it to cool. I figured a Veggie Tales one would be good; you know, they're only half an hour! Bryn put on the newest one, Pistachio, which also happens to be my newest favourite! In the time it took to watch half of it, I had made a few more batches! (in total, I made green, red, yellow, and blue. Nothing fancy, just the food colouring bottles!)
When they had cooled enough, I let the boys play with the playdoh on our "coffeetable" (it's the last 12 boxes of bamboo flooring that'll be for my bedroom!) while watching the video.
What a fun morning! Of course, now bits of the colours are mixed into the green. I'm going to be a Big Girl and not let it bother me. I'm going to be okay with that. For some reason, it doesn't bother children to have one large mixed-colour playdoh ball. For some reason, it bothers me! I'm sure that even as a child I wanted them all in their separate containers! And no, this has nothing to do with skin colour or racism (goodness, you jump to conclusions, don't you? lol) but because I wanted the playdoh to last longer. You couldn't make a multi-coloured house or blue-red-yellow grass, could you? Just sayin'. But I am going to be OK with the kids mixing up new colours with their dough. I'm good like that.
Now if they would just return the dough to their bags....
In the end, he called me when he got to work, told me that he had my keys, and said that he was going to come back home to return them to me. (it was that option or the kids miss school today and he leaves work early to pick up Eric, the classmate of Kai's, and take him home. Hunny opted to return!) So to keep me busy (since I was starting to feel slightly sleepy again), I started another load of laundry, folded the laundry I did last night, and thought about cleaning up my Stamping Room! (notice how I said "thought". *smile*)
I got the kids off to school, and yes, of course, they were late, but it was all good. Everyone was in Chapel, so they hadn't missed any schoolwork yet. I helped them both into their classrooms, chatted with the teachers a bit (well, Abi's was going home as she was suddenly feeling really ill so I told her that Abi felt strange this weekend too, with a sore tummy, and headache, and generally 'off', to make her feel better! I don't know if it worked; I think she just wanted to go home!) Then they joined their respective classes in the gymnasium and I went back to the van.
What is it about Mondays that people have a hate for? It is because it's the beginning of a new week? The fact that the weekend is over and it's back to work? Or it is truely "cursed"? People have a tendancy to blame things on the day, or assume it's going to be a bad one just because it's Monday. It was interesting to see that we weren't the only ones late for school. As I was leaving the school, another one of Kai's classmates came in with his father! And our neighbours were late too; they slept in! Strange! Must be "Monday"! Poor day with such a bad reputation!
To thank Bryn for being so well behaved (Rhys was too, but that's because he was napping!), I took the boys to Tim Hortons for Timbits! We even went inside! I don't know if you're like me but I've chosen the lazy way out: I always use the Drive Thru instead of going in. Sometimes (ok, most of the time) taking 4 children out just to pick up some food quickly is a lot of effort and not really fast in the end! But I decided to be different. Of course, having just two children makes it easier! (gosh, that does sound lazy, doesn't it?) Inside, with our Timbits, Hot Chocolate (for me) and Apple Juice (for the boys), we chatted and Bryn told me his grand plans in life. (this was a continuation from the conversation in the van with Kai and Abi) He has let me know that when he's six, he's going to be a policeman and ride a motorcycle and fly a helicopter! When he's six! I guess when you're three and a half, six seems awfully old! (I don't want to offer my own age to him, what'll he think? 30-ish is so ancient and inconceivable!) Then we talked about what we'd do today. Bryn decided that we should make some playdoh!
So we did!
Okay, so *I* did. Bryn helped as much as he did. When Abi was in preschool, I got a recipe from her Teacher Michelle, since she would get a parent to make a new batch each month for the kids. It was colour-coordinated to the theme. (ie: red for February and Valentines, green for March and St. Patty's Day, etc.) I love this recipe! Have you ever made Playdoh at home? It's a gooey mess and very salty and you just dry your hands out and it's creepy and you spend the rest of the day applying hand cream because you just can't get the moisture back. Just sayin'. Maybe that's just me. This new recipe requires an ingredient I've never heard of and you cook it on the stove! Wow! I've included a handy-dandy tutorial for you!
Homemade Playdoh
2 tsp cooking oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
food colouring
Mix the first four ingredients in a sauce pan. (the dry ones ....oops, I guess the oil isn't considered "dry", is it?)
Add water and food colouring together, then add to the sauce pan.
Stir constantly over medium heat. It will start out all gooey, but that won't last long!
When it becomes thicker (it'll happen suddenly) and dough-like, remove from heat.
I place it ontop a sheet of wax paper to cool. It doesn't take too long, maybe about 5-10 minutes. (When cool, store in an airtight container or ziploc bag at room temp.)
I told Bryn to pick out a video to watch while we waited for it to cool. I figured a Veggie Tales one would be good; you know, they're only half an hour! Bryn put on the newest one, Pistachio, which also happens to be my newest favourite! In the time it took to watch half of it, I had made a few more batches! (in total, I made green, red, yellow, and blue. Nothing fancy, just the food colouring bottles!)
When they had cooled enough, I let the boys play with the playdoh on our "coffeetable" (it's the last 12 boxes of bamboo flooring that'll be for my bedroom!) while watching the video.
What a fun morning! Of course, now bits of the colours are mixed into the green. I'm going to be a Big Girl and not let it bother me. I'm going to be okay with that. For some reason, it doesn't bother children to have one large mixed-colour playdoh ball. For some reason, it bothers me! I'm sure that even as a child I wanted them all in their separate containers! And no, this has nothing to do with skin colour or racism (goodness, you jump to conclusions, don't you? lol) but because I wanted the playdoh to last longer. You couldn't make a multi-coloured house or blue-red-yellow grass, could you? Just sayin'. But I am going to be OK with the kids mixing up new colours with their dough. I'm good like that.
Now if they would just return the dough to their bags....
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