tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81153966488112858352024-03-05T09:46:44.827-05:00Among the AldersMadame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-80229407717548488312016-07-09T08:24:00.001-04:002016-07-09T08:24:30.029-04:00Simple Pleasure of the WeekThe other night I had a very strange nightmare. It probably classifies as more of an anxiety-dream......one tailor-made for a Wool Fairy. I dreamt that I was in my bedroom and spotted a pesky clothes moth fluttering around....and then there were two, and six and ten. I looked up to see that the entire ceiling of my bedroom was covered in cocoons, with moths "hatching" from them faster than the eye could see. Somehow my new Miele vacuum (which was a very exciting, recent, long-awaited purchase for me) could not suck them up quickly enough! <br />
<br />
<br />
I'm never pleased to see a moth fluttering inside our house. I found a couple while cleaning out our closet the other day and was quite distressed. My husband just purchased new wool suits for the fall and moths are the last thing we need nibbling on them. With the doors open and closed (and often left open) by the boys 1000 times a day, it is inevitable. Ironically, I have moths to be thankful for lately as they have been keeping the kids entertained for a small spell each day. We have been spotting some very pretty moths lately around our house. The boys have been leaving the outside night on each night to see what they can attract. The first thing they do when they wake up is run downstairs to see if they can spot any new creatures. I love how children can help you stop and take notice of the simple pleasures in life.....even teaching a Wool Fairy to find a soft spot for moths in her heart. My 9 year old actually remarked, "Wow, there are so many lovely moths today!". Here are our favorites from this weeks "catch". <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcv_lODFPeBN93onANXCM8p8R9pEtHxUDnHc_zLdwkWM4SZqCJDM8AnZDdwxGoTz-03qoiTu7CXDHzlW3zxCodRqDtM_ilK9fY3uAe09M0VhCoOJrhpcD_XlOv770lPFxG75ycsMrKR_9/s1600/moth+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcv_lODFPeBN93onANXCM8p8R9pEtHxUDnHc_zLdwkWM4SZqCJDM8AnZDdwxGoTz-03qoiTu7CXDHzlW3zxCodRqDtM_ilK9fY3uAe09M0VhCoOJrhpcD_XlOv770lPFxG75ycsMrKR_9/s400/moth+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">polyphemus moth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l0tF6BbKgvPDqkutWBY6wZrOW2VAWLdAXxNEot_DuT8v4WMihJDaxe7N-Mo_5kUdB51CJWBhZRi8ENAjGf6IOEodXiUW3O6tYLf4rza8nATDY5X__8UYe8TbC85siI_urqfLvZac7MVg/s1600/moth+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l0tF6BbKgvPDqkutWBY6wZrOW2VAWLdAXxNEot_DuT8v4WMihJDaxe7N-Mo_5kUdB51CJWBhZRi8ENAjGf6IOEodXiUW3O6tYLf4rza8nATDY5X__8UYe8TbC85siI_urqfLvZac7MVg/s400/moth+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna Moth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4j4MbHNSrfR0sKtVqBNVZTawghEhaiIpN1dLUVWmWr5ie4X3E6kBADczoAnBsf0SSlgAJ-zDF2FNaEEDntw1n9xZCERkSn40s9b3a9eCjM9wZB7X0Vk7jpRikEnHsnkuJowHavyYaJNO/s1600/moth+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4j4MbHNSrfR0sKtVqBNVZTawghEhaiIpN1dLUVWmWr5ie4X3E6kBADczoAnBsf0SSlgAJ-zDF2FNaEEDntw1n9xZCERkSn40s9b3a9eCjM9wZB7X0Vk7jpRikEnHsnkuJowHavyYaJNO/s400/moth+3.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waved Sphinx<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although I'm starting to see the beauty in some moths, I'd prefer they stay away from my woolens! Does anyone have any tips for keeping them out of the closet??Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-90045165437445376932016-07-07T08:16:00.001-04:002016-07-08T15:08:58.422-04:00Country Lifestyle and Looking PresentableA few years ago my mom introduced me to the Madame Chic series of books by <a href="http://outclass.ca/collections/shirts/products/blue-zig-zag-dobby-s-s-shirt">Jennifer L. Scott</a>. Her books are a light, conversational read that provide many useful tips and concepts to assist you in elevating all areas of your life. One concept I felt I could really put some effort into was the notion of "looking presentable always". As a stay-at-home mom, living in a rural setting, I found this particularly challenging to get my head around. That being said, I really felt like I needed to update my look as I was approaching 40. I was certain that if I put a bit more effort into my appearance that I would feel better about myself throughout the day. <br />
<br />
<br />
I spent a lot of time thinking about and working on this concept, as well as her ten-item wardrobe philosophy. I figured out a suitable daily "no-makeup" look that I felt comfortable with. I upgraded my wardrobe from jeans and t-shirts to nicer, well-fitting jeans, nicer tops and great footwear (: I even put a few dresses in the mix. I felt great....but I was scared of ruining my nice clothes! One wrong move around here and the damages could be catastrophic....from snags to grease stains. Here were the challenges I found myself faced with:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsS3a8H_pgnn3r-TtXGjD3vTxDjeTOJYM4g-D2CSr3vNcIUxG4FrfK1lEMWXJPyc2_hiOLzbH8BDZwc82rB9l_oOWpHBS4sXsMHMk-agkOyD67l7qBiECV4O-5sCZ5V7MD_Kxy91X0EAd/s1600/2013+-+June+10+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsS3a8H_pgnn3r-TtXGjD3vTxDjeTOJYM4g-D2CSr3vNcIUxG4FrfK1lEMWXJPyc2_hiOLzbH8BDZwc82rB9l_oOWpHBS4sXsMHMk-agkOyD67l7qBiECV4O-5sCZ5V7MD_Kxy91X0EAd/s400/2013+-+June+10+018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I live on a rural property with animals that require daily care. We currently have chickens and ducks. At one point we had four sheep. Feeding and watering them is messy!</li>
<li>I have a long gravel driveway and drive a truck-style vehicle. Delicate footwear doesn't jive well with this scenario. Our chickens are free run so my driveway has hazards to be avoided!</li>
<li>I have two boys who are VERY active and into a lot of messy activities. We often go to the skatepark so they can BMX, or to the pond, or to the beach...... Smearing myself in bicycle grease is a common occurrence when I'm helping with the loading and unloading gear.</li>
<li>Exercise is a big part of my life. Most days include two workouts - a weight program first thing in the morning and then a run when the kids are at school.</li>
<li>We burn 3 cords of firewood a year. Because I'm the one home all day, I pretty much look after the ferrying of this wood from the barn to the house on a daily basis....as well as running the stove all day in the cooler months.</li>
<li>I'm a gardener! Most years I've maintained a decent sized vegetable garden and flower beds. This year the veggies are on the back-burner due to an injury, but I imagine they will return.</li>
</ul>
When I first looked at this list, I thought what is the point? I'm constantly doing messy things and I will ruin everything in no time. I was, however, feeling so great about the new me, that I devised a plan that seems to be working for me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_c4fsJQl9XP6YUphq0MCPC3ViP4gxEObe3snyZm4GMu4xkEVuBM-JZd0ZrVjKb_j7sqvzTaFxK87XgYMx-Pdkbpu21UJJPa85LEbOALdnhpSdeMTakZo1AupR1h1lrULXJ0ivENQlRlq/s1600/2013+-+September+30+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_c4fsJQl9XP6YUphq0MCPC3ViP4gxEObe3snyZm4GMu4xkEVuBM-JZd0ZrVjKb_j7sqvzTaFxK87XgYMx-Pdkbpu21UJJPa85LEbOALdnhpSdeMTakZo1AupR1h1lrULXJ0ivENQlRlq/s400/2013+-+September+30+017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Get the <strong>dirty work over with first thing</strong>! As soon as I get up in the morning, I work out doing weights and then a run. I love starting my day this way. It gives me energy and such a boost. </li>
<li><strong>Feeding and watering the birds is done right after my workout</strong> while I'm still in my workout clothes. This is also the time I would do things like gather up the garbage, sweep the garage.</li>
<li>In the winter, my barn chores also involve bringing in a couple of wheelbarrel loads of firewood and loading up the wood box for the day....again wearing my exercise clothes.</li>
<li><strong>Black and other dark colors are my friend</strong>. I need things that just don't show the dirt, which is really inevitable.</li>
<li><strong>Washable fabrics</strong> are also my friend. </li>
<li><strong>Jeans are still the best choice for me</strong>. I think they can look great and a dark wash skinny really suits my figure. In the winter I wear dark grey, black and dark blue. They wash well, the fabric is sturdy and they can be dressed up. They suit my lifestyle!</li>
<li><strong>Don't be lazy and change your clothes if the situation calls for it. </strong> If I'm dressed in a nice blouse for the day and the boys beg me to take them to the skate part.....I change my top to a black t-shirt. It only takes a minute and I usually have dark jeans on that can handle any messes. I will also change into Converse sneakers over more delicate shoes. My husband once caught me piling firewood in a pair of $200 jeans....not a good combination.</li>
<li><strong>There is no excuse for not taking the time to have a shower, do my hair and put on some light makeup</strong>. I always feel better about myself. I can still look cute and pulled together while I'm piling firewood or hanging at the skate park!!! Even if I'm in "work clothes" I can still have clean hair, a fresh face and my sliver hoop earrings on.</li>
<li>Jennifer recommends using <strong>an apron,</strong> and this is what I do throughout the day. If I'm cooking, doing light weeding, loading the woodstove or fetching eggs from the coop, I make sure I have my apron on. It helps if you have one you really love. I purchased a beautiful Japanese-style linen apron that goes well with my neutrals-natural look.</li>
<li>Putting the "birds to bed" at night is usually <strong>delegated to my son or husband.</strong> If I need to go out there, I usually have my PJ's on at this point and throw on a barn coat and rubber boots. Not presentable by any stretch, but I can't be a perfectionist in this situation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfCYieWyOLS8AYDnqmd9hGw37Jj2BX3W4ulPbeDSM_xO0r25S76Aari700ac4Ux4kQ1AzEfslJg3N01kJjxHOvCJ6uOGjSubLHsnN0ymUnn7yUtLndJHRYjtHpRMGApdiDhlFMoVo41Uj/s1600/2013+-+June+7+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfCYieWyOLS8AYDnqmd9hGw37Jj2BX3W4ulPbeDSM_xO0r25S76Aari700ac4Ux4kQ1AzEfslJg3N01kJjxHOvCJ6uOGjSubLHsnN0ymUnn7yUtLndJHRYjtHpRMGApdiDhlFMoVo41Uj/s400/2013+-+June+7+017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
That about sums it up! I feel like I've managed to fit "looking presentable always"....or at least most of the time, into my life. I truly feel great about it and it puts a spring in my step each day!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-68854748802306515612016-07-06T11:04:00.000-04:002016-07-06T11:04:27.670-04:00Me, Myself and I ProjectWith less running around this summer, I'm enjoying more time at home to putter on projects. The kids are really content right now to stick close to home and are enjoying the chance to sleep in, putter around the yard and work on little projects. I have yet to hear "I'm bored" which is a good sign.<br />
<br />
<br />
Today I spent some time working on my bedroom space. Since we moved into the house 12 years ago, I focused most of my decorating and space improvement efforts on the areas I spent the most time in - the kitchen, dining, living space. The master bedroom was always a last priority. Over the last year or so, I've decided to make my personal space (or shared with my husband space!!) a bit prettier. My goal is a peaceful, serene, soothing, organized sanctuary. It's a space that's easier to control the clutter because of the lack of kid-related items (in theory).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVV9icalsJW3PBRCcvHSHCChmJuAhP2wDeYpMHZN8-GbpMrshB-cvyPDEEhZCZHV1lXOUBRCs3SL8MWJL3GeoWBy7tLwY-RFz_9g6aKP02vpJpydyigCt18T2u-mw9fypka9Iqs451LTJ/s1600/blog+2c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVV9icalsJW3PBRCcvHSHCChmJuAhP2wDeYpMHZN8-GbpMrshB-cvyPDEEhZCZHV1lXOUBRCs3SL8MWJL3GeoWBy7tLwY-RFz_9g6aKP02vpJpydyigCt18T2u-mw9fypka9Iqs451LTJ/s400/blog+2c.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here is a photo of my bedside table. I like to keep current books I'm reading on hand since I usually read a bit before going to sleep. Lately I've been making the effort to bring in fresh flowers that make me smile. Our sea roses are in full bloom and are incredibly fragrant. It is so pleasant to wake up to the smell of sea roses and the sound of morning birds and ocean waves this time of year. It starts me off on the right foot each morning, making me feel thankful for simple pleasures. I also keep a little photo of my mother and I when I was about 5. It's a reminder that I was once a little girl and to be kind to myself each day.....to treat myself with the same kindness and patience I would with a child.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGahntQDniiZC9VRxRNBDaqpMC6EtUe9TfEfRCgIs4dDsW00jQk8FAZOifP3ZZbauZNZvgZ_EL-cYHu8JwkH13MXNpl4aTdRMAATGihgf3ftCb4lZADGVGOFe_Rw540j01UuJTuQLJSY9/s1600/blog+2a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGahntQDniiZC9VRxRNBDaqpMC6EtUe9TfEfRCgIs4dDsW00jQk8FAZOifP3ZZbauZNZvgZ_EL-cYHu8JwkH13MXNpl4aTdRMAATGihgf3ftCb4lZADGVGOFe_Rw540j01UuJTuQLJSY9/s400/blog+2a.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
I recently acquired an essential-oils diffuser! I run it each evening for about an hour with a mixture of lavender and tangerine. It is a very soft, relaxing scent. I prefer it to candles, which I used in the past. I don't trust my kids around them unattended quite frankly! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr3b91YNk9hqJ-AXMrf8A6t_Qvjj3XJkwCkDGT_f77y-IR9sja9IBi3a_tZwwI7PRt-CC4LRLgXCB8P-9lMlElMqaTBOaDkrORc4Jhr1LXgHB3E6ffoKv25OKCQzUwUTmE8u_Z7jAXp3s/s1600/blog+2f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr3b91YNk9hqJ-AXMrf8A6t_Qvjj3XJkwCkDGT_f77y-IR9sja9IBi3a_tZwwI7PRt-CC4LRLgXCB8P-9lMlElMqaTBOaDkrORc4Jhr1LXgHB3E6ffoKv25OKCQzUwUTmE8u_Z7jAXp3s/s400/blog+2f.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
This is my dresser top. I love this little antique dresser. It used to be in my grand-parents' beach cottage and I was lucky enough to get my hands on it. It's old, stained and the drawers stick, but it reminds me of my Nanny and summers at the cottage. I like to keep my daily jewelry on hand, which is minimal and simple. I pretty much wear the same jewelry every day - a silver necklace, silver hoop earrings, a menswear inspired Nixon watch and a meditation ring (can't forget my wedding bands!). My son made this driftwood whale/tail jewelry holder for me to store my bracelets and necklaces. I will love this and him forever!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Bk35RfUuzPTrPTXmHdhDfiJ_LMb2GGD2OUmUwM0SZwFKWYingxZ00cNvLoFVKTXGORS3T6NxY19bzdbvKRHbPznnnrol-VnVgxk5HaVso0SpfLrRy-saF_iEDbZyklZV8JaDQXmOYsFU/s1600/blog+2e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Bk35RfUuzPTrPTXmHdhDfiJ_LMb2GGD2OUmUwM0SZwFKWYingxZ00cNvLoFVKTXGORS3T6NxY19bzdbvKRHbPznnnrol-VnVgxk5HaVso0SpfLrRy-saF_iEDbZyklZV8JaDQXmOYsFU/s320/blog+2e.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBavYfpflte7k8iefsgUGisYqWGwrU3cV-9qrkHLPc_eW8DfcPwh0DGhjcNeMgL9Vl0pRpd7zEx5XSzqYn1HtXWIPo7yORRN6CZLp59ChZ9BpCoPyDKWIqMIgEOLPxQFGFFAMACMd5OXd/s1600/blog+2d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBavYfpflte7k8iefsgUGisYqWGwrU3cV-9qrkHLPc_eW8DfcPwh0DGhjcNeMgL9Vl0pRpd7zEx5XSzqYn1HtXWIPo7yORRN6CZLp59ChZ9BpCoPyDKWIqMIgEOLPxQFGFFAMACMd5OXd/s320/blog+2d.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I'm also working on organizing our shared closet. Since I started trying to incorporate the <a href="http://dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.ca/">Jennifer L. Scott</a> inspired ten-item wardrobe in my life, this has been much easier. My husband's side is a work in progress! Good news is that he too is trying out a bit of a ten-item wardrobe (: It's fun to help him so I cleaned up his side a little. I keep the off-season items stored and only have what I'm currently wearing hung up. I like <a href="http://www.howtobechic.com/">Fiona's</a> idea of hanging everything, so I even hung up my summer shorts. I like having all options in plain view and this also keeps items that would normally be folded wrinkle free. I might expand more on my ten (I think I'm at 15 or 16 actually) wardrobe in a later post. <br />
<br />
<br />
Our bedroom is a work in progress, but I'm enjoying puttering away at it. I'd like a new duvet cover and I'd like to hang our art (it's about time after 12 years). I enjoy the feeling of having a pretty, soft bedroom. It's the same feeling I felt as a little girl...always organizing, rearranging, decorating. I realized that my husband could care less how I set things up in there, so it really is my place to play with! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfB7iaY16Z1De6OnY3DsTpBZzDlfPhyvh3hNgsyxo_xodWzFi-UB13EWJ4KCYQiOKjhdjjQE9FTQxfsS67_Z-oVVwAoIdSBeDFLQ_D3b22_WFOytFxUmM-lICiVjBnYcWxjX-HDnKA5Vl/s1600/blog+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfB7iaY16Z1De6OnY3DsTpBZzDlfPhyvh3hNgsyxo_xodWzFi-UB13EWJ4KCYQiOKjhdjjQE9FTQxfsS67_Z-oVVwAoIdSBeDFLQ_D3b22_WFOytFxUmM-lICiVjBnYcWxjX-HDnKA5Vl/s320/blog+2.JPG" width="253" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And yes.....this is what I found in my room last night. That pet chicken was snuck in the house and ended up in our bedroom room of all places! He was sent out to the coop immediately. I don't want to squash my son's love of the chicken, but my bedroom (and the entire house) is no place for this guy. Maybe my son can work on beautifying the coop!! There's a project.....it's a better idea than the chicken diaper he tried to make.Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-12144457041715018672016-07-05T07:13:00.000-04:002016-07-05T07:16:53.529-04:00The "Secret Garden"It's been over two years since I've taken the time to share my thoughts and contemplations in this space! Lately I've been getting the urge to dip my toe back into my blog. With the lazier days of summer officially kicking-off today, I felt like there was no time but the present. Although the boys are off school and will be keeping me super busy all day, everything still seems to operate at a much slower pace this time of year. <br />
<br />
Much has changed since my earlier days of blogging. The boys are much more grown up at 10 and 11, so my days look a lot different than they used to. They are growing into such fun, independent, creative and highly energetic individuals.. Being a stay-at-home mom looks a lot different for me now than it used too. Gone are the days of toddler crafts and hand-made toys. These days the boys are making their own creations and adventures, completely free from my guidance and inspiration. I can now sit back and enjoy watching them "do their thing".<br />
<br />
<br />
I thought it would be fun to take on a little project of my own for the next month - one that really focuses on me. I have found that as the children grow up, I really do have more me time in my life! I'm taking a closer look at my own life and tweaking areas I'd like to improve. I recently started reading <a href="http://www.howtobechic.com/">30 Chic Days by Fiona Ferris of the blog How to be Chic</a> and am absolutely loving it. It provides a fresh perspective on the topic of living a more refined, French-inspired chic lifestyle. This is a topic I've been having fun with over the last couple of years. I've read the Madame Chic series of books by <a href="http://dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.ca/">Jennifer L. Scott.</a>, which are also inspiring and practical reads. Fiona provides so many fun and doable ideas to elevate yourself in both physical and mental ways. I've decided to work my way through the book this summer by looking for ways to fit a number of her ideas into my life as a stay-at-home mother of two boys living on a little farm-like property. It's not always the chicest environment, especially when your son has a pet chicken he tries to sneak in the house!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCyO_izbpUAA64EYjJIe73slxgB-D93WhuspQ6UKovk7_yOgvyjNS10fmv3AK2ELaUgmqiAOIMHPvWRwyjcBPJQuaHqL_DjFEa_JMIAR1BZoCZuyGlpk4hUREOyT3tHP9eid-L9zODk0P/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCyO_izbpUAA64EYjJIe73slxgB-D93WhuspQ6UKovk7_yOgvyjNS10fmv3AK2ELaUgmqiAOIMHPvWRwyjcBPJQuaHqL_DjFEa_JMIAR1BZoCZuyGlpk4hUREOyT3tHP9eid-L9zODk0P/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This morning I started with her idea of the "Secret Garden" from Chapter 5. I've carved out a little time and space designated for morning reading and journaling while the boys are sleeping in. It's my little corner on the deck, with a peek of the ocean view and the smell of my roses from the garden below. My son even helped me install a little window-feeder on the glass deck panels so I can enjoy the morning birds! This will be my sacred thinking spot this summer, weather permitting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0enc7HtTzFe8oRinyMLmWWCAI8istEpodSnm82IyKmhbgUDPtHFOq0zQ7bcKYnltMg3B_BY0bd9GnCd1dJwWzK8eS8W8aq346Y8k7lqW7cOsF362tJ3nCRa1uudV9XXtb-C_c03zegAOH/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0enc7HtTzFe8oRinyMLmWWCAI8istEpodSnm82IyKmhbgUDPtHFOq0zQ7bcKYnltMg3B_BY0bd9GnCd1dJwWzK8eS8W8aq346Y8k7lqW7cOsF362tJ3nCRa1uudV9XXtb-C_c03zegAOH/s320/photo.JPG" width="283" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-25625296253312271232013-10-10T10:34:00.000-04:002013-10-10T10:34:04.694-04:00Hooray for Extra Long Weekends!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavLsfxRpMfDGYWYpBVp9ktKzYVsBwkVBDKTLebYZQxzJmgpjLzC9LWk0kXnj8udhLNNmFnbQlJkPyjInTL-0LSVSqk9vCY2WNLM2RoBc6I1m3WiDeCK8BSX3iEwkZD42urtvr0NI60fD7/s1600/2013+-+October+6a+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavLsfxRpMfDGYWYpBVp9ktKzYVsBwkVBDKTLebYZQxzJmgpjLzC9LWk0kXnj8udhLNNmFnbQlJkPyjInTL-0LSVSqk9vCY2WNLM2RoBc6I1m3WiDeCK8BSX3iEwkZD42urtvr0NI60fD7/s400/2013+-+October+6a+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTdrrkKW8Dn9tM699oc2A20RBy3m8-enDBHQApsb5zDiC-BOMs1sqrY-yc0F5jTe_iY-GIqobwRb1F-g0G1MAWZutZaCIOJ_GPMbtYtLfAivHmCQZxyofyDKNZAuFEZim92AsgHNAehoE/s1600/2013+-+September+28+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTdrrkKW8Dn9tM699oc2A20RBy3m8-enDBHQApsb5zDiC-BOMs1sqrY-yc0F5jTe_iY-GIqobwRb1F-g0G1MAWZutZaCIOJ_GPMbtYtLfAivHmCQZxyofyDKNZAuFEZim92AsgHNAehoE/s400/2013+-+September+28+003.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This week has flown by, and I'm only now finding the chance to sit down and collect my thoughts about the weekend. The community market I participated in was a huge success. It was a wonderful gathering of creative people and we had a great turn out. So much positive energy! That being said, it definitely occupied my entire weekend. I underestimated the amount of time I required to organize, label and price my items. This pretty much occupied the bulk of Saturday. One small snag in my plans occurred in the form of the stomach flu! Muffy woke up early Saturday morning vomiting. It was really just a mild bug, but he spent the day flopped on the couch, sipping ginger ale and nibbling crackers. Sunday, the day of the market, was busy with set up, the market itself and clean up. Although I enjoyed it, I was definitely drained and exhausted when it was all said and done. I'm an introvert, so being "on" for that long zaps me a bit. I think I needed this week to just putter a bit and recharge.<br />
<br />
Looking ahead to the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, it is already time to compile my dreamy/practical list! My long weekend actually begins tomorrow. I'm dropping the kids off at school on Friday morning and will be sneaking off to my parents' house for a "dreamy" day in the Annapolis Valley -ALL TO MYSELF! Daddy and the boys are meeting up with me late Saturday afternoon and we will spend the remainder of the weekend visiting, eating...etc.<br />
<br />
Dreamy (Where do I begin?)<br />
<ul>
<li>Drink tea and read magazines at my parents' quiet house.</li>
<li>Drink tea and knit at my parents' quiet house.</li>
<li>Drink tea and just sit at my parents' quiet house (you get the picture).</li>
<li>Browse the Wolfville shops.</li>
<li>Visit the wool shop and maybe pick up something for a special project.</li>
<li>Out for supper with my parent's Friday night.</li>
<li>A trip to the Wolfville Farmer's Market Saturday morning. I rarely go here without the kids so it will be a nice chance to really relax and browse and take my time admiring all the vendor offerings.</li>
<li>Run a 10km race on Sunday morning! This is my annual "race" I do each year. Sometimes it is the 1/2 marathon, sometimes just the 10K. This year my goal is to run as fast as I possibly can to see if I can beat last year's time...wish me luck! I'm feeling pumped and energetic about it and my "rest/getaway" before hand just might give me a boost.</li>
<li>Yummy Thanksgiving dinner! My mom is the best cook and her meals are always amazing. It is fun (and busy) to get the four cousins together. Four boys between the ages of 6 and 8 makes a lively holiday.</li>
<li>Just enjoy visiting with everyone. The weather looks great so there will be lots of time spent outdoors enjoying the fall colors.</li>
</ul>
Practical:<br />
<ul>
<li>Bake two pumpkin pies - my offering for Thanksgiving dinner this year. I am roasting the pumpkin today and will make them on Saturday in my mom's kitchen. I use a recipe from Canadian Living that is super yummy!</li>
<li>Do my produce shopping for the week ahead while I am in the Valley. I always pack a cooler in the truck for a good load of fresh veggies.</li>
</ul>
<br />
That about sums it up! Basically, I'm looking forward to some quiet time for myself AND lots of fun and visiting with family. Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving!<br />
Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-57036549850750055682013-10-04T11:30:00.002-04:002013-10-04T11:31:20.386-04:00Dreamy/Practical<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20kfyclZ3wrn9Rno2r1lMIY4MASz57T3Bh-cHpViJb0dYIkaW3iCixO8odpfcsnwZ-PGyuTDLmkjWK9bdTP25USZVZIFOq91zUT0pNvazshyphenhyphen8eUOmpkKWArYySn8YHbmcNg5lQcDJKfuZ/s1600/2013+-+October+2+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20kfyclZ3wrn9Rno2r1lMIY4MASz57T3Bh-cHpViJb0dYIkaW3iCixO8odpfcsnwZ-PGyuTDLmkjWK9bdTP25USZVZIFOq91zUT0pNvazshyphenhyphen8eUOmpkKWArYySn8YHbmcNg5lQcDJKfuZ/s400/2013+-+October+2+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yay, it's Friday! Time for the Dreamy/Practical list already? This week really flew by since it was a short school week. Although we do have a few things in the hopper this weekend, it should be a bit more mellow than last weekend's birthday party. I am attending the annual Cow Bay Market as a vendor. I will be selling hand-dyed wool. This probably falls into both dreamy and practical.<br />
<br />
Dreamy:<br />
<ul>
<li>Spend some time knitting Chi-Chi's sweater. It is slow going right now, but I'm in no rush to finish it. Sometimes the larger projects are more relaxing as I don't get caught up in doing it at fast as I can.</li>
<li>My Saturday morning trip to the Dartmouth Farmer's Market for fresh veggies and a Mommy Treat. I enjoy sneaking out of the house on this little solo adventure. Maybe this week I'll bring home treats for all!</li>
<li>Homemade Pizza Night on Saturday - I'm taking a break from the kitchen and my husband is making pizza. This is a tradition I'm hoping to reignite. I pretty much cook supper 7 days a week, so I've penciled in a night off in our menu plan. He actually enjoys the pizza making and the boys always like the make-your-own aspect of it.</li>
<li>Shop at the market on Sunday. There are going to be some wonderfully creative people selling goods at the market and I'm hoping to drop birthday idea hints for my husband...thinking jewelry and pottery!</li>
</ul>
Practical:<br />
<ul>
<li>First hockey practice of the season - Yay the boys are on the same team this year. This cuts our rink time in half. Actually, I will put this on Hubby's practical list and I might just stay home and knit (:</li>
<li>Prep for the market on Sunday - I need to label my skeins and get everything ready for the display. I always find pricing difficult when selling to friends and members of the community. I need to give this some thought and get all my "goods" organized.</li>
<li>Regular prep for the week ahead, which basically involves my lunch box bulk prep. I like to get some baking in the freezer each Sunday in order to keep my lunch box treat stash fresh.</li>
</ul>
Happy Friday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
</ul>
Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-63232934562963771442013-10-01T11:32:00.001-04:002013-10-01T11:33:01.245-04:00Weekend Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW8rzk2s4StH1Up6woqKYJVw14GZpJuJgOMnpGPUfQMYWArOFZLqOBYyWX3pInWDnvQd8xMbPZI-CUTmxdLuvc6mXp3_eLGDmyH298p7SA95msAEofTFA2n-GtUrYgB_5LUzZ1WbEuS2a/s1600/2013+-+September+28a+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW8rzk2s4StH1Up6woqKYJVw14GZpJuJgOMnpGPUfQMYWArOFZLqOBYyWX3pInWDnvQd8xMbPZI-CUTmxdLuvc6mXp3_eLGDmyH298p7SA95msAEofTFA2n-GtUrYgB_5LUzZ1WbEuS2a/s400/2013+-+September+28a+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the storm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oXQYMQRn5paZmo5wQpzUhnHLIl7I-2hu7MuJzSEQgsZv_xQXH1UuOaYT3NRtdrtKCMIEJ3bhaKphYH5rDhsShUGwz58w5FhckLXIZ-pOfiHN6O1PoK9n0SXEFZT_uAL6YGetHhkqaPoa/s1600/2013+-+September+28a+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oXQYMQRn5paZmo5wQpzUhnHLIl7I-2hu7MuJzSEQgsZv_xQXH1UuOaYT3NRtdrtKCMIEJ3bhaKphYH5rDhsShUGwz58w5FhckLXIZ-pOfiHN6O1PoK9n0SXEFZT_uAL6YGetHhkqaPoa/s400/2013+-+September+28a+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple cupcakes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias9AJfOTmRGwjptRjS5AlqKZ_X4fkeeLlmh7b-UCa5rSr4N7FrwAPMhYcr7eXDF_18jh6yt1ABIfRGxjgxjSqRpKJBdoOk-xc-oLtW4NG8pbeJu1fnDhTMSSIOiIEMdMvmfvBTf5MT-MR/s1600/2013+-+September+28a+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias9AJfOTmRGwjptRjS5AlqKZ_X4fkeeLlmh7b-UCa5rSr4N7FrwAPMhYcr7eXDF_18jh6yt1ABIfRGxjgxjSqRpKJBdoOk-xc-oLtW4NG8pbeJu1fnDhTMSSIOiIEMdMvmfvBTf5MT-MR/s400/2013+-+September+28a+074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike/Treasure Hunt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cf4Cnsu_Xm3_fkBfLslM_27xpI1DGr4Ji5x5lRRqFNdgtFtH2e8oCkLzXUXkhV9gWvtEkZti1tXiPF_4iEQR-pDAvIs00IYOmXPkLBoftdF9BXesPYPMSjfPEO-J8G7V2FgG50FI8fXp/s1600/2013+-+September+28a+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cf4Cnsu_Xm3_fkBfLslM_27xpI1DGr4Ji5x5lRRqFNdgtFtH2e8oCkLzXUXkhV9gWvtEkZti1tXiPF_4iEQR-pDAvIs00IYOmXPkLBoftdF9BXesPYPMSjfPEO-J8G7V2FgG50FI8fXp/s400/2013+-+September+28a+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New project cast on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl7qU5PCA6PsPn4nnAJ-n6Blru1h5Fty8MczZmLT4pvC6lmLRm0E92NGlFagERxR766ECRiA01Qanzvo99tPvQbQxwwV-9lqx2EW7n6fOUffchWXxqyTZwBZv3rQNV-7V6ahCq1AqEBQ1/s1600/2013+-+September+30+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl7qU5PCA6PsPn4nnAJ-n6Blru1h5Fty8MczZmLT4pvC6lmLRm0E92NGlFagERxR766ECRiA01Qanzvo99tPvQbQxwwV-9lqx2EW7n6fOUffchWXxqyTZwBZv3rQNV-7V6ahCq1AqEBQ1/s400/2013+-+September+30+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty cake - but I will follow the recipe next time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEzfQkwqKV6VWhyphenhyphenfVdsyCZGy8J4cpYE_JqBzKWWW4AZoYnZDCxpFkAzpEhBrwE03ElJQLhNV3BHnO-O6zQ-hshnZUIQ5auvYQlIgqblWvi4xigij-WIxMnZf4rz2poA2bvGLFrgvdl1zJ/s1600/2013+-+September+30+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEzfQkwqKV6VWhyphenhyphenfVdsyCZGy8J4cpYE_JqBzKWWW4AZoYnZDCxpFkAzpEhBrwE03ElJQLhNV3BHnO-O6zQ-hshnZUIQ5auvYQlIgqblWvi4xigij-WIxMnZf4rz2poA2bvGLFrgvdl1zJ/s400/2013+-+September+30+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scooters at the skate park!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm just decompressing today after a very busy "birthday weekend" for my boy. His friend party was a great success, but I'm still pretty exhausted.. I kept it as simple as possible. The fact that we hosted it in the barn made prep and clean up fast and easy. I kicked it off with a little scavenger hunt, and then my husband took them on a one hour walk/hike/treasure hunt around our property. I'm finding as the kids get older, you need something to keep them occupied (controlled) at these parties, otherwise things can get a little crazy. I think the hike did the trick. They were genuinely interested and there wasn't any complaining!<br />
<br />
Yesterday the boys had the day off school, which was really quite perfect. We gave Muffy a new scooter for his big day, so I literally spent 4 hours at the skate park I'm just happy to see them doing something active and outside. I spent the time knitting my little heart out - which was dreamy in the moment, until I realized I had made an error and had to rip the whole thing out. Regardless, I'm happy to at least have a new fall project cast on the needles. I chose the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-hoodlum">Little Hoodlum pattern</a>. It's looking pretty cute!<br />
<br />
My parents visited last night for a quieter family celebration. I decided to pass on the coconut flour cake for now, opting for a more traditional recipe. Muffy requested a vanilla cake with chocolate frosting, so I made just that, from my new book <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/The-Homemade-Pantry-Buying-Making/dp/030788726X">The Homemade Pantry</a>. I think the cake would have been good.....if I had followed the directions. It was far too dry. My mom informed me that "cake flour" and regular white flour are two very different things. I just used white flour where it called for cake flour. Something felt wrong before I even put it in the oven,as the batter was unusually thick. What can you do at that point? Next time I will adjust for the different flour (decrease by about 1/2 cup) or just source out some cake flour. Live and learn!<br />
<br />
Looking ahead to a fairly standard week, back to school tomorrow and back to our routine. Wishing everyone a great week!Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-65382646184246123352013-09-27T11:56:00.000-04:002013-09-27T11:56:56.955-04:00Dreamy/Practical<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVG4_2T-nFDQ9QZB8ZHTAkPXXH5KuHfZNq1x3N7s7_tNrdZjN4g4nBTAbJNjR69y_kYLtsfZ_aNZpO55vZYUn8Ti2l42UlCu7wiDeyVBRn89HAPOXTdU8JSHvrAY8Z9BCjJPjLO3ToDrF1/s1600/2013+-+September+27a+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVG4_2T-nFDQ9QZB8ZHTAkPXXH5KuHfZNq1x3N7s7_tNrdZjN4g4nBTAbJNjR69y_kYLtsfZ_aNZpO55vZYUn8Ti2l42UlCu7wiDeyVBRn89HAPOXTdU8JSHvrAY8Z9BCjJPjLO3ToDrF1/s400/2013+-+September+27a+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scavenger hunt for the party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84EdLbWUVUj2DDtQjm6ICtaXYCC5cngpj5QXsDcD4llAvmaRVKCmAdKDKETr0nu9qigTObeGgwn4spDt3tdtldgwy80Ps4gT1J3lFS5l4MVE_L8Zt9VDPvySgC0FS2TlI7w9xPkXN27nL/s1600/2013+-+September+27+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84EdLbWUVUj2DDtQjm6ICtaXYCC5cngpj5QXsDcD4llAvmaRVKCmAdKDKETr0nu9qigTObeGgwn4spDt3tdtldgwy80Ps4gT1J3lFS5l4MVE_L8Zt9VDPvySgC0FS2TlI7w9xPkXN27nL/s400/2013+-+September+27+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard beauty<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">In an attempt to keep up with my new Friday ritual, here’s
the Dreamy/Practical list for the upcoming weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks again <a href="http://saltandchocolate.blogspot.ca/">Mary Beth</a> for the
inspiration!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday is a PD day for the
boys, so this is essentially a long weekend for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Muffy’s 7</span><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"> birthday is on Monday,
so it is going busy/fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are having
his “friend” party on Sunday and a family get-together on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is so excited, he is literally
bursting. So here's my list....what's on yours?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dreamy:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Host Muffy’s friend party on Sunday
afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that the parents don’t
stick around for these things, I actually find them fairly easy to host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is less to worry about when you don’t
feel like you are entertaining adults too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The weather forecast looks great, which is a bonus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole party is going to be outside and in
our barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got a scavenger hunt
planned and my husband always takes the kids on a hike/treasure hunt around the
property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gets fun and creative with
it and the kids always have fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cupcakes are already in the freezer and I’ll just be serving a few
nibble treats, fruit and juice boxes. Simple is key.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Make a cake for the family party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking of trying out <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/coconut-flour-cake/">this coconut flour cake</a> for
something new. Yikes, it takes a dozen eggs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any other suggestions for yummy cakes would be helpful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cast on a fall knitting project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chi-Chi is asking for a cardigan hoodie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and I have his yarn picked out, but need
to make a final decision on a pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a cute pattern in the latest issue of Taproot that I may run by
him for approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s getting pretty
picky about his wardrobe these days.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Trip to the Dartmouth Farmers’ Market early
Saturday morning, solo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday is my
“day off” from working out, but I still find it impossible to sleep in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m wired to be up at 5:45 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the rest of the house is sleeping in on
Saturday mornings, I’ve been sneaking off to the market to buy the week’s worth
of veggies as well as a treat for mama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a nice escape and actually allows me to TALK to vendors/friends at
the market, instead of dealing with two sweet boys wrestling in the isles
(:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite treat these days is a raw
vegan pecan pie that I can’t resist!</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Practical:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Prep for the party…which basically means getting
the barn cleaned up. I usually bring out a few kid-sized tables and
chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s going to be a bit strange
this time since we have the sheep living in the barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will be out in the paddock, but the barn
has a “animal smell”, that I actually find rather charming (;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will the kid’s think?</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Regular weekend to do’s including running kids
to hockey and bulk prepping lunch boxes for the week ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all the entertaining going on, I’m not
expecting much to happen on the practical end of things other than party prep
and party clean up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, having
the party outside the house is going to keep any clean up minimal.</div>
</span><div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
</span><div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
</span><div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-88204533600313030942013-09-26T16:30:00.003-04:002013-09-26T16:30:52.329-04:00Farmlet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSbpWWwpwi7RBAdf4sjvxk119OMvGvsabgn1ieCGBr85t20PSXUJX4tMHM6a0dUxgMJK1CrWbeT8U_UM1DBRlqR0C20kmrrPNfFdnOvyuGRumVNqVm1dSeFVTDfeXv7nj0H-zvhi0udDu/s1600/DSCN4829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSbpWWwpwi7RBAdf4sjvxk119OMvGvsabgn1ieCGBr85t20PSXUJX4tMHM6a0dUxgMJK1CrWbeT8U_UM1DBRlqR0C20kmrrPNfFdnOvyuGRumVNqVm1dSeFVTDfeXv7nj0H-zvhi0udDu/s400/DSCN4829.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie the sheep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8OeeLfgdM7qvQNvzJpbVFiOz4OG1egTZnyR7BEHEzHeVSg7j0N1pNFM3tvb5TIwm0LCtZYGSCpglmYm5IIktIroEmtZy3GTuh-Dsx41oHuy32r58HbNP4yZruh3-SI7L8Z_ZTYV07Msf/s1600/hay3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8OeeLfgdM7qvQNvzJpbVFiOz4OG1egTZnyR7BEHEzHeVSg7j0N1pNFM3tvb5TIwm0LCtZYGSCpglmYm5IIktIroEmtZy3GTuh-Dsx41oHuy32r58HbNP4yZruh3-SI7L8Z_ZTYV07Msf/s400/hay3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hide and seek in the hay loft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIjLB6QJM3QTRwYE6YAStJnU1NRrpqWBuESN4rb3uS3aVKZT8yutTbprgR_bIA6M_SWzxnNCAe3EG2T7oK6QPDH2ZmsZqy6usSN1SJiHTgtBG_6nFkBndm45GuDdCyj8yY_Z-MpsA7Yzf/s1600/2013+-+September+25+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIjLB6QJM3QTRwYE6YAStJnU1NRrpqWBuESN4rb3uS3aVKZT8yutTbprgR_bIA6M_SWzxnNCAe3EG2T7oK6QPDH2ZmsZqy6usSN1SJiHTgtBG_6nFkBndm45GuDdCyj8yY_Z-MpsA7Yzf/s400/2013+-+September+25+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last of tomatoes and peppers for the season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've decided to do a little creative shuffling around this space. I'm not that great when it comes to technology. I think I have a hard time sitting still long enough in front of the computer to actually figure things out. Anyway, I decided to freshen things up a bit by changing the name of my blog to "Among the Alders". "Life on Seaside Farms II" has always felt a bit bland, and I think I chose the name in an uninspired moment!<br />
<br />
I've touched on the name "Seaside Farms" <a href="http://seasidefarms.blogspot.ca/2008/09/ode-to-seaside-farms-i.html">before</a>. I spent my summers growing up on our family's hobby farm, Seaside Farms, in the community of Seaside, New Brunswick, Canada. When my husband and I purchased our 16 acre parcel of land in Nova Scotia, we thought it would be fun to name it after the place I grew up. How lucky we felt to find this rural spot just 20 km from downtown Halifax! At the time, it was overgrown with alders and strewn with about 40 junker cars. The cars are long gone, but the alders remain, and I have grown to love them. We always joked around about calling this place a farm, as it was far from it at the time. As I strolled through the yard today, I finally felt a sense that it was coming together in a very small scale sense, which is really all I want. I recently found the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmette">definition</a> for the term farmette/farmlet, and fell in love with it. <br />
<br />
<em>A <b>farmette</b> is a small residential farm run </em><em>by an owner who earns income from a source other than the farm. It is sometimes known as a yokelet or a farmlet. Farmette owners are typically city workers who want to own rural land without operating a full farm. A farmette often includes a large vegetable garden,</em><em> the occasional barn, tractor, and even farm or domestic animals, such as goats and cats. Farmetters usually rely on their tractor to</em><em> plow or snow blow their driveways during the winter. Farmettes are usually around 50 acres. They can have a small hog pen, a few chickens in a chicken coop or a kennel house for dogs.</em><br />
<br />
I don't actually have any aspirations of becoming a real farmer. I grew up reading Little House on the Prairie books, so I think I'm trying to live out my girlish dream of being just a tiny bit like Laura Ingles. Farmlet really does sum things up nicely. We have out tiny chicken/duck coop, a little barn, a nice-sized garden and FINALLY two pet sheep (a Wool Fairy's dream come true). It's fulfilling, yet not consuming. It's a farmlet! My husband read the definition and noted that we don't have a tractor.....the man wants a tractor (:Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-56594857689238814662013-09-25T11:45:00.000-04:002013-09-25T11:45:57.067-04:00Fall Flavours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7KZs1tQkMcefqgK35WLGIjnRkiKmxNm7t25Y43TyKfu0kRbr-MvikFUiztju-gfQXyRzvH5mRLU86EU9-k9OIYMLREA068sjstKGqXPIK_LT61SnuH4JHZWL0pJddRKTw_GTjauqRBUi/s1600/2013+-+September+25+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7KZs1tQkMcefqgK35WLGIjnRkiKmxNm7t25Y43TyKfu0kRbr-MvikFUiztju-gfQXyRzvH5mRLU86EU9-k9OIYMLREA068sjstKGqXPIK_LT61SnuH4JHZWL0pJddRKTw_GTjauqRBUi/s400/2013+-+September+25+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc23_vc9eCR74xvINEQ9MZKtwZw7DVYog836NSnT-4hFfzg4kd02nrWtiStG7l-pMK_nMpLSTQwc02LaG5RXv3jvi439D5VY2xqvZ9hk3g2AdwKLCsn3V1ihVNvXXfI2UXcULxtsDYhL_z/s1600/2013+-+September+25+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc23_vc9eCR74xvINEQ9MZKtwZw7DVYog836NSnT-4hFfzg4kd02nrWtiStG7l-pMK_nMpLSTQwc02LaG5RXv3jvi439D5VY2xqvZ9hk3g2AdwKLCsn3V1ihVNvXXfI2UXcULxtsDYhL_z/s400/2013+-+September+25+007.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a very summery weekend, fall seems to be creeping in
this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lit the woodstove for the
first time yesterday afternoon, making the house feel so warm in cozy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It got me in the mood for “fall flavours”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I grew ground cherries in my garden for the first time this
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I primarily used them as toppings
on salads, but the kids also enjoyed snacking on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The papery husk gives you the feeling that
you are unwrapping a little present from the garden – kind of fun for the
boys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been planning on trying a
ground cherry pie, but never got around to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a small bowl remaining and thought I might pair them up with
apples in a crisp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just tossed them
into my regular apple crisp recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think it turned out fairly well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
husband loved it, but the boys picked out the ground cherries in favor of the
apples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I topped it with Greek yogurt
and maple syrup as a substitute for whipped cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been using Greek yogurt in place of whipping
cream and haven’t heard any complaints so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it’s the maple syrup on top (:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
No yogurt for me, of course, with my dairy-free experiment in the works.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Tuesdays are relaxed in our house because we have no after-school activities. Since I wasn't on the run, I was able to roast a chicken for dinner while the boys puttered, played and had before supper baths. I have been thinking more about incorporating a pattern in my meal planning. Roast chicken on Tuesdays would mean leftovers on Wednesdays and soup on Thursday. I think it might be my new kitchen rhythm for the fall (or at least until everyone is sick of chicken!!).</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyone else have creative uses for ground cherries or favorite
fall desserts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pumpkin pie is next on my
list with Canadian Thanksgiving just a few weeks away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-16547040676436835332013-09-24T12:11:00.000-04:002013-09-24T21:13:49.502-04:00Chocolate Chunk Yummies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHJDplCExjd37GB_g2QsAFD2vOtoxLOOpoK39m2csS_2tsAkTEXOQ0HHkR72KJExm1I3TcF-FA6z_18cVEw9p4J6BRsPQzGGLp2D1CyIFLth5uJMFRrZef9L_nv5xEOjxT8x_qW4Ew8wH/s1600/2013+-+September+22+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHJDplCExjd37GB_g2QsAFD2vOtoxLOOpoK39m2csS_2tsAkTEXOQ0HHkR72KJExm1I3TcF-FA6z_18cVEw9p4J6BRsPQzGGLp2D1CyIFLth5uJMFRrZef9L_nv5xEOjxT8x_qW4Ew8wH/s400/2013+-+September+22+016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjVxaBOqDE4zsT8KWOxTUZCj4WKhx_5a90fweCaOk47eRDYOLZOGi060ZnSGbkPSw9x0iVHYmTQpL4sVgsWuMTBsMtT3QVOfnqodlakls1boWVW_-_3AirA9dNrx0FPATjYYJWAVSfGJr/s1600/2013+-+September+22+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjVxaBOqDE4zsT8KWOxTUZCj4WKhx_5a90fweCaOk47eRDYOLZOGi060ZnSGbkPSw9x0iVHYmTQpL4sVgsWuMTBsMtT3QVOfnqodlakls1boWVW_-_3AirA9dNrx0FPATjYYJWAVSfGJr/s400/2013+-+September+22+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A favorite lunch box treat these days is chocolate chunk
cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been making double
batches and freezing them (aka hiding them from my husband) so they are on hand
to pop in the lunch boxes each evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
been experimenting a bit lately with different chocolate chip cookie recipes as
I’m currently trying out a 6 week dairy free period for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently started using the Enjoy Life brand
of chocolate chips, and they are getting a thumbs up from all my little taste
testers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although they are certainly
still a treat, they have a more “pure” ingredients list than the Chipits I used
in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since my mom was asking for
the recipe, I thought I’d just share it here (:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not sure where I got the original recipe, but I have made some
adjustments to make it dairy free.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/3 cup coconut oil<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/3 cup Earth Balance “butter”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 egg<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tsp vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ½ cup oats<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup flour (I did ½ white, ½ whole wheat)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ tsp baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ tsp baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake at 375 Celsius for 8 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I like to pull them out before
they seem cooked to ensure a chewy texture. Yum, these are tasty!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-10764381390296838282013-09-22T19:40:00.001-04:002013-09-22T19:42:58.393-04:00Weekend Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGT0RZs5RGZyfTEfXlGctbrGbUqVoK_3kzNcoyBkFppyJ2VoD3C4gKO0kiWMnPE7uvw-NvjcyNH4cHksCd8xawEWMQGqVsvRPms4EguDSi5tDKiSrCSY3zOIR2OY2DytNvhWDnl1J1sJE/s1600/2013+-+September+21+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGT0RZs5RGZyfTEfXlGctbrGbUqVoK_3kzNcoyBkFppyJ2VoD3C4gKO0kiWMnPE7uvw-NvjcyNH4cHksCd8xawEWMQGqVsvRPms4EguDSi5tDKiSrCSY3zOIR2OY2DytNvhWDnl1J1sJE/s320/2013+-+September+21+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall nature table. I love taking out the same little treasures year after year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFby-pMQ2Ij7go0AUJOvhh7cpxkeCbwH1KFGx4ivW4o_QOtuZs-ErqP0TT2CrJh2rNcYGzYbVn2MSrrd4sN2ApCnQHWsGwNu4uhy1mhRtRkRbeUf9VX8Zu05d9JJAQFIEWTiBSDaCUdIw/s1600/2013+-+September+21+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFby-pMQ2Ij7go0AUJOvhh7cpxkeCbwH1KFGx4ivW4o_QOtuZs-ErqP0TT2CrJh2rNcYGzYbVn2MSrrd4sN2ApCnQHWsGwNu4uhy1mhRtRkRbeUf9VX8Zu05d9JJAQFIEWTiBSDaCUdIw/s320/2013+-+September+21+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A favorite stop on our way to visit the cousins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsjdfhg94Vqy5B1vaWtdjdE-CMShXC8bLXhgILW7rsvmRgi_SFRatqN57Mawuq24mzW2NrnqR3-fDuP1XxnRxAHxsFehe2zsuoQgVx7CuFs6BTEYXPTa00kmBJCJdsdswyA03hgq664Ba/s1600/2013+-+September+21+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsjdfhg94Vqy5B1vaWtdjdE-CMShXC8bLXhgILW7rsvmRgi_SFRatqN57Mawuq24mzW2NrnqR3-fDuP1XxnRxAHxsFehe2zsuoQgVx7CuFs6BTEYXPTa00kmBJCJdsdswyA03hgq664Ba/s320/2013+-+September+21+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burgers, milkshakes and onion rings....Daddy would be jealous of this treaty lunch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FvISzlrhWILVywBSa7Skgxbzmfep89pZNS-tb324ZHlGV3r0MzIC9OxkPRRvZNk_9FSTM0DK9Wqus2qJURbkTEgA8_uucgvt7nHXbld-u-tQtUDKnpSFpXHWTeZFvvRe_e1OuwKofc3d/s1600/2013+-+September+21+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FvISzlrhWILVywBSa7Skgxbzmfep89pZNS-tb324ZHlGV3r0MzIC9OxkPRRvZNk_9FSTM0DK9Wqus2qJURbkTEgA8_uucgvt7nHXbld-u-tQtUDKnpSFpXHWTeZFvvRe_e1OuwKofc3d/s320/2013+-+September+21+026.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the pond creatures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T_Jzrn44ZPw4QqvfHxWCSGEynV9S5TDlD3e7xYHyc13VWvH2pItEy5xwSg1jgCrs4Y7CoTCLzeaDILt0cUvoXrqYRpTggvukDl16ybOyA7BPyKXnsX4MebeDhPCLC_L06SyWVatbthwm/s1600/2013+-+September+21+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T_Jzrn44ZPw4QqvfHxWCSGEynV9S5TDlD3e7xYHyc13VWvH2pItEy5xwSg1jgCrs4Y7CoTCLzeaDILt0cUvoXrqYRpTggvukDl16ybOyA7BPyKXnsX4MebeDhPCLC_L06SyWVatbthwm/s320/2013+-+September+21+050.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wharf spider - this guy was aggressive!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj450jW2meQDTVDZlN21b9Np2t5uk95qA9mipNvx8m8oxgIdINsg6u5Mg_7CojN1T7BemAXV23KZ7CZtvZuZIFSPe6n1Wuueb3IPkPGNHMCQ0u3uQmVU3tK3OsX_lkn2L58fti3yfgpKmqp/s1600/2013+-+September+21+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj450jW2meQDTVDZlN21b9Np2t5uk95qA9mipNvx8m8oxgIdINsg6u5Mg_7CojN1T7BemAXV23KZ7CZtvZuZIFSPe6n1Wuueb3IPkPGNHMCQ0u3uQmVU3tK3OsX_lkn2L58fti3yfgpKmqp/s320/2013+-+September+21+062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So fun to ride on a paved road. Star Wars man in the back cracks me up!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS9L98em2bZOFEWWORWzB7edNLQAJxUj35GW0Nr29z17i0sbVPWvz9CD0vgUsQsHufJjOnkteCOwGVZ6mXA8ReUiWQTcMfb_NURXV0h63fNEozCrr0epJzTeoF1sGF716SwFedGIGX_tY/s1600/2013+-+September+22+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS9L98em2bZOFEWWORWzB7edNLQAJxUj35GW0Nr29z17i0sbVPWvz9CD0vgUsQsHufJjOnkteCOwGVZ6mXA8ReUiWQTcMfb_NURXV0h63fNEozCrr0epJzTeoF1sGF716SwFedGIGX_tY/s320/2013+-+September+22+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Successfully dressed in full battle gear. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHn5hYr1PoNeqURxUPO-Vff1t5s2xUW1DZPphZrEmkEsRfCSycJ2zSu3fPIvCoxB4sWoCQLeXub2Myb-wcFqkLy8QQmw5WbJASo2voJNGhCKzED2lomdYbMUkIMIlGSeyJifPIYIDnLR2/s1600/2013+-+September+22+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHn5hYr1PoNeqURxUPO-Vff1t5s2xUW1DZPphZrEmkEsRfCSycJ2zSu3fPIvCoxB4sWoCQLeXub2Myb-wcFqkLy8QQmw5WbJASo2voJNGhCKzED2lomdYbMUkIMIlGSeyJifPIYIDnLR2/s320/2013+-+September+22+023.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside score!<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, I would say our weekend was a great one, especially
considering the fact that Daddy was away on business…..AND I had to navigate
through hockey tryouts by my lonesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
successfully strapped on a full set of goalie gear for the very first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may have taken me an hour and four tries that
initial attempt, but I pulled it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Phew, I’m glad that is behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At least I know how to do it now so no more excuses I guess!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our house, hockey falls under “Daddy’s
Department”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">On Saturday we enjoyed a wonderful visit with my sister and
her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although she only lives
about 45 minutes away, we don’t see each other nearly enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The four boys always have loads of fun and
this visit was no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My two are
always pumped to be able to drive their bikes on a paved driveway and
road!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is pretty exciting compared
to our bumpy old gravel driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patient
Uncle P was kind enough to spend the afternoon “fishing” with them (not a bite,
but no one seemed to care).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just
enjoyed the chance to be outdoors to enjoy a summery-feeling fall day.</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span> </div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Today my parents came up for a visit to meet their new “grandchildren”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got a couple of lambs a few weeks ago, so
formal introductions were in order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
actually named one of them Annie after my mother, for the granddaughter she’ll
never have (:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nanny and Grandpa treated
us to a yummy Thai dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two
hockey players actually filled their bottomless pit tummies!</span><br />
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">I can’t say I accomplished much on the practical end of
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did pull off a batch of chocolate
chip cookies for this week’s lunchboxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made a great score on free roadside “garbage” to assist in my entry
way organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This old shelving unit
was cast aside a few doors down and I could not resist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is absolutely perfect for organizing the
ever-growing supply of family footwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do love free garbage (:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-67740881890201080802013-09-20T11:35:00.001-04:002013-09-20T11:35:12.584-04:00Dreamy/Practical
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B0p6CC4bNAbDaa0mubC301n-u1RwDy6PHreG4GqKVjNwHjE1DoZcgacIByop88prBJ9JEQr7KXdPUnm9jmOuafOwffT6oXBJShD1wLuBxjURzYbu6gJzqdl6AT_htyt5rsTdnAPhCliT/s1600/2013+-+September+20+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B0p6CC4bNAbDaa0mubC301n-u1RwDy6PHreG4GqKVjNwHjE1DoZcgacIByop88prBJ9JEQr7KXdPUnm9jmOuafOwffT6oXBJShD1wLuBxjURzYbu6gJzqdl6AT_htyt5rsTdnAPhCliT/s320/2013+-+September+20+061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After taking an extremely long break from this space, I have
the sudden urge to get back into my habit of blogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth be told, I find it helps me feel a
sense of gratitude in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking
back over old posts gives me a boost of positivity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps me see all the good in my life in a
very physical sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also enjoy being
part of a greater blogging community of like-minded people, trading ideas and
inspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With that, I have always loved the Dreamy/Practical lists
that <a href="http://saltandchocolate.blogspot.ca/">Mary Beth of Salt and Chocolate</a> puts together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps her head into her valuable weekends
with a sense of balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a big list
maker, so her approach really appeals to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the idea of focusing on both the fun
and “work” aspects of a weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
a tendency to get bogged down with to-do lists of chores, so working the dreamy
aspect of life into my to-do list is a good habit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it will give my weekends a better
sense of focus and balance…allowing me to get them most out of them. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This weekend’s list is pretty light so far…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dreamy:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take a beach walk with the boys.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Set up the fall nature table (with help from the
boys).</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Special eat out lunch date to their favorite
restaurant.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit with my parents and dinner out!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit my sister and her family.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Practical:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get a bit of bulk cooking done for the week
ahead (granola and lunchbox cookies and muffins for the freezer)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tidy up the garage entry way – putting away
unused summer gear.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Friday!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-87417736731464964592012-05-10T12:37:00.001-04:002012-05-10T12:37:31.986-04:00Nesting Mode<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m28WBzrgyacTAIdHBpxzaxsHxsJOAKq_gIbzFlI1CQ7jbeRBomWtHGywetztLFp_GfY27dcNULGomJXL_ztDfi4TKtJKIiqgM-8aBuvZjFlr4npm8uiIhKO22wJgL8OJg7xkyBm7me-X/s1600/2012+-+May+9+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m28WBzrgyacTAIdHBpxzaxsHxsJOAKq_gIbzFlI1CQ7jbeRBomWtHGywetztLFp_GfY27dcNULGomJXL_ztDfi4TKtJKIiqgM-8aBuvZjFlr4npm8uiIhKO22wJgL8OJg7xkyBm7me-X/s320/2012+-+May+9+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This year in particular, I'm noticing the intense activity of our backyard feathered friends. Each morning, the airwaves are filled a symphony of cheerful chirps and calls. As our family observes birds of all kinds gathering dried grasses and twigs, it's pretty obvious that nesting season has arrived. The boys have been keen observers, providing me with regular updates on their robin, starling and goldfinch sightings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6psxtF9IkaY0eGenn0PhrcBezmfueCQkrBPK61f_lDcgTxOVHGmFVnDbJi2kxec3T7wWLdlthNEgbIshEegKSmf5KDPE60sEfi5Oe3cyuM1eALffyiQB6u-Hk3DCUZkoWwys9poPSO7Ol/s1600/2012+-+May+9+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6psxtF9IkaY0eGenn0PhrcBezmfueCQkrBPK61f_lDcgTxOVHGmFVnDbJi2kxec3T7wWLdlthNEgbIshEegKSmf5KDPE60sEfi5Oe3cyuM1eALffyiQB6u-Hk3DCUZkoWwys9poPSO7Ol/s320/2012+-+May+9+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQzcgV-3bDuvQA3JfMpPpKNNHmFYIfFzm-oVYwXO6Rd0u5EBw82AaqbdzY8PIEPSow5vLXhaAhH85guwALem_GMLXzulwHwOnnW-EON9Fnx_Yfk48z5aqRYZIHMD0YtJJxbVu6Bsl7H6v/s1600/2012+-+May+9+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQzcgV-3bDuvQA3JfMpPpKNNHmFYIfFzm-oVYwXO6Rd0u5EBw82AaqbdzY8PIEPSow5vLXhaAhH85guwALem_GMLXzulwHwOnnW-EON9Fnx_Yfk48z5aqRYZIHMD0YtJJxbVu6Bsl7H6v/s320/2012+-+May+9+030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTB27k37XHxO6Q16e-meUIdlACmHSH0ek0bSCnZRy37-OZdBZsINMysrdjfzsGebOU3GXOZ_cKg-A6Vo3ezmHzQ8ip1Gm-TTLu8VTFr5rglijjK7cCysOcUJOJjh9Y__c7W6B20iwRI3oc/s1600/2012+-+May+9+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTB27k37XHxO6Q16e-meUIdlACmHSH0ek0bSCnZRy37-OZdBZsINMysrdjfzsGebOU3GXOZ_cKg-A6Vo3ezmHzQ8ip1Gm-TTLu8VTFr5rglijjK7cCysOcUJOJjh9Y__c7W6B20iwRI3oc/s320/2012+-+May+9+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I thought it might be fun to get Chi-Chi and Muffy involved in a little nesting of their own. We pretended we were birds and ventured out to gather all the necessary supplies to construct a proper nest. In no time, we had a hefty pile of grass, twigs, moss and dandelion "fluff". I pulled out a package of recycled clay I picked up at the Wolfville Farmer's Market some time ago, and we all set to work. It didn't take long to realize that building a nest is both an art and science! I think it it gave us all an appreciation for the skill and detailed work involved in nest building. It's pretty amazing to think those tiny creatures make such beautiful creations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpI8OOJSYJUQ_7VB8WYfhs9I4wvfmYiu6uWeFdItZAj4NJM6B7vXGl73-gdxRSppuPRZ_hVjCCKN_FPToZfPUnFU7hKyzQHCtl8wZYSrxpAQbFydoxtK6Vl4WupiXg7h3jif-JaAYmXrK/s1600/2012+-+May+9+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpI8OOJSYJUQ_7VB8WYfhs9I4wvfmYiu6uWeFdItZAj4NJM6B7vXGl73-gdxRSppuPRZ_hVjCCKN_FPToZfPUnFU7hKyzQHCtl8wZYSrxpAQbFydoxtK6Vl4WupiXg7h3jif-JaAYmXrK/s320/2012+-+May+9+031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We were happy with our little nests. They make a nice addition to our spring nature table, and will like last for years to come if handled carefully.<br />
<br />
What spring-inspired crafts are keeping your little ones busy these days?Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-4893016821757113382012-05-04T17:56:00.000-04:002012-05-04T18:03:27.802-04:00Out With The Old, In With The New!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltWyMhbsxUXeKRu9h9xQ3SHMl1Tz8avfbf6eFrrRi2FKanIABsWSdIC-euKKwtced4v_VrsDuhah8alW7pNIoUYUKkqARe4uYVnyOjpextIx5deH5myIKhoRXhdlEFYljCk2J1Oj8WtXu/s1600/2012+-+May+4+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltWyMhbsxUXeKRu9h9xQ3SHMl1Tz8avfbf6eFrrRi2FKanIABsWSdIC-euKKwtced4v_VrsDuhah8alW7pNIoUYUKkqARe4uYVnyOjpextIx5deH5myIKhoRXhdlEFYljCk2J1Oj8WtXu/s400/2012+-+May+4+058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoFcqqAhEvw6daAfqt8i1Ra6nGZbm7nRUvm1g5doB82HRK-6fs2E1NVBopYdCJUo5jZ1neDcRI_RbQYxknwBAlPFFt8UbZRLnR13GEOeqZ-KY9fXTlt816-Uu_zsxc2pwzCH9Tp33lkS3/s1600/2012+-+May+4+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoFcqqAhEvw6daAfqt8i1Ra6nGZbm7nRUvm1g5doB82HRK-6fs2E1NVBopYdCJUo5jZ1neDcRI_RbQYxknwBAlPFFt8UbZRLnR13GEOeqZ-KY9fXTlt816-Uu_zsxc2pwzCH9Tp33lkS3/s400/2012+-+May+4+075.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KaxWV7IYLNdrE6CVymXneOhlkfxc80YclWZqx95qwcbWB6_y-mvQcvMRvEUDVX-5fzKjIqfLceTsiug6C-MuKH6Xfo_9TWc90FXWlcrrcCyUx0cypJqBoNNg5-9g025tj32kbg86fsBF/s1600/2012+-+May+4+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KaxWV7IYLNdrE6CVymXneOhlkfxc80YclWZqx95qwcbWB6_y-mvQcvMRvEUDVX-5fzKjIqfLceTsiug6C-MuKH6Xfo_9TWc90FXWlcrrcCyUx0cypJqBoNNg5-9g025tj32kbg86fsBF/s400/2012+-+May+4+070.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
After making his rounds to most of the Primary and Grade 1 classes in our school, our dear friend the giant water bug (aka water scorpion) is stepping out of the spotlight. Chi-Chi's latest scientific discovery is now taking centre stage. Much to my surprise, the boy discovered yet another monstrous aquatic bug this week - a predaceous diving beetle. Though not as large as the Uhler's water bug, he's still pretty impressive, measuring in at almost 2 inches. As you'd expect, our new friend will also be spending a few nights in our home for further observation and study. I have to admit, I think all this "bug lovin'" in the house is starting to rub off on me a bit. They truly are fascinating and interesting to observe...from a safe distance of course! I'm not sure what the discovery from the pond will be....should I be scared?? (:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIk5YEyuTRPxTk2jU-rOP4Hev-UAAJQs_0RrVOUHrQz-cU-0InbSlJm3EfQvQGeerBomO_OTOwqyp2-UArBDxGBUh1dWFYaKOduJUgKkZAAtOQJu3hwLbCp3nv_k0sJ5gZSUsy1LBCxjW/s1600/2012+-+May+4+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIk5YEyuTRPxTk2jU-rOP4Hev-UAAJQs_0RrVOUHrQz-cU-0InbSlJm3EfQvQGeerBomO_OTOwqyp2-UArBDxGBUh1dWFYaKOduJUgKkZAAtOQJu3hwLbCp3nv_k0sJ5gZSUsy1LBCxjW/s400/2012+-+May+4+076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDDWDtoJa0b1FKnHZeX8Si4NwEYNMCkCMaMp6SZrC4hYGUSzUHSo3JMRd09heb-J1-c9K_LolpE8FKX3wfMNot1QfSdyJxMYhyt_EpetUlTM6gu7EdC3__2zn33BLOsZnAHf3vH6z5MMI/s1600/2012+-+May+4+079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDDWDtoJa0b1FKnHZeX8Si4NwEYNMCkCMaMp6SZrC4hYGUSzUHSo3JMRd09heb-J1-c9K_LolpE8FKX3wfMNot1QfSdyJxMYhyt_EpetUlTM6gu7EdC3__2zn33BLOsZnAHf3vH6z5MMI/s400/2012+-+May+4+079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Because I can't help but find a way to sneak in a little crafting when an opportunity presents itself, I've been whipping up these journals for various uses around the home. They make great spaces for little ones to record their discoveries, while encouraging them to write. I use my sewing machine to put them together, with a simple stich down the middle. I think this finishing detail adds a nice touch, making them feel just a bit more special than if staples had been used.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOhaep6v1ZFPPDnn4_7bHeX9RxNe6Y_D8iLGbc-Diqf0GsbZ75gB3-h84XF53dRbV4eE1_vf4tCquwDHXboON6tCDBzAJ8WLWk8LFKgI99SIbdnIZQwr2tymL_jKfmvHUTsxJFdzRrEN2/s1600/2012+-+May+4+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOhaep6v1ZFPPDnn4_7bHeX9RxNe6Y_D8iLGbc-Diqf0GsbZ75gB3-h84XF53dRbV4eE1_vf4tCquwDHXboON6tCDBzAJ8WLWk8LFKgI99SIbdnIZQwr2tymL_jKfmvHUTsxJFdzRrEN2/s400/2012+-+May+4+081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I like to have a few blank ones on hand so the boys can grab them when inspiration strikes. I can't say I'm the biggest fan of Lego Ninjago in the world, but a certain boy is quite smitten with them lately. I do, however, love his homemade Ninjago book, complete with photos! He devised the story in his head and set up a series of scenes, which I photographed for him. This was a great rainy day project.<br />
<br />
Happy Friday everyone!Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-72174283157150952692012-05-02T20:43:00.002-04:002012-05-02T20:53:56.972-04:00Creeping Me Out!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hW4Uwkl95uRUFBaDFXxsfCnhyyF0WRbKfcSY6yEtEDP7DnV-fdXZyJMM4Upo6wH1F04VwbN-JoKHUZPa7oJe1uBEDduPSmeVQpwGjp_LD4dcNyrchrkBYyp2gOcW0MW4YWrzx35Uz461/s1600/2012+-+May+2+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hW4Uwkl95uRUFBaDFXxsfCnhyyF0WRbKfcSY6yEtEDP7DnV-fdXZyJMM4Upo6wH1F04VwbN-JoKHUZPa7oJe1uBEDduPSmeVQpwGjp_LD4dcNyrchrkBYyp2gOcW0MW4YWrzx35Uz461/s400/2012+-+May+2+038.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvrmYwhzkgjtcJtEpImn3UKMwmntZ_VLEifTRIlj4Fg_y9UleuXNUG4KsFjkdx0I-WEtxkw0VnrED1gN4Fg5RHt_ymrNDD8p-zBaWsCQMiRvW4WqPHErs1-jIBNfF3HJ3Wv_bRDXSMf-r/s1600/2012+-+May+2+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvrmYwhzkgjtcJtEpImn3UKMwmntZ_VLEifTRIlj4Fg_y9UleuXNUG4KsFjkdx0I-WEtxkw0VnrED1gN4Fg5RHt_ymrNDD8p-zBaWsCQMiRvW4WqPHErs1-jIBNfF3HJ3Wv_bRDXSMf-r/s400/2012+-+May+2+031.JPG" /></a></div>
As the mother of two adventurous and outdoorsy little boys, I've grown accustomed to the non-stop parade of creatures and critters paying visits to our home. Since a very young age, Muffy in particular has been enamoured with anything that creeps and crawls. Although I don't share his deep passion for insects, I can "live with" the wide variety of pet bugs he likes to collect, adopt and study. Although I sometimes find myself creeped out, I try to push my foolish fears aside and embrace the boys' curiosity and enthusiam for nature
So.....what's a mother to do when my darling sons arrive home with a GIANT mammoth of a bug that they have "fallen in love with"? The mother grins and bears it I guess, and invites the creepy critter in for a sleep over. Check out this crazy bug we scooped up with our pond nets this afternoon. With some help from Amy Lynn over at <a href="http://flandrumhill.wordpress.com/">Flandrum Hill</a>, he's been identified as an Uhler's Water Bug. I'm not sure how well I'm going to sleep tonight, knowing this guy is under my roof. He may end up in the garage when my bed time rolls around......just in case is is an escape artist!
.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kSpdhvlibpLBT-AzWoHzBW2M80uCO9xisQkg5Yiz0kj2xoGjIKRQGm2gbp5TWBb7DrcmBBRzMND9tZb-02XMx-5VK22r25bC0E3xCAbUO-3bi1ObkIh14TGXAklHidhUVypcSiiuI9OU/s1600/2012+-+April+25+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kSpdhvlibpLBT-AzWoHzBW2M80uCO9xisQkg5Yiz0kj2xoGjIKRQGm2gbp5TWBb7DrcmBBRzMND9tZb-02XMx-5VK22r25bC0E3xCAbUO-3bi1ObkIh14TGXAklHidhUVypcSiiuI9OU/s400/2012+-+April+25+096.JPG" /></a></div>
Onto a less frightening topic, I was finally able to get the greenhouse plastic installed on my mini-hoop tunnel this week. I spent Monday morning planting seeds and dreaming of fresh veggies. It is amazing how quickly the space heats up. Since we live in such a windy, often foggy location, this might just be the key to my success in the garden! Wish me luck!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eKHrRlgddIZyudO3OWfKv5fzcrAivnpocvda2ZW-W8lYJjC9RfHUsGxqifJKW8Csc9V0DWPgUFyMzbIwv4XV7eHIW6_0OgZcd_GqSPjWP9Vhfjqv0nJlvq3X0E_4ljUsfageUEwSEGsC/s1600/2012+-+April+25+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eKHrRlgddIZyudO3OWfKv5fzcrAivnpocvda2ZW-W8lYJjC9RfHUsGxqifJKW8Csc9V0DWPgUFyMzbIwv4XV7eHIW6_0OgZcd_GqSPjWP9Vhfjqv0nJlvq3X0E_4ljUsfageUEwSEGsC/s400/2012+-+April+25+004.JPG" /></a></div>
Rain or shine these days, we've been spending so much time outside - the garden, the pond, the woods, the beach. It's obvious that both Chi-Chi and Muffy are feeling inspired by all that is going on this spring. Chi-Chi set to work building his own caddis fly case from sticks and dried grass last week. I think it gave him an appreciation for how amazing it is that an insect can fabricate something so accurate and symmetrical.Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-41990630456444913032012-04-20T06:25:00.001-04:002012-04-20T06:28:40.121-04:00Beneath the Surface...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A5Kr3Egf1S43TJi_enKJGBNnheRWKjLTt8e1v7vZtXPYXsvYKs3sskqccJcwZKgynvDVd7dwg7RfpZd1Q0Tq_8vKSvkdu4GuT35lRN6rvgkc28PM4j8FDX3woyLAPP1bFqSqGnFyXQOb/s1600/2012+-+February+5+016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A5Kr3Egf1S43TJi_enKJGBNnheRWKjLTt8e1v7vZtXPYXsvYKs3sskqccJcwZKgynvDVd7dwg7RfpZd1Q0Tq_8vKSvkdu4GuT35lRN6rvgkc28PM4j8FDX3woyLAPP1bFqSqGnFyXQOb/s400/2012+-+February+5+016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732904025814422578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ih1vN9JaNSiEuHc8t6MkA3L10U5MuA1WBZvxK5myHCt4acNiolBIHd5VqWtLwZE3cz24MYs_R0HS4zNYl2H-bwrbiotRzJ5t4e9MRcKr9ms89DXwHQfGKn-tuTzI569PUhR6adMJ7Vi/s1600/2012+-+February+5+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ih1vN9JaNSiEuHc8t6MkA3L10U5MuA1WBZvxK5myHCt4acNiolBIHd5VqWtLwZE3cz24MYs_R0HS4zNYl2H-bwrbiotRzJ5t4e9MRcKr9ms89DXwHQfGKn-tuTzI569PUhR6adMJ7Vi/s400/2012+-+February+5+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732904017314600034" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzT1phRAROBi6qzc6h4w9khRyz90wj_sRjoTtMfg6mbChnHdfrjrDXRLb72a-Z9DeOuiK8zoTdZ1KwnmhOLSx7PjR7qBSeOpBRvMQaZQZrzXneP7gQE8n95QmUn021Vsdm27ibV-FIoFk/s1600/2012+-+April+20+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzT1phRAROBi6qzc6h4w9khRyz90wj_sRjoTtMfg6mbChnHdfrjrDXRLb72a-Z9DeOuiK8zoTdZ1KwnmhOLSx7PjR7qBSeOpBRvMQaZQZrzXneP7gQE8n95QmUn021Vsdm27ibV-FIoFk/s400/2012+-+April+20+015.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzpMUI-hzZmhVr_EfNXuFChnnCwBQUm2EHhlY6Es7czUZbHn_yDCePtpvioLphH45biOZHMZVCEFrPVFDHss2izozcAw6rolZuByIQ57yDsYWEcO1DUXFtBLkxRx3lQL4JHzAYn2UdqD9/s1600/2012+-+April+20+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzpMUI-hzZmhVr_EfNXuFChnnCwBQUm2EHhlY6Es7czUZbHn_yDCePtpvioLphH45biOZHMZVCEFrPVFDHss2izozcAw6rolZuByIQ57yDsYWEcO1DUXFtBLkxRx3lQL4JHzAYn2UdqD9/s400/2012+-+April+20+018.JPG" /></a></div>I love the contrast reprented by these photographs. As the seasons come and go, Chi-Chi and Muffy are consistently drawn to this corner of our property. We initially created this tiny body of water with visions of good old fashioned pond hockey in mind. As much as the boys might enjoy a practice or game at the "real rink", nothing quite compares to the hours they spent with their Daddy on this ice surface - racing back and forth on growing legs, perfecting their shots (and saves) and breathing in the crisp fresh air. Although we experienced a mild winter, we took advantage of any opportunity to lace up our skates and revel in the joy of our own backyard rink. <br /><br />Now that spring has sprung, our tiny pond has become a treasure trove of opportunity for learning and discovery. When one takes the time to simply sit and quietly observe, the diversity of life in this "over sized mud puddle" is absolutely mind boggling. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyehizb7fyVmXHSLrriOM0skFHn1wweq76j-mRG_sdMJZHHB-MvdtcSFQkHCVlpMVy6Mwxk0CumUaJvQqRd2beZsxuE7nFfyJ5HZRSlNiZrZLvw9VGScQs2ML-t3oY2NF5khzzPVQ_741k/s1600/2012+-+April+20+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyehizb7fyVmXHSLrriOM0skFHn1wweq76j-mRG_sdMJZHHB-MvdtcSFQkHCVlpMVy6Mwxk0CumUaJvQqRd2beZsxuE7nFfyJ5HZRSlNiZrZLvw9VGScQs2ML-t3oY2NF5khzzPVQ_741k/s400/2012+-+April+20+006.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo5Br_vgU62OPAnf9BThwZ62nXfkXs081yMJAkNTiJdzSzlSJwUbtA-24Flici2fK6Sk-xqzehBRLMyZx8Evi4vZLH6lYXbmieQ-C9XXiPFXDtrvGnYSdd4tA-cA32Hq72yKy6b0h0T1d/s1600/2012+-+April+20+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo5Br_vgU62OPAnf9BThwZ62nXfkXs081yMJAkNTiJdzSzlSJwUbtA-24Flici2fK6Sk-xqzehBRLMyZx8Evi4vZLH6lYXbmieQ-C9XXiPFXDtrvGnYSdd4tA-cA32Hq72yKy6b0h0T1d/s400/2012+-+April+20+007.JPG" /></a></div>This evening we ventured down to the pond to check for frog eggs. We were not disappointed and discovered three large gelatinous clumps. Each of us settled into our own thoughts and space as we absorbed all the sights and activities below the surface of the water. I overheard Chi-Chi beckoning me to come quickly as he had made a very, VERY interesting discovery that he described as a teeny-tiny bunch of woven grass. I was skeptical, but I meandered over. I was fascinated by what he had discovered, which looked to be a tiny "log cabin" fashioned out of twigs and grasses. Inside this cabin, a larva or nymph of sorts was poking in and out. Back in the house, a quick Internet search revealed that he had indeed found the larva of the caddis fly. The larva of the caddis fly builds this protective covering around it's body out of debris. It spends it's lifecyle inside the case, until it finally emerges as the adult caddis fly. How fascinating is that! Seriosuly, I'm not as much of a bug lover as these boys of mine, but this is very cool!<br /><br />I'm expecting endless hours of exploration and discovery in our little pond over the coming months. Who knows what other discoveries await us beneath those murky waters. <br /><br />They boys spent so much time down there last summer, Mama even had time to park herself down with a lawn chair and novel....which she actually got to finish! I may have been eaten alive by mosquitos and deer flies....but the quiet contentment of my children was worth the pain and sufferingMadame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-50310711542757585842012-04-13T14:50:00.007-04:002012-04-13T20:09:11.328-04:00He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...He LOVES Me!A few friends recently commented on my absence from this space! All is well in our neck of the woods. I found myself in a bit of a hibernation mode this past winter, focusing more on the practical aspects of day to day life, rather than creative endeavours. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOx0JQSNZiiF8WoLUzK9QZEDisaIgmZHSWkVHXOIgVQxcVGLkW-TelEtpjOQF5DUCXuwSs2KUkCDmlhCZJiUB3WDHFNtRNQCyPrGOI8N74abvrV2G23EUVRYMv7tIIrfBn1b_mcJRH6RLP/s1600/2012+-+April+13+211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOx0JQSNZiiF8WoLUzK9QZEDisaIgmZHSWkVHXOIgVQxcVGLkW-TelEtpjOQF5DUCXuwSs2KUkCDmlhCZJiUB3WDHFNtRNQCyPrGOI8N74abvrV2G23EUVRYMv7tIIrfBn1b_mcJRH6RLP/s400/2012+-+April+13+211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731040024805963570" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2vZz7IWiPsjUj8O9nwLBDA6zy4jaAFUP-GgLCHws2PbxtjUIu7opUGc4vU1GwCYnY6lKEBVBfHt96_4luD3Y3nydiEGJ8kl5bBxX9G2RfKdZ_SDcdqRfP5R7NEpAQkO53S9TU-5ztdAL/s1600/2012+-+April+13+212.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2vZz7IWiPsjUj8O9nwLBDA6zy4jaAFUP-GgLCHws2PbxtjUIu7opUGc4vU1GwCYnY6lKEBVBfHt96_4luD3Y3nydiEGJ8kl5bBxX9G2RfKdZ_SDcdqRfP5R7NEpAQkO53S9TU-5ztdAL/s400/2012+-+April+13+212.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731040031397640610" /></a>With Spring in full swing, I'm feeling inspired on many fronts - mainly my garden. My good friend <a href="http://www.mapletreemontessori.blogspot.ca/">Michelle</a> introduced me to <a href="http://www.nikijabbour.com">Niki Jabbour's</a> fabulous new book, The Year Round Vegetable Gardener. I'm not sure my poor husband is sharing in my enthusiasm for the book. It's the middle of tax season, and being an accountant, it goes without saying that he is one busy man. For the past few weeks I have been dropping "hints" that I really, REALLY need some help building a cold frame and mini hoop tunnel. He either really, REALLY loves me, or just wants me to stop talking about all my "plans" that involve his construction skills. He built me a lovely cold frame a couple of weeks ago and tonight we tackled the frame of the tunnel. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWrd0Pb5tGZ15i8fUUOde62PMG8iaof_T7lvjuCJ5GN0PxCq7ggrPVJTccSaGpJcqzdr_4HsuBeI6QdAJIvA2WdYXzAsB8By0W_Syl5uYDPKAhsTSQrHpAYqJIL8sfYCHO0JLcM9CW2ql/s1600/2012+-+April+13+219.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWrd0Pb5tGZ15i8fUUOde62PMG8iaof_T7lvjuCJ5GN0PxCq7ggrPVJTccSaGpJcqzdr_4HsuBeI6QdAJIvA2WdYXzAsB8By0W_Syl5uYDPKAhsTSQrHpAYqJIL8sfYCHO0JLcM9CW2ql/s400/2012+-+April+13+219.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731040006516445634" /></a>I've got very high hopes for this garden of mine in the coming months. I attended Seedy Saturday at the Wolfville Farmer's market last weekend and went a little nutty picking out seeds from both Annapolis Seeds and Hope Seeds. I'm actually giddy thinking about all the delicious veggies that will soon be coming our way. I keep reminding Hubby that once he tastes the first home-grown salad of the season, all his work (and all his listening to me talk, talk, talk) will be well worth it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5IYGOjJg0x0OWdz_T4XR5QTAEEdRzdaRwk-GXnvV0E4XqpBrx5OkoTSsGWk0gj_5OumfYkQ6cBKi1ujFBm3fjr1gtHLhGcS-0VhiaGheAiis3AL83sQNg7T75cPFAKFVMmnp3wwEm_VJ/s1600/2012+-+April+13+206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5IYGOjJg0x0OWdz_T4XR5QTAEEdRzdaRwk-GXnvV0E4XqpBrx5OkoTSsGWk0gj_5OumfYkQ6cBKi1ujFBm3fjr1gtHLhGcS-0VhiaGheAiis3AL83sQNg7T75cPFAKFVMmnp3wwEm_VJ/s400/2012+-+April+13+206.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731040016638842162" /></a>While I "patiently" wait for my tunnel to be ready for planting, I decided to finish up a project I've been picking away at for months. I dug out the knitting basket and in no time I had myself a new sweater. I actually sewed up the last of the loose ends this morning so I could wear it to my sister's birthday lunch! It is the <a href="http://quinceandco.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_12&products_id=50">Annabel Cardigan</a> from Quince and Co. and I am IN LOVE with it. Although I've had great success knitting for the wee ones, I tend to find knitting for myself a bit more challenging in terms of fit and style. This sweater is a perfect fit. In fact, I've decided my wardrobe needs another one in green. What makes it so rewarding is that I dyed the yarn using goldenrod Chi-Chi and Muffy picked from our property. It's such a beautiful sunny hue.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaZX_grVNmu9OWyrf7ighUDv-asiTEice_yaCY_MAAg0JkHSOOS4SfzhrkTToH8SJ8aLnL32Qb7tZZ_LckKtmWfQKeDHg95NBWL7w-Ibcmm5hkrkzkp0QVcSMIUB9aZrngbOwf2NjNKM1/s1600/2012+-+April+13+220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaZX_grVNmu9OWyrf7ighUDv-asiTEice_yaCY_MAAg0JkHSOOS4SfzhrkTToH8SJ8aLnL32Qb7tZZ_LckKtmWfQKeDHg95NBWL7w-Ibcmm5hkrkzkp0QVcSMIUB9aZrngbOwf2NjNKM1/s400/2012+-+April+13+220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731039997815543362" /></a>What "spring fever" projects are you working on these days?? I'm always looking for new ideas!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.annapolisseeds.com"></a>Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-31672751941002684062012-02-11T09:45:00.009-05:002012-02-12T12:32:23.252-05:00I'm Dreaming of a White Winter!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFL8GybExNWj6_lTTDvQVdJoR-dNejBGFB96XsqlDvdwsIzQMqnQOqNhmWqZEMle9jp2nfyNqpZmbCsHRk218S-4zm2Vzu1fLk4QGZ2sxavk9A9LAEFMt3Q_JkaMTeI4fwBSg3VsMARI8/s1600/2012+-+February+12+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFL8GybExNWj6_lTTDvQVdJoR-dNejBGFB96XsqlDvdwsIzQMqnQOqNhmWqZEMle9jp2nfyNqpZmbCsHRk218S-4zm2Vzu1fLk4QGZ2sxavk9A9LAEFMt3Q_JkaMTeI4fwBSg3VsMARI8/s400/2012+-+February+12+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708302457169206898" /></a>It's looking like one very rainy/snowy weekend in our neck of the woods. Honestly, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a hefty load of snow! This has been one very strange winter with very little snow and oddly mild temperatures. I miss the winter days of my own childhood, living in Northern New Brunswick, where outdoor ice skating, sliding, skiing and snowshoeing were enjoyed all winter long. We've had a mere handful of days were our pond has been frozen enough for skating. Chi-Chi and Muffy have only built one snowman this season and the awesome snow tubes we received for Christmas sit idle in the barn. Sigh! <br /><br />Enough about the weather! In anticipation of the dreary weekend ahead, I planned a few little fun crafts and activities for the boys. I've been meaning to try <a href="http://www.saltandchocolate.blogspot.com">Mary Beth's</a> recipe for <a href="http://saltandchocolate.blogspot.com/2009/08/celebration-sugar-cookies.html">celebration sugar cookies</a> for quite some time. Valentine's Day seemed like the perfect occasion. I love how she uses these cookies to celebrate anything from holidays to birthday to seasons - mixing in lots of fun shapes. It's a nice sturdy sugar cookie recipe, which is great when little hands are getting in on the action. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPt-vrrgL_jksOmrmCoz7SpybCc3Oyq5knFjYoS8viRp3hZ-6r-8UznhG3xsi4G5xSTge6sDb4eH2SZupBhGrlUyt06mcvG-aT6mjykoUAbszN1s4NdKhlNboJwPWK57laHoyWVkR20OD/s1600/2012+-+February+12+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPt-vrrgL_jksOmrmCoz7SpybCc3Oyq5knFjYoS8viRp3hZ-6r-8UznhG3xsi4G5xSTge6sDb4eH2SZupBhGrlUyt06mcvG-aT6mjykoUAbszN1s4NdKhlNboJwPWK57laHoyWVkR20OD/s400/2012+-+February+12+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708302414758871346" /></a>The boys aren't the only one who have been playing cupid around here. I've been informed that I "better get to work" on filling up that Valentine mailbox sitting in the living room! I've been trying to think up some fun homemade ideas and treats for the boys. Since we are heavy into ukes, guitars and music these days, I came up with these funny little cards that include a few spare guitar picks. I swear, there is a black hole in this house that seems to be hungry for picks. I don't know where they disappear to, but it seems I can never have enough on hand. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLobzBLk23ZaCBbszxDTyKBDvNOdOY55-s15WWsA-Pp2xBejkmAIe-4Ky86e3JHcRHruxB5hqRf0T8jmUinYyeF2Yo_WBteA5VukgWS8XIjfYuyb1LyG5V1iuVc1ktFPTXYfsJG96_VAx/s1600/2012+-+February+12+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLobzBLk23ZaCBbszxDTyKBDvNOdOY55-s15WWsA-Pp2xBejkmAIe-4Ky86e3JHcRHruxB5hqRf0T8jmUinYyeF2Yo_WBteA5VukgWS8XIjfYuyb1LyG5V1iuVc1ktFPTXYfsJG96_VAx/s400/2012+-+February+12+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708302448742387586" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNnTHAFaRQrfus91n65FXgbE8Z2Kvyt8gsfMePp0jPCWspj0O5COF30ihg_BN4oQzLeqdubK7x8w5KAhqRFjqGt3FJMPpf3mP_j5eYpGVe8b26a7TgrHO7BPM5VerZIJCAYSYmXM7oGem/s1600/2012+-+February+12+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNnTHAFaRQrfus91n65FXgbE8Z2Kvyt8gsfMePp0jPCWspj0O5COF30ihg_BN4oQzLeqdubK7x8w5KAhqRFjqGt3FJMPpf3mP_j5eYpGVe8b26a7TgrHO7BPM5VerZIJCAYSYmXM7oGem/s400/2012+-+February+12+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708302431063813938" /></a>On the 15th of February, the boys will be celebrating the 100th day of school. I found <a href="http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2012/01/100th-day-of-school/">this great idea</a> for a hilarious 100 eyed monster t-shirt to add some fun to the day. I picked up some old shirts at the thrift shop and had the boys draw their monster/alien head. They helped me count while I worked away on the task of gluing the googly eyes with my trusty glue gun. Surprisingly, it wasn't too tedious of a task and was actually a bit of fun. Chi-Chi is currently learning the numbers from 1 to 100 in French so it was a nice exercise to reinforce what's going on in the classroom.<br /><br />Just a bit of fun to beat the winter blahs... (:Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-11200816140568076752012-02-03T18:19:00.005-05:002012-02-03T18:40:59.361-05:00Love Letters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-gks8rfdTphICpLtQLwY6fdGIVgeiv_95Kc07H8Wh5-HwpjULEYt4f77Ba74GRD35tbr1stRGm9UeTr0g_R5t2h8vl_Yw8Sqx0sWCEBb1jLMZh09GfcucwrGrLi1CbWb9IF-ioK9wVcH/s1600/2012+-+February+3+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-gks8rfdTphICpLtQLwY6fdGIVgeiv_95Kc07H8Wh5-HwpjULEYt4f77Ba74GRD35tbr1stRGm9UeTr0g_R5t2h8vl_Yw8Sqx0sWCEBb1jLMZh09GfcucwrGrLi1CbWb9IF-ioK9wVcH/s400/2012+-+February+3+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705057823535453874" /></a>The arrival of February inevitably brings a flurry of creative activity by my two little secret admirers. I know a lot of people lament Valentine's Day as yet another commercialized holiday, but I always enjoy the fun it brings. I think it adds a bit of much-needed love and light to the dreariest, coldest month of the year. While the boys were at school today, I pulled out the craft supplies and designated half of the dining table as "Valentine Central". Glitter glue, stickers, doilies, stamps, sequins, markers....Chi-Chi and Muffy have all the necessary supplies on hand to express their love!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXJ0xLM5rOuj7dXgyZJviZo9Oyw-TEJ9n334x7uH56qobziVnh6twmrCXK-lXTaCc6v5zkIyJ9oFSRYIjztsyXx4NNaP-LjIEF_N1taoHGeYIm0nJBfTqUeN_mA9vlLtlKqWMj1uGJu6w/s1600/2012+-+February+3+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXJ0xLM5rOuj7dXgyZJviZo9Oyw-TEJ9n334x7uH56qobziVnh6twmrCXK-lXTaCc6v5zkIyJ9oFSRYIjztsyXx4NNaP-LjIEF_N1taoHGeYIm0nJBfTqUeN_mA9vlLtlKqWMj1uGJu6w/s400/2012+-+February+3+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705057817814613762" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN5g1Euh-itAibWj93uHe8K3Ev7I4KOTzH19e9iifm4TAg1C87-cL0vfBaLraptUkR_WY2MhyphenhyphenL2nTGfpxMejESLD8t72mVK5Pu3d2BVbz8dpunyhBgHCw8l_e0xByLIWZfzt8bYWjh57e/s1600/2012+-+February+3+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN5g1Euh-itAibWj93uHe8K3Ev7I4KOTzH19e9iifm4TAg1C87-cL0vfBaLraptUkR_WY2MhyphenhyphenL2nTGfpxMejESLD8t72mVK5Pu3d2BVbz8dpunyhBgHCw8l_e0xByLIWZfzt8bYWjh57e/s400/2012+-+February+3+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705057835122043634" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbego65lPqDkbLM3YBA-61cd2XN3uHeYA9dI1bHbejpRm-EwgyhBIFtgkozv9tUf7fS1fXRaRd6EQHrsMmMSbKmzfuFm2apWf-BtDd7Yga-QCnQzWmNvyGeG51lbFw2KbGKh1Cvj9q-0YD/s1600/2012+-+February+3+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbego65lPqDkbLM3YBA-61cd2XN3uHeYA9dI1bHbejpRm-EwgyhBIFtgkozv9tUf7fS1fXRaRd6EQHrsMmMSbKmzfuFm2apWf-BtDd7Yga-QCnQzWmNvyGeG51lbFw2KbGKh1Cvj9q-0YD/s400/2012+-+February+3+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705057851847804546" /></a>On this very chilly day, they were both so happy and content to work quietly on their creations for the bulk of the afternoon. Our family's Valentine mailbox is already filled to the brim. They even completed all the cards for the upcoming class parties! It's always fun to give something sweet and simple with a handmade touch. I really wanted to avoid candy or sweets of any kind. I came up with some super easy friendship bracelets. A while back, I had dyed some chunky yarn in a rainbow color scheme. I dug this out of the wool stash and in no time, I had crocheted enough little bracelets for both classes. I simply chain stitched for 24 counts - easy peasy and super speedy to pull together. The pretty yarn makes them look more impressive than they are! <br /><br />Happy Friday (:Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-24982843820927263232012-01-28T09:29:00.005-05:002012-01-28T14:19:17.980-05:00Music to My Ears<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54smVgtGsfBpwmvohyfKzXRjIMHodl_wqYCwvsgl_pfwK69SIDuipabA9KwJ6DeFzmtMQR2YsFm-uPOSVFI7S9m6XJYBE71wf4XRtiO1T8INyQ7Sv7t50olK3SzXIFWC6qcLZBeN7shtb/s1600/2012++-+January+28+343.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54smVgtGsfBpwmvohyfKzXRjIMHodl_wqYCwvsgl_pfwK69SIDuipabA9KwJ6DeFzmtMQR2YsFm-uPOSVFI7S9m6XJYBE71wf4XRtiO1T8INyQ7Sv7t50olK3SzXIFWC6qcLZBeN7shtb/s400/2012++-+January+28+343.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702763618902494674" /></a>Wow! The holidays are certainly a busy time of year for all of us! This space fell to the wayside as I found myself immersed in a flurry of festive activities during the month of December.<br /><br />I took a much-needed breather in January. With all the "creating" that goes hand in hand with the gift giving season, I'm usually feeling pretty fizzled when the new year rolls around. I've been spending my days focusing inward and re-evaluating goals and priorities. I seem to enjoy approaching the new year on a very practical foot - revamping my fitness routine, organizing, clearing clutter and assessing finances (the accountant in me).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2FC8ztFlBSnfQUKuaBc-O4jmcB0Jwoui6oAxV28f-D5oVcdDG0dyrqozJlkZDKqeLPGMG7a8J3UFmUwGzijjaBcITzROHXHzDVBeKBtJojPOBP96FiF8RWRN93t6yf0lkKYq43abUPkc/s1600/2012+-+January+29+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2FC8ztFlBSnfQUKuaBc-O4jmcB0Jwoui6oAxV28f-D5oVcdDG0dyrqozJlkZDKqeLPGMG7a8J3UFmUwGzijjaBcITzROHXHzDVBeKBtJojPOBP96FiF8RWRN93t6yf0lkKYq43abUPkc/s400/2012+-+January+29+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702763594480273442" /></a>That being said, I recently found both the time and inspiration to work on a fun sewing project for my aspiring musician, Chi-Chi. He's got big dreams of playing the electric guitar someday. We are taking baby steps, and he just recently started ukulele lessons. He's having loads of fun with this new interest of his. I have to admit, I'm even learning something, which is always a bonus!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbDCPmIG7fSZdcXTKlJCbyGHnpcLRIJ6NnQv3h0Qs6qcuuhPj9oBpZO3mnRliCgjCzUExJ9RRrnjoXA6Z7QeGtKOraZPRaOTBnmhNoiEXCcMi1lxBEHjJ_zLTuEgdFQ1QMTV4TkXDITJB/s1600/2012+-+January+29+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbDCPmIG7fSZdcXTKlJCbyGHnpcLRIJ6NnQv3h0Qs6qcuuhPj9oBpZO3mnRliCgjCzUExJ9RRrnjoXA6Z7QeGtKOraZPRaOTBnmhNoiEXCcMi1lxBEHjJ_zLTuEgdFQ1QMTV4TkXDITJB/s400/2012+-+January+29+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702763591924515426" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiBn2pnN8L3w0_gA6B3x8HpdMZLyOcwwQIYGSX8Q6LTbWHQphQjj5WMopr46gREQldYTNxilETBo57piG1lJ2jXA0V9P6HNLjI0Azh39FSZ5KU0pXqkZNHmerZsve8dERMbT2eGozohsP/s1600/2012+-+January+29+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiBn2pnN8L3w0_gA6B3x8HpdMZLyOcwwQIYGSX8Q6LTbWHQphQjj5WMopr46gREQldYTNxilETBo57piG1lJ2jXA0V9P6HNLjI0Azh39FSZ5KU0pXqkZNHmerZsve8dERMbT2eGozohsP/s400/2012+-+January+29+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702763588333823458" /></a>As we headed out for Chi-Chi's very first uke lesson, it quickly became apparent that my boy needed a few "accessories" to help him safely transport his instrument and song books back and forth. After browsing through Etsy for some inspiration, I came up with a simple fabric sleeve that would do the trick, as well as a matching tote bag. Check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82376251/bright-pink-ukulele-applique-tote-bag?ref=sr_list_36&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=ukulele+bag&ga_view_type=list&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">this link</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85003137/soprano-ukulele-gig-baggo-greenfully?ref=sr_list_6&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=ukulele+bag&ga_view_type=list&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fmusic">this link</a> for sources of my inspiration. It's always so enjoyable to go through one's stash and devise fun fabric combination. I selected a cozy, soft 100% wool for the main body of the uke case as I thought it would provide adequate protection without needing a liner (and therefore complicating the project!). I was pretty tickled with the final result, as was Chi-Chi! I even included a few secret "pick pockets" to store extra picks and other important treasures of a 6 year old boy.<br /><br />As these two boys of mine grow older, I find myself making fewer items for them by hand. They do still play with so many of the handmade toys I made over the years, but their interests are changing and evolving. Music is certainly taking center stage in our home at the moment. It warms my heart to see both boys truly engaged and inspired. I'm noticing that music represents a form of expression and connection for Chi-Chi in particular, serving as a tool to overcome shyness and step outside his comfort zone. <br /><br />Whether in tune or not, it's all music to this mama's ears!Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-49252212596280579072011-12-01T14:12:00.007-05:002011-12-01T21:29:14.287-05:00The Official Opening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsF4OwFOup8VFbaiLxN68xyCAEqe3AlSGQWGNZNFt0s7PjdM4WuPlDMzXOnuSk6yNZ9Lch__8DCEgt2wH4jJToxjUab56TWaf0OUMmgUL14VUDQQxXrE851pWyvWEWdhmb8brXhHwxuCm/s1600/DSCN0502.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsF4OwFOup8VFbaiLxN68xyCAEqe3AlSGQWGNZNFt0s7PjdM4WuPlDMzXOnuSk6yNZ9Lch__8DCEgt2wH4jJToxjUab56TWaf0OUMmgUL14VUDQQxXrE851pWyvWEWdhmb8brXhHwxuCm/s400/DSCN0502.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681349891957474530" /></a>The holiday season was officially kicked off in our household today......although the Chrismtas activities began long ago. The boys were greeted this morning by the family Advent calendar, a much loved tradition in our home. I've tried to keep the Advent treats simple this year. In previous years, I gave a combination of treats, trinkets and treasures. This year, I'm giving teeny weeny little treats each day. More candy is certainly not something the boys need, but it kept things simple and easy for Mama. The treats are very, very small so I'm ok with it. (i.e a single gummy bear). I do so love Mary Beth's idea of the <a href="http://saltandchocolate.blogspot.com/2009/11/buy-nothing-new-advent-calendar.html">Buy Nothing New Advent Calendar</a>. I may shift to this in future years as it is a nice alternative to the focus on receiving gifts!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLpC2pKB_0MhG00FQOcAIWf_IKqxIW3AGRCW5glHzJr2-qdaYxrNvRFAcI9XZgSZ3qv6QU1qPjvELpf2aj6Bz3K_4EWwJ57DqyeP1vMx9FZKx7qQshJzzyUQnt-nmlO_qrLNfVq5jDoHC/s1600/DSCN0496.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLpC2pKB_0MhG00FQOcAIWf_IKqxIW3AGRCW5glHzJr2-qdaYxrNvRFAcI9XZgSZ3qv6QU1qPjvELpf2aj6Bz3K_4EWwJ57DqyeP1vMx9FZKx7qQshJzzyUQnt-nmlO_qrLNfVq5jDoHC/s400/DSCN0496.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681349892555308754" /></a>I spent some time pulling out a few seasonal decorations today, including our nativity scene. I made this little set a couple of years ago with my scroll saw, inspired by the work of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/woodmouse">Woodmouse</a>. I also pulled our collection of Christmas stories and books from storage. I keep these items tucked away during the rest of the year. They are much more appreciated and treasured as a result.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL5Zq_EtdidZF8-4vlEbVfvQ_grQFQzfEwzYPvQhaP3RIaBinGpVmvckexi0mvITfDDNShcF8dIaacQYIRP8EvT0z0xTpeJDJLc_W4_C0ckfqMzIq2kzlMLVeRzaGa__TU0XhG2cLC05Y/s1600/DSCN0503.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL5Zq_EtdidZF8-4vlEbVfvQ_grQFQzfEwzYPvQhaP3RIaBinGpVmvckexi0mvITfDDNShcF8dIaacQYIRP8EvT0z0xTpeJDJLc_W4_C0ckfqMzIq2kzlMLVeRzaGa__TU0XhG2cLC05Y/s400/DSCN0503.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681350981398823314" /></a> There is something comforting about reading these same stories each year....some of them dating back to my own childhood. My all-time favorite Christmas story collection is <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/book/85926/the-animals-merry-christmas-by-kathryn-jackson">The Animals' Merry Christmas</a>, written by Kathryn Jackson and illustrated by Richard Scarry. I'm a huge fan of Richard Scarry and his Busytown gang. Where is Christmas Jesse Bear? (along with all the other Jesse Bear books in the series) is also a family favorite!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHnC50b7mJ8vStwXJz4i4VdLYP0EnZ15wpPhB01Pmy9Td2Mj839tK-wQU5lGEbgdPCi47QqlcXNLyVrsezb-fo3DdszIaDEJwcRuaRZXpmynXPUU-pfKaQGMBuomayZhiIJQybkthtzON/s1600/DSCN0499.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHnC50b7mJ8vStwXJz4i4VdLYP0EnZ15wpPhB01Pmy9Td2Mj839tK-wQU5lGEbgdPCi47QqlcXNLyVrsezb-fo3DdszIaDEJwcRuaRZXpmynXPUU-pfKaQGMBuomayZhiIJQybkthtzON/s400/DSCN0499.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681349903162614610" /></a>My dear friend <a href="www.mapletreemontessori.blogspot.com">Michelle</a> popped in for a quick visit today to pick up some alder branches to decorate her classroom. Now that the boys no longer attend her preschool, we don't see each other as often. It was nice to catch up and connect. She had requested some of my candycane yarn for classroom crafts. It makes me happy to send a bit of Wool Fairy goodness to the students at Maple Tree. I did up a bit of this yummy yarn for my own crew, as I'm sure there is a great deal of Christmas crafting in our near future. It's so easy to dye up! I just randomly dump a bit of red and green dye on a natural skein of yarn. It's fun and festive. <br /><br />Happy December everyone!Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-41022263092211354602011-11-27T21:04:00.005-05:002011-11-27T21:24:50.948-05:00Here Comes Santa Claus (two of them actually)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpZnz_UIBr9M96OSlBviIGPTz4w8m5aC9Hlj3LUDmUxgyDcUhITAOQSplJWOVYxQUEDjHXAP0SW3uG4-MOXnBeE8pIgUjllxiYgBV5xHfuipTwOAw93UNs1577AZlXYd01JJkF8ydEdlV/s1600/2011+-+November+27+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpZnz_UIBr9M96OSlBviIGPTz4w8m5aC9Hlj3LUDmUxgyDcUhITAOQSplJWOVYxQUEDjHXAP0SW3uG4-MOXnBeE8pIgUjllxiYgBV5xHfuipTwOAw93UNs1577AZlXYd01JJkF8ydEdlV/s400/2011+-+November+27+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679864889245151330" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0BuFBsZzn380MeXnP5W3ohY8re-4boTRcOC051xzEJ6DODuzqBjmZ7GDKuWA6AxJKbD6G09cQ9KaLKYXa4CRVl91Tq1TYTj-sfIJYs5GYsxXgokunwC7QHGjT-JpDWkXQFdBHo7Z5C7k/s1600/2011+-+November+27+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0BuFBsZzn380MeXnP5W3ohY8re-4boTRcOC051xzEJ6DODuzqBjmZ7GDKuWA6AxJKbD6G09cQ9KaLKYXa4CRVl91Tq1TYTj-sfIJYs5GYsxXgokunwC7QHGjT-JpDWkXQFdBHo7Z5C7k/s400/2011+-+November+27+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679863756718200354" /></a><br />As much as I've tried to delay the appearance of the "Christmas Spirit" around here, it has arrived in full force! Don't get me wrong, I love the holiday season and all that goes with it. I actually enjoy the period leading up to Christmas more than the day itself. The baking, the decorating, the crafting, the visiting, the treats, the lights.......etc. I do, however, get burned out when it all begins a bit too early. I set a firm rule this year that Mommy would only tune into the Christmas songs when the calendar turned to December. Despite my resistance, Chi-Chi and Muffy are completely consumed with the holiday season ahead! <br /><br />The majority of playtime in these parts centers around Santa and his elves. We have an extensive collection of "holiday attire" to aid the imaginative process, including two kiddie Santa suits, an elf costume and a Mrs. Claus costume. They have been playing this game for years (winter, summer, spring or fall), and I have to admit, it is so fun to sit back and quietly observe. This year they took their activities outdoors and converted our play-boat into Santa's sleigh. All was fine and dandy, until I found the little monkeys dumping my bucket of ashes and soot from the woodstove all over our yard! "Mommy, we are just delivering coal to all the naughty kids!!!". Sigh....thankfully there were no live sparks in that bucket!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OMIjYHh5Ke3ix7_HQHoUkJC77PU7mvlWXZSH16gnBWx4_IS605rYFvkb-rjcqKqfgtC_9oHu5_-JuI3quovSkQrD5N_p1S2n9KZljcqUV-dSaIrht8EDT1p3Z6HT5rJL0V62H2FidzHr/s1600/2011+-+November+27+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OMIjYHh5Ke3ix7_HQHoUkJC77PU7mvlWXZSH16gnBWx4_IS605rYFvkb-rjcqKqfgtC_9oHu5_-JuI3quovSkQrD5N_p1S2n9KZljcqUV-dSaIrht8EDT1p3Z6HT5rJL0V62H2FidzHr/s400/2011+-+November+27+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679863738325537202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsoZEumA2yaOerNFDeGHnXjClLh-nN3Amcb4bpdmhoJNaWlmGGHorEPjFzQiFXi6SGMB_v2Z8a6kMkcjzgMQj5cCcolHlq34d0Qe9T0Df9oLe-lkuphwy2s8fTJiJ9ul1GY-3BbiEu1cV/s1600/2011+-+November+27+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsoZEumA2yaOerNFDeGHnXjClLh-nN3Amcb4bpdmhoJNaWlmGGHorEPjFzQiFXi6SGMB_v2Z8a6kMkcjzgMQj5cCcolHlq34d0Qe9T0Df9oLe-lkuphwy2s8fTJiJ9ul1GY-3BbiEu1cV/s400/2011+-+November+27+017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679863734720059426" /></a>A few years ago I knit them both a couple of warm and woolly Santa toques. These are dual-purpose hats - providing warmth from the bitter cold and adding a bit fun and magic to pretend play. Chi-Chi recently put in his request for a set of matching Santa mittens. Poor Santa's hands were cold! I love making fun little woollies for the boys! There is no doubt, these will get a lot of use.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUnnO72GvmKveHxtHp6v-972-v-i0JdprpYIY_p5hzY2uGR4m1JFKnIUjS0mYf_0uDx11ywupwxH5912OB8AnxnkVJOeKbV61hQth9NdS2EnpLA8sD9NbCtaXeUuDxOCo57emJ40EmM2D/s1600/2011+-+November+27+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUnnO72GvmKveHxtHp6v-972-v-i0JdprpYIY_p5hzY2uGR4m1JFKnIUjS0mYf_0uDx11ywupwxH5912OB8AnxnkVJOeKbV61hQth9NdS2EnpLA8sD9NbCtaXeUuDxOCo57emJ40EmM2D/s400/2011+-+November+27+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679863774644846738" /></a>Chi-Chi also placed his order for a new set of red pants, as he has outgrown those from the previous year. I popped into the fabric shop today to pick up some red fleece and came out with some silly fake fur in my shopping bag. Tonight I pulled out the scissors, some elastic and my glue gun. In no time, my two Santas were outfitted with fluffy new beards! They are hilarious! As I was settling Muffy down for the night, I found Chi-Chi tucked away in his bedroom, (aka workshop) decked out in full St. Nick attire. He was busily creating gifts for his loved ones. Although Santa is most often associated with the "receiving end" of the holiday, I'm witnessing the spirit of giving in my home. Both little ones are inspired by Santa's generosity. Chi-Chi's little handmade gifts truly melted my heart. He made Daddy "a set of French words to learn". I love that.<br /><br />I caved in and played "Here Comes Santa Claus" for them tonight. Let the Christmas games begin (:Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-21392227931039499262011-11-17T12:52:00.010-05:002011-11-17T17:36:11.563-05:00Owls (and Elves) in the Family<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIVWDUwVQ1VHWZx0r0QcEWNq2fwIPXdJY1En6UZuAPeziXlIZLYF6sKq19h83ncbkbjloU3kpBb9fblf3X7fVg-8azNtXdqv1cLp37Rrcvtm6r4BPL_UJ4RyCri6jhFjqdL86VHaMcM4A/s1600/2011+-+November+7+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIVWDUwVQ1VHWZx0r0QcEWNq2fwIPXdJY1En6UZuAPeziXlIZLYF6sKq19h83ncbkbjloU3kpBb9fblf3X7fVg-8azNtXdqv1cLp37Rrcvtm6r4BPL_UJ4RyCri6jhFjqdL86VHaMcM4A/s400/2011+-+November+7+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676092674364798130" /></a>Bedtime in our house is one of my favorite times of the day. When the clock strikes 7pm, Chi-Chi and Muffy are usually snuggled up under the covers with Mommy or Daddy and a good book. I'm loving the coziness that the darkness provides this time of year. Bedtime seems to run so much more smoothly during these darkest of months. My husband and I usually "divide and conquer" when it comes to getting the little ones settled down for the night. We alternate every night and it works out quite well. This gives us some quiet one-on-one time with each child. I do cherish this special time with each of them as it is often a time of connection between us.<br /><br />Both boys share my love of children's books, so bedtime stories are very much cherished by all members of the family. I do believe even my husband truly enjoyed reading the Little House on the Prairie series. I think he was pleasantly surprised! We just finished reading Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat for the second time. This is such a great read for little boys! It is full of adventure, comedy and good old fashioned boyish fun. It has a nostalgic feel to it, which took me back to stories of my own father as a boy. It represents the classic boyhood adventures I want my own children to live and experience......tracking animals, building camps, riding bikes, being curious about nature. This sounds like a lot more fun than the video games of today! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqhvfVI_8yRPZU6RYOBgsQ417Fqv2ctgfxDbl4m4zzc3fsiBf8r9II0NftCw5eB_Nq1h9iK6aT8bRh-t0mLFx7rh7isO16W9DL6nezTTog81I94_GeYxYtIqeCj-2D8yv4YyOdA8JiT7w/s1600/2011+-+November+7+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqhvfVI_8yRPZU6RYOBgsQ417Fqv2ctgfxDbl4m4zzc3fsiBf8r9II0NftCw5eB_Nq1h9iK6aT8bRh-t0mLFx7rh7isO16W9DL6nezTTog81I94_GeYxYtIqeCj-2D8yv4YyOdA8JiT7w/s400/2011+-+November+7+013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676092694463742866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Q2oG9YEJ7VNp-95PjAQKJlpURIdTIObCHC3MxQ5gMHo1hGtnmNU7mXGunQIPuJUDpC-vpGX3hAU5qpzgrxBVjCi_JToA1OArHsqUYtrn__OldrINVdA2axiILU2Lqfjbxm2P4VRn73bu/s1600/2011+-+November+7+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Q2oG9YEJ7VNp-95PjAQKJlpURIdTIObCHC3MxQ5gMHo1hGtnmNU7mXGunQIPuJUDpC-vpGX3hAU5qpzgrxBVjCi_JToA1OArHsqUYtrn__OldrINVdA2axiILU2Lqfjbxm2P4VRn73bu/s400/2011+-+November+7+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676092677648998946" /></a>The book that currently rests on the night stand is truly a treasure - something I found at the thrift shop last year. If anyone has any information on this book, I'd love to know more about it! I still can't believe I snatched it up for $1.99. Its called "The Wee Folk - About the Elves in Nova Scotia". It was written by Mary Alma Dillman in 1953! I have the 1964 edition. It is a collection of the sweetest, most enchanting tales and illustrations I have ever read. The children love the mention of Nova Scotia in the tales. I swear, those little elves just might be living in the woods out back, the text is so descriptive and rich with detail. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlI5WRdkJ6gSFsMyun8ywzHz0Ii5vA1A9kuXkA-ZNe_KIlNp2vAFUX1UBJ6Kqg8qIwqts8BxJ9pQTm0hY0g7EsJcTv25n77nWpUUX8KILRFult4zaDgyYUnweFiyEscl93s202zhSpJ8v/s1600/2011+-+November+17+054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlI5WRdkJ6gSFsMyun8ywzHz0Ii5vA1A9kuXkA-ZNe_KIlNp2vAFUX1UBJ6Kqg8qIwqts8BxJ9pQTm0hY0g7EsJcTv25n77nWpUUX8KILRFult4zaDgyYUnweFiyEscl93s202zhSpJ8v/s400/2011+-+November+17+054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676092719207985282" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtDTLkoOLxnYV5JLqduigNU6J9xzixYd-y7WXfWJe_K9pPiIBa1dFSyanSeep307SXe7tvjUJM6VMQkXO-1qfNTaze8UBhIe-avys29Trt3uT_Jnuci7FHX3JzPVzetCqOpaj2zmw8voR/s1600/2011+-+November+17+053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtDTLkoOLxnYV5JLqduigNU6J9xzixYd-y7WXfWJe_K9pPiIBa1dFSyanSeep307SXe7tvjUJM6VMQkXO-1qfNTaze8UBhIe-avys29Trt3uT_Jnuci7FHX3JzPVzetCqOpaj2zmw8voR/s400/2011+-+November+17+053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676092703644477170" /></a><br />With owls on the brain, we got up to a little bit of crafting, inspired by materials we collected on a nature walk. We spotted a bobcat earlier this week - likely the culprit in the missing duck and rooster mystery. We've been out scouting for tracks in the mud, so it was easy to collect bits of nature as we explored. I got the idea <a href="http://www.5orangepotatoes.com/blog/2011/01/01/pinecone-owls/">here</a> at Five Orange Potatoes. We used "down" from asters and goldenrod that had gone to seed for the fluff. Alder catkins made great beaks and talons for our little owlets.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8GQSaYmvBNgP7FiCWgP72MJU2jtev1NwYthCsMk5gcMsPy2r4BtGfTc0eLtWaEiCoLt2lDCBS-WxTdeEDf1-sffDMPki5TxwKJEJyM7JVpBuvbTF9Nebj5-haFOqXm1SGanHI97PL985/s1600/2011+-+November+17+060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8GQSaYmvBNgP7FiCWgP72MJU2jtev1NwYthCsMk5gcMsPy2r4BtGfTc0eLtWaEiCoLt2lDCBS-WxTdeEDf1-sffDMPki5TxwKJEJyM7JVpBuvbTF9Nebj5-haFOqXm1SGanHI97PL985/s400/2011+-+November+17+060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676094444677109186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4C494AGpJHFk5deDiO-jho-Z2eaS-Jqhoo7e21IPF8JPr9zinkYj_zTko7zXXRUaM4rED4S4YqL94WENR_it7sCYQKaAGKfniuti24ix76Je019nn_1wvik7pI-ayk6-bgzC7HdKcJAT/s1600/2011+-+November+17+069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4C494AGpJHFk5deDiO-jho-Z2eaS-Jqhoo7e21IPF8JPr9zinkYj_zTko7zXXRUaM4rED4S4YqL94WENR_it7sCYQKaAGKfniuti24ix76Je019nn_1wvik7pI-ayk6-bgzC7HdKcJAT/s400/2011+-+November+17+069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676094450630392626" /></a>This was the first time I let the boys use the glue gun. In no time, they had moved on to more festive inspired crafts! It looks like the Christmas crafting has officially begun around here! It's a bit earlier than I had hoped...but I'm going to roll with it.Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115396648811285835.post-13581711905143051802011-11-11T13:38:00.002-05:002011-11-11T14:14:41.463-05:00November BeautyAlthough we are wrapping up another week, I'm still savouring the memories of my birthday last weekend. I will admit, it all began on a rather sad and grim note. The first foreboding clue was the discovery of a HUGE patch of feathers on my way to the coop that morning. The absence of Muffy's pet rooster Coopie, and our male runner duck was immediately obvious and left a sick feeling in my stomach. It didn't look good. I was overcome with guilt as I had forgotten to lock the pen door the previous evening. When Hubby and the boys arrived home from the rink, we followed the trail of feathers into the woods and came upon the grim discovery of Ducky's remains ):<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2TLXRjqHgucrqGzQkiot9EqBywwjHd6pILRRxfMU6L-wBXcpB36lNoN6Z7NNTLHixk3cVAjAQQZXDslS1P16_YHxkTmumkwi9s_eKxKyWpjKayh9NKBnjdKWcd-O-xaH4G1vKlRlwLzU/s1600/2011+-+November+7+043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2TLXRjqHgucrqGzQkiot9EqBywwjHd6pILRRxfMU6L-wBXcpB36lNoN6Z7NNTLHixk3cVAjAQQZXDslS1P16_YHxkTmumkwi9s_eKxKyWpjKayh9NKBnjdKWcd-O-xaH4G1vKlRlwLzU/s400/2011+-+November+7+043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673812250934519490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55YnSA_NsnoehYMzGAjCRRWmBb7KfnhhyphenhyphenZp_HjyrSJIkk90Ke5hj2-XMfsvRvxpN6pu6D4ivunQNs7MiYkc-uMpS3j4NEQMUvFaE_KX0rgkXtbB1qkzQNerNubQ5Seut1-WhT6ZdQwa1z/s1600/2011+-+November+7+029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55YnSA_NsnoehYMzGAjCRRWmBb7KfnhhyphenhyphenZp_HjyrSJIkk90Ke5hj2-XMfsvRvxpN6pu6D4ivunQNs7MiYkc-uMpS3j4NEQMUvFaE_KX0rgkXtbB1qkzQNerNubQ5Seut1-WhT6ZdQwa1z/s400/2011+-+November+7+029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673812246414201378" /></a>Despite this sad event, I still managed to enjoy a fun and relaxing day. More and more, I find myself being a homebody. Instead of a night out on the town, I opted for a leisurely day at home, topped off by homemade cake and pizza by the boys. I had time for a nice long run and lots of knitting on the couch with tea. Perfection in my eyes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzXBwDTs40LS88O-6jakxr_d89W4RgBq1HzCX4ouDHDiaQbvKz7uqrgjPmXISbp3eFvoUsDmC0WQu627wLPEAam3pGHUVujHWFJrukNqQUtvqFXQSRGVim6LXlNQqerGS42Dds1hWOZFh/s1600/2011+-+November+9+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzXBwDTs40LS88O-6jakxr_d89W4RgBq1HzCX4ouDHDiaQbvKz7uqrgjPmXISbp3eFvoUsDmC0WQu627wLPEAam3pGHUVujHWFJrukNqQUtvqFXQSRGVim6LXlNQqerGS42Dds1hWOZFh/s400/2011+-+November+9+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673812278177726450" /></a>With lots of sunshine this past week, the boys and I did some after school exploring around the property. I find myself really appreciating the beauty of our November landscape. The larch trees are really stunning right now as they prepare to shed their golden needles. They actually seem to glow in the late afternoon light. We have quite a few of them around here, and I always enjoy paying them a visit this time of year. My latest knitting project reminds me of them. I might just name it my November sweater.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnQCnejmTpBPYkPBI5c2vPuT7kRvFqnZ3Wvyix7D9C5b-gpk1766pCwJDMKC-rhA1MyfgpAPmkS6Zp-Xlv9NhQ2UACGUjg0cTZctVskqhYm1rQtUk83bXbCVUUYe3iQ2jpjs4ekZeZP0O/s1600/2011+-+November+9+024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnQCnejmTpBPYkPBI5c2vPuT7kRvFqnZ3Wvyix7D9C5b-gpk1766pCwJDMKC-rhA1MyfgpAPmkS6Zp-Xlv9NhQ2UACGUjg0cTZctVskqhYm1rQtUk83bXbCVUUYe3iQ2jpjs4ekZeZP0O/s400/2011+-+November+9+024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673812264632430130" /></a>We spent some time at the pond, catching tadpoles and throwing rocks (of course). The stillness in the air allowed for a mirror effect on the pond. The boys were tempted to jump into "the sky" as they admired the reflection. Thankfully, they did not follow through on that urge (: It's one mucky spot!!<br /><br />Despite the greyness of this month, we are managing to discover and enjoy lots of November beauty. What beauty are you finding in your neck of the woods?Madame Melvillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14014342177820042162noreply@blogger.com0